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So kind of off topic but longtime lurker here with a personal question..


Shortly after I graduated from UG I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. My grades were really up and down with semesters of straight A's and some semesters with C's and even 1 D that prevented me from graduating on time. I was ultimately hospitalized for a manic episode (I know, overshare) but since I was diagnosed and have been medicated I have been working at a top 3 nyc firm as a paralegal for the past 3 years.

I was averaging a 176 on my PTs but question 3 LG threw me and i guessed 4 questions so I am hoping for low 170's. I have a 3.0 and I am basically just hoping to get into Fordham or maybe apply to Georgetown early if my score is higher than I think.

Do you think I should write my PS on my bipolar experience or put it in an addendum to my application? And is it even worth getting an academic recommendation or should I just try to distance myself from my tumultuous undergrad and focus on how I have succeeded since graduation by submitting only work recommendations? Any chance that law schools would maybe give me a break with the low GPA given my circumstances?

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If you were averaging 176's and end up with a 170, retake. Once you hit the high 160's, each additional point reaps huge gains in terms of chances at top schools and scholarship offers. Further, you're still in decent shape as the December LSAT is coming up. I'd plan as if you're going to take that, wait and see what your score is, and if it's below what you know you can get take it again.

To your specific question, Ben got it. That's addendum material, not PS. My advice for the addendum if you do it is just state it plainly, don't hide behind it in regards to your bad semesters. Simply describe that it impacted your performance and point out your record of diligence and high performance since then as evidenced by your job.

Thanks a lot for the advice....but what in the world am I supposed to write my PS about? Any advice for how to find PS inspiration? I thought discussing overcoming bipolar disorder and how it has made me want to legally advocate for those with mental disabilities might be a good essay?

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In terms of your follow-up question, there are many things you can write about in your personal statement. Depending on the question, you may include why you want to study law, what area of law you want to go into, how has your life, background, or circumstance impacted your decision to study law, or you may always look at sample personal statements online to get an idea. Just make sure that you pick a topic you can relate to and personally write about.

Best of luck!