Personal Statement exceeds limit Forum

[CPM723]

For one school that I applied to they ask that the PS not exceed two pages. However, after submitting my application I realized that it is a few lines (2) over. Will this be an issue?

[thederangedwang]

For one school that I applied to they ask that the PS not exceed two pages. However, after submitting my application I realized that it is a few lines (2) over. Will this be an issue?

probably.....you should subsititute a shorter version..

[mrtoren]

I went over a couple schools' limits as well. Two and a quarter pages with a two page limit and whatnot. I view those as guidelines more so than rules. Your LSAT and GPA matter most...no reputable law school is going to turn down a candidate for going a few lines over their PS rule. Now 3-4 pages with a two page limit? That might piss someone off.

[CPM723]

That makes sense. I just wanted to make sure they wouldn't view it as me already not following simple guidelines.

[birdlaw117]

Umm... you should never go against the requirements of an application. Switch it for a shorter version. If I was on the committee I would either A) not read the additional part of the essay, or B) think that you believe you're special and don't have to follow rules. Neither one is good.

I went over a couple schools' limits as well. Two and a quarter pages with a two page limit and whatnot. I view those as guidelines more so than rules. Your LSAT and GPA matter most...no reputable law school is going to turn down a candidate for going a few lines over their PS rule. Now 3-4 pages with a two page limit? That might piss someone off.

Did you look at the rest of the application as mere guidelines? Such as requiring full disclosure only means almost full disclosure?

[HOPEFORCHANGE]

Not to be a smartass, but if you can't cut it down by two lines or a quarter of a page, how are you going to be prepared to do that for your papers/legal arguments some day?

[CPM723]

Called the school and asked if they would prefer a shorter version. They said it would not be a problem whatsoever.

[birdlaw117]

Called the school and asked if they would prefer a shorter version. They said it would not be a problem whatsoever.

I would still send a shorter version. I doubt you spoke to the person actually making the decision on whether to accept or deny. Think of it this way: if it comes down to you and another candidate, don't you think they're going to choose the one who can follow directions? It's a pretty critical skill for lawyers to be able to carefully read and follow directions.