Personal Statement Formality Forum

[blbtr]

On PS, when discussing past/future employment, is it necessary to be completely formal in the descriptions, even the initial descriptions?

Example - I am working for a U.S. Attorney's Office this summer. Do I need to refer to it as the United States Attorney's Office of blank (unabbreviated)?

Example 2 - When talking about a law firm, even if I could assume the reader knows exactly what I was talking about, do I need to say the full name with LLP? Or could you just say "Cravath" or "Hunton & Williams?"

Being overly formal in these descriptions strikes me as way too stuffy but I just want to make sure.

Also, if I am applying to a school where I think I have a very solid chance, is it acceptable to just play it safe and give a well written but overall very ordinary description of why I want to transfer and my goals, etc., or do I need to try and really "stand out?"

Thanks in advance.

[concurrent fork]

No, as long as the full name is on your resume.

I am not sure what you mean by "future employment." Are you going to talk about Cravath in your PS because you want to work there?

[zomginternets]

I would use the full name of the firm/office once, and then use abbreviated names thereafter.

Also, if you're applying to a school with a solid chance based on GPA, I would go with something simple and well written.

[j7108]

I would use the full name of the firm/office once, and then use abbreviated names thereafter.

Also, if you're applying to a school with a solid chance based on GPA, I would go with something simple and well written.

Agreed.