ucla personal statement law school

M.L.S. Application Information

• Program Structure
• Specializations
• Student Profile
• Career Advancement
• Tuition and Scholarships
• Application Information
• M.L.S. Events
• Application Requirements

International Applicants

Final Round Application Deadline: Friday, June 3, 2024

Step 1: submit application for master of legal studies, applicants must submit the following materials:.

• The UCLA Division of Graduate Education Application : This online application form will request demographic information, education and employment history.
• Statement of Purpose (up to 500 words): Your Statement of Purpose should clearly communicate why you are pursuing this degree and how it will help you achieve your professional/career goals. The Admissions Committee considers the Statement of Purpose very important for admission.
• Personal Statement (up to 500 words): Your Personal Statement talks about your story and what led you to become the person you are today. This is a great place to also talk about your strengths and what will make you a great student in the program.
• 2-3 Letters of Recommendation : Your letters of recommendation can come from either a professional or academic connection. It could be a professor, a supervisor, colleague, or other person who can genuinely attest to your ability to succeed in an academically rigorous graduate-level environment.
• Resume / C.V. : Think of the resume you submit for this program's application as one you would submit for a job. Tailor your resume to showcase your positions, accomplishments, accolades, etc. to show your fit for our program.
• Transcripts from all undergraduate education institutions : Electronic official transcripts are preferred and can be sent directly to [email protected] . If electronic transcripts are not available, retrieve and scan a copy of your transcripts to upload to your application. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. International applicants are required to submit translated transcripts for the Bachelor’s degree if not in English; see below for additional details and requirements. *Transcripts for UCLA Graduates : If you attended UCLA, you do not have to order a UCLA transcript to be sent to us.

M.L.S. applicants must have earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a grade point average (GPA) of B (3.0 of 4.0) or better, or its equivalent if the letter grade system is not used. Applicants who do not meet the minimum-GPA requirement and have substantial work experience are still encouraged to apply and may be considered for admission at the discretion of the Admissions Committee. 

Students who have earned a J.D. or LL.B. are ineligible for the M.L.S. program. These students should consider applying to UCLA Law’s  LL.M. program.

Students who wish to apply for admission to our graduate program are not required to take the GRE/GMAT/LSAT or submit a GRE/GMAT/LSAT score report as part of their application package. However, students may voluntarily submit GRE/GMAT/LSAT test scores and they will be reviewed as part of the holistic application consideration. The applications with GRE/GMAT/LSAT scores will not be given greater weight than those that do not include scores.   

UCLA Graduate Education has specific English language proficiency requirements that apply to U.S. citizens and Permanent Residents as well as international applicants. The requirements can be found at  https://grad.ucla.edu/admissions/english-requirements . 

Step 2: Application Review & Admissions Interview

Applications to the Master of Legal Studies program undergo holistic review, meaning admissions decisions are determined by reading the whole file, every part of the application. Admissions decisions consider the applicant as a unique being in light of individual characteristics and achievements and the whole person within the context of their family and school environments, hardships, extenuating circumstances, and educational opportunities. 

Application finalists will be contacted via email with details to complete a written and video assessment as well as an oral interview. For the admission assessment, finalists will receive a couple of legal cases to read and will login to a separate platform to record video responses to questions regarding the cases; no prior legal knowledge is necessary nor required. The oral interview is scheduled upon completion of the admission assessment.

Absolutely! The M.L.S. program is designed for professionals in the private, nonprofit or government sectors who have a growth mindset and believe that deeper knowledge of the law can help them be more successful in their field. The program's admissions evaluation will give substantial weight to an applicant’s work experience and expertise.

Yes! This degree has helped graduates launch their career in a variety of industries. The admissions committee will look closely at your academic record and statement of purpose to determine what your goal and expectations are with this degree.

Only application finalists are contacted for an interview. 

Yes, the interview is a required component of the application. Finalists will complete short video questions that pertain to provided legal cases and a written component; no prior legal knowledge is necessary nor required.

The video assessment provides the opportunity to ensure each candidate receives a very similar interview experience. The written component provides applicants to showcase their analysis and writing.

Finally, the oral interview allows us to get to know you better outside of your submitted application.

Step 3: Admission Offer

All applicants will be contacted via email from UCLA Graduate Admissions regarding their application decision.

Applicants who are admitted will receive two letters, one for admission and one awarding funding scholarships. Admitted applicants will be required to submit their Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) and a non-refundable seat deposit of $1,000 within two weeks of their decision letter release.

Decisions are typically released 4-6 weeks from application submission.

For those who received their undergraduate education outside of the United States, please note the following:

• Must have a Bachelor’s degree or undergraduate degree equivalent; see additional requirements to UCLA's Graduate School for International Applicants here: https://grad.ucla.edu/admissions/international-applicants/ .
• Must submit transcripts, diploma, and degree certificate in English and the original language if not English.
• Applicants who did not earn their undergraduate degree at an institution in which English is both the primary spoken language of daily life (e.g., Australia, Barbados, Canada, Ireland, Jamaica, New Zealand, United Kingdom) and the medium of instruction must take the TOEFL/IELTS. Requirements are available at: https://grad.ucla.edu/admissions/english-requirements ; see accepted TOEFL / IELTS scores below.

International applicants who have earned a first degree of law are ineligible to apply to the M.L.S. program and should apply to the LL.M. program.

International applicants who do not hold a bachelor's degree or higher from an institution at which the primary language of instruction is English, are required to submit a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score. International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores will also be accepted, but are less desirable.

Please note that TOEFL and IELTS scores are considered valid for only two years. The scores must be valid at the time you submit your application. If you took the examination multiple times, only the most recent score is considered.

Exemptions : International applicants who have earned a bachelor's degree or higher from an institution at which the primary language of instruction is English are not required to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score.

TOEFL : UCLA School of Law prefers a score of at least 96 on the Internet-based TOEFL, or 600 on the paper-based exam. (There is no score requirement for specific sections of the exam.) Applicants with lower scores are still welcome to apply, but are strongly advised to re-take the exam in order to increase their likelihood of admission.

For TOEFL information and registration instructions, visit https://www.ets.org/toefl . When registering for the exam, please enter UCLA's institution code, enter 4837 and department code 03.

IELTS : Favorable consideration will be given to applicants who submit a TOEFL score. However, an overall IELTS score of at least 7.5 will also be viewed favorably. (There is no score requirement for specific sections of the exam.) Applicants with a lower score are strongly advised to take the TOEFL in order to increase their likelihood of admission.

For IELTS information and registration instructions, visit https://www.ielts.org . When registering for (or at the start of) the exam, please indicate that you wish to have your score forwarded to UCLA School of Law Master of Legal Studies Program ( [email protected] ) and the UCLA Graduate Division.

Foreign language ability can fade quickly, so please note that TOEFL and IELTS scores are considered valid for only two years. The scores must be valid at the time you submit your application. If you took the examination multiple times, only the most recent score is considered.

Upload a copy of your test taker score report of either test to your application as a supplemental document. The test taker score report should include your full name, email, appointment number, and test date. 

The M.L.S. Office will then pull your official score report and upload to your application, so there is no need to have scores sent officially to us. 

Yes! If you are an admitted applicant who has not met UCLA's English language requirement for waiving the English Requirements for this examination, you must, upon arrival at UCLA, take the UCLA English as a Second Language Placement Examination (ESLPE). The ESLPE is an English diagnostic test. Depending on your results on the ESLPE, you may be required to complete English as a Second Language courses beginning in your first term at UCLA. If English courses are required, you should enroll in them right away, and you should also anticipate spending a longer period of time at the University.

Admission is canceled for those who do not pass the ESLPE.

View the UCLA Graduate Division's English Language Requirements .  

If you accept UCLA's offer of admission, the UCLA Dashew Center for International Students and Scholars will email you instructions for applying for an I-20 form online. Along with your I-20 application, you will be required to submit electronic copies of your passport, as well as financial documentation which demonstrates that you possess the necessary funds to pay for the costs of tuition and living expenses. After receiving and processing these items, the Dashew Center will issue your I-20 form, and the law school will ship it to you.

After receiving the I-20 form, you must make an appointment at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence in order to apply for an F-1 student visa to travel to the United States. Please make an appointment well in advance of the date you intend to travel to the United States, as some embassies and consulates take several weeks (or even months) to process visa requests.  

Students without U.S. citizenship/residency are not eligible for federal aid via the FAFSA, but all applicants can apply for, and may receive, multiple M.L.S. scholarship awards in addition to external scholarships. Applicants are typically notified concurrently with their admission offer. 

Full-time M.L.S. students are eligible to apply for university housing designed for both single graduate students and those with families. Students can also choose to live off-campus in the neighborhoods of Westwood, West Los Angeles, Brentwood or Santa Monica to name a few. 

Please note that the outside funding organizations listed below are not affiliated with or endorsed by UCLA School of Law.

American Association of University Women (AAUW) AAUW helps women around the globe break barriers and pursue their dreams of obtaining graduate degrees or making an impact in their communities. International fellowships are awarded for full-time study in the U.S. to women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents in the amount of $18,000 (Master’s/First Professional Degree Fellowship).

Discover Student Loans Discover offers fixed or variable interest rate private student loans to international students attending an eligible U.S. college or university, on the condition that international students provide a creditworthy cosigner who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

eduPASS EduPASS provides financial aid information for international students who plan to pursue higher education in the U.S. This site presents information about how to calculate college costs, scholarships and loans for international students, and other tools and resources for financing education as a foreign student in the U.S.

Fulbright Foreign Student Program The Fulbright Foreign Student Program brings citizens of other countries to the United States for Master’s degree or Ph.D. study at U.S. universities or other appropriate institutions. Foreign students apply for Fulbright Fellowships through the Fulbright Commission/Foundation or U.S. Embassy in their home countries.

internationalstudentloan.com InternationalStudentLoan.com provides financial aid resources, articles, videos, and comparison tools to help students navigate their financial aid options. The site offers loan information for international students pursuing study in the U.S.

International Student Organization in the USA (ISO) ISO provides a detailed list of organizations which offer scholarships and grants to international students based upon factors such as background and area of interest.

Next: M.L.S. Events ⇥ ⇤ Previous: M.L.S. Tuition and Scholarships

Law school graduates receive UCLA Alumni Awards for service and dedication

Ucla law’s 73rd commencement ceremony celebrates service for democracy, russell korobkin wins the rutter award for excellence in teaching.

Welcome, 2024 Admitted M.L.S. students!

18 Law School Personal Statement Examples That Got Accepted!

This blog contains law school personal statement examples written by applicants who were successfully accepted to multiple law schools after working with our admissions experts as part of our  application review programs . Your  law school personal statement  is one of the most important parts of your application and is your best opportunity to show admissions officers who you are behind your numbers and third-party assessments. Because of its importance, many students find the personal statement to be daunting and demanding of the full scope of their skills as writers. Today we're going to review these excellent law school personal statement examples from past successful applicants and provide some proven strategies from a former admissions officer that can help you prepare your own stellar essay. 

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free strategy call here . <<

Article Contents 44 min read

Law school personal statement example #1.

When I was a child, my neighbors, who had arrived in America from Nepal, often seemed stressed. They argued a lot, struggled for money, and seemed to work all hours of the day. One day, I woke early in the morning to a commotion outside my apartment. Police officers were accompanying my neighbors out of the building. They were being deported. In my teens, I was shocked to see that our kind, friendly neighbors had exhausted their last chance to stay in America as they lost a court appeal. 

Since that time, I have worked closely with the many immigrant families in my neighborhood, and now university town. I began by volunteering at a local community center. Together with social workers, I served food and gave out clothes to new arrivals. My diligent work ethic led to more responsibility, and I received training in basic counseling techniques, first aid skills and community services. Soon, I was tasked with welcoming new community members and assessing their health and social needs. I heard the many difficult stories of those who had traveled thousands of miles, often through several countries, risking everything to reach a safe, welcoming country. I was proud to contribute in some small way to making America welcoming for these individuals.

The community center is where I had my first formal contact with legal aid lawyers, who were a constant source of knowledge and support for those who needed assistance. I was struck by the lawyers’ ability to explain complex legal processes to nervous and exhausted incomers: law, I realized, was about more than procedure. I decided that I, too, would strive to balance a wealth of technical knowledge with my caring, compassionate personality.

As soon as I enrolled in university, I knew I had the chance to do so. In my very first week, I signed up to volunteer at the university’s legal aid center, where I worked closely with law professors and students on a range of cases. Academically, I have focused on courses, such as a fourth-year Ethics seminar, that would help me develop rigorous critical reasoning skills. More importantly, I knew that, given my experience, I could be a leader on campus. I decided to found a refugee campaign group, Students4Refugees. Together with a group of volunteers, we campaigned to make our campus a refugee-friendly space. I organized a series of events: international student mixers, an art installation in our student commons, and concerts that raised over $5,000 for the charity Refugee Aid. I am proud to say that my contributions were recognized with a university medal for campus leadership.

I have seen time and again how immigrants to the United States struggle with bureaucracy, with complex legal procedures, and with the demands of living in a foreign and sometimes hostile climate. As I plan to enter law school, I look back to my neighbors’ experiences: they needed someone who knew the law, who could negotiate with the authorities on their behalf, who could inform them of their rights—but they also needed someone who would provide a caring and compassionate outlet for their stresses. I know that Townsville University’s combination of academic rigor, legal aid services, and history of graduates entering labor and non-profit sectors will allow me to develop these skills and continue making contributions to my community by advocating for those in need.

• Thematic consistency: It focuses on just one theme: justice for immigrants. Each paragraph is designed to show off how enthusiastic the student is about this area of law. Personal statements—including those for law school—often begin with a personal anecdote. This one is short, memorable, and relevant. It establishes the overall theme quickly. By constraining their essay’s focus to a single general theme, the writer can go into great depth and weave in emotional and psychological weight through careful and vivid description. The personal statement isn’t a standard 3-paragraph college essay with a spotlight thesis statement, but it conveys similar impact through presenting a central focus organically, without resorting to simply blurting out “the point” of the piece.   
• Shows, rather than tells: Connected to this, this statement focuses on showing rather than telling. Rather than simply telling the reader about their commitment to law, the applicant describes specific situations they were involved in that demonstrate their commitment to law. “Show don’t tell” means you want to paint a vivid picture of actions or experiences that demonstrate a given quality or skill, and not simply say "I can do X." Make it an experience for your reader, don't just give them a fact. 
• Confident, but not arrogant: Additionally, this personal statement is confident without being boastful—leadership qualities, grades, and an award are all mentioned in context, rather than appearing as a simple list of successes. 
• Specific to the school: It ends with a conclusion that alludes to why the applicant is suitable for the specific school to which they’re applying and points to their future career plans. Thoroughly researching the law school to which you’re applying is incredibly important so that you can tailor your remarks to the specific qualities and values they’re looking for. A law essay writing service is really something that can help you integrate this aspect effectively. 

What Should a Law School Personal Statement Do?

1.      be unique to the school you’re applying to.

Students are always asking how to write a personal statement for law school, particularly one that stands out from all the rest. After all, advice from most universities can often be quite vague. Take this zinger from the  University of Chicago : “Write about something personal, relevant, and completely individual to you… Just be yourself.” Every school will have different requirements or content they want to see in a personal statement. This is why it’s a good idea to review specific guidelines for the school to which you’re applying. For example, you can read Yale Law School personal statement examples , Stanford Law personal statement examples , and an NYU personal statement to get an idea of what these schools look for.

2.      Demonstrate your skills and capabilities

For motivated students with the world at their fingertips, it’s a tough ask to narrow your character down into a few hundred words! But this is exactly the point of such generic guidelines—to challenge aspiring law students to produce something unique and convincing with minimal direction by the university. Law is, after all, a profession that demands your language to be persuasive, and the personal statement is merely one of many exercises where you can demonstrate your language skills. 

3.      Meet basic requirements

While the law school personal statement is about far more than just following essay directions, you still need to keep basic formatting and length restrictions in mind. Most law schools ask for a 2-page personal statement, but lengths can range from 2-4 pages. Georgetown Law School , for instance, recommends a 2-page personal statement but explicitly states that there is no official minimum or maximum. In general, length does not make a personal statement better. Rambling, meandering sentences and tiresome descriptions will only hurt the impact of your ideas, especially considering how many thousands of pages admissions committees have to churn through each year.  

In short, keep to 2 double-spaced pages, and only go below or above this is if you absolutely have to, and if the school to which you're applying allows it. You want to keep things as widely applicable as possible while drafting your personal statement, meaning that you don't want to draft a 4 page letter for the one school that allows it, and then have to significantly rewrite this for your other schools. Stick to 2 pages. 

4.      Embody what the school is looking for

Lastly, many law schools won’t offer hyper-specific prompts, but will give you general law school admissions essay topics to follow. For instance, the University of Washington’s law school provides a number of topics to follow, including “Describe a personal challenge you faced” or “Describe your passions and involvement in a project or pursuit and the ways in which it has contributed to your personal growth and goals.” These topics may feel specific at first, but as you begin drafting, you’ll likely realize you have dozens of memories to choose from, and numerous ways of describing their impact. While drafting, try to explore as many of these options as possible, and select the best or most impactful to use in your final draft.  

Want to write the perfect law school personal statement? Watch this video:

Law School Personal Statement Example #2

In my home community, the belief is that the law is against us. The law oppresses and victimizes. I must admit that as a child and young person I had this opinion based on my environment and the conversations around me. I did not understand that the law could be a vehicle for social change, and I certainly did not imagine I had the ability and talents to be a voice for this change. I regularly attended my high school classes because I enjoyed the discussions and reading for English and history, and writing came easily to me, but I wasn’t committed to getting good grades because I felt I had no purpose. My mindset changed as I spent time with Mark Russell, a law student who agreed to mentor and tutor me as part of a “high school to law school” mentorship program. Every week, for three years, Mark and I would meet. At first, Mark tutored me, but I quickly became an “A” student, not only because of the tutoring, but because my ambitions were uncorked by what Mark shared with me about university, the law, and his life. I learned grades were the currency I needed to succeed. I attended mock trials, court hearings, and law lectures with Mark and developed a fresh understanding of the law that piqued an interest in law school. My outlook has changed because my mentor, my teachers, and my self-advocacy facilitated my growth. Still, injustices do occur. The difference is that I now believe the law can be an instrument for social change, but voices like mine must give direction to policy and resources in order to fight those injustices.

Early in my mentorship, I realized it was necessary to be “in the world” differently if I were to truly consider a law career. With Mark’s help and the support of my high school teachers, I learned to advocate for myself and explore opportunities that would expand my worldview as well as my academic skills. I joined a Model UN club at a neighboring high school, because my own school did not have enough student interest to have a club. By discussing global issues and writing decisions, I began to feel powerful and confident with my ability to gather evidence and make meaningful decisions about real global issues. As I built my leadership, writing, and public speaking skills, I noticed a rift developing with some of my friends. I wanted them to begin to think about larger systemic issues outside of our immediate experience, as I was learning to, and to build confidence in new ways. I petitioned my school to start a Model UN and recruited enough students to populate the club. My friends did not join the club as I’d hoped, but before I graduated, we had 2 successful years with the students who did join. I began to understand that I cannot force change based on my own mandate, but I must listen attentively to the needs and desires of others in order to support them as they require.

While I learned to advocate for myself throughout high school, I also learned to advocate for others. My neighbors, knowing my desire to be a lawyer, would often ask me to advocate on their behalf with small grievances. I would make phone calls, stand in line with them at government offices, and deal with difficult landlords. A woman, Elsa, asked me to review her rental agreement to help her understand why her landlord had rented it to someone else, rather than renewing her lease. I scoured the rental agreement, highlighted questionable sections, read the Residential Tenancies Act, and developed a strategy for approaching the landlord. Elsa and I sat down with the landlord and, upon seeing my binder complete with indices, he quickly conceded before I could even speak. That day, I understood evidence is the way to justice. My interest in justice grew, and while in university, I sought experiences to solidify my decision to pursue law.

Last summer, I had the good fortune to work as a summer intern in the Crown Attorney’s Office responsible for criminal trial prosecutions. As the only pre-law intern, I was given tasks such as reviewing court tapes, verifying documents, and creating a binder with indices. I often went to court with the prosecutors where I learned a great deal about legal proceedings, and was at times horrified by human behavior. This made the atmosphere in the Crown Attorney’s office even more surprising. I worked with happy and passionate lawyers whose motivations were pubic service, the safety and well-being of communities, and justice. The moment I realized justice was their true objective, not the number of convictions, was the moment I decided to become a lawyer.

I broke from the belief systems I was born into. I did this through education, mentorship, and self-advocacy. There is sadness because in this transition I left people behind, especially as I entered university. However, I am devoted to my home community. I understand the barriers that stand between youth and their success. As a law student, I will mentor as I was mentored, and as a lawyer, I will be a voice for change.

What’s Great about this Second Law School Personal Statement?

• It tells a complete and compelling story: Although the applicant expressed initial reservations about the law generally, the statement tells a compelling story of how the applicant's opinions began to shift and their interest in law began. They use real examples and show how that initial interest, once seeded, grew into dedication and passion. This introduction implies an answer to the " why do you want to study law? ” interview question.
• It shows adaptability: Receptiveness to new information and the ability to change both thought and behavior based on this new information. The writer describes realizing that they needed to be "in the world" differently! It's hard to convey such a grandiose idea without sounding cliché, but through their captivating and chronological narrative, the writer successfully convinces the reader that this is the case with copious examples, including law school extracurriculars . It’s a fantastic case of showing rather than telling, describing specific causes they were involved with which demonstrate that the applicant is genuinely committed to a career in the law. 
• Includes challenges the subject faced and overcame: This law school personal statement also discusses weighty, relatable challenges that they faced, such as the applicant's original feeling toward law, and the fact that they lost some friends along the way. However, the applicant shows determination to move past these hurdles without self-pity or other forms of navel-gazing.  Additionally, this personal statement ends with a conclusion that alludes to why the applicant is suitable for the specific school to which they’re applying and points to their future career plans. The writer manages to craft an extremely immersive and believable story about their path to the present, while also managing to curate the details of this narrative to fit the specific values and mission of the school to which they’re applying.

What’s Great About This Third Law School Personal Statement? 

• Description is concise and effective: This writer opens with rich, vivid description and seamlessly guides the reader into a compelling first-person narrative. Using punchy, attention-grabbing descriptions like these make events immersive, placing readers in the writer's shoes and creating a sense of immediacy. 
• Achievements are the focus: They also do a fantastic job of talking about their achievements, such as interview team lead, program design, etc., without simply bragging. Instead, they deliver this information within a cohesive narrative that includes details, anecdotes, and information that shows their perspective in a natural way. Lastly, they invoke their passion for law with humility, discussing their momentary setbacks and frustrations as ultimately positive experiences leading to further growth. 

Want more law school personal statement examples from top law schools?

• Harvard law school personal statement examples
• Columbia law school personal statement examples
• Cornell law school personal statement examples
• Yale law school personal statement examples
• UPenn law school personal statement examples
• Cambridge law school personal statement examples

Law School Personal Statement #4

What’s great about this fourth law school personal statement.

• Engaging description: Like the third example above, this fourth law school personal statement opens with engaging description and first-person narrative. However, the writer of this personal statement chooses to engage a traumatic aspect of their childhood and discuss how this adversity led them to develop their desire to pursue a career in law.  
• Strong theme of overcoming adversity: Overcoming adversity is a frequent theme in personal statements for all specialties, but with law school personal statements students are often able to utilize uniquely dramatic, difficult, and pivotal experiences that involved interacting with the law. It may be hard to discuss such emotionally weighty experiences in a short letter but, as this personal statement shows, with care and focus it's possible to sincerely demonstrate how your early struggles paved the way for you to become the person you are now. It's important to avoid sensationalism, but you shouldn't shy away from opening up to your readers about adverse experiences that have ultimately pointed you in a positive direction. 

Why "show, don't tell" is the #1 rule for personal statements:

Law School Personal Statement Example #5

What’s great about this fifth law school personal statement  .

• Highlights achievements effectively: This writer does a fantastic job of incorporating their accomplishments and impact they had on their community without any sense of bragging or conceit. Rather, these accomplishments are related in terms of deep personal investment and a general drive to have a positive impact on those around them—without resorting to the cliches of simply stating "I want to help people." They show themselves helping others, and how these early experiences of doing so are a fundamental part of their drive to succeed with a career in law.   
• Shows originality: Additionally, they do a great job of explaining the uniqueness of their identity. The writer doesn't simply list their personal/cultural characteristics, but contextualizes them to show how they've shaped their path to law school. Being the child of a Buddhist mother and a Hindu father doesn’t imply anything about a person’s ability to study/practice law on its own, but explaining how this unique aspect of their childhood encouraged a passion for “discussion, active debate, and compromise” is profoundly meaningful to an admissions panel. Being able to express how fundamental aspects of law practice are an integral part of yourself is a hugely helpful tactic in a law school personal statement. 

If you\u2019re heading North of the border, check out list of  law schools in Canada  that includes requirements and stats on acceptance. ","label":"Tip","title":"Tip"}]" code="tab2" template="BlogArticle">

Law School Personal Statement Example #6

What’s great about this sixth law school personal statement .

• Weaves in cultural background: Similar to the writer of personal statement #5, this student utilizes the cultural uniqueness of their childhood to show how their path to law school was both deeply personal and rooted in ideas pervasive in their early years. Unlike the writer of statement #5, this student doesn't shy away from explaining how this distinctiveness was often a source of alienation and difficulty. Yet this adversity is, as they note, ultimately what helped them be an adaptable and driven student, with a clear desire to make a positive impact on the kinds of situations that they witnessed affect their parents.  
• Describes setbacks while remaining positive: This writer also doesn't shy away from describing their temporary setbacks as both learning experiences and, crucially, springboards for positively informing their plans for the future. 

What’s Great About This Seventh Law School Personal Statement? 

• The writer takes accountability: One of the hardest things to accomplish in a personal statement is describing not just early setbacks that are out of your control but early mistakes for which you must take responsibility. The writer of this personal statement opens with descriptions of characteristics that most law schools would find problematic at best. But at the end of this introduction, they successfully utilize an epiphany, a game-changing moment in which they saw something beyond their early pathological aimlessness, to clearly mark the point at which they became focused on law.  
• The narrative structure is clear: They clearly describe the path forward from this moment on, showing how they remained focused on earning a law degree, and how they were able to work through successive experiences of confusion to persist in finishing their undergraduate education at a prestigious university. Of course, you shouldn't brag about such things for their own sake, but this writer makes the point of opening up about the unique feelings of inadequacy that come along with being the first person in their family to attend such a school, and how these feelings were—like their initial aimlessness—mobilized in service of their goal and the well-being of others. Their statement balances discussion of achievement with humility, which is a difficult but impactful tactic when done well. 

Law School Personal Statement Example #8

What’s great about this eighth law school personal statement .

• Shows commitment to the community: Commitment to one’s community is a prized value in both law students and law professionals. This writer successfully describes not only how they navigated the challenges in their group environments, such as their internship, the debate team, etc., but how these challenges strengthened their commitment to being a positive part of their communities. They don’t simply describe the skills and lessons they learned from these challenging environments, but also how these challenges ultimately made them even more committed to and appreciative of these kinds of dynamic, evolutionary settings.  
• Avoids negative description: They also avoid placing blame or negatively describing the people in these situations, instead choosing to characterize inherent difficulties in terms neutral to the people around them. In this way, you can describe extremely challenging environments without coming off as resentful, and identify difficulties without being accusatory or, worse yet, accidentally or indirectly seeming like part of the problem. This writer manages to convey the difficulty and complexity of these experiences while continually returning to their positive long-term impact, and though you shouldn’t seek to “bright-side” the troubles in your life you should absolutely point out how these experiences have made you a more capable and mature student. 

Watch this for more law school personal statement examples!

Law School Personal Statement Example #9

What’s great about this ninth law school personal statement  .

• The writer effectively describes how their background shaped their decision to pursue law: Expressing privilege as adversity is something that very few students should even attempt, and fewer still can actually pull it off. But the writer of this personal statement does just that in their second paragraph, describing how the ease and comfort of their upbringing could have been a source of laziness or detachment, and often is for particularly well-off students, but instead served as a basis for their ongoing commitment to addressing the inequalities and difficulties of those less comfortable. Describing how you’ve developed into an empathic and engaged person, worked selflessly in any volunteer experiences, and generally aimed your academic life at a career in law for the aid of others—all this is incredibly moving for an admissions board, and can help you discuss your determination and understanding of exactly why you desire a career in law.  
• The student shows adaptability, flexibility, and commitment: Additionally, this writer is able to show adaptability while describing their more prestigious appointments in a way that’s neither self-aggrandizing nor unappreciative. One of the big takeaways from this statement is the student’s commitment and flexibility, and these are both vitally important qualities to convey in your law school personal statement.  

Law School Personal Statement Example #10

What’s great about this tenth law school personal statement .

Shows passion: If you’re one of the rare students for whom service to others has always been a core belief, by all means find a novel and engaging way of making this the guiding principle of your personal statement. Don’t overdo it—don’t veer into poetry or lofty philosophizing—but by all means let your passion guide your pen (well…keyboard). Every step of the way, this student relates their highs and lows, their challenges and successes, to an extremely earnest and sincere set of altruistic values invoked at the very beginning of their statement. Law school admissions boards don’t exactly prize monomania, but they do value intense and sustained commitment.  

Shows maturity: This student also successfully elaborates this passion in relation to mature understanding. That is, they make repeated points about their developing understanding of law that sustains their hopefulness and emotional intensity while also incorporating knowledge of the sometimes troubling day-to-day challenges of the profession. Law schools aren’t looking for starry-eyed naivete, but they do value optimism and the ability to stay positive in a profession often defined by its difficulties and unpredictability. 

Every pre-law student blames their lack of success on the large number of applicants, the heartless admissions committee members, or the high GPA and LSAT score cut offs. Check out our blog on  law school acceptance rates  to find out more about the law school admission statistics for law schools in the US . Having taught more than a thousand students every year, I can tell you the REAL truth about why most students get rejected: 

Need tips on your law school resume?

8 Additional Law School Personal Statement Examples

Now that you have a better idea of what your law school personal statement should include, and how you can make it stand out, here are five additional law school personal statements for you to review and get some inspiration:

Law school personal statement example #11

According to the business wire, 51 percent of students are not confident in their career path when they enroll in college. I was one of those students for a long time. My parents had always stressed the importance of education and going to college, so I knew that I wanted to get a tertiary education, I just didn’t know in what field. So, like many other students, I matriculated undecided and started taking introductory courses in the subjects that interest me. I took classes from the department of literature, philosophy, science, statistics, business, and so many others but nothing really called out to me.

I figured that maybe if I got some practical experience, I might get more excited about different fields. I remembered that my high school counselor had told me that medicine would be a good fit for me, and I liked the idea of a career that involved constant learning. So, I applied for an observership at my local hospital. I had to cross “doctor” off my list of post-graduate career options when I fainted in the middle of a consultation in the ER.

I had to go back to the drawing board and reflect on my choices. I decided to stop trying to make an emotional decision and focus on the data. So, I looked at my transcript thus far, and it quickly became clear to me that I had both an interest and an aptitude for business and technology. I had taken more courses in those two fields than in any others, and I was doing very well in them. My decision was reaffirmed when I spent the summer interning at a digital marketing firm during my senior year in college and absolutely loved my experience. 

Since graduating, I have been working at that same firm and I am glad that I decided to major in business. I first started as a digital advertising assistant, and I quickly learned that the world of digital marketing is an incredibly fast-paced sink-or-swim environment. I didn’t mind it at all. I wanted to swim with the best of them and succeed. So far, my career in advertising has been challenging and rewarding in ways that I never could have imagined. 

I remember the first potential client that I handled on my own. Everything had been going great until they changed their mind about an important detail a day before we were supposed to present our pitch. . I had a day to research and re-do a presentation that I’d been preparing for weeks. I was sure that I’d be next on the chopping block, but once again all I had to was take a step back and look at the information that I had. Focusing on the big picture helped me come up with a new pitch, and after a long night, lots of coffee, and laser-like focus, I delivered a presentation that I was not only proud of, but that landed us the client. 

Three years and numerous client emergencies later, I have learned how to work under pressure, how to push myself, and how to think critically. I also have a much better understanding of who I am and what skills I possess. One of the many things that I have learned about myself over the course of my career is that I am a fan of the law. Over the past three years, I have worked with many lawyers to navigate the muddy waters of user privacy and digital media. I often find myself looking forward to working with our legal team, whereas my coworkers actively avoid them. I have even become friends with my colleagues on the legal team who also enjoy comparing things like data protection laws in the US and the EU and speculating about the future of digital technology regulation. 

These experiences and conversations have led me to a point where I am interested in various aspects of the law. I now know that I have the skills required to pursue a legal education and that this time around, I am very sure about what I wish to study. Digital technology has evolved rapidly over the last decade, and it is just now starting to become regulated. I believe that this shift is going to open up a more prominent role for those who understand both digital technology and its laws, especially in the corporate world. My goal is to build a career at the intersection of these worlds.

Law school personal statement example #12

The first weekend I spent on my undergrad college campus was simultaneously one of the best and worst of my life. I was so excited to be away from home, on my own, making new friends and trying new things. One of those things was a party at a sorority house with my friend and roommate, where I thought we both had a great time. Both of us came from small towns, and we had decided to look out for one another. So, when it was time to go home, and I couldn't find her, I started to worry. I spent nearly an hour looking for her before I got her message saying she was already back in our dorm. 

It took her three months to tell me that she had been raped that night. Her rapist didn't hold a knife to her throat, jump out of a dark alleyway, or slip her a roofie. Her rapist was her long-term boyfriend, with whom she'd been in a long-distance relationship for just over a year. He assaulted her in a stranger's bedroom while her peers, myself included, danced the night away just a few feet away. 

I remember feeling overwhelmed when she first told me. I was sad for my friend, angry on her behalf, and disgusted by her rapist's actions. I also felt incredibly guilty because I had been there when it happened. I told myself that I should have stayed with her all night and that I should have seen the abuse - verbal and physical harassment- that he was inflicting on her before it turned sexual. But eventually, I realized that thinking about what could, should, or would've happened doesn't help anyone. 

I watched my friend go through counseling, attend support groups, and still, she seemed to be hanging on by a thread. I couldn't begin to imagine what she was going through, and unfortunately, there was very little I could do to help her. So, I decided to get involved with the Sexual Assault Responders Group on campus, where I would actually be able to help another survivor. 

My experience with the Sexual Assault Responders Group on campus was eye-opening. I mostly worked on the peer-to-peer hotline, where I spoke to survivors from all walks of life. I was confronted by the fact that rape is not a surreal unfortunate thing that happens to a certain type of person. I learned that it happens daily to mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, and friends. I also learned that most survivors try to manage this burden on their own, afraid of judgment and repercussions and fearful of a he-said-she-said court battle.

I am proud to say that I used my time in college to not only earn an education, but also to advocate for survivors of sexual assault. I protested the university's cover-up of a gang rape that took place in one of the fraternity houses on campus. I spearheaded a 'no means no' campaign to raise awareness about consent on campus. I also led several fundraising campaigns for the Sexual Assault Responders Group that allowed us to pay for legal and mental health counselors for the survivors who came to us for support. 

One of the things that this experience helped me realize is that sexual assault survivors often do not know where to turn when the system tries to tell them that it'd be best to just keep quiet and suffer in silence. My goal is to become one of those people that they can turn to for counsel and support. I believe that a law degree would give me the knowledge and tools that I need to advocate for survivors on a more significant scale. 

Need tips for your law school optional essays? Check out this infographic:

Law school personal statement example #13

I grew up in two different worlds. My world at home was full of people of various skin tones and accents. It was small, loud, and often chaotic in the best ways. I remember walking home and getting to experience music from across the world before I got to my apartment building. Loud reggaeton and afrobeat were always playing somewhere in the distance. Aunties and uncles usually stopped by unannounced and slipped money in your palm when they hugged you goodbye. And the smell of fried plantains was almost always present. 

My other world was in school. It was a much quieter, more organized world with white hallways, navy blazers, and plaid skirts. It was full of people who did not look or sound like me and teachers who thought my hair was "interesting." It was also full of great books and engaging debates about everything from foreign policy to the influence of Jazz on hip hop. 

I lived in these two worlds because I was born and raised in Xtown, but I went to a private school in a much richer neighborhood. I loved both of my worlds, but I hated that I had to act differently in both of them. When in school, I had to "code switch" to sound like I belonged there. When I was at home, all the people who shared the interests I was developing in school were either working or in college, so I had no one to talk to about them. 

My words never felt more divided until I started considering a career in law. I remember telling one of my uncles that I wanted to become a lawyer and his response was, "So you want to become the man, huh?" 

I wasn't surprised by his response, or at least I shouldn't have been. One of the things that I know for sure about the first world I lived in is that many of its inhabitants do not trust the law. I had believed this for so long simply because of the conversations that I would hear around me. However, in my second world, I was learning about all of these great freedoms and rights that the law was designed to give all Americans, and I wanted to bring those to my community. 

I started working on this during the summer before my final year of high school. I got an internship with the legal aid office in my neighborhood and spent three months learning from people who, like me, had grown up in Xtown and wanted to help people. During my time in the legal aid office, I understood that the people in my community did not trust the law for two main reasons: 1. They did not understand a lot of it, and 2. It had been used against people like us many times. 

I remember one particular case that Ms. Sharma - the lawyer I was learning from then and who still mentors me today - handled that summer. It was the case of a young mother who had received a notice of eviction from her landlord two days after refusing his advances. The man claimed that she violated her contract because she made homemade shea butter that she sold on Etsy. Ms. Sharma had me look through her rental agreement. After she confirmed that I was right in determining that the young mother had not violated her contract, she contacted the landlord to advise him that what he was doing was intimidation and sexual harassment. 

My experiences in the legal aid office with Ms. Sharma opened my eyes to the disgusting behavior of human beings, but it also gave me the opportunity to see that the law was my opportunity to use what I learned in my second world to help the community that I was raised in. I returned to school with a new motivation that followed me to college. In addition to completing my bachelor's degree in sociology and African American studies, I spent most of my college years participating in legal internships and community outreach programs. 

I believe that these experiences have given me the foundation I need to be a successful law student and, eventually, a lawyer who can truly be an advocate for members of his community. 

Law school personal statement example #14

One day, my parents noticed that the other children in my age group had been speaking and communicating, but I had not. At first, they thought that my lack of speech was just me being shy, but eventually, they realized that on the rare occasions that I did speak, my words were practically incomprehensible. It wasn't long before they took me to a specialist who diagnosed me with a severe phonological disorder that hindered my ability to verbalize the basic sounds that make up words.

I started going to speech therapy when I was three years old. I saw numerous speech therapists, many of whom believed that I would never be able to communicate effectively with others. Lucky for me, my parents did not give up on me. I went to speech therapy thrice a week until the 8th grade, and I gave every single session my all. I also spent a lot of time in my room practicing my speech by myself. My efforts paid off, and even though I didn't become a chatterbox overnight, I could at least communicate effectively. 

This was a short-lived victory, though. A year later, my speech impediment was back, and my ability to articulate words was once again severely limited. This complicated matters because it was my freshman year of high school, and I was in a brand-new school where I did not know anyone. Having been bullied in middle school, I knew first-hand how vicious kids can be, and I didn't want to be the butt of any more jokes, so I didn't try to speak at school. I knew that this was preventing me from making new friends or participating in class and that it was probably not helping my impediment, but I was not ready to face the fact that I needed to go back to speech therapy. 

Eventually, I stopped resisting and went back to speech therapy. At the time, I saw it as accepting defeat, and even though my speech improved significantly, my self-confidence was lower than it had ever been. If you ask any of my high school classmates about me, they will likely tell you that I am very quiet or timid – both of which are not true, but they have no way of knowing otherwise. I barely spoke or interacted with my peers for most of high school. Instead, I focused on my studies and extracurricular activities that didn't involve much collaboration, like yearbook club and photography. 

It was only when I was getting ready for college that I realized that I was only hurting myself with my behavior. I knew I needed to become more confident about my speech to make friends and be the student I wanted to be in college. So, I used the summer after my high school graduation to get some help. I started seeing a new speech therapist who was also trained as a counselor, and she helped me understand my impediment better. For example, I now know that I tend to stutter when stressed, but I also know that taking a few deep breaths helps me get back on track. 

Using the confidence that I built in therapy that summer, I went to college with a new pep in my step. I pushed myself to meet new people, try new things, and join extracurricular organizations when I entered college. I applied to and was accepted into a competitive freshman leadership program called XYZ. Most of XYZ's other members were outgoing and highly involved in their high school communities. In other words, they were the complete opposite of me. I didn't let that intimidate me. Instead, I made a concerted effort to learn from them. If you ask any of my teammates or other classmates in college, they will tell you that I was an active participant in discussions during meetings and that I utilized my unique background to share a different perspective.

My experience with XYZ made it clear to me that my speech disorder wouldn't hold me back as long as I did not stand in my own way. Once I understood this, I kept pushing past the boundaries I had set for myself. I began taking on leadership roles in the program and looking for ways to contribute to my campus community outside of XYZ. For example, I started a community outreach initiative that connected school alumni willing to provide pro bono services to different members of the community who were in need. 

Now, when I look back at my decision to go back to speech therapy, I see it as a victory. I understand that my speech impediment has shaped me in many ways, many of which are positive. My struggles have made me more compassionate. My inability to speak has made me a better listener. Not being able to ask questions or ask for help has made me a more independent critical thinker. I believe these skills will help me succeed in law school, and they are part of what motivates me to apply in the first place. Having struggled for so long to speak up for myself, I am ready and eager for the day when I can speak up for others who are temporarily unable to. 

“ You talk too much; you should be a lawyer.” 

I heard that sentence often while growing up because Congolese people always tell children who talk a lot that they should be lawyers. Sometimes I wonder if those comments did not subconsciously trigger my interest in politics and then the law. If they did, I am grateful for it. I am thankful for all the experiences that have brought me to this point where I am seeking an education that will allow me to speak for those who don’t always know how to, and, more importantly, those who are unable to. 

For context, I am the child of Congolese immigrants, and my parents have a fascinating story that I will summarize for you: 

A 14-year-old girl watches in confusion as a swarm of parents rush through the classroom, grabbing their children, and other students start running from the class. Soon she realizes that she and one other student are the only ones left, but when they both hear the first round of gunshots, no one has to tell them that it is time to run home. On the way home, she hears more gunshots and bombs. She fears for her survival and that of her family, and she starts to wonder what this war means for her and her family. Within a few months, her mother and father are selling everything they own so that they can board a plane to the US.

On the other side of the town, a 17-year-old boy is being forced to board a plane to the US because his mother, a member of parliament and the person who taught him about the importance of integrity, has been executed by the same group of soldiers who are taking over the region. 

They met a year later, outside the principal’s office at a high school in XXY. They bonded over the many things they have in common and laughed at the fact that their paths probably never would have crossed in Bukavu. Fast forward to today, they have been married for almost two decades and have raised three children, including me. 

Growing up in a Congolese household in the US presented was very interesting. On the one hand, I am very proud of the fact that I get to share my heritage with others. I speak French, Lingala, and Swahili – the main languages of Congo – fluently. I often dress in traditional clothing; I performed a traditional Congolese dance at my high school’s heritage night and even joined the Congolese Student Union at Almamatter University. 

On the other hand, being Congolese presented its challenges growing up. At a young age, I looked, dressed, and sounded different from my classmates. Even though I was born in the US, I had picked up a lot of my parents’ accents, and kids loved to tease me about it. Ignorant comments and questions were not uncommon. “Do you speak African?” “You’re not American! How did you get here?” “You don’t look African” “My mom says I can’t play with you because your parents came here to steal our jobs”. These are some of the polite comments that I heard often, and they made me incredibly sad, especially when classmates I considered my friends made them. 

My parents did not make assimilating any easier. My mother especially always feared I would lose my Congolese identity if they did not make it a point to remind me of it. She often said, “Just because you were born in America doesn’t mean that you are not Congolese anymore.” On one occasion, I argued that she always let me experience my Congolese side, but not my American side. That was the first time she told me I should be a lawyer. 

Having few friends and getting teased in school helped me learn to be comfortable on my own. I Often found refuge and excitement in books. I even started blogging about the books I read and interacting with other readers online. As my following grew, I started to use my platform to raise awareness about issues that I am passionate about, like climate change, the war in Congo, and the homeless crisis here in XXY. I was able to start a fundraising campaign through my blog that raised just under $5000 for the United Way – a local charity that helps the homeless in my city. 

This experience helped me understand that I could use my skills and the few tools at my disposal to help people, both here in America and one day, maybe even in Congo. I realized that I am lucky enough to have the option of expanding that skillset through education in order to do more for the community that welcomed my grandparents, uncles, aunties, and parents when they had nowhere else to go. 

The journey was not easy because while I received immense support and love from my family for continuing my education, I had to teach myself how to prepare and apply to college. Once there I had to learn on my own what my professors expected of me, how to study, how to network, and so much more. I am grateful for those experiences too, because they taught me how to be resourceful, research thoroughly, listen carefully, and seek help when I need it. 

All of these experiences have crafted me into who I am today, and I believe that with the right training, they will help me become a great attorney.

Law School Personal Statement Example #16

During my undergraduate studies, in the first two years, I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to do with my career. I enjoyed doing research, but I found that I became more interested in presenting the research than the process of contributing to it. I spoke to most of my science professors to ask if I could participate in their research. I worked in biology labs, chemistry labs, and in psychology classrooms working on a variety of projects that seemed meaningful and interesting. I gained new perspectives on study habits and mental health; the influence of music on the human mind; and applications of surface tension. I noticed that I was always taking the lead when we were presenting our findings to peers and research groups. I enjoyed yielding questions and addressing the captivating the audience with engaging gestures and speech. This was what led me to consider a career in law.

I always thought that I would become a scientist, so when I discovered that there were aspects of law that could be considered “scientific”, I was all ears. Still during my second year of undergraduate studies, I wanted to join an environmental awareness group, but noticed there weren’t any active. So, I took it upon myself to create my own. I wanted to do cleanup projects across the city, so I mapped out parks and areas that we could walk or drive to. I advertised my project to other students and eventually gained approximately fifteen students eager to help out. I was struck by the pollution in the water, the negligence of park maintenance. I drafted a letter to the municipal government and petitioned for a stricter environmental compliance approach. I wanted to advertise fines to hold polluters accountable, as there were hardly any to enforce the rules. A letter was returned to me stating that the government would consider my request. I felt a sense of gratification, of purpose; I discovered that I had the ability to enact change through policy. This drew me closer to the prospect of building a future in law, so I looked at other avenues to learn more.

I still wanted to find a way to bring together my love of science and discourse/communication. As a science student, I had the privilege of learning from professors who emphasized critical thinking; and they gave me a chance to learn that on my own. I took an internship as an environmental planner. There, I helped present project ideas to various groups, updating demographic/development information, and managing planning processes. I engaged in analytical thinking by looking at maps and demographic information to develop potential plans for land use. It was also the experience I was looking for in terms of a balance between science and oral communication. Using data analysis, I spoke to other planners and review boards to bring ideas together and execute a plan.

Through science, I learned how to channel my curiosity and logical thinking; as an advocate, I learned how to be creative and resourceful. Presenting research findings and being questioned in front of a group of qualified researchers, having to be sharp and ready for anything, taught me how to be more concise in speech. Developing an advocacy group dedicated to improving my community showed me what it lacked; it opened my eyes to the impact of initiative and focused collaboration. I was eager to begin another science project, this time with the environment in mind. It was titled “determining and defining the role of sociodemographic factors in air pollution health disparities”. I compiled and summarized relevant research and sent it over to a representative of the municipal government. In a couple of weeks, my request to increase advertising of fines in public areas was agreed to.

This Juris Doctor/Master in Environmental Studies program will allow me to continue deepening my knowledge of environmental law. With my goal of developing a career in environmental affairs, overseeing policies that influence land protection/use, I know that this program will give me the tools I need to succeed. With my experience working with large groups, I also believe I will fit into the larger class sizes at your institution. I understand the value of working together and how to engage in healthy discourse. With your Global Sustainability Certification, I will equip myself the expertise I need to produce meaningful change in environmental policy.

Here's how a law school advisor can help you with your application:

Law School Personal Statement #17

Growing up in a poor neighborhood, what my friends used to call “the ghetto”, I was always looking for my way out. I tried running away, but I always ended up back home in that tiny complex, barely enough room to fit all my brothers and sisters with my parents. My dad was disabled and couldn’t work, and my mother was doing her best working full-time as a personal-support worker. There was nothing we could do to get out of our situation, or so it seemed. It wasn’t until years later when I started my undergraduate degree that ironically, after I found my way out, that I began looking for a way to come back. I wanted to be a voice for people living in those bleak conditions; hungry, without work. Helpless.

Getting my degree in social work was one of the best decisions of my life. It gave me the tools to lobby for solutions to problems in poor communities. I knew my neighborhood better than anyone because I grew up there. I had the lived experience. I started working with the local government to develop programs for my clients; the people living in those same neighborhoods. We worked to provide financial assistance, legal aid, housing, and medical treatment—all things sorely lacking. My proudest moment was securing the funds and arranging surgery for my father’s bad hip and knees. I’m currently working on a large project with one of the community legislators to lobby for a harm reduction model addressing addiction in our communities.

With five years of experience as a social worker, I knew it was time for a career change when I learned that I could have more influence on public opinion and legislative decisions as a social-security disability lawyer. I knew firsthand that people victimized from racism, poverty, and injury needed more help than they were currently allotted. I knew that, from becoming and advocate and communicating with influential members of the local government, that I could do more with a law degree helping people attain basic needs like disability benefits, which are often denied outright.

This desire to help people get the help they need from local programs and government resources brought me to Scarborough, a small town outside of Toronto. I was aware of some of the issues afflicting this community, since I’d handled a few clients from there as a children’s disability social worker. Addiction and homelessness were the two main ones. I worked with children with ADHD or other physical/mental disabilities impairing their ability to attend school and function normally. I helped many of them get an IEP with the details of the special services they require, long overdue. I made sure each child got the care they needed, including special attention in school. Also noticing that so many of these families lacked proper nutrition, I organized a report detailing this finding. In it, I argued that the community needed more funds targeting lowest income families. I spoke directly with a legislator, which eventually got the city on board with developing a program more specifically for the lowest income families with residents under 18.

My goal has always been to be a voice for the inaudible, the ignored, who’ve been victimized by inadequate oversight from the ground up. Many of these groups, as I’ve witnessed firsthand, don’t have the luxury of being their own advocates. They are too busy trying to support their families, to put food on the table for their children. I’ve realized that it isn’t quite enough to work directly with these families to connect them with resources and ensure they get the support they need. Sometimes the support simply doesn’t exist, or it isn’t good enough. This is why I’m motivated to add a law degree to my credentials so I can better serve these people and communities. As a future social-security disability lawyer, I want to work with local governments to assist clients in navigating an assistance system and improving it as much as possible. This program will give me the access to a learning environment in which I can thrive and develop as an advocate.

Law School Personal Statement #18

“You’re worthy and loved”, I said to a twelve-year-old boy, Connor, whom I was supervising and spending time with during the Big Brother program at which we met. A few tears touched my shoulder as I pulled him into me, comforting him. He was a foster child. He didn’t know his parents and never stayed in one place longer than a few months; a year if he was lucky. I joined the program not expecting much. I was doing it for extra credit, because I wanted to give back to the community somehow and I thought it would be interesting to meet people. He confided in me; he told me that his foster parents often yelled at each other, and him. He told me he needed to escape. I called Child Protective Services and after a thorough investigation, they determined that Connor’s foster parents weren’t fit for fostering. He was moved, yet again, to a different home.

I wrote an op-ed detailing my experience as a Big Brother. I kept names anonymous. I wanted people to know how hard it was for children in the welfare system. Many of them, like Connor, were trapped in a perpetual cycle of re-homing, neglect, and even abuse. He and other children deserve stability and unconditional love. That should go without saying. I sent the op-ed to a local magazine and had it published. In it, I described not only the experience of one unfortunate kid, but many others as well who saw their own stories being told through Connor. I joined a non-profit organization dedicated to improving access to quality education for young people. I started learning about disparities in access; students excluded by racial or financial barriers. I was learning, one step at a time, how powerful words can be.

With the non-profit organization, I reached out to a few public schools in the area to represent some of our main concerns with quality of education disparities. Our goal was to bring resources together and promote the rights of children in education. We emphasized that collaboration between welfare agencies and schools was critical for education stability. Together, we created a report of recommendations to facilitate this collaboration. We outlined a variety of provisions, including more mechanisms for child participation, better recruitment of social service workers in schools, risk management and identification strategies, and better support for students with child protection concerns.

The highlight of that experience was talking to an assembly of parents and school faculty to present our findings and recommendations. The title of the presentation was “The Power of Words”. I opened with the story I wrote about in the op-ed. I wanted to emphasize that children are individuals; those trapped in the welfare system are not a monolith. They each have unique experiences, needs, and desires they want to fulfill in life. But our tools to help them can be improved, more individualized. I spoke about improving the quality of residential care for children and the need to promote their long-term development into further education and employment. Finally, I presented a list of tools we created to help support a more financially sustainable and effective child welfare system. The talk was received with applause and a tenuous commitment from a few influential members of the crowd. It was a start.

Although I lost contact with Connor, I think about him almost every day. I can only hope that the programs we worked on to improve were helping him, wherever he was. I want to continue to work on the ground level of child welfare amelioration, but I realize I will need an education in law to become a more effective advocate for this cause. There are still many problems in the child welfare system that will need to be addressed: limited privacy/anonymity for children, service frameworks that don’t address racism adequately, limited transportation in remote communities, and many more. I’ve gained valuable experience working with the community and learning about what the welfare system lacks and does well. I’m ready to take the next step for myself, my community, and those beyond it.

Assuredly, but this length varies from school to school. As with all important details of your law school application, thoroughly research your specific schools’ requirements and guidelines before both writing and editing your personal statement to ensure it fits their specifics. The average length is about 2 pages, but don’t bother drafting your statement until you have specific numbers from your schools of choice. It’s also a good idea to avoid hitting the maximum length unless absolutely necessary. Be concise, keep economy of language in mind, and remain direct, without rambling or exhaustive over-explanation of your ideas or experiences.

You should keep any words that aren’t your own to a minimum. Admissions committees don’t want to read a citation-heavy academic paper, nor do they respond well to overused famous quotes as themes in personal statements. If you absolutely must include a quote from elsewhere, be sure to clearly indicate your quote’s source. But in general, it’s best to keep the personal statement restricted to your own words and thoughts. They’re evaluating you, not Plato! It’s a personal statement. Give them an engaging narrative in your own voice. 

Admissions committees will already have a strong sense of your academic performance through your transcripts and test scores, so discussing these in your personal statement is generally best avoided. You can contextualize these things, though—if you have an illuminating or meaningful story about how you came to receive an award, or how you enjoyed or learned from the work that won you the award, then consider discussing it. Overall though, it’s best to let admissions committees evaluate your academic qualifications and accomplishments from your transcripts and official documents, and give them something new in the personal statement. 

When you first sit down to begin, cast a wide net. Consider all the many influences and experiences that have led you to where you are. You’ll eventually (through editing and rewriting) explain how these shape your relationship to a career in law, but one of the best things you can give yourself during the initial drafting phase is a vast collection of observations and potential points for development. As the New England School of Law points out in their, “just write!” Let the initial draft be as messy as it needs to be, and refine it from there. It’s a lot easier to condense and sharpen a big draft than it is to try to tensely craft a perfect personal statement from nothing.  

Incredibly important, as should be clear by now! Unlike other specialties, law schools don’t usually conduct interviews with applicants, so your personal statement is in effect your one opportunity to speak with the admissions committee directly. Don’t let that gravity overwhelm you when you write, but keep it in mind as you edit and dedicate time to improving your initial drafts. Be mindful of your audience as you speak with them, and treat writing your personal statement as a kind of initial address in what, hopefully, will eventually turn into an ongoing dialogue.  

There are a variety of factors that can make or break a law school personal statement. You should aim to achieve at least a few of the following: a strong opening hook; a compelling personal narrative; your skills and competencies related to law; meaningful experiences; why you’re the right fit for the school and program.

Often, they do. It’s best for you to go to the schools you’re interesting in applying to so you can find out if they have any specific formatting or content requirements. For example, if you wanted to look at NYU law or Osgoode Hall Law School , you would find their admissions requirements pages and look for information on the personal statement.

There are lots of reasons why a personal statement might not work. Usually, applicants who don’t get accepted didn’t come up with a good strategy for this essay. Remember, you need to target the specific school and program. Other reasons are that the applicant doesn’t plan or proofread their essay. Both are essential for submitting materials that convince the admissions committee that you’re a strong candidate. You can always use law school admissions consulting application review to help you develop your strategy and make your essay stand out.

Want more free tips? Subscribe to our channels for more free and useful content!

Apple Podcasts

Like our blog? Write for us ! >>

Have a question ask our admissions experts below and we'll answer your questions.

How long should a Personal Statement be? Is there any rule on that?

BeMo Academic Consulting

Hello V! Thanks for your question. Some schools will gave very specific word limits, while some will not. If you do not have a limit indicated, try to stick to no more than a page, 600-800 words. 

Get Started Now

Talk to one of our admissions experts

Our site uses cookies. By using our website, you agree with our cookie policy .

FREE Training Webinar:

How to make your law school application stand out, (and avoid the top 5 mistakes that get most rejected).

Time Sensitive. Limited Spots Available:

We guarantee you'll get into law school or you don't pay.

Swipe up to see a great offer!

[2024] 4 Law School Personal Statement Examples from Top Programs

by Talha Omer, MBA, M.Eng., Harvard & Cornell Grad

In personal statement samples by field.

In this article, I will discuss 4 law school personal statement samples. These statements have been written by successful applicants who gained admission to prestigious US Law schools like Yale, Harvard, and Stanford. The purpose of these examples is to demonstrate how prospective applicants like yourself can artfully integrate their passion, skills, and pertinent experiences into a captivating narrative.

* To further guide you on your law school application journey, I will not only present these personal statement samples but will also provide my expert review after each one. This includes an analytical feedback, a graded evaluation, and a detailed discussion of any identified weaknesses and strengths within the personal statement. Through this comprehensive analysis, I aim to provide a clearer understanding of what makes a compelling law school personal statement.

In the process of composing these personal statements, the applicants have drawn upon valuable insights from several of my previous writings on the subject. Furthermore, you are encouraged to utilize my prior works as a resource to aid you in crafting your own personal statement.

In those posts I’ve discussed the  art of constructing a captivating personal statement , and I’ve highlighted the  pitfalls to avoid  to ensure your law school essay leaves a positive impression.

I’ve also shared valuable tips on  structuring your personal statement for clarity and readability, not to mention  how to create a powerful opening  that grabs attention from the start. And let’s not forget about maintaining brevity while effectively telling your story, as well as offering a vast range of  personal statement examples  from different fields for reference.

And yes, do not forget to explore my  8-point framework  that anyone can use to self-evaluate their law school personal statement. Complementing this, I’ve also created a  7-point guide  to help you steer clear of potential traps and missteps in your personal statement.

I encourage you to explore these topics in depth, as they will be useful while we explore the sample personal statement for law schools.

In this Article

1) Research the Law School

2) outline your law school personal statement, 3) write a compelling introduction, 4) showcase your achievements and interests in law, 5) articulate your motivations for pursuing law, 6) highlight unique qualities for the legal field, 7) addressing potential weaknesses or gaps, 8) craft a persuasive conclusion, my in-depth feedback on sample 1, my in-depth feedback on sample 2, my in-depth feedback on sample 3, my in-depth feedback on sample 4, why do law schools require a personal statement, does every law school require a personal statement, what should you avoid in a law school personal statement, can i use the same personal statement for all law schools, should i put my name on my law school personal statement, should you brainstorm your law school personal statement, how to write a personal statement for law school.

Writing a personal statement for law school requires thorough research, a well-structured outline, and a captivating introduction. The following steps will guide you in crafting a coherent and compelling narrative that effectively showcases your journey and aspirations in the field of law. For a more detailed post, follow this ultimate guide on how to write a personal statement .

Begin by immersing yourself in extensive research about the law school you are applying to. Explore the institution’s website, paying close attention to its mission, curriculum, faculty expertise, and any unique offerings such as clinical programs or specialized courses. Familiarize yourself with the admission requirements and tailor your personal statement to highlight relevant qualifications.

Immerse yourself in the law school’s culture and gain insights from faculty members, current students, or alumni. Attend informational sessions or open houses to gather additional details. Reflect on how the law school aligns with your career goals in the legal field and incorporate this understanding into your personal statement, showcasing your dedication and suitability.

Before delving into writing your personal statement, create a comprehensive outline of its content. Begin with a captivating introduction , which could include a compelling anecdote, an impactful quote, or a statement that highlights your passion for the law.

For example: “Ever since I witnessed the transformative power of the law in securing justice for the vulnerable, I have been driven to pursue a legal career that upholds the principles of equity and fairness.”

Next, outline your academic achievements and relevant experiences, such as internships, research projects, or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your commitment to the field of law. Emphasize the skills you have developed and the honors you have received.

Articulate your motivations for pursuing a legal education, sharing your aspirations and long-term goals. Highlight unique strengths, such as critical thinking, analytical abilities, or effective communication skills. If necessary, address any potential concerns or gaps in your application, explaining the situation and showcasing your ability to overcome challenges.

Conclude by reiterating your passion and qualifications for the legal profession and express your enthusiasm for joining the law school. This structured approach will ensure a coherent and persuasive personal statement.

Begin your personal statement with a captivating introduction that immediately grabs the reader’s attention. Consider starting with an engaging anecdote, a thought-provoking quote, or a personal experience that sparked your interest in the law.

For instance: “In a world where justice often hangs in the balance, I recall the moment I witnessed a courtroom’s transformative power. The eloquence of the attorneys, the weight of their arguments, and the profound impact on the lives of those involved compelled me to pursue a legal career.”

Briefly introduce the central theme of your personal statement, whether it’s your passion for advocating for others, your commitment to upholding justice, or your desire to make a positive impact through the law. A compelling introduction sets the tone for the rest of your personal statement.

In your personal statement, focus on highlighting your academic and professional accomplishments that showcase your preparedness for law school. Discuss relevant internships, research projects, or academic achievements that demonstrate your commitment to the field.

For example: “During my internship at XYZ Law Firm, I had the privilege of working alongside experienced attorneys, analyzing complex legal cases and conducting in-depth legal research. This experience solidified my passion for legal advocacy and honed my ability to navigate intricate legal frameworks.”

Illustrate key achievements, such as publications, successful legal cases, or leadership roles within legal organizations. Explain how these experiences have shaped your interest in law and contributed to your growth and expertise in the field.

Clearly articulate your motivations for pursuing a legal education. Share personal experiences, challenges, or encounters that have fueled your desire to make a difference through the law.

For example: “Growing up in a community where access to justice was limited, I witnessed firsthand the disparities in legal representation. These experiences instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility to advocate for those who have been marginalized by the legal system.”

Outline your career goals and aspirations, illustrating how obtaining a legal education aligns with your vision. Discuss how the law school’s program, faculty, and resources will contribute to your growth and help you achieve your professional objectives.

Highlight personal qualities and attributes that make you well-suited for a legal career. Emphasize traits such as critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, research skills, or effective communication.

For instance: “My ability to analyze complex legal issues, combined with my unwavering commitment to pursuing justice, has enabled me to approach legal challenges with both empathy and determination.

Provide concrete examples that demonstrate how these qualities have positively impacted your academic or professional experiences. Showcase how these qualities align with the values and expectations of the law school, presenting a strong case for your fit within the legal community.

Address any weaknesses or gaps in your application candidly. If you encountered obstacles or faced academic challenges, briefly mention them, focusing on what you have learned and how you have grown as a result.

Demonstrate resilience and determination by highlighting subsequent achievements or steps you have taken to overcome difficulties. Showcase how these experiences have strengthened your commitment and prepared you for the rigors of law school.

Your conclusion should effectively summarize the key points of your personal statement. Recap your passion for the law, the skills you have acquired, and your future ambitions within the legal field.

For example: “Driven by an unwavering commitment to justice and armed with a solid foundation in legal research and advocacy, I am ready to embark on this transformative journey in law school.”

Express your enthusiasm for contributing to the legal profession, emphasizing how your unique perspective and experiences will enrich the law school community. Conclude with a confident and concise statement that demonstrates your readiness to excel in their program and make a meaningful impact in the field of law.

Sample 1: NYU, UCLA, and Duke

Variations of this personal statement got accepted at nyu, ucla, and duke..

One day, I decided to quit home, leave my parents behind and move to a small rural town called Leiah after being inconsiderately and incessantly forced to marry a cousin. It was a bold step, but I did not want to be like other women in my country who do not fight for their rights. While living in solicitude in Leiah, I stumbled upon a poor old man sitting beside a piece of furniture that would define his existence. Lying limply on a street corner, the old man had only one helping hand – the crippled furniture.

Coming from a privileged background, I saw for the first time the disparity between the haves and have-nots. Nothing, however, seemed more unlikely when I first arrived. Constrained by their poverty, these rural people took what jobs they could find, working for long hours in the field and finally retrieving their broken houses and furniture for respite. They were outrageously overworked and underpaid but never brought any bitterness home. At that time, I realized how blessed I was, and they were not.

Inspired by these experiences, I decided to use my education and connections to bring change to the lives of these people of Leiah. By collaborating with an NGO for money and resources, I started giving out basic amenities and finances to set up cheap livable houses for these people. I didn’t stop there – I joined a maternity home in Leiah as a public liaison officer and helped the clinic with legal and administrative issues. By understanding the numerous Federal and State laws regarding Health Care, I better equipped myself at work. After tireless efforts, I handled several cases of women and children who suffered abuse, violence, and neglect.

I wanted to discuss these experiences because I believe that, as an ever-present factor during many of these four formative years, these incidents played a significant role in shaping the adult I have become. Ten years ago, I would never have foreseen that I could become a powerful vehicle for others’ growth by living in a village. The experience has helped me develop a heightened sensitivity for those who have struggled to fit into our society. As a result, I decided to move back to the city after several years and pursue further education in law and political science. During these academic years, I was actively involved with various community service projects and as an investigator in law firms, allowing me to interact with troubled and disadvantaged youth and the mentally disabled.

I have long been interested in law as an academic discipline, and working in rural areas has confirmed that my academic interests would extend to the real-world application of legal principles. To this end, I purposefully chose jobs that provided very distinct perspectives on law practice. As a legal assistant, I became acquainted with both the advantages and disadvantages of private practice. As a member of the human rights commission, I investigated how non-profits worked at a larger scale to improve the lives of the underprivileged. Moreover, helping in DIL (development in literacy) has offered me a glimpse of how the law may be used constructively in the public sector. I am currently working as a member of the Michigan chapter on fundraising that will take place next year in LA. All these positions have equally impressed upon me the unique potential of the law to make a direct, positive impact on people’s lives.

Working as a legal consultant, I was initially turned off by the formal language, which permeated all writing and discourse (“Aforementioned • legalese had heretofore proven incomprehensible”). As one unfamiliar with the jargon, I found the law to be pretentious and distant. Gradually, however, I began to sort out the shades of difference between a “motion in limine” and a “56(f) motion.” Finally, I understood the law as a vast set of rules which could, with intelligence and creativity, genuinely be used on behalf of values such as fairness and justice.

In addition to my primary assignment on an antitrust case, some exposure to pro bono work further convinced me that law has a vital role in our society. I am also avidly involved in extra-curricular activities. For example, I went to India to attend my father’s book launch (a writer) organized by Ghalib Council, Delhi. By collaborating and bonding with the people of India, I could impart brotherhood and literacy since I found Indian people more educated than us. My society needs education and health, and I want to work in these areas when I return.

As with my experience at a law firm, I soon realized the practical application of the laws written here. Unlike most of the public, who see only the final version of a bill, being part of the health legislative process has forced me to examine all sides of any given issue. Although politics can make this process agonizingly slow and inefficient, my work here has given me a greater appreciation for how laws affect our constituents back home.

Given my skills, I am convinced that health law presents the single greatest chance for me to make a difference, both in the lives of individuals and in terms of influencing the broader fabric of society. Moreover, I am confident that my insistence on looking beyond those first impressions has provided me with an exciting opportunity to apply and study at UCLA Law.

The woman in my society is an artisan and a tradesperson. She’s an economist and a doctor. She is also a fisherwoman and a craftsperson. She’s a mentor, nurturer, parliamentarian, and cultivator. She’s brimming with life and capability, but she waits for what justly belongs to her: the right to a superior life.

Here is a brief review and rating of this personal statement based on different aspects:

• Hook and Introduction (4.5/5): Your introduction is powerful and immediately hooks the reader. It shows strength, courage, and determination.
• Background and Motivation (4.5/5): You’ve done a great job of illustrating your background and motivation, which stem from your experiences in Leiah. You could add more about how these experiences triggered your interest in law.
• Relevance and Competency (4/5): You have demonstrated a clear path from your experiences to your interest in law, but a more explicit discussion about the legal skills you have developed and how you applied them would make this section stronger.
• Passion and Personal Drive (5/5): Your passion for law, social justice, and helping others is palpable and will make a strong impression on the admission committee.
• Program Fit and Future Goals (3/5): Your statement is currently lacking in specific references to the law school you’re applying to, making it difficult to assess fit. Discussing how the program aligns with your career goals and what aspects of the program particularly attract you would strengthen your application.
• Conclusion (4/5): Your conclusion is effective in tying together your experiences and your desire to study law. However, a clearer expression of your readiness for law school and how you plan to contribute to the law school community would enhance this section.

Now, let’s delve deeper into each part of your statement:

• Introduction: Your introduction is powerful and impactful. The raw honesty about your decision to leave home and confront societal norms hooks the reader immediately. It tells us you are strong, independent, and willing to make hard choices. One suggestion would be to more directly link this bold decision to your interest in law—did it spark a desire for justice, or a passion for advocating for others who are oppressed?
• Background and Challenges: You effectively depict the stark contrast between your privileged upbringing and the poverty-stricken lives of the people in Leiah. Your empathy is palpable, and it showcases your character and capacity for understanding others’ situations. To provide more context, you could elaborate on the societal and cultural norms that were challenged by your experiences in Leiah and how these experiences shaped your view of law and justice.
• Transferable Skills: You talk about your role as a public liaison officer and how it familiarized you with Federal and State healthcare laws. This shows you’ve already been using legal skills in a practical environment, a strong point in your favor. Perhaps expand on the specific skills or competencies you gained during this period, such as negotiation, critical thinking, or public speaking, and how they will be beneficial in a law school environment.
• Passion and Goals: Your experiences, such as working with NGOs and maternity homes, indicate a strong passion for social justice. The goal of using law to improve the lives of the underprivileged is noble and will resonate with law schools. It might be beneficial to discuss specific areas of law you are interested in (e.g., human rights, public interest law) and how you see yourself contributing in these areas in the future.
• Relevant Experiences: Your varied experiences, from community service to law firm investigation work, provide you with a wealth of practical experiences, all very relevant to your law school journey. Perhaps you could add more detail about how these experiences solidified your desire to study law and how they shaped your perspective on legal practice.
• Specific Interest in the School: The personal statement does not mention a specific law school or its program. Including a paragraph detailing why you are interested in the specific school you are applying to, and how its program aligns with your career goals, could strengthen your application. Discuss the school’s specific courses, faculty, or values that attract you.
• Conclusion: While your conclusion effectively ties together your experiences and future law goals, it could be more direct in expressing your readiness to face the challenges of law school and contribute to the school community.

Your personal statement is already compelling, but adding more context to your experiences and making clear links between your past, present, and future in the context of law could further enhance it. Remember, specificity is key—whether it’s about the skills you’ve gained, the experiences that shaped your interest in law, or the specific school you’re applying to.

Sample 2: Northwestern, Vanderbilt, and UC Berkeley

Variations of this personal statement got accepted at northwestern, vanderbilt, and uc berkeley..

Unlike many, my passion for acquiring a law degree is neither a childhood fantasy of fighting a case in a courtroom nor a preconceived notion of myself as a lawyer. Instead, I recognize that a law degree would enable me to advance my career as a taxation lawyer.

I had to skip schooling during 4th and 5th grade and instead studied at home. This was due to the financial difficulties stemming from my mother’s cancer treatment, which put a significant financial burden on us. Additionally, as a female from an agricultural and rural family, I faced family pressure to attend a public school instead of a private one. But I did not succumb to these pressures. Instead, I persevered in studying and investing in getting myself private education through partial financial support from my older brother and by working part-time as a writer and content curator. Six months before my high-school graduation, my mother succumbed to her illness and passed away. She spent the last eight years of her life bedridden. The loss was immeasurable, but life had to move on.

I first set my sights on becoming a lawyer when I interned at a law firm during the summer break following my high school graduation. Throughout this internship, I annoyed my supervisors by writing long-winded legal documents even when they asked for a few sentences – this was because of the writing habits I had developed as a content writer. With time, I started to write better legal reports, but my attention was increasingly turned toward tax law. With the guidance and counseling of my supervisors, I applied to an undergrad law program. I spent the next several years understanding the Federal Reserve’s proposed Income Tax Ordinance, including exemptions from income tax and withholding tax.

Throughout this time, I continued to work part-time with various firms, hospitals, and non-profits as a volunteer, legal advisor, and editor. Upon graduation, I applied for the position of legal advisor at the Monthly Atlantic. My current job entails researching and reporting for the newspaper on appropriations bills and export legislation. I also write daily summaries of major contracts awarded by the Federal Government. I am also primarily responsible for supporting discrete legal issues by advising the organization, drafting undertakings, and structuring remedies for the relevant issues.

I am excited but also apprehensive as I try to explain legal jargon to an informed general audience, some of whom may know more about these policies than I do. For example, recently, I had a significant challenge in understanding and decoding the budget proposals of the Federal Reserve, by section 42 of the MOPA Act, 1956 (the Act), in which the entire income of the Federal Reserve and its subsidiaries is remitted to the federal government. After thoroughly going through the provisions, I learned there are still some provisions in the Income Tax Ordinance 2001, Sales Tax Act 1990, and Federal Excise Act 2005, attracting the application of taxes and duties.

Too often, I need more legal knowledge to fully grasp bills that control how companies do business overseas, the limits to which government agencies can go to collect covert intelligence, or the amount of funding an agency can receive in a given time. On the one hand, these limitations have yet to do much to impair me in my current position. I am called to turn out several short stories daily on various topics without going into significant detail. However, I would like to advance to more complex and challenging assignments one day. I fear I will be able to do so if I acquire more expertise than I can within the confines of my deadline-driven job. It is a belief shared by several of my colleagues and many of the senior legal consultants at the newspaper that those who hold advanced degrees in law, business, and related disciplines are at an edge. A law degree would put me in a better position to join their ranks, mainly if I could attend school while continuing to work as a legal advisor in taxation-related instances.

Given my circumstances and interests, a graduate degree in taxation law from UC Berkeley is my ideal choice. In addition, I have an acquaintance that is currently enrolled at Berkeley Law school. His generous feedback has convinced me that this program would also fit my needs considering its flexible schedule and emphasis on tax law.

• Hook and Introduction (5/5): The hook and introduction effectively capture the reader’s attention and provide a clear understanding of your unique motivation for pursuing a law degree. The personal anecdote about your internship and your writing habits adds interest to the narrative and sets the stage for the rest of the personal statement.
• Background and Motivation (4.5/5): The background section effectively outlines the challenges you faced during your education and personal life, showcasing your resilience and determination. It helps the reader understand the context in which your passion for law developed. The motivation behind your interest in taxation law is well-explained, highlighting how your experiences and skills have guided you towards this specific field.
• Relevance and Competency (4/5): You effectively demonstrate your competence by discussing your experiences as a legal advisor, writer, and content curator. The mention of your work with firms, hospitals, and non-profits further strengthens your case. However, it would be beneficial to provide more specific examples or achievements that highlight your skills and expertise in taxation law.
• Passion and Personal Drive (4.5/5): Your passion for taxation law shines through in your personal statement. The enthusiasm you express for writing legal reports and your desire to tackle more complex assignments demonstrate your genuine interest in the field. The mention of your colleagues and senior legal consultants’ belief in the value of advanced degrees in law further emphasizes your commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.
• Program Fit and Future Goals (3/5): While you express your interest in pursuing a graduate degree in taxation law from UC Berkeley, the personal statement lacks specific details about why this program is a perfect fit for your goals. Providing more information about the program’s strengths and how they align with your aspirations would strengthen this section.
• Conclusion (4/5): The conclusion effectively wraps up your personal statement and reinforces your commitment to pursuing a law degree. It restates your interest in UC Berkeley and highlights the feedback you received from an acquaintance at the institution. However, it could be enhanced by briefly summarizing your key strengths and accomplishments and how they will contribute to your success in the program.
• Introduction: The introduction of the personal statement effectively hooks the reader by highlighting your unique motivation for pursuing a law degree with a focus on taxation law. The mention of it not being a childhood fantasy and instead recognizing the degree as a means to advance your career sets the tone for the rest of the statement.
• Background and Challenges: The section detailing your background and the challenges you faced is compelling. The explanation of having to skip schooling due to financial difficulties resulting from your mother’s cancer treatment adds depth to your personal story. It showcases your resilience in overcoming obstacles and your determination to pursue education despite the circumstances. The mention of facing family pressure to attend a public school instead of a private one further emphasizes your determination and ability to make your own choices.
• Transferable Skills: While you mention working part-time as a writer and content curator, the transferable skills gained from this experience could be further elaborated upon. Explaining how your writing skills, attention to detail, and ability to analyze information have prepared you for the demands of the legal field would strengthen this section.
• Passion and Goals: Your passion for law and taxation law is effectively conveyed throughout the personal statement. The explanation of your interest developing during your internship at a law firm, where you consistently wrote legal documents, showcases your dedication and enthusiasm. The mention of your desire to tackle more complex assignments and the belief shared by colleagues and senior legal consultants that advanced degrees are advantageous demonstrate your long-term goals and commitment to professional growth.
• Relevant Experiences: The inclusion of your various volunteer and advisory roles, as well as your current position as a legal advisor at the Monthly Atlantic, highlights your practical experience in the field. However, providing more specific examples or accomplishments from these experiences would enhance this section and further illustrate your competence and expertise.
• Specific Interest in the School: While you express an interest in pursuing a graduate degree in taxation law from UC Berkeley, the personal statement lacks specific details about why this program is a perfect fit for your goals. Adding more information about the program’s strengths, faculty, or specific courses that align with your interests would strengthen this section.
• Conclusion: The conclusion effectively wraps up the personal statement by restating your commitment to pursuing a law degree and emphasizing your interest in UC Berkeley. However, it could be strengthened by summarizing your key strengths, experiences, and goals and how they align with the school’s offerings.

Overall, your personal statement effectively conveys your passion for taxation law, your determination to overcome challenges, and your commitment to professional growth. Strengthening the sections on transferable skills, providing more specific examples of relevant experiences, and including more specific details about the school’s fit would enhance the overall impact of the statement.

Sample 3: Georgetown

Variations of this personal statement got accepted at georgetown..

My desire to apply to law school is not rooted in a childhood fantasy of arguing a case before a packed courtroom. I have never seen myself as a trial attorney, ala Perry Mason or Nora Lewin on Law & Order. However, a legal education would enable me to advance my career as a writer and analyst specializing in national security and global trade issues.

I first set my sights on becoming a writer when I learned my letters. But, of course, mastering the ABCs may have been a long way from winning the Pulitzer. Nevertheless, this minor detail did not prevent me from completing three “novels” and my version of Genesis before the age of seven. Throughout elementary and junior high school, I annoyed my teachers by writing 10-page themes whenever they asked for a few sentences. Later, as a high school and college student, I continued writing, though my attention was increasingly turned toward other subjects. Ultimately, one of my professors directed me on a path that would combine my background in writing with government and policymaking. With her help, I secured an internship with a government contractor. As a result, I spent the spring and summer writing copy for websites that the company managed for the government while taking additional classes at university.

In February, I accepted a full-time job as a researcher at Washington Post, where I am now an assistant editor. My current job entails researching and reporting on defense appropriations bills and export legislation, as well as writing daily summaries of major contracts awarded by the Department of Defense and other defense ministries worldwide. With enthusiasm but some trepidation, I attempt to decode pages of legal jargon for an educated lay readership, many of whom I suspect know more than I about such policies. But, too often, I lack the legal knowledge to fully grasp bills that control how companies do business overseas, the limits to which government agencies can go to collect covert intelligence, or the amount of funding an agency can receive in a given length of time.

On the one hand, these limitations have yet to do much to impair me in my current position. I am called to turn out several short stories daily on various topics without going into significant detail. However, I would like to advance to more difficult reporting assignments one day. I fear I will be able to do so if I acquire more expertise than I can within the confines of my deadline-driven job. I also would like to It is a belief shared by several of my colleagues, as well as many of the senior writers and editors at my company who hold advanced degrees in law, business, and related disciplines. A law degree would put me in a better position to join their ranks, mainly if I could attend school while continuing to work as a journalist.

Given my circumstances and interests, Georgetown University Law Center, with its top-ranked intellectual property and international law programs, is my ideal choice. In addition, I have a colleague that is currently enrolled in the Georgetown evening law program. His generous feedback has convinced me that this program would also fit my needs considering its flexible schedule and emphasis on legal writing.

Your personal statement presents a compelling narrative that effectively communicates your passion for writing, your current profession, and your interest in furthering your education in law to augment your skills and understanding. Here are a few suggestions to improve it further:

• Specifics: While you mention you would like to join the ranks of your colleagues who hold advanced degrees in law and related disciplines, it would be beneficial to include specific examples of how having a law degree could have or will benefit you in your current role.
• Motivation: You’ve done a great job discussing your professional path and how you hope a legal education will benefit your career. Still, it would help if you were to discuss any personal reasons or experiences that have led you to want to study law. Personal narratives often make an applicant more relatable and can help the reader understand your motivation better.
• Intention: You may want to further discuss how you plan to apply your law degree to your current career or future aspirations.
• Completion: Towards the end, it seems there is a sentence that is not completed: “I also would like to It is a belief shared by several of my colleagues…”. You might want to revise this sentence to make your statement clearer.
• Why Georgetown: While you have discussed that Georgetown University Law Center is your top choice, consider elaborating on why Georgetown, in particular, is the perfect fit for your career goals, apart from its flexible schedule and the fact that your colleague is enrolled there. You could mention specific courses, professors, or the university’s ethos, for example.

Your personal statement is already quite strong, and these suggestions are only meant to fine-tune your narrative further.

Sample 4: Harvard Law

Variations of this llm personal statement got accepted at university of pennsylvania, oxford university, and harvard law school..

I grew up in a middle-class family in Malaysia, where discipline and responsible behavior were the only doctrines taught. At school, I maintained 100% attendance without exception – a feat that my parents and I take pride in. My parents’ utmost involvement throughout my growing years always made me outshine my peers. Though my school grades were average, I represented my school in many activities ranging from debates and dramatics to being a soccer team captain for the entire house.

I have always had complete freedom from my parents until I had to choose a career. A STEM career was my parents’ priority, but for the first time, I differed from my family and chose Social Sciences. I was told that career prospects were bleak and that I was making the wrong decision, but I persisted. While majoring in social sciences, I met a mentor, Dr. Anonymous, a top economist. He challenged me intellectually, which helped me become a better thinker.

Subsequently, I secured the second position in college. My life turned around as people started to value my opinions, and at that time, I discovered my passion, “to speak.” I was chosen as the Coordinator for a Student Leadership Program, where I was mainly responsible for teaching empathy to hundreds of students from elite schools.

At the same time, at age 17, I met the chief editor of the New York Times, who invited me to host the “Youth Forum,” a program to highlight young people’s perspectives on existing social issues. With 55 episodes spanning over 2.5 years, I questioned youth’s role in our turbulent political, social, and economic system. The show gained popularity and performed exceptionally on TRP scores, with viewership growing to over 500,000.

At college, I met another mentor, Justice Anonymous of the Federal Court of Malaysia, who allowed me to attend court sessions as an observer of cross-questioning sessions. In addition, I socialized with lawyers at many forums, including the Court’s Cafeteria, where all appreciated my love for the field. In my 5th semester, I took a course on U.K. Constitutional Law, where I learned about the history of the U.K. Constitution. In the session on “Parliamentary Sovereignty” and “Britain’s relationship with the European Union,” the professor gave me new energy to research further about the steps in forming its Constitution. The more I read, the more I appreciated the perseverance of the founding fathers and the strong foundation England and Wales is built on.

A few years back, I attended the Oxford University Experience-Summer Course for Teens, Summerfuel. The program helped me with experiential learning about what college life is like. During my stay, I had plenty of opportunities to experience English life outside the classroom. Here, in a session, I narrated the first paragraph of the declaration of independence and asked, “whether all men are equal?”. To this, the professor appreciated my enthusiasm for constitutional law.

On my return to Malaysia, I had new energy to question the existing constitutional norms of Malaysia and kept comparing the constitutions of both countries and analyzing the factors that led to present-day turbulence in Malaysia. It is evident through the literature and historical precedence that the Constitution of Malaysia has been used maliciously to favor the powermongers. This indicates the lack of sincerity and dedication of the leaders who have formed this country.

Sadly, very few competent constitutional lawyers exist in the country that also happened to have played in the hands of powerful politicians who manipulated the Constitution to favor their vested interests. Therefore, I decided to take a career in this area as I aspire to be one of the few upright constitutional lawyers. I want to be amongst those who have shaped law and politics in Malaysia. Not amongst those who played in the hands of the powerful.

I want to choose Oxford Law for several reasons. Its tradition for excellence, the unique constitutional law curriculum, the summer program, and the excellent opportunity to meet and network with individuals from different parts of the world. I believe that Oxford law school’s vibrant and diverse community actively affirms my personality of maintaining lifelong relations. These different connections serve as a general resource for the campus community and a source of empowerment for students like me. The diverse setting at Oxford will enable me to investigate and engage in current issues and more profound societal questions. As a result, I will be able to discover how I can positively impact the world around me.

I am looking for an environment that promotes lively debates to complement my active speaking and reasoning traits. I can access well-known professors and discuss legal issues with exceptional young lawyers from more than 35 countries. Oxford offers a culture of collegiality and collaboration, where international students feel comfortable. At Oxford, professors like Dr. Anonymous, who specialize in constitutional law, and courses such as Democracy, Judicial Law-Making, & Constitutional Law can help nurture my skills and move forward in my career.

Professor Dr. Anonymous, a former Lord Justice in Wales, will teach me the value of strategy in litigation. Next, professor Dr. Anonymous and Dr. Anonymous will introduce me to the fabulous world of copyright. Finally, professor Dr. Anonymous will show me the foundations of the England and Wales litigation system. My long-term goal is to teach and practice constitutional law and eventually join politics on the path to becoming a leading politician. I have been inspired by high-achieving lawyers in Malaysia, such as Justice Anonymous, who have shaped Malaysia’s media, politics, and legal practice. I aspire to be the next in line.

Oxford offers a vast clinical & pro bono program via externships ranging from civil practice clinic to Wales Human Relations Commission. These externships indicate that Oxford wants to help all, a notion uncommon in Malaysia. Oxford is a lab for innovation and opportunities, as seen from the example of hundreds of Alumni that Oxford Law has catered to. I firmly believe that Oxford will genuinely appreciate my leadership at every scale and will polish my raw qualities and channel them so that I can apply them in Malaysia. Actual change on the grass root comes through education, and Oxford Law School is the ideal medium to achieve the highest standards.

Overall, your personal statement is impressive and well-articulated, illustrating a journey of personal and academic growth that highlights your passion, determination, and ambition. You make a compelling case for why you are interested in studying law, and specifically constitutional law, at Oxford. The narrative is well structured, and your argument about the need for constitutional reform in Malaysia is compelling and novel. Your professional experiences and extracurricular activities are quite impressive, providing evidence of your initiative and leadership abilities.

However, there are a few areas where your personal statement could be improved.

• Language & Tone: There are some areas where the tone may come off as overly self-congratulatory, which could potentially turn off some admissions officers. For instance, you could soften the phrase “My parents’ utmost involvement throughout my growing years always made me outshine my peers.”
• Coherence: The transitions between paragraphs are sometimes abrupt. For example, the transition from your second to third paragraph, where you switch from discussing your choice of Social Sciences to your achievement of securing second position in college, lacks a clear connecting link.
• Specificity: You could provide more specifics to demonstrate the impact of your work. For example, instead of mentioning that you taught empathy to hundreds of students, it would be helpful to illustrate what this entailed and what results it achieved.
• Mention of Oxford: The reasons for choosing Oxford Law seem generic and could apply to any top law school. To make your statement more compelling, research more about what is specific to Oxford Law – perhaps a unique program or course, or a faculty member’s work you admire, and express why that appeals to you.
• Criticizing Home Country: The criticism of Malaysia and its leaders seems a bit harsh, which may not resonate well with some readers. While it’s important to be honest about the issues you see, try to express these thoughts in a more constructive manner, focusing more on potential solutions rather than just pointing out problems.
• Ending: The statement ends abruptly. It would be great if you could end on a strong note, summarising your aspirations, and how Oxford fits into that journey.

Here is how I would grade your personal statement:

Content: B+ (The content is strong, but it could benefit from more specific examples and better transitions)

Structure: B (The narrative is coherent but could benefit from smoother transitions and a stronger conclusion)

Language & Tone: B (The tone sometimes comes off as self-congratulatory, and the language could be more nuanced in places)

Alignment with Purpose: B+ (Your statement makes a compelling case for why you want to study law at Oxford, but reasons specific to Oxford could be made more clear)

Overall Grade: B+ 

Your personal statement has a lot of strengths, and with a few tweaks, it could be even stronger. I hope this feedback helps you in refining it further!

Law schools typically require a personal statement for several reasons:

• Understanding You Better: The personal statement provides insights into who you are beyond your academic credentials and achievements. It helps the admissions committee understand your values, personal growth, and unique experiences that might not be evident from your GPA or LSAT scores.
• Assessing Your Communication Skills: Law is a field that requires excellent written communication skills. A well-written personal statement allows the admissions committee to gauge your ability to articulate complex thoughts, express ideas clearly, and construct logical arguments.
• Determining Your Commitment: A thoughtful personal statement can demonstrate your dedication to pursuing a legal career. It’s a way for you to express why you want to study law and how you perceive your future in the field.
• Identifying Diverse Perspectives: Law schools aim to create a diverse and dynamic learning environment. Your personal statement allows you to highlight unique experiences or perspectives that you can bring to the school, thereby contributing to this diversity.
• Evaluating Your Potential Fit: The personal statement gives the law school an opportunity to determine whether you’ll be a good fit for their institution. This isn’t just about you meeting their requirements, but also about whether the school can meet your academic and career aspirations.
• Demonstrating Resilience: Personal statements often include narratives that reveal challenges and obstacles you’ve overcome. These stories can demonstrate your resilience and problem-solving skills, traits that are highly valued in the legal profession.

In summary, a personal statement is a tool that allows law schools to evaluate you holistically. It goes beyond objective measurements of academic potential and provides a more comprehensive view of you as an individual.

Almost all law schools in the United States require a personal statement as part of the application process. The personal statement serves as a critical component of your law school application, allowing admissions committees to understand your motivations, experiences, and skills beyond what is reflected in your academic records and LSAT scores.

However, the specific requirements for law school applications can vary from one institution to another. Some schools may have specific prompts or topics they want you to address in your personal statement, while others may offer more freedom in choosing what to discuss. Certain schools might even ask for additional essays or statements to supplement your application.

If you are applying to law schools outside of the U.S., it’s always a good idea to check the specific admissions guidelines for each law school you’re interested in. Remember that meeting all of the application requirements can demonstrate your commitment and attention to detail, which are valuable traits in the legal field.

What is a Good Length for a Law School Personal Statement?

The length of a personal statement for law school can vary depending on the specific instructions provided by each law school.

A common guideline is typically around two to three double-spaced pages, or approximately 500-750 words.

This length is usually sufficient to provide a detailed narrative without overwhelming the reader with too much information. Remember, admissions committees review many applications, so they appreciate concise and compelling personal statements.

It’s very important to adhere to the instructions provided by each law school you apply to. If a specific word or page count is given, make sure you comply with that limit. Failure to do so could give the impression that you either cannot follow instructions or that you lack the ability to express yourself concisely, neither of which will help your application.

Above all, make sure that every word you write is meaningful and contributes to your overall narrative or argument. A well-crafted, succinct personal statement can often be more powerful than a longer one that lacks focus.

Writing a personal statement for law school can be a challenging task. It’s equally important to know what to avoid as it is to know what to include . Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

• Vague and Cliché Statements: Avoid clichés and general statements that could apply to anyone. Be specific, personal, and honest in your writing. For example, instead of saying “I want to be a lawyer to fight for justice,” show through your experiences and reflections why and how you’re committed to justice.
• Repeating Your Resume: Your personal statement should not be a recitation of your resume or transcript. It’s an opportunity to share your personal journey, perspectives, and insights that aren’t reflected in other parts of your application.
• Being Overly Emotional or Dramatic: While it’s important to show passion, avoid being excessively emotional or dramatic. Aim to strike a balance between personal storytelling and professional tone.
• Off-topic Content: Stay focused on what the prompt is asking, and tie everything back to your interest in law school and your future career. Avoid irrelevant details or anecdotes.
• Poor Structure and Flow: A disjointed or confusing statement can be difficult to read and may give a negative impression. Plan your statement carefully to ensure it has a clear structure and logical flow.
• Typos and Grammar Errors: These can give the impression of carelessness. Proofread your statement carefully, and consider having others review it as well.
• Negativity or Excuses: If discussing challenges or setbacks, focus on what you learned and how you grew from the experience rather than blaming others or making excuses.
• Making Unsupported Claims: If you claim a particular trait, back it up with concrete examples. For example, instead of just stating that you’re empathetic, share an experience that demonstrates this quality.
• Controversial Topics: Be cautious when discussing potentially divisive subjects, as you don’t want to alienate the reader. If you do choose to address a controversial issue, be sure to do so respectfully and thoughtfully.

Remember, your personal statement is a chance to present an authentic and engaging narrative about your journey towards law school. It should showcase your unique qualities, motivations, and experiences, demonstrating why you would be an excellent addition to the law school’s incoming class.

While it’s possible to use the same base personal statement for all law schools, it is not generally recommended. This is because each law school may have different prompts or expectations for what they want to see in a personal statement. If you don’t tailor your statement to each school, you might miss an opportunity to show how well you align with that specific program or fail to answer the prompt properly.

Additionally, tailoring your personal statement to each school can demonstrate your genuine interest in that particular institution. For example, you might discuss how a specific program, course, or faculty member at that school aligns with your career goals or academic interests. Showing that you’ve done your research and understand what makes each law school unique can make your application more compelling.

That said, it’s also important to maintain consistency and honesty across your applications. You might have a central narrative or theme in your personal statement that remains the same across all versions, while adjusting specific details or sections to better fit each school.

Remember to carefully review the application guidelines for each law school you apply to, paying special attention to any specific prompts or instructions for the personal statement. It’s crucial to ensure that each statement you submit not only meets all requirements, but also clearly conveys why you are a strong fit for each particular law school. 

In general, it’s good practice to include your name and sometimes your LSAC (Law School Admission Council) number on every page of your personal statement, usually in the header or footer. This ensures that if the pages get separated for any reason, the admissions committee can easily match them back up.

However, each law school might have specific guidelines regarding formatting and what information to include. Always follow the specific directions provided by the school to which you’re applying. If the application instructions don’t specify whether or not to include your name, it’s generally safe to include it to ensure your personal statement is easily identifiable.

Also, it’s always a good idea to include a title for your personal statement, even if it’s just “Personal Statement,” so it’s immediately clear what the document is. If you are sending more than one essay or document (like a diversity statement or addendum), this will ensure that each one is clearly identified.

Prior to initiating the writing process, it is vital to set aside some time to formulate your thoughts. Given that the prompts for law school personal statements are usually quite generic—such as, “Why are you interested in studying law?”—candidates often face uncertainty about the best way to approach their response.

You may find yourself overwhelmed with numerous ideas, or conversely, completely devoid of inspiration. To start off, let’s consider a practical approach you can adopt if you’re grappling with where to begin.

Take a writing pad and respond to the subsequent questions:

• Why do I want to go to law school? This question helps to clarify your motivation and passion for pursuing law as a career. It can be grounded in an event, an experience, or a specific interest you’ve cultivated over time .
• What experiences have prepared me for a career in law? These could be academic, work, or extracurricular experiences, where you’ve developed skills that are relevant to a legal career, such as critical thinking, negotiation, or public speaking.
• How have my past experiences influenced my world view? This can provide context about how you approach problems, deal with adversity, or interact with diverse groups, which are all relevant to a legal career.
• How does a law degree fit into my long-term career goals? Here, you’re demonstrating an understanding of how a law degree can contribute to your aspirations, showing a commitment to the field.
• Can I discuss a specific area of law I’m interested in? It’s a bonus if you’re able to tie your experiences and interests to a particular field of law. This shows a depth of understanding and dedication to the subject.
• Is there a unique perspective or diverse background that I can bring to the law school? Schools value diversity in their student body, as it contributes to the richness of classroom discussions and the overall community.
• Have I overcome any significant obstacles or challenges in my life that have shaped who I am? This might provide insight into your resilience, determination, and adaptability, which are valuable traits in a lawyer.
• How have I demonstrated leadership or initiative in the past? Law schools are looking for leaders and self-starters, so any evidence of this will be useful in your personal statement.
• Can I articulate the values and qualities that will make me a good lawyer? You might think about empathy, integrity, diligence, advocacy, or the desire to serve others and uphold justice.
• Why am I a good fit for the specific law school I’m applying to? Consider the school’s mission statement, values, programs, faculty, etc. This can show that you’ve done your research and are committed to attending that particular school.

Formulating a compelling law school personal statement requires thoughtful introspection and strategic planning. By answering these guiding questions, you can navigate the broad prompts and articulate your experiences, motivations, and unique attributes effectively.

Remember, the goal is not to present a list of accomplishments but to paint a vivid picture of your journey towards the legal profession. So, use these questions as your starting point, and craft a narrative that stands out in the sea of applicants and resonates with the admissions committee. The journey towards a career in law starts with this crucial step, and you have the power to shape it.

WANT MORE AMAZING ARTICLES ON GRAD SCHOOL PERSONAL STATEMENTS?

• 100+ Outstanding Examples of Personal Statements
• The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Winning Personal Statement
• Common Pitfalls to Avoid in Your Personal Statement
• Writing a Killer Opening Paragraph for Your Personal Statement
• Ideal Length for a Graduate School Personal Statement
• 100 Inspiring Quotes to Jumpstart Your Personal Statement

Sample Personal Statement for Masters in International Business

Sample Personal Statement for Masters in International Business My journey began amidst the kaleidoscope of Qatar's landscapes, setting the stage for a life attuned to cultural nuances. Transitioning to Riyadh in my teens, I absorbed a mosaic of traditions, sparking a...

Sample Personal Statement for Family Medicine Residency

Personal Statement Prompt: A personal letter is required. We are looking for mature, enthusiastic physicians who bring with them a broad range of life experiences, are committed to providing excellent patient care, and can embrace the depth and breadth of experiences...

Sample Personal Statement Cybersecurity

In this article, I will be providing a sample grad school personal statement in the field of cybersecurity. This sample was written by an applicant who got admitted into George Mason, Northeastern and Arizona State University. This example aims to show how prospective...

100+ Grad School Personal Statement Examples

Introduction Importance of a Strong Personal Statement A personal statement is essential in the graduate school application process, as it plays a significant role in shaping the admissions committee's perception of you. In fact, a survey conducted by the Council of...

Mental Health Counseling Personal Statement Example

The following essay was written by an applicant who was admitted to top US master's programs in mental health counseling. Variations of this personal statement got accepted at Boston University, Harvard, and Yale. This personal statement is intended to provide an...

WANT AMAZING ARTICLES ON GRAD SCHOOL PERSONAL STATEMENTS?

• 100+ Personal Statement Templates

Which program are you applying to?

Accepted Admissions Blog

Everything you need to know to get Accepted

December 14, 2021

UCLA Law School: How to Get Accepted [Episode 448]

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Android | Stitcher | TuneIn

An inside look at UCLA Law School and what you need to know to get in [Show Summary]

Robert Schwartz, Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid at UCLA Law, shares an inside look at the unique opportunities the program offers students and important tips for those seeking to attend law school .

Interview with Rob Schwartz, Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid at UCLA Law [Show Notes]

Thanks for joining me for the 448th episode of Admissions Straight Talk . Are you applying to law school this cycle? Or, perhaps are you planning ahead to apply to law school next year, or even later? Are you competitive at your target programs? Accepted’s law school admissions quiz can give you a quick reality check. Just go to accepted.com/law-quiz , complete the quiz and you’ll not only get an assessment, but you’ll get tips on how to improve your chances of acceptance. Plus, it’s all free.

Now, let’s move into today’s interview. I’m delighted to have on Admissions Straight Talk , Robert Schwartz, Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid at UCLA Law. Dean Schwartz earned his JD from Cardozo Law and graduated magna cum laude. He then practiced law for several years before returning to Cardozo, where he served as Dean of Admissions for 11 years. He joined UCLA in October 2006. Dean Schwartz, thanks for joining me today on Admissions Straight Talk .

Can you give us an overview of the more distinctive elements of UCLA Law School’s JD program? [1:52]

Sure, I can try to do that, at least for a little bit. I think it’s a very distinctive school and program so there’s a lot to say about it. In terms of distinction, I feel like we offer a lot of programs that are really on the cutting edge, that are very important in society today. So you take issues like climate change, we have the Emmett Institute for Climate Change and the Environment. You take issues like civil rights and racial justice, we have a specialization in critical race studies, one of the only schools in the country to offer such a specialization. Take the issue of LGBT rights, the Williams Institute for Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Law is located here at UCLA. There are several others. We’ve recently launched a Center for Immigration Law and Policy, and a Technology Law Center. On the human rights front, we consider ourselves a powerhouse here on the West Coast, through the Promise Institute for Human Rights. So those are just a few examples.

I’m also very proud of our program that we offer in the first year, before the first full week of classes. We call it Law 101 and it’s a five day program which gives students an introduction to what law school is all about. I think it makes them feel more comfortable, as they get ready to start their legal studies. You even get to take a practice law school exam at the end of the first week. It’s just pass/fail but I think it gets the jitters out before you start your real classes.

UCLA is famous for its strength in arts, entertainment and media law. I read that 29% of the students specialize in media, entertainment and technology law and policy. Can you touch on what UCLA offers in those areas, both in the classroom and outside of it, in terms of extracurricular opportunities? [3:35]

I’m glad you brought this up because when I mention a few things, I inevitably leave a few things out and what I left out was the Ziffren Institute for Media, Entertainment, Technology and Sports Law, which is another one of our specializations. It’s actually not that high of a percentage of students who actually specialize in entertainment. By the time they graduate, I’d say only about five to seven percent of our students actually graduate with a specialization in entertainment law. But, it’s a phenomenal program available to students. In the first year, students can go and attend talks, lunches, and events with our alumni who are executives in all kinds of positions. Then, when you get to your second and third years, you can take classes in subjects like entertainment law, patent law, film finance, copyright. And of course we’re here in LA, so you can participate in part time externships with technology firms, talent agencies, unions and production companies. We have some great clinical programs, too. We have a documentary film legal clinic, and a sports law simulation clinic. We also have a very active student edited entertainment law review and an entertainment law student organization, so that gives you an opportunity to learn more about the field. Just being here, we’re able to bring in a lot of lawyers and executives to campus who can share their perspectives.

Lastly, I would mention every year is the entertainment symposium that we sponsor. I believe now it’s been in existence for about 45 years and that’s held every year. Students can attend that and be able to learn a lot more about the field and network with practitioners.

We have seven areas where you can specialize and that means you’re graduating with a notation on your transcript that you completed all of the requirements. That’s a smaller percentage that actually do that.

What are the seven areas students can specialize in? [6:14]

You’ll test me. We’ll see if we can get them. Entertainment Law is one. We have a Business Law and Policy specialization with the Milken Institute for Business Law and Policy. We have the Environmental Law specialization, I mentioned that one. Critical Race Studies, the Epstein Program in Public Interest Law and Policy, International Law and then, Law and Philosophy. We also offer a certification program in Trial Advocacy.

How has COVID affected the curriculum and experience at UCLA Law? [6:52]

Well, right now we’re pretty much fully in-person. Everybody is masked. But, in many ways we’re almost back to normal. We’re not completely there. We’re not able to have visitors, unfortunately right now, so we’re doing a lot of virtual recruiting events and things like that. But, it’s been very successful. We’ve had really no evidence of transmission in the classroom, and faculty and students are wearing masks.

The major impact is we’re not able to have as many large type lectures or programs, so a lot of those have moved to be virtual. But, compared to how we were last year, this is a definite step in the right direction. I don’t know that I can look into a crystal ball and say exactly how this is going to be going forward, but we’re all hopeful that this is a step in the right direction and a return to a more normal educational setting.

Last year saw a surge in applications to all law schools. What do you see, in your crystal ball, for this cycle? [8:13]

Our median LSAT for the class that entered this past fall is a 170 and the median GPA is at 3.82 and right now, as of today, the number of applicants in the country, as you say, is pretty flat. It looks like as of now, the Law School Admission Council reports a 1.3% increase in applicants. We are up at UCLA of about 5% over last year. And last year, at the end of the day, we saw a 33% increase over the year before.

It’s early in the cycle and it’s difficult to make predictions right now. But, it looks like it will be another high volume year, although it doesn’t look like we’ll see another big increase like we saw last year over the year before.

UCLA accepts both the LSAT and the GRE. Do you have any preference for one over the other? [9:55]

We do not have any preference for one over the other. We’ve only been accepting the GRE for a few years now, so it’s a little early. In terms of preference, I think it’s not really on our side, I think it’s more important for the applicants themselves to decide which test they think they can perform better on . But, we’re still seeing the vast majority of our applicants take the LSAT. In this year’s entering class, we only have a few students, a handful, who took the GRE. I think we had 11 the year before. So, it’s still a pretty small number.

I’m always happy to counsel anyone individually, about their specific circumstances and what might be best for them. Many of the applicants who are applying who took the GRE are applying that way because they’re already in a graduate program, they’ve already taken the GRE for that reason so they don’t necessarily need to sit for another test. But, I find that most people that are applying to law school for the first time and haven’t pursued a separate graduate degree are still sitting for the LSAT.

It’s a little too early to tell and we don’t have the same detailed statistics that we get, like from the Law School Admissions Council, which shows the correlation between the LSAT and first year grades.

Is full-time work experience nice to have when applying to UCLA Law? Or, is it really important to the admissions committee at UCLA Law? [11:28]

We do value work experience in the review process. But I would say to applicants, you should go to law school when you want to go to law school. If you know that as a senior you want to get going, there’s no reason not to apply. I would say the last few years, close to a third of our entering class came right out of an undergraduate program. I think that work experience is something we value, but it’s not absolutely essential in the review process.

And when people are applying as a senior, many times they do have work experience they’ve had during the school year or during the summers, in between the college years.

Is it important that the work experience be legally related, like working in a law clinic or a law office, or something like that? Or, do you take a broader perspective? [12:15]

Much broader perspective. I think if somebody wants to get some experience in the legal field, at a law firm or at a public service agency, they should do that because they’re excited about that position and not because they want to necessarily enhance their law school admissions application. Do it for yourself, not for the admissions committee, that would be my advice.

What factors, if any, do you weigh in addition to the GPA? [13:32]

We consider many factors in the admissions process. I guess I would say, we’re admitting people, we’re not admitting numbers. Your grades and your test scores are important because we want to admit people who we think are going to succeed. But, we’re also fortunate to have a lot of applicants from people who will be very successful in law school and as attorneys.

I can list a number of factors that are important to the admissions committee. We briefly touched upon work experience as one of them. Other factors the committee considers important are things like your extracurricular pursuits , particularly leadership skills that you’ve demonstrated . Community and public service is important, challenges you’ve faced. One of the optional questions on our application is are there any of our particular programs that you’re interested in that you think you could contribute to. That’s also a factor that we will take into account. Those are some of the major other factors.

Grades and test scores are important. When you look at who’s admitted to the law school, we make this data public, you can see that the higher your grades and test scores, the better your chances are of admission. But, when you’re in a category where there are more of those applicants and we can only admit a smaller percentage, these other factors that I was just talking about are critically important. They’re important for all applicants, but they’re even more important depending on where you fall in the applicant pool.

I think, as a prospective student, really all you can do is be smart about the application process. Pick a wide range of schools to apply to. Depending on how many you’re applying to, make sure some are real reaches where your scores are much below that of the school, and then others where you’re right on the mark and some safety schools that you’re excited about going to as well. I think if you do that, you’re going to very likely have a successful admissions cycle.

I think that people need to remember these are medians. Half the people are going to be below those numbers that you mentioned at the beginning. That’s a lot, that’s 50% of the class.

UCLA Law is a little different from many law schools in that the personal statement asks students to discuss what would enable them to make a distinctive contribution to UCLA Law or to the legal profession, in addition to the more traditional elements like their ability to succeed in law school or why they want to become a lawyer. Where is this coming from? [16:12]

Well, I think first of all, the personal statement serves a few purposes. One is that it’s a sense of your writing. The second thing is that it gives us a chance to get to know you a little bit better. We wish we could interview every applicant but we cannot. I would encourage prospective students to think of the personal statement as an interview. If you were coming in, what would you want the admissions committee to know about you? Now, you’re applying to law school so you could tell us a lot about yourself. But, what we really want to know is something about yourself, your background and how you got to this point in your life and why it is that you’d like to go to law school.

I don’t know that it’s so critically important that you address what you’re going to be contributing per se, but what is important is that you address on some level your interest in the law. It is important that you have some sense of why you’re applying to law school and what it is you hope to accomplish.

How do you view addenda that address a dip in grades, perhaps an academic infraction, challenges overcome or something along those lines? [17:38]

Well, for us it’s actually a question on the application, which is optional in part. “Is there anything you want to tell us about your academic background or your standardized test taking history?” It’s there that you should address those things and they’re important. I think the way an applicant should look at it is if a stranger, which we are, is looking at your transcript, are there things that stand out? Maybe there was one semester where you didn’t do as well or a course where you didn’t do as well, and it’s there that you can provide any explanation that you want us to take into account.

What about the reality of a student who has some kind of criminal record? [18:19]

Well, first of all I would say it’s important that that individual investigate with any state bar that they’re thinking about practicing whether or not that criminal record could impact their ability to be admitted to the state bar. Because once you graduate law school, you’re going to have to go through a character and fitness portion of the admission process. That’s a separate matter.

For us, we have to evaluate each application individually and holistically. Some of the things we would consider is how serious an infraction it was, when it took place, what the applicant may have learned from that or what they’ve done since then. We’ve admitted people before who have various criminal infractions , so I wouldn’t say to somebody that that automatically means they’re not going to be admitted to the law school. But in some cases we may interview that applicant. There’s so many wide varieties of things we could be talking about here, but we just have to look at each application individually and consider the circumstances.

Under what circumstances do you invite people to interview? [19:39]

Well, a few. We have a few full tuition scholarship programs and we do interview everyone we’re considering admitting for those, as well as for our early decision binding admissions program. We also interview everybody who we’re considering admitting from our waiting list, once we get to that portion of the process.

Sometimes, we interview people during the regular review process and that’s just a function of, it could be a wide number of factors, but based on a review of the file, we would like to meet the candidate but that’s in a small number of cases.

Does UCLA Law accept and consider update letters from applicants who feel they have something significant to add to their application after they submit it and before hearing back from you? [20:24]

Absolutely. Letters of recommendation, I would say no. We require two letters and that’s it, until we get to the waitlist process and then we’ll consider additional letters. But if somebody has an update to their file, an update to their resume, absolutely we would welcome that.

What is a common mistake you see applicants make during the application process? [20:55]

First of all, the good news is it’s not that many mistakes. But, sometimes I would say just not following the instructions, like we talked about the personal statement and what our requirements are. We ask for a two page statement, maybe somebody submits a four page statement. Or, somebody writes in the personal statement, “Those are the reasons why I want to go to,” and instead of saying UCLA Law School, they put the name of another school . Those are the kinds of mistakes we see. Grammatical errors in the personal statement or in the application. But, by and large, there are not too many grave errors.

I guess, after talking to applicants after cycles are complete, I think the biggest mistake that they make is not so much in their application, but in terms of where they apply. We talked about that earlier and that’s why I mentioned it, just having that range of schools to apply to and being thoughtful about where you’re applying.

What do you see as the appropriate role for parents in this process? [22:05]

I actually have dealt with parents very infrequently. I would say, more often than not, where it happens is parents are coming to visit, coming to an admitted student program or coming for a tour. And, I think that’s great. They want to be with their son or daughter and see where they might spend the next three years and help ask some questions. That’s totally fine.

What advice do you have either for applicants trying to apply this cycle or for those planning ahead, to apply next year or later? [22:53]

I think what we’ve learned over the last few years is that with this higher volume, you really want to try to prepare as early as you can. Try to apply as early in the cycle as you can. There’s no question that last year, there were applicants who applied closer to the deadline who, had they applied earlier, we would have been able to offer them admission. So, just try to do your homework early, take the LSAT or the GRE early and get prepared, get your letters of recommendation together, be working on your personal statement.

You do want to apply as early as you can, with the strongest application that you can. If, for examp le, you take the LSAT and you’re not as happy with your performance and want to retake it, clearly better to apply a little bit later with a stronger score. But as a general measure, trying to get your application in as early as possible is important.

When does UCLA’s application open? [24:21]

Typically, September 1st and our deadline is February 1st. It’s not that you have to apply by September 1st. But if you can get it in by around this time of the year, early December, I think that’s great.

Is there anything you would have liked me to ask you? [24:35]

Well, I guess I would just highlight that, if people have questions that you didn’t ask, we’re happy to answer them and there are many ways people can go about doing that. That’s what we’re here for, is to help be of assistance to them. If somebody out there listening to this is thinking, “Huh, I wish Linda had asked him that,” you can still ask me that. I’m available by email and we offer, at least now, virtual tours where we have an admissions staff come on and answer your individual questions. Right now, we’re not able to have people observe law school classes in-person, but we can email links and live stream it to a prospective student. I think for prospective students to get a sense of what they’re getting into and to see what a law school class is actually like, that can be a really helpful thing to do. I guess, I would just encourage people that want to know more to take advantage of those opportunities.

Where can listeners learn more about UCLA Law? [25:45]

Well, they can go to our website at law.ucla.edu . They’re also welcome to email me directly at [email protected] .

Related Links :

• UCLA Law School
• The Law School Admissions Quiz
• Accepted’s Law School Admissions Consulting Services

Related Shows:

• What a Law Career is Really Like
• Two Admissions Experts on the Latest in Law School Admissions
• What Does a UVA Law School Application Reader Look For?

Podcast Feed

About Us Press Room Contact Us Podcast Accepted Blog Privacy Policy Website Terms of Use Disclaimer Client Terms of Service

Accepted 1171 S. Robertson Blvd. #140 Los Angeles CA 90035 +1 (310) 815-9553 © 2022 Accepted

• [email protected]
• (650) 338-8226

Cupertino, CA

• Our Philosophy
• Our Results
• News, Media, and Press
• Common Application
• College Application Essay Editing
• Extracurricular Planning
• Academic Guidance
• Summer Programs
• Interview Preparation

Middle School

• Pre-High School Consultation
• Boarding School Admissions

College Admissions

• Academic and Extracurricular Profile Evaluation
• Senior Editor College Application Program
• Summer Program Applications
• Private Consulting Program
• Transfer Admissions
• UC Transfer Admissions
• Ivy League Transfer Admissions

Graduate Admissions

• Graduate School Admissions
• MBA Admissions

Private Tutoring

• SAT/ACT Tutoring
• AP Exam Tutoring
• Olympiad Training

Research Programs

• Science Research Program
• Humanities Competitions
• Passion Project Program
• Ad Hoc Consulting
• Athletic Recruitment
• National Universities Rankings
• Liberal Arts Colleges Rankings
• Public Schools Rankings

Acceptance Rates

• University Acceptance Rates
• Transfer Acceptance Rates
• Supplemental Essays
• College Admissions Data
• Chances Calculator
• GPA Calculator

National Universities

• College Acceptance Rates
• College Overall Acceptance Rates
• College Regular Acceptance Rates
• College Early Acceptance Rates
• Ivy League Acceptance Rates
• Ivy League Overall Acceptance Rates
• Ivy League Regular Acceptance Rates
• Ivy League Early Acceptance Rates

Public Schools

• Public Schools Acceptance Rates
• Public Schools Overall Acceptance Rates
• Public Schools Regular Acceptance Rates
• Public Schools Early Acceptance Rates

Liberal Arts

• Liberal Arts Colleges Acceptance Rates
• Liberal Arts Colleges Overall Acceptance Rates
• Liberal Arts Colleges Regular Acceptance Rates
• Liberal Arts Colleges Early Acceptance Rates

UCLA Law Application: What You Need to Know

By Eric Eng

Established in 1949, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Law is a prestigious institution with an incredible history of academic excellence and a strong commitment to social justice. As one of the top law schools in the US, UCLA Law has consistently ranked among the best in the nation, with a reputation for producing accomplished graduates who excel in their careers. This has made people consider submitting a UCLA Law application.

UCLA Law offers various programs and clinics that cater to various interests and specializations. The most well-known programs include the David J. Epstein Program in Public Interest Law and Policy, the Critical Race Studies Program, and the Entertainment, Media, and Intellectual Property Law Program.

The law school also houses several renowned clinics, such as the Veterans Legal Clinic, the Criminal Justice Clinic, and the Environmental Law Clinic, providing students with hands-on experience and opportunities to work on real-life cases.

UCLA Law boasts a distinguished faculty comprising scholars and practitioners who are leaders in their respective fields. These accomplished professors contribute to the school’s intellectual vibrancy, fostering an environment encouraging students to engage in critical thinking and rigorous legal analysis.

The alumni network of UCLA Law is equally impressive, featuring prominent attorneys, judges, public servants, and leaders across various industries. Graduates of UCLA Law have made significant contributions to the legal profession and have demonstrated a continued commitment to addressing pressing societal issues.

Given the prestigious nature of UCLA Law and the limited number of yearly seats, the admissions process is highly competitive. Applicants must stand out among highly qualified candidates to secure a place at this esteemed institution. A strong application is crucial to demonstrating your academic and professional accomplishments, your passion for the law, and your potential for success in the program.

UCLA Law adopts a holistic approach to evaluating applications, considering all aspects of an applicant’s profile, including academic performance, test scores, work experience, extracurricular activities , and personal attributes.

This comprehensive review process ensures that the law school admits a diverse and talented group of students who can contribute to the institution’s intellectual life and the legal profession. Therefore, applicants must present a well-rounded and compelling application highlighting their unique strengths and experiences.

UCLA Application requirements

1. online application through lsac.

One of the UCLA Application requirements is submitting an online application . The online application for UCLA Law is submitted through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) website, which serves as a centralized platform for law school applications in the United States. Prospective students must create an account on the LSAC website to access the application form and complete the required information.

The LSAC system streamlines the UCLA Law application process by allowing applicants to submit their materials, including personal statements, resumes, and letters of recommendation, all in one place. Additionally, LSAC manages the submission of LSAT scores and Credential Assembly Service (CAS) reports, ensuring that all necessary application components are compiled and sent to UCLA Law efficiently and securely.

2. Law School Admission Test (LSAT)

The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a standardized exam required by most law schools in the United States, including UCLA Law, as part of the admissions process. The LSAT is designed to assess essential skills for success in law school. These include critical thinking, analytical reasoning, reading comprehension, and logical reasoning.

Administered by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC), the test consists of multiple-choice questions divided into four scored sections and an unscored writing sample. The LSAT score, ranging from 120 to 180, is an important factor in the law school application, as it provides a uniform metric to compare applicants’ aptitude for legal studies. As such, thorough preparation and strong performance on the LSAT are crucial components of a competitive law school application.

3. Credential Assembly Service (CAS) report

The Credential Assembly Service (CAS) report, managed by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC), is vital to the law school application process. The CAS streamlines the submission and evaluation of key UCLA Law application materials by compiling them into a comprehensive report.

Official transcripts: As part of the CAS report, applicants are required by the school to submit official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended. These transcripts provide law schools with a detailed overview of an applicant’s academic performance, including the courses taken, grades earned, and degree(s) conferred.

Official transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution to LSAC to ensure their authenticity and accuracy.

Letters of recommendation: The CAS report also includes letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to an applicant’s intellectual abilities, character, and potential for success in law school. Recommenders submit their letters directly to LSAC, incorporating them into the CAS report.

By centralizing the submission of these crucial components, the CAS simplifies the application process for both applicants and law schools, allowing for a more efficient evaluation of candidates’ qualifications.

4. Personal statement

The personal statement is an important component of the law school application, offering applicants the opportunity to showcase their unique backgrounds, experiences, and aspirations. This written narrative allows candidates to share their journey and demonstrate their passion for the legal profession and their potential to contribute to the law school community.

Admissions committees use personal statements to gain insight into an applicant’s character, motivations, and writing skills, essential attributes for law school success. A well-crafted personal statement should provide a compelling and genuine narrative highlighting the applicant’s strengths and qualities, setting them apart from other candidates in a competitive admissions process.

A resume is essential to the law school application, as it provides a concise overview of an applicant’s academic, professional, and extracurricular achievements. A well-structured resume allows admissions committees to quickly assess a candidate’s qualifications and experiences, including education, work history, internships, volunteer work, leadership roles, awards, and other accomplishments.

In crafting a resume for law school applications, applicants should highlight relevant experiences and transferable skills that demonstrate their potential to excel in a rigorous legal education program and contribute to the community. By showcasing a diverse and well-rounded background, a strong resume can enhance an applicant’s overall application and increase their chances of admission .

6. Optional essays

Optional essays allow applicants to provide additional information that may not be covered in other parts of the UCLA Law application, further strengthening their candidacy. These essays enable candidates to demonstrate their specific interests, commitment, and potential contributions to the law school community.

Programmatic contribution: This essay allows applicants to elaborate on how they plan to contribute to a particular program or study area at UCLA Law. By detailing their relevant experiences, skills, and passions, candidates can showcase their potential for meaningful engagement and impact within their chosen program.

Public interest: Applicants strongly committed to public interest law can use this essay to explain their motivations, experiences, and aspirations in this field. This gives the admissions committee an understanding of the candidate’s dedication to social justice and their potential to make a difference through a legal career.

Diversity statement: The diversity statement enables applicants to discuss the unique perspectives and experiences they bring to the law school community. By illustrating how their personal, cultural, or socioeconomic background has shaped their worldview and influenced their pursuit of legal education, candidates can demonstrate their potential to contribute to a diverse and inclusive learning environment.

7. Application fee and fee waiver

Application fees are typically required when submitting a law school application, including UCLA Law, to cover the administrative costs of processing and reviewing the materials. However, some applicants may be eligible for a fee waiver based on financial need, participation in certain programs, or other qualifying factors.

Fee waivers can help alleviate the financial burden of applying to multiple law schools for candidates with limited resources. To request a fee waiver, applicants should carefully review each law school’s specific requirements and procedures and submit any necessary documentation to demonstrate their eligibility. By obtaining a fee waiver, qualified applicants can ensure that financial constraints do not hinder their pursuit of legal education.

UCLA application timeline

1. important dates and deadlines.

Early decision: UCLA Law offers an early decision program for applicants who have identified the school as their top choice. As part of the UCLA application timeline, the early decision application deadline typically falls in early November, with decision notifications sent by the end of December.

Candidates admitted through the early decision program must commit to attending UCLA Law and withdraw all other law school applications.

Regular decision: The regular decision application deadline for UCLA Law usually occurs in early February. Applicants who apply by this deadline can expect to receive a decision between late February and late April. The deadlines may vary annually, so applicants must consult the admissions website for the most up-to-date information.

2. Rolling admissions process

UCLA Law follows a rolling admissions process, which means that the admissions committee reviews applications as they are submitted and completed rather than waiting until a specific deadline has passed. As a result, decisions are made continuously throughout the admissions cycle.

Applying early in the process can increase an applicant’s chances of securing a seat, as more spots are available early in the cycle. However, it is essential to submit a well-prepared and polished UCLA Law application, regardless of the timing, to maximize the chances of a successful outcome.

Tips for a successful UCLA application

Preparing for the lsat.

Study resources: Thorough preparation is crucial for achieving a competitive LSAT score. Numerous resources are available to help applicants prepare for the exam, including official LSAC materials, prep courses, textbooks, online forums, and practice tests. Identifying the study resources that best suit an individual’s learning style and needs is essential.

By utilizing these resources, applicants can develop a comprehensive understanding of the test’s format and content, strengthening their ability to perform well on the exam.

Test-taking strategies: Besides mastering the subject matter, developing effective test-taking strategies is crucial for success on the LSAT. Time management, pacing, and the ability to identify patterns in the questions can significantly impact an applicant’s performance.

Practicing these skills through regular timed practice tests can help applicants build confidence and familiarity with the test format, ultimately improving scores. Moreover, applicants should understand their strengths and weaknesses to tailor their preparation and test-taking strategies accordingly.

Crafting a compelling personal statement

Telling a unique story: An engaging personal statement should tell a unique story that highlights the applicant’s individual experiences, accomplishments, and motivations as you apply for a UCLA Law application.

By weaving a narrative showcasing personal growth, resilience, or other qualities that set the applicant apart, candidates can capture the admissions committee’s attention and create a memorable impression.

A strong personal statement should also reflect the applicant’s authentic voice and perspective, allowing the reader to connect with the candidate more deeply.

Demonstrating a passion for law: In addition to telling a unique story, a compelling personal statement should convey the applicant’s passion for pursuing a legal education and career.

By articulating the driving forces behind their interest in law, such as personal experiences, academic pursuits, or professional goals, candidates can demonstrate their commitment to the legal profession and their potential for success in law school.

Providing specific examples of how the applicant has engaged with the law or sought to positively impact their community can further illustrate their passion and dedication.

Obtaining strong letters of recommendation

Selecting appropriate recommenders: Choosing the right individuals to write letters of recommendation is crucial for creating a strong UCLA application. Applicants should select recommenders who know them well and can speak to their intellectual abilities, character, and potential for success in law school.

Ideally, recommenders should be professors, supervisors, or mentors who have observed the applicant’s growth and development over an extended period and can provide specific examples of their strengths and accomplishments.

Providing guidance and materials: To help recommenders write compelling and detailed letters, applicants should provide guidance and relevant materials. This may include a brief description of the law school(s) they are applying to, an explanation of their goals and interests in pursuing a legal education, a copy of their statement, and an updated resume.

By offering context and information about their law school aspirations, applicants can ensure that their recommenders are well-equipped to write persuasive letters that align with the overall narrative of their UCLA Law application.

Highlighting relevant experience on your resume

Tailoring your resume for law school: When preparing a resume for law school applications, it’s important to emphasize experiences demonstrating your potential to succeed in a legal education program and contribute to the community.

This may include academic achievements, internships or work experience in legal or related fields, leadership roles, and community service or volunteer work. By tailoring your resume to focus on these relevant experiences, you can present a compelling and cohesive picture of your qualifications for law school.

Emphasizing transferable skills: Besides highlighting relevant experiences, applicants should emphasize transferable skills that will be valuable in law school and their future legal careers. These may include critical thinking, analytical reasoning, problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and time management.

By showcasing these transferable skills through concrete examples and accomplishments, applicants can demonstrate their ability to excel in a rigorous academic environment and positively impact the law school community and society.

Navigating the UCLA admissions process

Interview process.

Preparing for interviews: While not all law schools require interviews as part of the UCLA admissions process, some may offer or request them to gather more information about an applicant. To prepare for a law school interview, applicants should review their UCLA Law application materials, research the specific law school and its programs, and practice answering common interview questions.

By anticipating potential questions and rehearsing articulate responses, candidates can build confidence and poise for the actual interview.

Tips for success: During the interview, applicants should present a professional and authentic image while demonstrating their passion for the legal profession and the specific law school. Active listening, maintaining eye contact, and engaging in thoughtful conversation can help create a positive and memorable impression.

Additionally, applicants should be prepared to ask insightful questions about the law school, showing genuine interest and enthusiasm. By combining thorough preparation with effective communication skills, applicants can excel in their interviews and strengthen their chances of admission.

Application status and decisions

Tracking your application: Most law schools, including UCLA Law, provide applicants with an online portal to track the status of their application. This portal allows candidates to confirm receipt of application materials, monitor the progress of their application review, and ultimately receive their admissions decision.

Applicants should regularly check their portal and email for any updates or requests for additional information to ensure a smooth and timely application process.

Understanding the types of college admission decisions

• Acceptance: An acceptance decision indicates that the applicant has been offered a seat in the incoming class at the law school. Upon receiving an acceptance, candidates should carefully review any additional information provided, such as financial aid offers, housing options, and enrollment deadlines, to make an informed decision about attending the institution.
• Waitlist: A waitlist decision means that the applicant has not been offered a seat in the incoming class but may be considered for admission if spots become available later in the cycle. Waitlisted applicants should follow the law school’s instructions for expressing continued interest and providing any requested updates to their application materials.
• Denial: A denial decision indicates that the applicant has not been granted admission to the law school. Candidates who receive a denial should reflect on their UCLA Law application and consider areas for improvement, such as retaking the LSAT or gaining additional relevant experience, before potentially reapplying in a future cycle.
• Deferral and gap year considerations: In some cases, law schools may offer the option of deferring enrollment or taking a gap year before beginning legal studies. This option allows applicants to pursue professional, academic, or personal opportunities before entering law school.

Applicants considering a deferral or gap year should carefully review the specific policies and procedures of the law school, including any impact on financial aid or scholarship offers, to ensure a smooth transition when they ultimately enroll.

Now that you know about UCLA law school, you should have an easier time in deciding if you will enter this university. Wherever you might want to enter, you can get help with AdmissionSight with the help of our world-class guidance. With the help of experts, choosing the best university that suits you best shouldn’t be hard with the help of AdmissionSight. You can  talk to us today  to get started.

Want to assess your chances of admission? Take our FREE chances calculator today!

Why College Admissions Isn’t Perfect

US News Rankings

The Personal Statement: The Holy Grail of College Admissions

The Modern Day 4.0 and 1600 SAT Score Student Is No Longer Impressive

The Competitive Nature of College Admissions for Asian Americans

The College Application

Our Comprehensive Approach

Ivy League Schools

How Early Should You Prepare for College?

Featured in US News & World Report Best Colleges Publication

Congratulations to AdmissionSight Students and their Acceptances!

College Rejection

College Rankings

College Consultants Could Make A Difference

College Admissions Scandal and Higher Education

10 Online Learning Resources for High School Students

How to Compete in the FIRST Robotics Competition

How To Compete In The American Protégé International Competitions

Dartmouth Diversity Statistics

Johns Hopkins University Diversity Statistics

Caltech Diversity Statistics

Your Comprehensive Guide to the UCSB Summer Research Academies

Wesleyan Supplemental Essays 2023-2024: Prompts and Tips

Zero Robotics: All You Need to Know

A Complete Guide To the American Fine Arts Festival

How to Get Published in the Curieux Academic Journal

Duke University Diversity Statistics

Northwestern University Diversity Statistics

University of Chicago Diversity Statistics

Williams College Diversity Statistics

How to Compete in Regeneron ISEF

How To Advance In the North American Computational Linguistics Olympiad

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Recent Articles

10 Online Learning Resources for...

How to Compete in the...

How To Compete In The...

Your Comprehensive Guide to the...

Wesleyan Supplemental Essays 2023-2024: Prompts...

Zero Robotics: All You Need...

A Complete Guide To the...

How to Get Published in...

Sign up now to receive insights on how to navigate the college admissions process.

Admissions Counseling

• Academic & Extracurricular Profile Evaluation

Copyright © AdmissionSight 2024

Privacy Policy - Terms and Conditions

Sign up to our Newsletter

How to get into ucla law school - acceptance rate + stats.

Reviewed by:

David Merson

Former Head of Pre-Law Office, Northeastern University, & Admissions Officer, Brown University

Reviewed: 10/31/23

UCLA Law School is one of the best law schools in the country. If you have your sights on sunny California to further your law education, read on! 

Source: UCLA Law School

The UCLA School of Law is ranked No. 14 in U.S. News World and Report’s list of Best Law Schools . If you want to take advantage of California’s excellent climate and UCLA’s educational law offerings, read on to learn how to get into UCLA Law School! 

UCLA Law School Acceptance Rate: 15.5%

The UCLA School of Law acceptance rate is 15.5%. Typically, UCLA Law receives around 6000-7000 applications and accepts just over 1000 students. In a recent admissions cycle, UCLA Law received 7,227 applications and accepted 1,120 students. 

For more admissions data, here are the acceptance rate trends for UCLA Law School for the past few years: 

Source: ABA Required Disclosures

How Hard Is It to Get Into UCLA Law School? 

Based on UCLA Law's 15.5% acceptance rate, the school is relatively hard to get into. Although it's not as competitive as law schools such as Harvard or Yale, you'll need to submit a perfect application for your best chance of acceptance. 

UCLA Law School Programs Offered & Ranking

UCLA Law offers four academic pathways for prospective law students:

Source: UCLA Law

UCLA Law also offers several dual degrees in collaboration with the JD degree. Options include degrees in Law & Urban Planning, Law & African-American Studies, and Law & Social Welfare.

UCLA Law School Ranking

UCLA Law School is ranked as the 14th best law school in the nation by US News. It also makes Above the Law’s top 50 list, sitting at #23. 

It also ranks highly in a number of other areas, including: 

• #4 in Environmental Law
• #6 in Trial Advocacy
• #7 in Tax Law
• #8 in Contracts/Commercial Law

UCLA Law School Admissions Stats

It’s helpful to take a look at the current average GPA and LSAT scores of UCLA Law to know how you compare and where you should focus on improving. Here are some UCLA Law admission statistics! 

UCLA Law School Average GPA: 3.92

Although there are no explicit GPA cutoffs, you should strive for a high undergraduate GPA for your best chance of admission. Class profile data shows GPA percentiles of incoming J.D. students: 

• 25th percentile GPA : 3.72
• Median GPA : 3.92
• 75th percentile: GPA: 3.98

Since there is no minimum GPA you need to achieve, you may still stand a chance of getting in with a lower GPA . However, aiming for a GPA above the 3.92 UCLA Law School average GPA can make you a more competitive applicant. 

UCLA Law School Average LSAT Score: 170

There is no “required” LSAT score to gain admission at UCLA Law, but higher scores can boost your application. Consider the LSAT score percentiles of incoming J.D. students: 

• 25th percentile LSAT : 165
• Median LSAT : 170
• 75th percentile LSAT : 171

Achieving an LSAT score of 170 or higher should place you in good standing to compete with the UCLA Law School average LSAT score of past years. If you study hard , you can achieve this score! 

UCLA Law School GRE Scores

UCLA Law did not release GRE scores as part of its class profile, and there aren’t any requirements listed. However, a GRE score of 165 on each section approximately converts to a 170 on the LSAT . 

UCLA School of Law Requirements

You must fulfill all UCLA Law School admissions requirements for your application to be considered complete. These are the UCLA Law School requirements you should be aware of: 

• LSAC application
• Personal statement
• Two letters of recommendation 
• Official transcripts
• LSAT/GRE scores
• $75 application fee

All UCLA applicants must apply through LSAC and register with the Credential Assembly Service (CAS). If you apply through UCLA Law's Early Decision program, you must submit an Early Decision Program Agreement. 

If you apply to the David J. Epstein Program in Public Interest Law and Policy , you must submit another application to that program. Applicants to the Distinguished Scholars Program must also submit an agreement document.

Finally, applicants who want to apply to the Achievement Fellowship Program (one of UCLA’s scholarships) must submit “an additional one page essay describing in detail the obstacles they have overcome in life and why they are a strong candidate for the program.”

UCLA Law School Letters of Recommendation

You will need to submit two letters of recommendation to apply to UCLA Law; no more and no less. At least one of these letters should be from a professor or someone else who can speak to your academic abilities. Make sure you choose recommenders who are close to you and can talk you up. 

Although not required, UCLA Law strongly prefers that you submit your letters through the LSAC Letter of Recommendation service, which is included in the CAS registration. 

UCLA Law School Personal Statement

Writing a compelling personal statement is key to getting into UCLA Law. UCLA Law’s personal statement prompt is more focused than other law school prompts you may have come across: 

“Discuss any matters relevant to your ability to succeed in law school and the practice of law, and any attributes, experiences, or interests that would enable you to make a distinctive contribution to UCLA Law or the legal profession.”

Even though you only have two pages to tell your story and describe why you’re the perfect candidate, these tips can help you produce a stellar personal statement. 

• Stick to the Directions : This isn’t the time to get creative. Stay under the word limit and stick to a basic and readable font size (minimum 11-point) and double-spaced lines.
• Tell a Story : Focus on relevant anecdotes that shaped you and your interest in the field of law and that also showcase your character traits, experience, and passions. 
• Have a Common Thread : Your personal statement should have a clear, thematic thread tying it all together. Consider tying your conclusion back to something you mentioned at the beginning of your statement. 
• Don’t Dig Too Deep : While your past experiences can propel your narrative, don’t reach too far into the past. Choose relevant and recent experiences if you can. 
• Relate Qualities to Experiences : Writing, “I’m an honest person,” doesn’t actually show the admissions committee anything. To show your honesty (or any other trait), talk about a time you were honest. 

Other Top Tips for a Fantastic UCLA Law Personal Statement

Getting into UCLA Law requires thoughtful, well-constructed writing; consider this a test of your effective communication and writing skills. These other tips can help you produce a captivating statement: 

• Write using clear sentences. 
• Don’t use legalese or other industry jargon; keep things clear. 
• Consider why you want to go to UCLA: what does the school offer for you that other law schools don’t? Brainstorm them. 
• Focus on how you plan to contribute to the UCLA Law community based on your research. 
• Don’t list the qualifications on your resume or recount any other material in your application. 
• Edit and revise multiple times; no one’s personal statement is a work of art on the first draft! 

UCLA Law School Tuition and Scholarships

The annual cost of tuition for UCLA Law School is $56,455 for California residents and $68,700 for non-residents. However, including other fees and personal expenses, the cost of attendance comes to roughly $87,807 for California residents and $100,052 for non-residents per year. 

Take a look at this table for a full breakdown of the estimated costs you can expect to pay each year: 

UCLA Law Scholarships 

To help you afford your education, UCLA Law School offers various financial aid options including a combination of grants, fellowships, scholarships, and loans. Nearly 90% of J.D. students receive some type of financial aid, the majority being gift aid.

UCLA Law also offers several full-tuition scholarship programs to high-achieving students: 

• UCLA Law Distinguished Scholars Award
• UCLA Law Achievement Fellowship
• Graton Scholarship
• Emmett Family Environmental Law Scholarship

UCLA School of Law Application Deadlines

The final deadline to apply to UCLA Law School is February 1, 2024. However, if you are applying through an Early Decision program, you’ll need to submit your application by November 15. 

You’ll need to stay on top of all the application deadlines ! To keep you from missing an important deadline, here are some dates you should be aware of: 

UCLA Law School Bar Passage Rate: 92.47%

The first-time bar passage rate for UCLA School of Law is 92.47%. This is extremely high, especially compared to the ABA average pass rate, which is 73.23%. 

Source: UCLA Law , FAQs

Decisions are released on a rolling basis for all decision pathways. 

How to Get Into UCLA Law School: Tips to Improve Your Admission Chances

The task of achieving admission to UCLA School of Law may seem daunting, but don’t worry. Here are some tips to get into UCLA Law School to help you tackle the application process!

• Have a Strong Application Narrative : Your application materials should be cohesive and meld well with one another. Think about some common themes in your journey to law school (perseverance, community service, a passion for learning, etc.) and lean into those themes as you put your application together. 
• Focus On Your Grades : Your grades are incredibly important for admission to UCLA Law, so study hard! According to their admissions policy , “UCLA Law places substantial weight on traditional measures of academic ability, namely grades and standardized scores.” Prioritize your GPA and LSAT scores!
• Highlight Your Skills : While UCLA Law has no preference for a certain undergrad major, they do pay attention to the skills you can demonstrate through your schooling. In your application, show that you possess “ strong critical thinking, writing, problem-solving and analytical skills .” 

With these admission tips for UCLA Law School, you’ll be able to put together a stellar application for law school! 

What Does UCLA Law School Look For? 

It’s important to tailor your application to the specific school you’re applying to, but how do you know what UCLA Law is looking for? 

Well, their admissions policy states that they seek to admit students who can contribute “vital, diverse viewpoints” to the school’s academic community. When applying, consider how you have cultivated a diverse worldview! 

Along with qualities that your application will likely already display, such as work experience, public service, and career goals, UCLA School of Law pays attention to factors that indicate that you will contribute to the school’s community. This may include leadership qualities, unique life experiences, or language ability. 

If you can demonstrate any of these things in your application, UCLA Law will be impressed! 

FAQs: How to Get Into UCLA Law School

If you still have questions about how to get into UCLA Law School, read on for more answers. 

1. Is UCLA a Good Law School? 

Considering that UCLA Law ranks in the top 20 national law schools, UCLA Law is a great school to pursue or further your law education. 

2. What GPA Do You Need for UCLA Law? 

While there is no GPA you “need” to get into UCLA Law, you should strive to achieve a GPA higher than 3.92 (the median class GPA) if possible. 

3. What LSAT Score Do I Need for UCLA Law School? 

UCLA Law doesn’t have LSAT score cutoffs, but it would be best if you achieved an LSAT score of 170 or higher to be a more competitive applicant. 

4. What is UCLA School of Law’s Acceptance Rate? 

UCLA Law’s acceptance rate is 15.5%. 

5. When Is the UCLA Law Application Deadline? 

UCLA’s priority deadline for Early Decision is November 15. All applications must be submitted by February 1. 

Get Into One of California’s Premier Law Schools Today 

UCLA School of Law is an excellent addition to your school list. Getting into UCLA Law requires knowing more about the admissions process, submitting a perfect personal statement, and understanding the UCLA Law School requirements. 

Now that you know how to get into UCLA Law School, you can submit a well-written application and maximize your chances of success. Good luck! 

Schedule A Free Consultation

You may also like.

Mock Trial in High School: What You Need to Know

How to Become a Public Defender

• Get Started
• Join Our Team
• (212) 262-3500
• Initial Consultation
• IvyWise Roundtable
• School Placement
• Test Prep & Tutoring
• Early College Guidance
• College Admissions Counseling
• Academic Tutoring
• Test Prep Tutoring
• Research Mentorship
• Academic Advising
• Transfer Admissions
• Graduate Admissions
• School Partnerships
• Webinars and Events
• IvyWise By The Numbers
• Testimonials
• Dr. Kat Cohen
• IvyWise In The News
• IvyWise Gives Back
• IvyWise Blog
• Just Admit It! Podcast
• Helpful Links
• Admission Statistics
• U.S. Admissions Guide for International Students
• College Admissions Guide
• College Planning and Academics Checklist

UCLA Personal Statement: FAQ, Examples & Insider Tips

UCLA is part of the University of California system, which is comprised of nine campuses throughout the state. Students applying to UCLA must use the UC application — the University of California system does not use the Common App or Coalition Application. The application process includes several personal statement prompts, or what UC refers to as personal insight questions. Keep reading to learn more about these prompts and tips for responding to them.   

Does UCLA Need a Personal Statement? 

For admission to any of the University of California schools, including UCLA, you are required to respond to the personal statement prompts, which becomes part of the holistic review. What does holistic review really mean?  

IvyWise counselor Tiffany explains, “holistic review really means and acknowledges that there are multiple parts of your personality, your talents, and your application — and the admissions office is willing to consider each of those areas.” The UCLA essays provide insight into who you are beyond how you perform in the classroom. It helps the admissions committee picture how you will contribute to the campus community. 

UCLA Personal Statement 2023 

Well-crafted essay responses may give you an edge over another strong candidate with comparable academic performance. Taking the time to research how to get into UCLA and including specific and relevant details in your responses will make your personal statements much stronger. According to the University of California, your responses to the personal insight  questions “provide context for the rest of your application.”  

How Long Is the UCLA Personal Statement? 

The UC system provides eight personal insight questions for the 2023-24 admissions cycle. You are required to respond to four of them. Each response should be 250 to 350 words. Review the questions carefully and choose the four that you feel are the most relevant to your circumstances and life experience.  

Why Is UCLA So Hard to Get Into? 

UCLA receives more applications than any other college or university in the U.S., making it highly competitive. The UCLA acceptance rate is less than 9%, making it one of the most selective schools in the UC system. And because it’s state-funded, admissions preference is given to California residents. Therefore, it’s even more challenging for non-California residents to gain admission. For the class of 2027, the acceptance rate was 9.46% for in-state students, 8.62% for out-of-state students, and 6.09% for international students.  

To be competitive, your application should emphasize the three most important factors for UCLA admissions officers: the rigor of your high school coursework, your GPA, and your personal insight essays. Other factors — such as extracurriculars, volunteer/work experience, personal qualities, and talents/skills — are also important but not given as much weight.  

What Does a Good Personal Statement Look Like? 

It takes time and practice to learn how to write a personal statement that’s compelling and competitive. Your essays should demonstrate your intellectual curiosity, a positive attitude, and the personal characteristics that make you a good fit for UCLA. It’s an opportunity to highlight the educational and personal experiences that shaped you as well as your talents and skills — all of which demonstrate how you will contribute to the campus community both inside and outside of the classroom.  

Examples of Personal Statements for UCLA 

Below are the personal insight questions for the 2023-24 admissions cycle — these are the prompts for UCLA and all other schools in the UC system. There is no right or wrong way to respond to these prompts, but these examples can help you think about how to approach your own essays. Since the UC application can go to multiple University of California schools, these responses don’t specifically mention UCLA.   

1. Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes, or contributed to group efforts over time.

Leadership is about empathy, understanding, and finding common ground. My leadership style has been defined by these principles, especially after an experience I had during my sophomore year.  

I joined the student council, serving as a liaison between my peers and the faculty. That year, our school’s annual talent show was in jeopardy due to a heated dispute among the planning committee. I organized a meeting for the committee members to address their concerns and find common ground. I listened to each person’s perspective and soon understood that the arguments stemmed from a lack of clarity about roles and responsibilities.  

To resolve the issue, I proposed a clear division of tasks and responsibilities, which was agreed upon by the committee. I also suggested regular check-ins to ensure everyone was on the same page. The show was soon back on track!  

I continued to lead the team, ensuring everyone felt heard and valued, and reminded them of the positive impact our efforts would have on the school community. We worked together tirelessly to make the talent show a success, and the entire experience was a testament to the power of collaboration and empathy.  

This leadership experience highlighted the importance of active listening and empathy in resolving disputes and fostering a positive group dynamic. It also reinforced the idea that leadership isn’t about being in the spotlight but about facilitating teamwork and collaboration. By focusing on the needs and concerns of everyone on the team, I was able to bring about a harmonious resolution and contribute to the success of the talent show.  

As I embark on my college journey, I carry with me the valuable lessons I learned during this experience. I’m excited to continue developing my leadership experience and making a positive impact on the world.  

2. Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side.

Creativity makes life more vibrant and full of endless possibilities. It’s in how I approach problems, the stories I write, and the visions I bring to life through photography.  

Problem-solving has always been my playground for creativity. When faced with a challenge, I don’t just take the conventional path—I twist, turn, and reshape it. Once in math class, we had to figure out a complex probability problem. I designed a colorful, interactive game to help solve it. The teacher loved it, and my peers started seeing math in a new light.  

Through storytelling, I can craft worlds, characters, and emotions. I write short stories, poetry, and even started working on a novel. I take pride in sharing my thoughts and ideas through my writing, hoping to inspire others to explore their creative sides.  

Photography is my way of capturing the world’s magic. Whether it’s the rusty old bike leaning against a graffiti-covered wall or a breathtaking sunset over the ocean, I strive to capture the extraordinary in the ordinary. It’s my hope that my photos ignite a sense of wonder in others and encourage them to view the world with a fresh perspective.  

My creativity isn’t confined to just one box—it’s constantly meandering into different channels. Whether I’m solving problems, spinning tales, or snapping pictures, my creative side is an ever-evolving, kaleidoscopic expression of who I am. It’s about breathing life into the mundane, stirring curiosity, and letting my imagination roam free.  

As I look ahead to college, I envision myself exploring new horizons, meeting fellow artists and thinkers, and discovering fresh ways to express my creativity. My creativity is always evolving, ready to burst with the new colors and patterns of campus life. I’m excited to see where my creative journey will lead me.  

3. What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time?

I’ve known since childhood that I’m meant to be an animator. Over the years, I’ve nurtured this talent, honed it, and painted my imagination into vibrant, moving pictures.  

My journey into animation started with doodles in the margins of my notebooks. I couldn’t help but bring life to those still images. It was a spark of magic, and I was hooked. I began teaching myself the basics of animation, poring over online tutorials and practicing relentlessly.  

In high school, I joined the art club, where I had the chance to work on collaborative projects and learn from other passionate artists. But what truly set my journey in motion was an independent project creating an animated short film for a school competition. It was a daunting task, but I was determined to give it my all.  

For weeks, I sketched frames, adjusted details, and tweaked animations until they felt just right. My story was about a young astronaut exploring a distant planet, a reflection of my own sense of adventure and curiosity. The process was grueling but incredibly rewarding.  

The final product played on the screen during the competition to applause and positive feedback. I was overwhelmed with a sense of accomplishment, and I realized that this was what I wanted to pursue in life.  

As I reflect on my journey, I see the growth in my abilities. I’ve developed a keen eye for detail, a better understanding of storytelling, and a deep appreciation for the art of animation. What started as doodles in my notebook transformed into a passionate pursuit of a craft that allows me to express my creativity in unimaginable ways.  

The University of California represents the next step in my animation adventure. I’m excited about the opportunity to study animation in a structured and collaborative environment, where I can learn from experienced professionals and immerse myself in this art form. My dream is to work in the animation industry, creating stories that touch hearts, inspire minds, and make people believe in the magic of animation.  

4. Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced.

One of the most significant educational barriers I’ve faced is my struggle with dyslexia. Reading and writing doesn’t come naturally to me, and for a long time, I felt like I was lagging behind my peers. The education system seemed designed for students who could effortlessly absorb information from textbooks, while I had to fight for every word.  

I was determined not to let dyslexia define me and sought out opportunities to overcome it. I reached out to a school counselor who connected me with Learning Ally, a specialized reading program. Through countless hours of hard work and dedication, I began to make progress. It was slow, but it was progress—and that’s what mattered most to me.  

I also tapped into tools like text-to-speech software and speech recognition. These resources allowed me to engage with the material in a way that accommodated my unique learning style. They transformed my educational experience, giving me a sense of empowerment and independence.  

Soon, I began to realize the power of resilience. My struggle with dyslexia taught me that it’s not the challenges we encounter, but how we confront them, that truly matters. I became more proactive about advocating for my educational needs and helping other students with similar challenges.  

By taking advantage of the educational opportunities available to me and embracing the tools that could help me succeed, I learned that every obstacle is an opportunity in disguise. I may not be the fastest reader or have the strongest writing skills, but I’ve developed a unique perspective and a tenacity that will serve me well in the future.  

I aim to carry this spirit of determination with me to the University of California. Overcoming my educational barriers made me ready to face any challenge that comes my way. I hope to inspire others who face similar hurdles to believe in their own ability to overcome obstacles.  

5. Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement?

Childhood cancer. These two words don’t just represent a medical condition—they carry emotional weight.  

My younger sister’s leukemia diagnosis was gut-wrenching for our family. Then came a whirlwind of doctor’s appointments, hospital stays, and endless uncertainty into our lives. My parents were consumed by the daily fight for my sister’s life. The stress and emotional toll of the situation were immense, and it inevitably impacted my academic performance.  

Eventually, I learned to manage my time effectively, squeezing in study sessions during hospital visits and late nights. I explained my situation to teachers and my school counselor, and they provided the necessary support and accommodations to help me stay on track academically.  

I became involved in initiatives to raise awareness and funds for leukemia research. I organized fundraisers, volunteered at children’s hospitals, and participated in awareness campaigns. These actions not only provided a sense of purpose during a challenging time but also allowed me to make a difference in the lives of other families facing similar battles.  

Academically, it’s been a rollercoaster ride. I’ve had periods of academic excellence, followed by moments where I struggled to keep up. But I’ve come to realize that true success isn’t defined by grades; it’s about rising to a challenge and finding strength in the face of adversity. My sister taught me that.  

My sister faced a life-threatening illness, but she rose to the challenge and has been cancer-free now for a year. Her strength inspires me. I now aspire to become a pediatric oncologist, using my knowledge and passion to help children like my sister.  

This challenging time affected my academic achievement, but it also transformed me into a stronger, more compassionate individual. I hope to use what I learned from this experience as fuel for my academic journey and my future mission to help children and families facing childhood cancer.  

6. Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom.

Stars, galaxies, and black holes have always fascinated me. This cosmic curiosity isn’t limited to just the classroom.  

I’m that kid who can’t get enough of astrophysics: the theories of Einstein, the mysteries of dark matter, and the birth and death of stars—these are the puzzles I love to ponder. My teachers say I’m a space geek, and I wear that title proudly. I’ve aced my AP Physics and astronomy courses. When it comes to space, I can talk your ear off about everything from the Big Bang to wormholes.  

I founded an astronomy club at my school, and every stargazing night is a chance to explore the universe. Armed with telescopes, we scan the night sky, trying to spot distant galaxies and nebulae. There’s something magical about watching a meteor shower or the phases of the moon. I’m connecting with the cosmos, and it’s mesmerizing.  

I’ve also helped organize public telescope viewings at a park near my house. Sharing my passion with others is as thrilling as uncovering the secrets of the universe. Watching the wonder in a child’s eyes as they see Saturn’s rings for the first time is a feeling like no other.  

Outside of school, I follow the latest discoveries, read scientific journals, and even tune into space exploration missions. When NASA’s Perseverance rover touched down on Mars, I was glued to the live feed, dreaming of the day I might work on such missions myself.  

I’m excited to meet other space geeks in college, joining them in exploring the mysteries of the cosmos and contributing to humanity’s understanding of the universe. I’m looking forward to taking the next step toward making my dream of becoming an astrophysicist a reality.

7. What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?

I believe that even small gestures can create ripples of change, and that’s what I’ve set out to do in my school and in my community.  

I helped make my school a better place by starting a kindness club. It all began with a simple idea: to spread positivity and create a more inclusive environment. We organize events like “Compliment Day” and “Kindness Challenges” to encourage students, teachers, and staff to uplift one another. Through these activities, I’ve seen smiles, laughter, and friendships bloom. It’s been heartwarming to witness the impact of kindness on our school culture.  

Mentoring younger students has also been incredibly rewarding. I volunteer as a tutor at an after-school program, helping the students with their homework and providing academic support. It’s not just about assisting them with their schoolwork—I offer encouragement and help them develop confidence in their abilities.   

Beyond these organized efforts, I’m a firm believer in leading by example. I try to be a source of positivity and support for my peers. Whether it’s offering a listening ear or helping someone who’s struggling, I want to be someone others can lean on.  

These experiences have not only enriched my school and community but have also taught me the power of compassion, empathy, and the importance of giving back. As I look ahead to college, I hope to continue making a positive impact. Whether it’s through joining service-oriented clubs or starting new initiatives, I’m excited to contribute to my new community in any way I can. Because, in the end, it’s not about grand gestures; it’s about the collective effort to spread positivity and make the world a better place, one small act at a time.  

8. Beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you a strong candidate for admission to the University of California?

In my small Sierra County, California, town, opportunities for exposure to the vast expanse of knowledge and experiences tend to be scarce. The resources required for an ambitious student’s intellectual growth are limited, and it’s quite a distance to any town with robust educational amenities. However, amidst this lonely setting stands a beacon of hope and knowledge—our local library.  

The library is my haven, my classroom, and my window to the world beyond the comforting but stifling embrace of small-town life. It is where my curiosity is nurtured and my ambitions are fueled. The library’s partnership with other libraries allows me to access a wider range of materials, and I take advantage, checking out an array of books and magazines that supplement my classroom learning and open my mind to the wider world.   

I believe the self-discipline, resourcefulness, and inquisitiveness I honed during those countless hours in the library make me a strong candidate for admission to the University of California. I am accustomed to making the most of what is available, a skill that will serve me well in a university setting. Moreover, my humble upbringing instilled in me the values of hard work, determination, and a genuine appreciation for education.  

I am excited about the prospect of transitioning from a small town to a prestigious institution where the opportunities and resources are boundless. I am eager to contribute my unique perspective shaped by my experiences and in turn, learn from the myriad experiences of others.  

I may have fewer accolades compared to those from more resourceful backgrounds. However, I have a relentless spirit, a profound appreciation for learning, and a ceaseless curiosity to explore beyond the familiar. I am poised to embrace the vast academic and extracurricular opportunities at the University of California, eager to continue my journey of self-discovery and contribute to the community with the earnestness and determination that have brought me this far.  

Once you have a draft for the four prompts you selected, it’s time to start revising and refining. 

UCLA Personal Statement Tips   

The UCLA admissions committee is looking for responses that ring true, so feel free to demonstrate your personality in your essays. Admissions officers can tell when a student isn’t being authentic! Nothing makes your essay more authentic than writing about what excites and motivates you. IvyWise counselor Victoria suggests thinking about what you love to do and what you’re interested in so you can “think about ways that you can show who you are, how you think about the world, and what’s important to you through those topics.” 

While you’re encouraged to be yourself, it’s also important to be cautious. The UCLA admissions office advises students to “be careful with humor and clichés” in their essays. Humor can be easily misinterpreted, and clichés are unoriginal and detract from your voice. As the examples above illustrate, using specific details to show UCLA who you are is important. Just keep in mind that they want to know more about who you are right now than who you plan to be in the future.  

Even with these tips, you might struggle to craft your essays for UCLA. IvyWise is here to help! Our counselors have served as admissions officers at some of the top colleges and universities in the U.S. and have read thousands of essays. Schedule an Initial Consultation to learn how we can help you with the college admissions process.  

Related Topics

Related posts.

• What Vanderbilt Admissions Officers Look for in Essays
• Advice for First-Generation College Students
• 2024-25 Common App Essay Prompts
• Direct Admissions: How to Get Admitted Into College Without Applying
• College Trivia and Fun Facts
• Admission Rates
• Choosing a College
• College Admission Advice
• College Planning
• In the Press
• Just Admit It Podcast
• Student Life

Home » IvyWise College Admissions Blog » College Admission Advice » College Application Tips » UCLA Personal Statement: FAQ, Examples & Insider Tips

• Board index Law School Admissions Law School Personal Statements

UCLA Personal Statement Forum

UCLA Personal Statement

Post by aliceydu » Tue Nov 08, 2011 5:43 pm

Re: UCLA Personal Statement

Post by CanadianWolf » Tue Nov 08, 2011 5:57 pm

Post by lrslayer » Tue Nov 08, 2011 6:02 pm

Post by aliceydu » Tue Nov 08, 2011 6:53 pm

lrslayer wrote: I think the writing is good and your background is neat but isn't there something else you can contribute to UCLA? The reason I ask is because there are a shit load of people applying there that are Chinese American as well as a ton of people who are interested in US and Chinese law. Basically, there will be many students applying that fit this same paragraph imo and this will not make you stand out. Sorry to be harsh, but don't you want to suggest something more memorable here?

Post by lrslayer » Tue Nov 08, 2011 7:13 pm

aliceydu wrote: lrslayer wrote: I think the writing is good and your background is neat but isn't there something else you can contribute to UCLA? The reason I ask is because there are a shit load of people applying there that are Chinese American as well as a ton of people who are interested in US and Chinese law. Basically, there will be many students applying that fit this same paragraph imo and this will not make you stand out. Sorry to be harsh, but don't you want to suggest something more memorable here?

Want to continue reading?

Register now to search topics and post comments!

Absolutely FREE!

Already a member? Login

Return to “Law School Personal Statements”

• Law School Admissions
• ↳   Law School Admissions Forum
• ↳   Law School Personal Statements
• ↳   LSAT Prep and Discussion Forum
• ↳   Law School Acceptances, Denials, and Waitlists
• ↳   Law School Visits
• ↳   Choosing a Law School
• ↳   What are my chances?
• ↳   Financial Aid
• ↳   Ask a Law Student / Graduate
• ↳   Transfers
• ↳   Forum for Law School Students
• ↳   Ask a Law Student
• ↳   Non-US Law Schools Forum
• ↳   Bar Exam Prep and Discussion Forum
• ↳   Law School Courses
• Law School Class Forums
• ↳   TLS Class of 2025 Forum
• ↳   TLS Class of 2024 Forum
• ↳   TLS Class of 2023 Forum
• ↳   TLS Class of 2022 Forum
• ↳   TLS Class of 2021 Forum
• ↳   TLS Class of 2020 Forum
• ↳   TLS Class of 2019 Forum
• ↳   TLS Class of 2018 Forum
• ↳   TLS Class of 2017 Forum
• ↳   TLS Class of 2016 Forum
• Legal Employment/Careers
• ↳   Legal Employment
• ↳   Judicial Clerkships
• ↳   OCI
• ↳   In-House
• ↳   Small & Midsized Firms
• ↳   1st Year and 2nd Year Summer
• ↳   Big Law/Private Practice Jobs
• ↳   Public Interest & Government
• ↳   Alternative Careers
• ↳   Lateral Moves
• ↳   Interview Tips
• ↳   Resume Tips
• Underrepresented Lawyers and Students
• ↳   Black Lawyers and Law Students
• ↳   Hispanic and Latino Lawyers and Law Students
• ↳   Asian Lawyers and Law Students
• ↳   American Indian Lawyers and Law Students
• ↳   Women Lawyers and Law Students
• ↳   LGBTQ+ Lawyers and Law Students
• ↳   Disabled Lawyers and Law Students
• ↳   First Generation Lawyers and Law Students
• ↳   Veteran Lawyers and Law Students
• ↳   Single Parent Lawyers and Law Students
• ↳   Underrepresented Law Students
• Legal Practice
• ↳   Forum for Law School Graduates Only
• ↳   Discussion of Practice Areas
• ↳   Legal News/Law Firm Gossip
• ↳   Firm Q&A by Region
• Legal Advice
• ↳   Free Help and Advice from Professionals
• ↳   Buy - Exchange - Giveaway - Sell
• ↳   TLS Content Competitions
• ↳   Other forums not on the main forum index page
• ↳   TLS Class of 2015 Forum
• ↳   TLS Class of 2014 Forum
• ↳   TLS Class of 2013 Forum
• ↳   TLS Class of 2012 Forum
• ↳   TLS Class of 2011 Forum
• ↳   TLS wiki forum
• ↳   TLS Web Logs (Blogs)
• Board index
• Delete all board cookies
• Law Firm Profiles
• Copyright Policy
• © Top Law Schools LLC 2003-2022 all rights reserved
• Terms of Service
• Privacy Policy

Privacy | Terms

Personal Insight Questions

The following are tips to help applicants find appropriate topics, styles and tones for their answers to the personal insight questions. Please also see the University of California’s instructions for freshmen  and for transfers .

As we read your application, including your answers to the personal insight questions, we’re looking for evidence of your intellectual curiosity and your interest in personal development. UCLA has such a creative, ambitious and diverse student body. We’re always on the lookout for applicants who will contribute to the intellectual vitality, cultural life and diversity of UCLA.

• These questions are about getting to know you better, so be open, reflective, find your individual voice and express it.
• Freshman Applicants: You will have eight questions to choose from, you must respond to any four of the eight questions. The questions you choose to answer are entirely up to you.
• Transfer Applicants: There is one required question you must answer; then you answer three out of seven additional questions. Which three of the seven you choose to answer are entirely up to you.
• All applicants: We recommend you select questions that are most relevant to your experience and best reflect your individual circumstances.
• All questions will be given equal consideration in the application review process, which means there is no advantage or disadvantage to choosing certain questions over others.
• Each response is limited to a maximum of 350 words.

Tips for Success

We hope these tips will help you get organized and will inspire you. Your accomplishments, your opinions — you are important! Your answers to these questions are the best tool you have to show us the individual gifts you have to offer to the UCLA community.

Start early.

Give yourself time to think about your topics and carefully consider the rationale behind each question.

Be clear. Be focused. Be organized.

Make sure your answers to the questions follow a logical structure. Try to think about how it may seem to an audience who doesn’t know you. Input from people you trust — teachers, friends, relatives — can help you get perspective on how your answers affect those who are reading them.

Be careful with humor and clichés.

What might seem funny or bitingly ironic to you may not seem that way to someone who doesn’t know you. Remember that these questions are an opportunity for you to give us a complete picture of yourself. Don’t allow clichés to speak for you.

Don’t manufacture hardship.

Your answer to a personal insight question isn’t effective simply because it chronicles difficult circumstances. An effective answer to any question gives us a clear sense of your personal qualities and how you’ve used and developed them in response to your opportunities and challenges.

Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

Prove to us with written examples that you have a sense of who you are, where you’re going and how you will use your education and experiences to accomplish your goals. Although some events have long-term or even lifetime ramifications, it’s usually better to focus on recent events because they shed more light on who you are right now.

Finally, give yourself plenty of time for revisions.

Read your writing to others, and revise for clarity in content and in style. Pay attention to rules of correct grammar and punctuation, and don’t forget to spell check.

Please visit the University of California site for more help with your personal insight questions, including the text of the questions you will be asked to answer.

How to Answer UC’s Personal Insight Questions

Special Instructions for Veterans

We’re interested in knowing about your military service. Therefore, you may wish to use the personal insight questions to communicate the following:

• Describe how your military service has been instrumental in developing your educational plans.
• Indicate if you’re entitled to educational benefits as a result of your own military service or the service-connected death or disability of a parent or spouse.
• Indicate if you’re affiliated with the military such as, but not limited to, the spouse or dependent of someone who is on active duty or a current participant in an ROTC-type program.

Spanish-Language Versions

The UC Personal Insight Guides are also available in Spanish.

• Tips in Spanish for freshmen (PDF)
• Tips in Spanish for transfers (PDF)  
• Writing tips in Spanish (PDF)

Get the Reddit app

• Undergraduate Students
• Masters Students
• PhD/Doctoral Students
• Postdoctoral Scholars
• Faculty & Staff
• Families & Supporters
• Prospective Students
• Explore Your Interests / Self-Assessment
• Build your Network / LinkedIn
• Search for a Job / Internship
• Create a Resume / Cover Letter
• Prepare for an Interview
• Negotiate an Offer
• Prepare for Graduate School
• Find Funding Opportunities
• Prepare for the Academic Job Market
• Search for a Job or Internship
• Advertising, Marketing, and Public Relations
• Arts & Entertainment
• Consulting & Financial Services
• Engineering & Technology
• Government, Law & Policy
• Hospitality
• Management & Human Resources
• Non-Profit, Social Justice & Education
• Retail & Consumer Services
• BIPOC Students & Scholars
• Current & Former Foster Youth
• Disabled Students & Scholars
• First-Generation Students & Scholars
• Formerly Incarcerated Students & Scholars
• International Students & Scholars
• LGBTQ+ Students & Scholars
• Students & Scholars with Dependents
• Transfer Students
• Undocumented Students & Scholars
• Women-Identifying Students & Scholars

Graduate Writing Center: Writing the Personal Statement

• Share This: Share Graduate Writing Center: Writing the Personal Statement on Facebook Share Graduate Writing Center: Writing the Personal Statement on LinkedIn Share Graduate Writing Center: Writing the Personal Statement on X

Presenter: Jackie Davis, World Arts & Cultures, Graduate Writing ConsultantAndrew Malmuth, Sociology, Graduate Writing ConsultantThis workshop will cover strategies for writing personal statements for fellowship applications, residencies, and PhD programs. Among other topics, we will discuss organization, introductions and conclusions, and use of examples. Students from all schools and departments are welcome to attend.

One more step:

Spread the word by sharing this event with your social networks, save it to your calendar, add to calendar.

• On the Border
• ABC-7 Alert Center
• Watch a Newscast
• ABC-7 StormTrack Doppler
• El Paso Chihuahuas
• Watch Locomotive FC
• Texas Politics
• New Mexico Politics
• Watch Live Events
• Borderland Crimes Podcast
• Community Champions
• Borderland Experts
• Father’s Day
• Good Vibes Only
• Sunday Funday
• Mother’s Day
• Entertainment
• Events Calendar
• ABC-7 Listens
• KVIA Careers
• Borderland Careers
• Contact KVIA
• People of ABC-7
• Closed Captioning
• EEO Public Filing
• FCC Public File
• KVIA Jobs and Internships
• Download Our Apps
• History of KVIA ABC-7
• TV Listings

At least 25 protesters arrested after pro-Palestinian encampments formed on UCLA campus, police say

By Jillian Sykes and Holly Yan, CNN

(CNN) — At least 25 people were arrested after setting up multiple pro-Palestinian encampments on UCLA’s campus Monday that police said were unlawful, according to a  statement  from the UCLA Police Department.

As a result of the encampments, the group damaged a fountain, spray-painted brick walkways, tampered with fire safety equipment, damaged patio furniture, stripped wire from electrical fixtures and vandalized vehicles, police said in the statement.

While protests spread at college campuses this spring denouncing Israel’s handling of its war against Hamas in Gaza, UCLA’s campus turned into a scene of brutality on April 30 when violent counterprotesters attacked pro-Palestinian demonstrators.

A CNN analysis found that some of the most dramatic attacks caught on camera that night were committed by people outside UCLA – not the university students and faculty who were eventually arrested.

But on Monday, a group of about 100 people associated with a UCLA registered student organization set up an encampment at the top of the Janss Steps around 3:15 p.m., UCPD said.

The group resisted leaving the area after initial warnings but left after UCPD issued multiple dispersal orders. The protesters relocated to the Kerckhoff patio, where they “set up an unauthorized and unlawful encampment with tents, canopies, and barricades with patio furniture,” police said.

The group also entered Moore Hall and disrupted nearby final exams, police said.

Another round of dispersal orders led the group to the courtyard between Dodd Hall and the School of Law, where they set up a third encampment, according to police.

UCLA Associate Professor Graeme Blair , a member of Faculty for Justice in Palestine , said one student went to a hospital after getting wounded by a rubber bullet – which Blair said was fired when students were in the camp near Dodd Hall, the Los Angeles Times reported. Blair, who has participated in the protests , criticized authorities, saying students had been following dispersal orders throughout the evening. CNN has reached out to Blair for comment.

A UC Police representative declined to comment on the arrests or say whether “less than lethal” weapons were used, the Times reported .

UCLA police did not respond to CNN’s request for comment Tuesday about the arrests and whether rubber bullets were used.

On Monday evening, about 25 people were arrested around 8 p.m. for willful disruption of university operations, the police statement said.

Those individuals were cited, issued a 14-day stay-away order from UCLA property and released, police said.

Another person was previously arrested during the setup of the first encampment for interfering with a police officer. That person was cited and released, UCPD said.

About 150 protesters remained in the area as of 10:30 p.m. Monday.

Tensions have simmered on the UCLA campus over how the university has responded to protesters and counterprotesters in recent months. Faculty members have been divided over whether Chancellor Gene Block “failed to ensure the safety of our students and grievously mishandled the events.”

This is a developing story and will be updated.

CNN’s Amanda Musa contributed to this report.

The-CNN-Wire ™ & © 2024 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.

Jump to comments ↓

Related Articles

Judge Aileen Cannon denies effort by Trump and co-defendants to dismiss some charges in classified documents case

This is the dangerous Venezuelan gang infiltrating the US that you probably know nothing about but should

Bull jumps sisters rodeo arena fence, escapes; 3 struck, injured by bull as crowd scrambles out of the way, ‘catastrophic landslide’ closes critical mountain highway between wyoming and idaho.

KVIA ABC 7 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here .

Breaking News

Three Jewish students sue UCLA, saying protesters blocked access to campus facilities

• Show more sharing options
• Copy Link URL Copied!

Three Jewish UCLA students filed a federal lawsuit against the UC regents and several university officials on Wednesday, alleging that anti-Israel protesters blocked them from crucial parts of the campus.

In the 74-page filing, the plaintiffs — two second-year law students and a sophomore history major — described UCLA as a “hotbed of antisemitism,” with activists carrying signs with threatening messages, chanting “Death to the Jews” and obstructing passage to campus facilities.

Lawyers for the students said pro-Palestinian protesters established checkpoints at their encampment on Royce Quad, providing entry only to those who condemned Israel.

“With the knowledge and acquiescence of UCLA officials, the activists enforced what was effectively a ‘Jew Exclusion Zone,’ segregating Jewish students and preventing them from accessing the heart of campus, including classroom buildings and the main undergraduate library,” the lawsuit said. “In many cases, the activists set up barriers and locked arms together, preventing those who refused to disavow Israel from passing through.”

UCLA struggles to recover after 200 arrested, pro-Palestinian camp torn down

Less than 24 hours after a violent attack on a pro-Palestinian camp at UCLA, officers pulled apart barricades as they tore down the encampment and made arrests.

May 3, 2024

The filing against the University of California comes roughly six weeks after demonstrators set up an encampment at UCLA, demanding that the university sever ties with Israel over its war in the Gaza Strip.

Some Jewish students voiced dismay over the checkpoints , saying they were excluded from the encampment simply because they supported the existence of Israel. Other students defended them, telling The Times they were needed to keep “agitators” from entering and endangering protesters.

Lawyers for the three students said UCLA’s handling of the situation caused their clients to be denied of their right to free speech, their freedom to practice religion and equal access to educational facilities, among other things.

“If masked agitators had excluded any other marginalized group at UCLA, Gov. Newsom rightly would have sent in the National Guard immediately,” said Mark Rienzi, president and CEO of the nonprofit Becket Fund for Religious Liberty , which provided some of the legal representation in the case.

In a statement, UCLA officials said they were aware of the lawsuit but had not yet been served.

“We will review and respond in due course,” said Mary Osako, UCLA’s vice chancellor of strategic communications. “UCLA remains committed to supporting the safety and well-being of the entire Bruin community.”

Yogita Goyal, a UCLA professor of English and African American Studies, rejected the claims in the lawsuit, calling them “patently false.”

“I spent many days walking around the whole area and never saw anyone excluded from the encampment unless they came with clear intent to disrupt and harm the students inside,” she said in an email. “No student was barred from taking classes or entering the library. It was campus security that set up alternate routes.”

Goyal, whose office is near Royce Quad, said protesters in the encampment were “constantly being threatened by outsiders and hecklers.” Getting around the encampment, she said, simply took an extra two- or three-minute walk.

The lawsuit names several university officials as defendants, including UCLA Chancellor Gene Block, who was recently called to testify before members of Congress about the demonstrations. Attorneys for the three students have seized on some of Block’s statements, noting that, at one point, he publicly acknowledged that students on their way to class had been “ physically blocked ” from accessing parts of the campus.

Four takeaways from UCLA Chancellor Gene Block’s testimony on campus antisemitism, protests

UCLA chancellor Gene Block was interrogated by a congressional committee Thursday for his handling of a Palestinian solidarity encampment. Republicans and some Democrats used the hearing as a chance to score political points.

May 23, 2024

On April 30, counterdemonstrators attacked the encampment, using fireworks and crude weapons, with law enforcement failing to intervene for several hours. Police tore down the initial pro-Palestinian encampment the following night, arresting more than 200 people .

The Los Angeles chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, a civil rights and advocacy organization, condemned the arrests, criticizing UCLA for carrying out a “militarized police response” to an “anti-genocide encampment.” The organization also denounced police for failing to protect protesters from violence.

In mid-May, one pro-Israel counterdemonstrator was arrested in connection with the attacks.

Jewish students make up about 8% of UCLA’s undergraduate students. In the wake of the demonstrations, Goyal said, dozens of UCLA’s Jewish faculty and staff members signed an open letter seeking amnesty for the arrested protesters and arguing that critiques of Israel are not “presumptively antisemitic.”

“While the signatories have profound disagreements about the State of Israel, we agree that it is dangerous to frame all critiques of the state or government of Israel, or all critiques of Zionism, as antisemitic,” the letter states.

More to Read

‘Are you a Zionist?’ Checkpoints at UCLA encampment provoked fear, debate among Jews

May 9, 2024

Photos: Clashes at pro-Palestinian demonstrations on California campuses

May 2, 2024

California college campuses become lightning rods for pro-Palestinian protests

May 1, 2024

Dueling Gaza protests at UCLA draw hundreds as USC sees peaceful demonstration

April 28, 2024

At USC, arrests. At UCLA, hands off. Why pro-Palestinian protests have not blown up on UC campuses

April 26, 2024

Photos: Tensions grow as pro-Palestinian demonstrations on college campuses continue

World & Nation

Lawsuit filed against Harvard, accusing it of violating the civil rights of Jewish students

Jan. 11, 2024

Federal civil rights probes launched into UCLA, UC San Diego and other California campuses

Dec. 14, 2023

Start your day right

Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.

You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.

David Zahniser covers Los Angeles City Hall for the Los Angeles Times.

More From the Los Angeles Times

A gun discharged inside a high school classroom. It took LAUSD 3 days to confirm reports

U.N. says Israeli forces, Palestinian armed groups may have committed war crimes in deadly raid

June 11, 2024

Blinken calls on Hamas to accept cease-fire plan after U.N. Security Council endorses it

Blinken meets with Netanyahu in Israel and urges Hamas to accept cease-fire proposal

June 10, 2024

• Election 2024
• Entertainment
• Newsletters
• Photography
• Personal Finance
• AP Investigations
• AP Buyline Personal Finance
• AP Buyline Shopping
• Press Releases
• Israel-Hamas War
• Russia-Ukraine War
• Global elections
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East
• Election Results
• Delegate Tracker
• AP & Elections
• Auto Racing
• 2024 Paris Olympic Games
• Movie reviews
• Book reviews
• Personal finance
• Financial Markets
• Business Highlights
• Financial wellness
• Artificial Intelligence
• Social Media

UCLA police arrest young man for alleged felony assault in attack on pro-Palestinian encampment

Police prepare to enter an encampment occupied by pro-Palestinian demonstrators on the UCLA campus Thursday, May 2, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

• Copy Link copied

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Nearly a month after counterprotesters attacked a pro-Palestinian encampment at the University of California, Los Angeles, police have made their first arrest, detaining an 18-year-old who is not a student or affiliated with the school in any way, officials said Friday.

UCLA did not identify the suspect, but online county jail records show that 18-year-old Edan On was arrested by UCLA police at 8:46 a.m. Thursday at a business in Beverly Hills and was jailed on $30,000 bail.

Last week, CNN identified On as a high school senior from Beverly Hills who was seen in videos wearing a white mask and white hoodie striking a pro-Palestinian demonstrator with a wooden pole during the April 30 attack on the encampment on campus.

Counterprotesters threw traffic cones, released pepper spray and threw live mice into the encampment, setting off fighting that went on for hours before police stepped in, drawing criticism from Muslim students and political leaders. Police said at least 15 people were injured, though pro-Palestinian supporters put the number closer to 25.

UCLA officials have said the attack involved “a group of instigators.”

“During that violence, one individual was seen on video assaulting encampment occupants with a wooden pole, causing serious injuries to at least one victim,” the university said in its statement Friday, adding that the suspect was booked at the UCLA Police Department for felony assault with a deadly weapon.

On’s mother wrote in Hebrew in a since-delated Facebook post that “Edan went to bully the Palestinian students in the tents at UCLA” and included an image of the person in the white hoodie that was broadcast on local news, CNN reported. The outlet said his mother confirmed to CNN that the man in the video was her son, though she later said he denies being at UCLA.

Neither On nor his mother could be reached by The Associated Press.

On Thursday, UCLA Chancellor Gene Block, who was among leaders of three universities called to testify at a congressional hearing about the wave of campus protests over Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza, expressed remorse over the school’s handling of the attack on the encampment.

“Tragically, it took several hours for law enforcement to quell the violence,” Block said. “With the benefit of hindsight, we should have been prepared to immediately remove the encampment if and when the safety of our community was put at risk.”

The night after the attack, hundreds of police officers from various agencies poured onto the campus and dismantled the encampment. On Wednesday, the police chief at UCLA was reassigned “pending an examination of our security processes,” according to a statement from the school.

Protesters tried to establish a new encampment at UCLA on Thursday, but they left when ordered to disperse. A crowd of demonstrators marched elsewhere on campus, and a small group later staged a sit-in inside a building before officers cleared them out.

The arrest followed an investigation that included interviews with victims and witnesses as well as reviews of security camera images and publicly available videos from the public and news media.

The statement said university police are investigating all reported acts of violence associated with protest or counterprotest activities since April 25.

News | Pro-Palestinian protesters demonstrate again at…

Share this:.

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
• Click to print (Opens in new window)
• Investigative Reporting
• Environment

News | Pro-Palestinian protesters demonstrate again at UCLA, arrests reported

#UCLAProtests UPDATE…as protest ends LAPD confirms 27 protesters were arrested by UCLA police officers in a confrontation behind Dodd Hall on Monday evening. 25 were cited and released….two others were held for unknown reasons. Protesters dispersed after Midnight. @knxnews pic.twitter.com/riOebJZdma — Pete Demetriou (@knxpete) June 11, 2024

The arrestees were cited for willfully interrupting university operations, according to an emailed statement from the UCLA Police Department to the Daily Bruin, the campus newspaper.

CBS 2 reported multiple people were seen being detained or arrested during a clash with officers from several police agencies around 8 p.m. Officers also confiscated wooden shields that some of the demonstrators carried.

Graeme Blair, a member of Faculty for Justice in Palestine at UCLA, said in a statement sent at 10:25 p.m. via text message that male protesters detained by law enforcement were released from custody, the Daily Bruin reported.

Protesters initially gathered on the campus earlier in the day for a funeral-procession-like march in honor of the “over 46,000 Palestinians who have been martyred or buried under the rubble” in the Israel-Hamas war.

Around 25 people were arrested Monday night in a pro-Palestinian protest at UCLA. Photo: OC Hawk

After that procession, which included people carrying fake bloody bodies and body parts, the group began amassing in the Dickson Plaza area, the site of an earlier massive encampment that stayed in place for more than a week before it was dismantled by police in an operation that resulted in more than 200 arrests.

Protesters on Monday again began erecting tents in the plaza, and at one point stood in formation at the top of the Janss Steps that lead into the plaza to prevent people from entering. Some makeshift barricades were also assembled, and protesters also dyed the water in a plaza fountain red.

University police and campus security officers were quick to respond to the area and used bicycles in an effort to prevent more protesters from entering the area.

A UCPD officer told the Daily Bruin that the gathering had already been declared an unlawful assembly by shortly after 4 p.m. The Los Angeles Police Department briefly declared a citywide tactical alert, enable the agency to keep officers on duty beyond their normal shifts.

Shortly before 6 p.m., university police gave protesters 10 minutes to disperse, telling them they would face arrest if they did not leave the area.

The group dismantled their tents and removed other materials from the plaza, and walked down the Janss Steps and headed out of that area, but roving demonstrations continued.

ABC 7 reported at least one officer was being treated for injuries suffered during the protest.

The earlier massive encampment was dismantled at UCLA on May 2.

• Newsroom Guidelines
• Report an Error

More in News

News | Los Angeles City Council ends order that city employees get COVID-19 vaccine

Housing | Pimco warns of more regional bank failures on property pain

News | When is a verbal threat a criminal act? Ask the lawyer

News | Zoo and aquarium leaders urge Angelenos, don’t buy illegal wildlife items abroad

Security Alert May 17, 2024

Worldwide caution, update may 10, 2024, information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Get a Passport

Renew or Replace a Passport

Get My Passport Fast

Prepare to Apply

Passport Help

Legal Matters

Get a Passport Homepage

Share this page:

Apply for your First Adult Passport

Apply for a Child Under 16

Apply as a 16 or 17 Year Old

Get My Application Status

Get a Passport Card

Respond to a Letter or Email

• Both parents or guardians must approve that we can issue a passport to a child, and go with the child to apply in person.
• If one or both parents or guardians cannot apply with their child, you will need to show us more documents.
• You cannot renew your child's passport using Form DS-82.
• Passports for children under age 16 are only valid for 5 years. 

Steps to Apply

1. fill out form ds-11 and print it.

Use our Form Filler tool  to fill out your child's form on a desktop or laptop computer and then print it. If you are experiencing technical issues with the Form Filler, download a PDF . 

Tips to complete your child's form :

• Do not sign your child's form until asked to do so by a passport acceptance agent or employee. 
• You can apply for a passport book , a passport card , or both documents.
• You may ask for a larger passport book with more visa pages, at no extra cost, by checking the 'large book' box at the top of the DS-11.

2. Get Evidence of U.S. Citizenship (and a photocopy)

Your evidence must be an original or replacement copy. The document must have the official seal or stamp of the office which issued it. You must submit one of the following documents for your child:

• Issued by the city, county, or state of birth
• Lists applicant's full name, date of birth, and place of birth
• Lists the parent(s)' full names
• Has the date filed with registrar's office (must be within one year of birth)
• Has the registrar's signature
• Has the seal or stamp of the city, county, or state which issued it
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth
• Certificate of Citizenship
• Please note you must also provide a document, such as a birth certificate, that lists the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of the child. Full validity means the document is or was valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for children under 16. 

If you cannot submit one of these documents, go to our  Citizenship Evidence page  for more information.

Paper only : You cannot submit digital evidence of U.S. citizenship such as a mobile or electronic birth certificate. You must submit physical evidence of U.S. citizenship and a photocopy of the document. 

Returning your child's document : We will return your child's document in a separate mailing up to 8 weeks after you receive the new passport.

Tips for making a photocopy :

• Black and white (no color)
• Use 8.5 inch by 11 inch paper
• Use a single side of the paper

If you do not submit a photocopy, you must submit a second copy of your citizenship evidence. We will keep this copy for our records.

3. Show Your Relationship to Your Child

You must submit a document that lists the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of the child. Examples include:

• U.S. birth certificate (also evidence of U.S. citizenship)
• Foreign birth certificate
• Adoption decree
• Divorce or custody decree
• A court order

Some documents, like a U.S. birth certificate, show  both  U.S. citizenship and parental relationship. These documents must be originals or certified copies (not photocopies).

You and your child may have different last names, as long as the document showing your relationship to your child lists your full name.

If your name is different than the one on the document showing your relationship to your child, submit proof of your legal name change.

4. Get a Photo ID (and a photocopy)

Both parents or guardians must bring a physical, photo ID and a photocopy of it. If your photo ID is from a different state than the state in which you are applying, bring a second photo ID. 

You must show at least  one  of these photo IDs:

• Valid or expired, undamaged U.S. passport book or passport card 
• In-state, fully valid driver's license or enhanced driver's license with photo
• Certificate of Naturalization 
• Certificate of Citizenship 
• Government employee ID (city, county, state, or federal)
• U.S. military or military dependent ID
• Current (valid) foreign passport
• Matricula Consular (Mexican Consular ID) used by a parent of a U.S. citizen child applicant
• U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) used by a parent of a U.S. citizen child applicant
• Trusted Traveler IDs (including valid Global Entry, FAST, SENTRI, and NEXUS cards)
• Enhanced Tribal Cards and Native American tribal photo IDs
• In-state, fully-valid learner's permit with photo
• In-state, fully-valid non-driver ID with photo
• Temporary driver's license with photo

If you do not have one of these photo IDs, go to our  Identification page  for more information.

5. Show More Documents (if both parents or guardians cannot apply)

• Both parents or guardians must approve that we can issue a passport to a child, and go with the child to apply in person.
• If one or both parents or guardians cannot apply in person with their child, you will need to show more documents.

Important : Submit  Form DS-3053  and other notarized statements within three months of signing them.

6. Provide a Photo

You must provide one photo with your child's application. Go to our  Passport Photo page  for photo requirements and to see examples of photos. 

• Do not attach or staple your child's photo to the form. The acceptance agent or passport employee will review the photo and staple it to your form.
• Some  passport acceptance facilities
• A company which offers photo services
• Home. Ask your friend or family member to take your child's photo. Print it on glossy or matte photo quality paper. 

7. Calculate Fees

When applying using Form DS-11, you will pay two separate fees - an application fee and an execution (acceptance) fee. You will pay the application fee to the U.S. Department of State, and the execution (acceptance) fee to the facility which takes your application. 

• Add $60 to your application fee if you want  expedited service .
• Add $19.53 to your application fee if you want us to ship your completed passport in 1-2 days after we issue it.  

Child Applicants :

For more information on how to pay and a full list of fees, go to our  Passport Fees  page.

*How to fill out your check and pay the application fee to the U.S. Department of State. Please note you must pay a separate execution (acceptance) fee. 

Families may write one check or money order to the U.S. Department of State if they are applying at the same time. The check or money order must include the name and date of birth of each applicant.

8. Find Location to Apply

In the United States:

• Traveling in more than 3 weeks?  Go to a  passport acceptance facility  such as a post office, library, or local government office. Check with the facility to see if you need to make an appointment. 
• Traveling in less than 3 weeks?   Make an appointment  to apply at a passport agency or center.

In another country:

• Contact your  U.S. embassy or consulate .

9. Track Your Application Status

You can  subscribe to email updates  about your application status, and  learn more about each status update .

It may take 2 weeks from the day you apply until your child's application status is “In Process.” 

Frequently Asked Questions

How will you send my child's passport and supporting documents.

You will get multiple mailings. The number of mailings depends on what document(s) you asked for.

Passport Book : You may get your new passport and citizenship documents in two mailings. You may wait 8 weeks after getting your passport before you get a second mailing with your citizenship documents. We will return the passport book using a trackable delivery service.

Passport Card : You may get your new passport card and your citizenship documents in two mailings. You may wait 8 weeks after getting your passport before you get a second mailing with your citizenship documents. We only send the passport card via First Class Mail. We do not send cards using 1-2 day delivery services.

Both a Passport Book and Card : You may get three separate mailings:

• New passport book
• New passport card
• Citizenship documents

Contacting Us : If you have been waiting more than 8 weeks for your documents, call us at  1-877-487-2778  to report that you have not received your documents. 

If you want us to reimburse you for a lost supporting document, you must contact us within 90 days of the date which we mailed your passport. You will also need to provide a receipt to show the cost of replacing the document. 

Can I pay for faster delivery and return shipping?

Yes. You may choose one or both of the following shipment options:

• Delivering application to us : Pay for Priority Mail Express for faster shipping. The price for this service varies depending on the area of the country.
• Returning the passport to you : Pay $19.53 for 1-2 day delivery. This means you will receive your passport   1-2 days after we send it. Include this fee with your check or money order payable to the U.S. Department of State. Do not submit a return envelope to us with postage pre-paid. 

You may receive your passport and supporting documents in separate mailings. If you are renewing a passport card, we will send it to you via First Class Mail. We do not use 1-2 day delivery services if you only applied for a passport card.

What countries require Form DS-3053 "Statement of Consent" to be notarized at an embassy or consulate?

In certain countries, a DS-3053 must be notarized at a  U.S. embassy or consulate  and cannot be notarized by a local notary public. Currently, these countries include:

Special Passport Fairs

Find a Special Passport Fair  near you!

We're holding special passport fairs all across the United States to help you get your passport more easily. New events are added to our site every week.

Most events are for first-time applicants and children, (who use Form DS-11). If you can use Form DS-82, you can renew by mail at your convenience!

Processing Times

Routine:  6-8 weeks*

Expedited: 2-3 weeks and an extra $60*

*Consider the total time it will take to get a passport when you are booking travel.  Processing times only include the time your application is at a passport agency or center.

• It may take up to 2 weeks for applications to arrive at a passport agency or center. It may take up to 2 weeks for you to receive a completed passport after we print it. 
• Processing times + mailing times = total time to get a passport

Urgent Travel:  See our Get my Passport Fast page. 

How to Apply for your Child's Passport

Watch this video to learn how to apply in person for your child's U.S. passport!

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit: