Personal Statement Length Blunder Forum

[lsh531]

Hey, thanks for taking the time to look at my post.

I just sent in my application to Harvard Law and realized after I sent it that my personal statement is 3 pages (instead of the two pages mandated by HLS). Is this a big deal?

I can easily cut it down to 2 pages and was thinking of calling the Admissions office in the morning and explaining my predicament. Good idea? Any and all advice appreciated

[CanadianWolf]

As an AA male with a 3.9+ GPA & a 169 LSAT, Harvard may not notice your PS. But, if they do, you should still receive good news, in my opinion.

[theadvancededit]

HLS wouldn't ding you based on personal statement length alone. I say leave sleeping dogs lie -- good luck.

[laxbrah420]

youre an alcoholic?

[Hopefully2012]

AA=African American.

[laxbrah420]

you shouldnt use that term

[mrtoren]

I view those page limits as more of guidelines than actual rules. No reputable law school is going to turn away a qualified candidate because their PS was a page longer than what they wanted. They just don't want a ten page life drama.

[yuzu]

There is a risk, but I think it could be worth calling. Compliance with silly rules is important in the world of law, and I think adcoms take rule violations at least a little seriously. You could send the admissions office an amended PS and I bet they'd update your file with it if you do it soon. I'd have an edited version ready (you'll need it for other apps anyway, right?) And since they probably haven't read your file yet, there would be little harm to them.

Of course, you do look a little bad, but I think it also shows you're taking this seriously and care about their time in reading these.

Others' opinions will vary.

[MumofCad]

There is a risk, but I think it could be worth calling. Compliance with silly rules is important in the world of law, and I think adcoms take rule violations at least a little seriously. You could send the admissions office an amended PS and I bet they'd update your file with it if you do it soon. I'd have an edited version ready (you'll need it for other apps anyway, right?) And since they probably haven't read your file yet, there would be little harm to them.

Of course, you do look a little bad, but I think it also shows you're taking this seriously and care about their time in reading these.

Others' opinions will vary.

+1

I would take the advice of the person already at Harvard on this one. I think following directions poorly is just about the only thing someone could do wrong in your situation. Right it and then don't worry about it.

[kwais]

I view those page limits as more of guidelines than actual rules. No reputable law school is going to turn away a qualified candidate because their PS was a page longer than what they wanted. They just don't want a ten page life drama.

this is poor advice. I agree they are not going to "turn you away" for it. But, do not view page limits as soft guidelines

[dood]

they just don't read 3rd page

[thederangedwang]

i would advise u too call and or submit email asking if u can substitute a different ps...harvard is looking for every reason to keep people out..dont give them any

[lsh531]

Thanks for all the advice!

I called the Admissions office at Harvard and two different people said that it was no big deal. Hopefully that holds true once they start deciding whether to admit me.

Thanks again!

[BlakcMajikc]

Thanks for all the advice!

I called the Admissions office at Harvard and two different people said that it was no big deal. Hopefully that holds true once they start deciding whether to admit me.

Thanks again!

Glad you just called. Not going to lie, my PS was 3 pages. I don't even remember the 2 page guideline. You'll be fine.