Basic Personal Statement Question Forum

[bobbybird]

Hi guys, I have a fairly basic question but after scouring the forum for old topics, I wasn't really able to get it answered. I'll apologize off the bat if this question is mundane or if it has been answered in other topics. Also, thanks to anyone who takes the time to read and/or answer it.

Either way, here it is: A lot of people are developing and posting drafts to personal statements already for the upcoming cycle. I was under the impression that applications for the upcoming cycle don't open until August 15th at the earliest, so how are people accessing the personal statement topics? I know generally the topic is broad and also that schools often choose to keep their personal statements the same from year to year, but I still am unsure how I can actually access this topic for most schools in the T14 (besides Michigan who has their application up year round). I don't want to get caught writing for a topic that isn't brought up in the actual application, so if someone could please clear this up for me, it'd be great.

Once again, thanks for taking the time to read this.

[ScottRiqui]

I think you have a gross conceptual error here - the schools don't provide you with a topic for your personal statement, or even very much guidance beyond possibly a maximum length. You can write about whatever you'd like.

[bobbybird]

... If that's the case, I feel pretty stupid right now. I just thought there would be nuances between schools about exactly what they would be looking for in a personal statement.

[rinkrat19]

... If that's the case, I feel pretty stupid right now. I just thought there would be nuances between schools about exactly what they would be looking for in a personal statement.

A very few schools have a totally different topic, but the vast majority use a vague prompt that any old personal essay will fulfill. A few specify that you need to address certain things ("why law school" or "academic strengths" or something), but slight variations can be worked in after you get a basic PS written.

[bobbybird]

Thank you for helping clear this up for me!