A personal statement is your best opportunity to present yourself to law school admissions officers. Having read thousands of personal statements, here are the six words and phrases that make me cringe – and waste precious words in making your point.
1. Worldview
I’m not convinced this is really a word, and if it is, let’s pretend it’s not.
2. Personally…
It’s a personal statement – of course everything you say is your own personal opinion. If it’s not, you’re doing something wrong.
3. In Conclusion…
Blech! Just conclude; Don’t announce that you’re concluding.
4. I Believe
It doesn’t matter what you believe about your ability to succeed in law school or what you believe is important in your application – the fact that you believe it is immaterial. Just state the facts so that the reader’s independently-arrived at conclusion is that he or she believes whatever you’re trying to prove.
5. Unique
Very few things in this world are “unique”, especially the use of the word ‘unique’.
6. Firsthand Experience
What is a second hand experience and why would anyone write about it? Of course your experiences are “firsthand”….Again, I’m not convinced this should really be a word.
A great personal statement can really make a difference in your law school application.
For more personal statement tips, see these articles and videos:
Winning Personal Statement Topics for Law School
How to Write a Law School Personal Statement
Or schedule a consultation about my Personal Statement Plus service.
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