Of course, it makes sense that you want to make it the best it can possibly be.
So, you might find yourself obsessing over word choice a little bit. If you’re like a lot of the students I’ve worked with, you’re probably quite familiar with finding a synonym by simply right-clicking in Microsoft Word.
Here’s the thing: I want you to break that habit, at least for now.
Why? I’d say there’s only about a 50/50 chance of that new word being the right fit.
MS Word wasn’t there during the life-changing experience you’re writing about. MS Word doesn’t know whether a situation was just stressful, or whether it was truly traumatic. Although it may list “traumatic” as a synonym for “stressful,” these two words have two very different meanings.
And if you’re accidentally saying something entirely different than what you mean, it could skew the entire message of your law school personal statement.
If THAT doesn’t convince you to stop using the synonym feature, here’s another thing to consider:
Law school admission officers can tell when you’re using a word you’re not familiar with.
Sure, maybe it’s the right part of speech – you’ve used a verb, noun, or adverb correctly – but if it wasn’t your original word choice, it might wind up sounding a little forced. There are certain nuances writers develop naturally on their own. Then, there are attempts to sound more intelligent. But it’s not the word choice that will convince your readers you’re smart – it’s the overall message your law school personal statement sends that’s important!
So, you should never use “big words” to state your point if they weren’t the first choices that came to mind while you were writing.
(If they come to you later, when you’re re-reading your work, that’s fine. In fact, you can find out more about how to review your law school personal statement the right way here.)
Focus more on the story you’re telling, and let the words to come to you on their own.
While we’re on the subject of what not to do, I’d like to share a few other “don’ts” you may wish to keep in mind while writing your law school personal statement:
1. DON’T Be Too Wordy
Another mistake I see students make is trying to use too many words when fewer work just fine. Write concisely and get straight to the point. Remember, admission officers have countless law school personal statements to read. Your ability to deliver your message right away could help you stand out against the rest.
2. DON’T Simply Repeat What’s in Your Application
Your law school personal statement is your opportunity to supplement what your application tells admission officers about you. Don’t choose to highlight something you’ve already listed on your application. Share a different experience instead.
3. DON’T Just List Facts About Yourself
Even if you have a lot to say about yourself, your law school personal statement should never read like a list. Instead, tell a story and weave facts into it as you go along.
4. DON’T Force Humor
I almost always recommend avoiding humor entirely, as you don’t know your audience and therefore can’t predict how it will be received. Remember, your readers will only have words on a sheet of paper. Without body language, tone of voice, and other elements needed to achieve a comedic voice, it can be very difficult to convey humor properly. Don’t risk having lighthearted humor confused for a different, less-desirable tone, such as haughtiness or sarcasm.
Bottom line: Don’t do anything in your law school personal statement that doesn’t feel natural. If you feel like you’re trying too hard to make something work, there’s probably a simpler way to say it – and one that will be truer to your unique voice and experiences.
Until next time,
Steve
P.S. It may seem like there are a lot of “rules” I share with you for writing the best law school personal statement possible. Remember, these are all just guidelines and recommendations I’ve developed through years of working with students like you. If it doesn’t work for your law school personal statement and the story you’re telling, that’s completely fine!
In fact, in my next article I’m going to share some rules you should break to start the law school personal statement. Stay tuned!
| 
No comments:
Post a Comment