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I've read several PS's that start out what I consider to be strong, then attempt to conclude by explaining how their "story" has led them to law school. I can see why this is an attractive structure, but the majority of these essays feel forced and awkward, and typically seem to end in melodrama.

Does the PS even need attempt to explain why I'm coming to law school, and if it doesn't explain, how much will that hurt my chances at admission , all other things being equal?

SoPro wrote:I've read several PS's that start out what I consider to be strong, then attempt to conclude by explaining how their "story" has led them to law school. I can see why this is an attractive structure, but the majority of these essays feel forced and awkward, and typically seem to end in melodrama.

Does the PS even need attempt to explain why I'm coming to law school, and if it doesn't explain, how much will that hurt my chances at admission , all other things being equal?

I'm also curious about this

One problem is that with most of these PS's which focus on your previous political, teaching, business experience, you get the inevitable question of "Why are you going to law school instead of sticking with that?" So people feel obligated to tie it together at the end. I agree though, it seems unnecessary to me.

SoPro wrote:I've read several PS's that start out what I consider to be strong, then attempt to conclude by explaining how their "story" has led them to law school. I can see why this is an attractive structure, but the majority of these essays feel forced and awkward, and typically seem to end in melodrama.

Does the PS even need attempt to explain why I'm coming to law school, and if it doesn't explain, how much will that hurt my chances at admission , all other things being equal?

What is your alternative conclusion? There needs to be some ultimate persuasion in your PS that you should be admitted to law school (not persuade the admin you are a fun, intellectual, or otherwise good person).

SoPro wrote:I've read several PS's that start out what I consider to be strong, then attempt to conclude by explaining how their "story" has led them to law school. I can see why this is an attractive structure, but the majority of these essays feel forced and awkward, and typically seem to end in melodrama.

Does the PS even need attempt to explain why I'm coming to law school, and if it doesn't explain, how much will that hurt my chances at admission , all other things being equal?

Maybe you have just read some bad PS. A lot of posters on this forum will say "No, it is assumed that you want to go to law school so why would you address it?" But with so many kids going to law schools for the wrong reasons, why would you allow AdComms to even let their imagination run away with them and possibly attach wrong reasons to your file. I think you should address it; that isn't mutually exclusive with being sincere and steering away from being melodramatic. You don't need to say that you must save the world. And, even if your point was that you wanted to try and save the world, I think showing perspective that you might not and/or you are just one piece in an enormously complex puzzle will go a long way.

Read the prompts from the schools to which you're applying. Most of them specify that the personal statement should say why you're interested in studying law.

There needs to be some connection between your personal statement and law school. Otherwise it's just a fun story about your life. That doesn't get you anywhere.