"Playing against type", also personal statement reviewers Forum

[kissmyankles]

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[lymenheimer]

What do you automatically assume I lack as a person based on these facts?

A reported gpa and lsat score

[kissmyankles]

I updated this to include my stats. Can I ask, why my stats matter? This is more about me trying to portray myself better on a personal level.

[A. Nony Mouse]

Honestly I think you're in great shape.

[lymenheimer]

I updated this to include my stats. Can I ask, why my stats matter? This is more about me trying to portray myself better on a personal level.

If you search around a bit youll find that the better your numbers, the more bland your application can be. Youre a urm with great numbers. You dont have to draft a spectacular application to be accepted to great schools with great scholarship offers. Youve been on this site for 2.5 years, i assume you already know this.

But yea. Youll be fine with what you have, as nony suggested.

[tsujimoto74]

- I'm a black woman.
...
Stats
- GPA 3.7, 171 LSAT

Seriously, enjoy YHS (worst case scenario CCN). I think you're worrying too much. Those numbers are pretty great for anyone, let alone the boost you'll get as a URM. You'd have to really screw up the rest of your application or have some serious C+F issues to mess that up. Just write something that's not complete garbage for your PS, and you should be fine.

[Winter is Coming]

Your personal story sounds great, but honestly with your stats plus URM you will do great with admissions regardless.

[FredTheFish]

I just ready Ann Levine's book and I'd like to try to "play against type". Here's some important parts of my application:

Resume
- Graduated with my high school diploma and an associates the same year (dual enrollment)
- Doubled in computer science and political science at a top 20 univ.
- Political internships (1 U.S. Senator, 1 State Superior Court Judge, Obama's campaign)
- Current Software Engineer at Google
- Worked 20/hours a week throughout college at paying jobs to support my family
- Some honors
- Women/Minorities in Science mentoring, also first generation college student mentoring

Personal Statement
- I basically raised my 3 younger sisters. My statement talks about how I felt as though I had to assume responsibility for them because no one else did or would. I then explain how this assumption of responsibility is a very integral characteristic of mine and how it motivates me to want to use law to take care of people from my home state.
- I'm a black woman.

Reccomendation
- Recc is from a JD/PHD professor I did research for.

Stats
- GPA 3.7, 171 LSAT

My SO said my app doesn't have enough examples of leadership. I kind of thought maybe me taking care of my sisters and mentoring was leadership enough? What do you automatically assume I lack as a person based on these facts?

I'm also looking for people to revise my personal statement. Please?

You are a software engineer at Google and you want to become a lawyer why?!

If you really want to pursue law, then absolutely go for it. You are in an amazing position with your stats and background to go to one of the best law schools in the nation, so it would not be a bad choice at the end of the day. As a stranger on the internet who likes giving unsolicited advice though, I can see your passion for taking care of people in your home state being just as easily achieved, maybe even better achieved, through your position now. I'd imagine your success as an AA female software engineer at one of the most powerful companies in the world opens up all sorts of doors. From mentoring young people in your community to developing incredibly useful apps, you have so many options to take care of and make an impact on other people. And not to inquire about salary or other personal info, but I'm sure you have amassed a sizable amount of wealth while at Google and made very valuable contacts that can help you in any endeavor you want.

I'm assuming you are 100% set on law school though, hence why you posted here, so I'll take a look at your PS if you'd like!

[magicmagic]

- I'm a black woman.
...
Stats
- GPA 3.7, 171 LSAT

Seriously, enjoy YHS (worst case scenario CCN). I think you're worrying too much. Those numbers are pretty great for anyone, let alone the boost you'll get as a URM. You'd have to really screw up the rest of your application or have some serious C+F issues to mess that up. Just write something that's not complete garbage for your PS, and you should be fine.

Exactly.

[Alive97]

Your SO is nuts to say your app is lacking in leadership. You'll be getting into Yale/Harvard/Stanford. If you want to Pm me your PS I'd take a look.

[Clearly]

Yeaaah you shouldn't really listen to your so about law school admissions anymore. You could basically write the worst personal statement ever and you'll get t14 full rides and hys.

Try to chill. Wait till September, apply, and enjoy.