Berkeley PS - worth it to go longer? Forum

[musharraf]

I've written what everyone I've shown it to has said is a knockout personal statement. But it's two pages long to conform with 90% of the schools I'm interested in. Berkeley - my top choice - has a 4 page limit.

Question: Is it worth redrafting a Berkeley-specific statement , or will it not be a knock against me leaving the extra two pages they allow on the table? Is there anyone who's had success with Berkeley who can provide some perspective?

[drevo]

I am very interested in this as well. From interviews with the Dean and from Berkeley's website it seems as if utilizing the extra space and incorporating an in depth "Why Berkeley" is a big plus.

Anyone with more info on this? Berkeley is one of my top choices as well as I grew up so close to it. But my GPA is lower for them and despite having an LSAT way above their 75th I feel like the PS is the one chance to break through their preference for GPA over LSAT.

[Tanicius]

I don't think it makes a difference.

[musharraf]

I'm leaning towards just submitting the two-pager. I said what I have to say and hopefully that's enough for Dean Tom. I just can't think of a way adding more would improve the content.

[drevo]

I'm leaning towards just submitting the two-pager. I said what I have to say and hopefully that's enough for Dean Tom. I just can't think of a way adding more would improve the content.

Probably the right course of action then. I'm still tidying up my PS but for Berkeley if anything it only be maybe half a page longer than the standard 2. If your PS is already solid no reason to mess with success just because they allow you to.