"Non-traditional" (out of undergrad 5 years) PS? Forum

[NYC_7911]

I'm not sure I should really be considering myself a "non-traditional" applicant. I graduated undergrad in 2005, worked for a couple years, went to grad school, and have been working full-time since then. I feel like since my route to law schools seems a little circuitous, I should approach my PS from a more direct "this is why I have decided to apply to law school at this point in my life; here is an outline of my trajectory toward this decision," etc., as opposed to a more narrative style (e.g., demonstrating leadership or ability to overcome odds in a particular situation). But my concern is ending up with a boring "I want to go to law school because..." essay that will put the admissions committee to sleep. Not sure how to walk that fine line. I haven't been able to find a lot of good information on advice for PS for "non-traditional" applicants in this sense. Any thoughts? Thanks!

[cinephile]

I think you would be considered as non-traditional. I'm in the same boat as you and that's how I see myself.

Wish I could give some advice on approaches to the PS, but that's not really my strong suit.

[LockBox]

I'm in exactly the same boat as well and am not sure how to go about my PS as well. If anyone has some advice it would be much appreciated. I haven't really done anything that spectacular while in industry so I don't have too many things to write about. I'm just genuinely interested in studying law and applying my skills but have yet to find a coherent way of expressing this in a PS.

[polichick]

I am in the same boat. I was a model out of school for 8 years. I wrote my PS on my study abroads in college and how it changed me as a person. I added a few sentences about why law is right for me at this point in my life. You must have been pursuing something in the time since you've been out of school so maybe why a law degree is appropriate for you at this point.

[sarahh]

I am in the same boat. I was a model out of school for 8 years. I wrote my PS on my study abroads in college and how it changed me as a person. I added a few sentences about why law is right for me at this point in my life. You must have been pursuing something in the time since you've been out of school so maybe why a law degree is appropriate for you at this point.

This is basically what I did - talked about my life and addressed why I wanted to go to law school at the end. It is helpful to mention why you want to go to law school, but it should not be the focus of the PS.