Marijuana-Themed PS Draft (Revised). Feedback Appreciated. Forum

[personofinterest]

For the vast majority of people, a personal statement should be like your suit in an interview. It should be professional, well put together, and not do anything to rock the boat. The admissions process is primarily about LSAT and GPA. It would be a very rare circumstance where your personal statement can materially help. It probably can materially harm though, depending on the content. I think when writing a personal statement, rule #1 is: DO NO HARM. Admissions officers might be touched by your compelling narrative, but they get paid for medians. I just don't see any upside to writing about controversial topics in this context, but I do see lots of potential downside depending on the individuals evaluating it.

Should I be nervous sending this to UW? I'm above median LSAT and above 25th GPA. They also have a Cannabis Law and Policy Program. UW is my first choice.

I didn't know they were actually teaching Cannibis Law there, and that does change the dynamic somewhat. My screed above was partially directed at you, and partially directed at any 0Ls who wander into this thread wondering if they should do something like this. Personally, I am just too risk averse to chance something like this. I think the way you've written it is fine, although I'm also sure you'll revise it another 50 times just like everyone else. My primary concern is only about subject matter. With respect to UW and their program, it might make sense. I would be really cautious when considering whether to include it in other applications though.

I agree with Mark. This is the collective wisdom from TLS. Don't try to be edgy with your PS. UW has the CLPP, so it should be fine to use it there. No amount of tweaking will make it work for other schools. The subject matter is the problem.

It sounds like you really want to use it as a PS, and you just want someone to say it is OK. Someone (with only one post ever) said it was fine to use. If you want to shoot yourself in the foot, go ahead and do it. You will probably still get into some law schools. It is still a bad idea, and you should write a PS that doesn't involve federal crimes.

I would like to use it, yes. I think it's well-written and unique. (Yes, I am biased) Also, UW specifically asks you to write about how you will contribute to the larger student body/community, not why you want to go to law school or why you're a good candidate. I think this PS answers their prompt effectively.

I am worried because it's a risky topic and I already have two alcohol-related offenses on my record, (clean record otherwise) and I'm worried this PS combined with my record could give off a party animal vibe.

Edit: The alcohol-related offenses occurred in 2009 and 2011.

I think it's fine if you use it for UW. Do you plan on using it anywhere else?

[TakeItToTrial]

For the vast majority of people, a personal statement should be like your suit in an interview. It should be professional, well put together, and not do anything to rock the boat. The admissions process is primarily about LSAT and GPA. It would be a very rare circumstance where your personal statement can materially help. It probably can materially harm though, depending on the content. I think when writing a personal statement, rule #1 is: DO NO HARM. Admissions officers might be touched by your compelling narrative, but they get paid for medians. I just don't see any upside to writing about controversial topics in this context, but I do see lots of potential downside depending on the individuals evaluating it.

Should I be nervous sending this to UW? I'm above median LSAT and above 25th GPA. They also have a Cannabis Law and Policy Program. UW is my first choice.

I didn't know they were actually teaching Cannibis Law there, and that does change the dynamic somewhat. My screed above was partially directed at you, and partially directed at any 0Ls who wander into this thread wondering if they should do something like this. Personally, I am just too risk averse to chance something like this. I think the way you've written it is fine, although I'm also sure you'll revise it another 50 times just like everyone else. My primary concern is only about subject matter. With respect to UW and their program, it might make sense. I would be really cautious when considering whether to include it in other applications though.

I agree with Mark. This is the collective wisdom from TLS. Don't try to be edgy with your PS. UW has the CLPP, so it should be fine to use it there. No amount of tweaking will make it work for other schools. The subject matter is the problem.

It sounds like you really want to use it as a PS, and you just want someone to say it is OK. Someone (with only one post ever) said it was fine to use. If you want to shoot yourself in the foot, go ahead and do it. You will probably still get into some law schools. It is still a bad idea, and you should write a PS that doesn't involve federal crimes.

I would like to use it, yes. I think it's well-written and unique. (Yes, I am biased) Also, UW specifically asks you to write about how you will contribute to the larger student body/community, not why you want to go to law school or why you're a good candidate. I think this PS answers their prompt effectively.

I am worried because it's a risky topic and I already have two alcohol-related offenses on my record, (clean record otherwise) and I'm worried this PS combined with my record could give off a party animal vibe.

Edit: The alcohol-related offenses occurred in 2009 and 2011.

I think it's fine if you use it for UW. Do you plan on using it anywhere else?

I'm thinking about sending it to Berkeley, especially if California votes to legalize recreational use. My thinking is that this might be the type of PS that adds value in their black box admissions process. I'm below both medians, but maybe I'll get lucky.