Law School Personal Statement Advice | Interview

I recently interviewed Linda Abraham, a law school admission consultant, via email. Our discussion follows.

1. What are some examples of successful "diversity statement" topics you've seen from applicants who are not traditionally classified as being racially diverse?

Diversity is not defined solely in ethnic terms in admissions. I have seen a background in the arts, sciences, or sports used as an effective diversity topic as well as unusual volunteer or international experiences. I have also seen disability used as a diversity topic. For non-URM’s the lessons and insights drawn from these experiences usually determine the effectiveness of these essays more than the actual experience.


2. Is it possible for an applicant to write a successful personal statement about a traveling experience or time abroad? If so, how?

Yes, definitely. In discussing a travel experience in a law school personal statement, the experience has to be meaningful and influential to the applicant. If it didn’t change the applicant in some way, forget it. The persuasive personal statement using a travel experience could start with a stellar moment on the trip, discuss how that scene is representative and seminal, and finally reveal its impact on the applicant. If the travel experience motivated the applicant to get involved and have impact or demonstrate leadership, all the better. Travelogues should be avoided at all costs.


3. Is it possible for an applicant to write a successful personal statement about why he or she wants to be a lawyer? If so, how?

Yes, but … the theme is neutral (and common). Execution counts. The admissions committee does want to “meet” the applicant through the personal statement, and if possible understand the applicant’s motivation and passion for law. So while not a required topic, it can work. If the applicant wants to use this theme, she must write in specific terms about the experiences that convinced her she wants to become a lawyer, the times she tested that interest, the particular aspects of legal practice she finds attractive, or the qualities and experiences that show she will be an excellent lawyer.


Linda Abraham, Accepted.com's founder and president, has helped many law school applicants gain acceptance to top law schools including Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Stanford, Boalt, and Chicago, and has written and lectured extensively on admissions. The Wall St. Journal, The New York Times, The Sunday Times of London, and BusinessWeek are among the publications that have sought Linda's expertise. You can find Linda at http://blog.accepted.com and http://www.twitter.com/Accepted

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