The Reapplicant's Dilemma Forum

[SteveZissou]

I need a little advice. Last year, after an extended ride through hold and wait lists, I was rejected from my top choice law schools. In hindsight, the weak part of my application was clearly my LSAT score, which was markedly below the median at the schools I hoped to attend. Based on this, I made the decision to retake the LSAT in October, and am hoping for an increase in score of a couple of points.

My dilemma is this: now that I have turned my attention to my applications, I have no idea what to write about in my personal statement. I poured my heart and soul into it last year, touching on a very important and defining experience in my life and how I overcame it. I feel like I don’t have anything else to talk about that would be nearly as compelling, and I am encountering a major bout of writers block, leaving me wracking my brain for some new material.

What’s the best strategy here? Should I be writing a fresh statement for the schools that rejected me last year? Do I add more to what I sent them last time? How the heck do you improve an application when you've already burned through your best material? Should you explicitly mention that they rejected you the last go around, and that you’re still determined to attend?

Any and all input is much appreciated!

[phillywc]

I think if your score improves quite a bit, you might be able to get away with sticking with the old PS, if it was outstanding. Perhaps attach an addendum explaining what you've been doing for the last year.

[KMart]

I believe most schools require a new PS, but old LORs are fine. Also, they ask if you previously applied and what the decision of that application was.