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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?

CPM723 wrote: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..

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.

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

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.

mrtoren wrote: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?

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?

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

CPM723 wrote: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.