Definitive answer on length of PS/DS? Forum

[Neander]

Hi guys,

I've been lurking for a while but just created an account. I used search but could not find a definitive answer on the length of personal statements and diversity statements. So my questions:

1.) How long should the PS be? Two to three double-spaced pages?

2.) How long should the DS be?

3.) Should the DS have a title indicating it is a DS?

4.) Finally, how long should "Why this school" essays be?

Would it be overkill to send a PS, a DS, and a Why X essay?

Thank you.

[Nova]

My thoughts,

1. 2 pages double space is standard. Dont go below 11 font.

2. Typically 1 page double spaced

3. No. Neither should your PS

4. IDK this one. UMN lets you write 5 pages (LOL). I think 1 page double spaced would be safe.

5. No, its not overkill.

[Neander]

My thoughts,

1. 2 pages double space is standard. Dont go below 11 font.

2. Typically 1 page double spaced

3. No. Neither should your PS

4. IDK this one. UMN lets you write 5 pages (LOL). I think 1 page double spaced would be safe.

5. No, its not overkill.

Is it typical to make the font size 11? I thought it was supposed to be 12.

Thank you for your response!

[cutecarmel]

My thoughts,

1. 2 pages double space is standard. Dont go below 11 font.

2. Typically 1 page double spaced

3. No. Neither should your PS

4. IDK this one. UMN lets you write 5 pages (LOL). I think 1 page double spaced would be safe.

5. No, its not overkill.

This.

And I would write in 12 pt font. By now, you should be able to be more economical with your word choices so you don't have to resort to using a smaller font to make 2 pages.

Also, the above are "standard" limits. Some schools require that your statements are shorter (500 words) some don't have page limits. So it depends on the school, but shoot for 2 pages for your PS and 1 page for your additional statements.

[rinkrat19]

Absolutely title all your essays. But don't give them a creative title. Just label them. If the paper falls out of your file, you want them to instantly be able to identify it and put it back.

Full Name
LSAC #
Personal Statement/Diversity Statement/Optional Essay/Academic Addendum/Etc. for XXX School of Law

As for length and font, FOLLOW THE DAMN INSTRUCTIONS. Whatever a specific school wants, do exactly that. If they don't specify, then Times New Roman or Garamond, 11 or 12 pt, ~2 pages, 1" margins, double-spaced.

If the school says '2 page limit,' stay AT OR UNDER 2 pages.
If the school says 'approximately 2 pages,' try to stay around 2 pages. MAX of 2.5.

[Nova]

Absolutely title all your essays. But don't give them a creative title. Just label them. If the paper falls out of your file, you want them to instantly be able to identify it and put it back.

Full Name
LSAC #
Personal Statement/Diversity Statement/Optional Essay/Academic Addendum/Etc. for XXX School of Law

Are you talking about using a header? Thats what I did. Had that info in the top right cornor.

By now, you should be able to be more economical with your word choices so you don't have to resort to using a smaller font to make 2 pages.

Right. Its supposed to be concise.

[rinkrat19]

Are you talking about using a header? Thats what I did. Had that info in the top right cornor.

Yes. Because the question was:

Should the DS have a title indicating it is a DS?

[Nova]

Are you talking about using a header? Thats what I did. Had that info in the top right cornor.

Yes. Because the question was:

Should the DS have a title indicating it is a DS?

Yeah, I agree. I meant dont put like a 16 pt/bolded/underlined/quoted/whatever centered title that says Diversity Statement. That seems awkward. But yeah, a header is a good idea.

[Neander]

Okay cool, thanks for the help guys.