Personal statement doesn't mention why law school? Forum

[minnbills]

So, my personal statement has a fairly weak final paragraph where I conclude by stating why I want to go to law school, whereas the rest of the statement is basically a personal story demonstrating my character and how I grew from a personal experience.

Is it necessary that you include in your PS why you want to go to law school? Looking through the requirements for schools like BC it seems like they really want to hear that kind of a narrative. Is this the case?

[Moomoo2u]

I tried to find the Dean interview where some dean says it's not necessary (I also checked out the TLS admissions PS statement guide).

I don't think it's necessary, especially if it's not really related to your PS. As long as the conclusion sums up your piece and reveals something or otherwise concludes the piece nicely I think it's fine as long as you follow: http://www.top-law-schools.com/chapter6.html

I would maybe add a why x essay if you really want to tell the school why you want to attend/go to LS in general. that way you don't have to tack it onto your PS if you don't think it fits, and you can make it more personal (i.e. you want to do tax law because of something related to your ps and this school is a good tax school etc etc)

[minnbills]

I tried to find the Dean interview where some dean says it's not necessary (I also checked out the TLS admissions PS statement guide).

I don't think it's necessary, especially if it's not really related to your PS. As long as the conclusion sums up your piece and reveals something or otherwise concludes the piece nicely I think it's fine as long as you follow: http://www.top-law-schools.com/chapter6.html

I would maybe add a why x essay if you really want to tell the school why you want to attend/go to LS in general.

Thanks, but I'm just worried an adcomm will think I'm shirking the instructions. Here's an example of an instruction:

Please provide us with a personal statement that reflects on your capacity to pursue legal study and your desire to enter the legal profession. In crafting your essay, you may choose to address one of the following topics, to the extent you believe it reflects on your character and fitness to study the law:

a.) a major life experience that has colored your world view;

b.) significant coursework undertaken in college, and/or professional experience which reflects on your ability to succeed as a law student;

c.) unique personal characteristics or traits that you will bring

[Moomoo2u]

well if it's in the instructions, then yes write it/keep it in. Otherwise they will think you didn't read the instructions or simply don't care.

If it said write a 2 page essay wouldnt you keep it to 2 pages?

If you send me your ps I can try to help you with making the connection better, I have a very similarly structured essay and had (and am still) having a couple of problems with making the why LS part connect/flow.