Statement Advice Forum

[Anonymous User]

Hi everyone,

Currently working on my statement and looking for some advice. I have currently structured it as a personal narrative.

A little background: Throughout my childhood, I was known as 'the happy kid' and was always smiling. However, beneath this facade, I waged a constant internal war with my own emotions. My entire life has been in conflict.

I grew up as an only child in an environment filled with fighting - my father was abusive towards both my mother and me. His presence was terrifying and despite some happy memories, most are filled with anger, resent, and tears.

At the same time, my mother constantly fought a battle with her health. With her medical records rivaling the thicknesses of phone books, she has and continues to struggle with countless illnesses yet has lived long past doctors' prognoses. As a result, I spent a large portion of my childhood within the walls of a hospital.

I want to show how my experiences contributed to my independence, perseverance, and overall personal development. I'd also like to show that they fueled my desire to be in the "driver's seat" of conflict and how, as a lawyer, I can act as the force working towards its resolution.

However, I'm wondering as to whether some content (domestic/child abuse) is too controversial/inappropriate and will reflect poorly for admissions? Would this be appropriate subject matter?

Let me know any of your thoughts. Thanks in advance.

[CanadianWolf]

Depends upon how you present your story as to whether or not it will be inappropriate for a law school PS.

Consider reading a self-help psychology book dealing with "adult children of alcoholics". A few hours of reading & research may help frame your story in an analytical--as opposed to emotional--fashion. Also, adult children of alcoholics tend to have several highly admirable traits which should shed a positive light on your presentation.

P.S. I realize that your family dynamics may not have involved substance abuse, but I think that a few hours spent on this topic may heal some emotional scars by explaining much of what may be confusing or misinterpreted by you as a victim. Hope this helps !

[Anonymous User]

Thank you for that advice! I will definitely look into what you mentioned.

Would you recommend whether I should place emphasis on the abuse or my mother's health struggles? They are both experiences that have materially shaped me into the person that I am today.

[Scalvert]

Pm me. My ps was "overcoming an obstacle", and I had to make a lot of edits because the first couple of drafts contained TMI. I might be able to save you some time.

[Legendary]

Pm me. My ps was "overcoming an obstacle", and I had to make a lot of edits because the first couple of drafts contained TMI. I might be able to save you some time.

Sent you a PM!

[CanadianWolf]

Your theme should focus on you. Abuse & illness can both be discussed in context of your theme. In short, I cannot properly answer your question without reading a draft.

[Scalvert]

Pm me. My ps was "overcoming an obstacle", and I had to make a lot of edits because the first couple of drafts contained TMI. I might be able to save you some time.

Sent you a PM!

Hopefully you can draw enough of a parallel between my situation and yours to get an idea of how much of your past to include in the essay. (And to what degree you should be forthcoming). If you can, just try not to spend too much more than a third of it explaining the negatives.