Personal Statement Direction
Posted: Wed Nov 02, 2011 7:17 pm
Below is a personal statement I submitted with applications for the 2010 cycle. Looking at it now, I'm positive I had no idea what I was doing and want to prepare a much more appropriate PS for my upcoming submissions. Any input would be greatly appreciated...
"Office of Admissions
University of Colorado
Dear Admissions Committee:
Thank you for considering my application to the University of Colorado @ Boulder Law School. I would be privileged to have an opportunity to receive a Juris Doctor from your institution. By way of introduction, I am a recent graduate of Arizona State University with a history major. I chose history because I believe an undergraduate in that area provides a strong foundation for my planned graduate studies. I am also a member of the ASU Track & Field Team.
As a freshman in high school, I was introduced to track and field, specifically the throwing events, and found I thrived on the rigor, discipline, and attention to technical detail required for the sport. I did well, at a local level; my throwing distances were above average; but I was not nationally recruited so I decided to try out at Arizona State. At best they would let me walk on to the team with the thought that maybe I could be good my senior year. Knowing there was much to learn and this program had the best teachers; I accepted the status of ‘underdog’. I trained hard, honed my skills, and established myself as a team leader. Still, no one expected anything stellar. I had already exceeded everyone’s expectation of a walk-on athlete. Everyone’s, that is, except mine. I knew that through focus and dedication, I could achieve more. In March 2009, at the NCAA Division I Indoor Championships, I proved it. I entered the throwing circle for my fifth attempt in the weight throw and, in the minutes that followed, I knew what it meant to be ‘the best’. I won the competition. What was never meant to be was a reality and all anyone could do was stare. I was like a flightless bird suddenly finding itself on the moon when, moments before, the mere thought of flying seemed daunting.
The measure of a man is not defined by the expectations of others. It would have been easy to coat tail on the victories of my team-mates but, after that day in Texas, I knew I could never settle for ‘good enough.’ I have, to date, earned 4 All-American honors, won an NCAA Division I Championship, and received a USA Track and Field Scholar-Athlete of the Year award, while maintaining a 3.70 GPA. Participating in track and field has given me a tremendous amount of focus and drive and, above all else, the confidence necessary to apply my talents toward anything I want to accomplish.
I have enjoyed a storied and successful athletic career but now I am ready to fully apply myself to studying the law. Although the odds seems against me, I am reminded of my experiences up to this point, and that even as an underdog I can be the best. I will employ the same qualities that put me at the top of the podium - tenacity, discipline, and attention to detail – to advance me to the top of the class. I will not settle for any less.
Thank you, again, for considering my application. I look forward to hearing from you.
Regards,"
"Office of Admissions
University of Colorado
Dear Admissions Committee:
Thank you for considering my application to the University of Colorado @ Boulder Law School. I would be privileged to have an opportunity to receive a Juris Doctor from your institution. By way of introduction, I am a recent graduate of Arizona State University with a history major. I chose history because I believe an undergraduate in that area provides a strong foundation for my planned graduate studies. I am also a member of the ASU Track & Field Team.
As a freshman in high school, I was introduced to track and field, specifically the throwing events, and found I thrived on the rigor, discipline, and attention to technical detail required for the sport. I did well, at a local level; my throwing distances were above average; but I was not nationally recruited so I decided to try out at Arizona State. At best they would let me walk on to the team with the thought that maybe I could be good my senior year. Knowing there was much to learn and this program had the best teachers; I accepted the status of ‘underdog’. I trained hard, honed my skills, and established myself as a team leader. Still, no one expected anything stellar. I had already exceeded everyone’s expectation of a walk-on athlete. Everyone’s, that is, except mine. I knew that through focus and dedication, I could achieve more. In March 2009, at the NCAA Division I Indoor Championships, I proved it. I entered the throwing circle for my fifth attempt in the weight throw and, in the minutes that followed, I knew what it meant to be ‘the best’. I won the competition. What was never meant to be was a reality and all anyone could do was stare. I was like a flightless bird suddenly finding itself on the moon when, moments before, the mere thought of flying seemed daunting.
The measure of a man is not defined by the expectations of others. It would have been easy to coat tail on the victories of my team-mates but, after that day in Texas, I knew I could never settle for ‘good enough.’ I have, to date, earned 4 All-American honors, won an NCAA Division I Championship, and received a USA Track and Field Scholar-Athlete of the Year award, while maintaining a 3.70 GPA. Participating in track and field has given me a tremendous amount of focus and drive and, above all else, the confidence necessary to apply my talents toward anything I want to accomplish.
I have enjoyed a storied and successful athletic career but now I am ready to fully apply myself to studying the law. Although the odds seems against me, I am reminded of my experiences up to this point, and that even as an underdog I can be the best. I will employ the same qualities that put me at the top of the podium - tenacity, discipline, and attention to detail – to advance me to the top of the class. I will not settle for any less.
Thank you, again, for considering my application. I look forward to hearing from you.
Regards,"