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Top Tips for Creating a Personal Statement - video transcript

Hi my name is Steve and I’m an Employability Advisor here at the University of Birmingham, and today we're going to be looking at personal statements for further study.

So today we're going to look at recognizing the audience for your statements, so that you can create content that meets their specific needs. We're going to look at how to structure a strong statements and also identify further resources that you might find helpful. Before you begin writing your statements, however, there are some things that you should consider.

Number one, how does this fit into my future plans? Why this course, and why this institution? Having a firm grasp on what makes the course and the institution unique amongst similar courses and similar institutions will help you provide a much stronger and more focused statements. You might want to ask do I have any relevant experience, do I meet the minimum requirements that one would need to study this course? And then also why does this subject interest me, because passion is a really important aspect of a personal statement.

So having a good understanding of why you're interested in in this particular subject is an absolute keystone to writing a strong statements. Put all of this together, imagine there's somebody from the course the admissions tutor, for instance, are standing in front of you, what are the reasons you'd give them for wanting to study that particular course if they were to be standing in front of you? Because this can really help you to focus upon the most important aspects of what you want to get out of this particular course, and area of study. 

So who is your audience? Well they largely fit into two separate categories. Number one, there are admissions officers. Now these are often centralized within institutions, so what I mean by that is typically they don't really have any links to the specific course for which you wish to apply. They are going to be looking that you actually meet the minimum requirements to study the course. And if you meet all those requirements, your application will be passed on to the admissions tutor who is far more likely to be directly connected with your course. So they're going to be looking at your suitability and potential. They're going to want to know about your long term plans and how studying on that course will support it and further those aims. So a personal statements can often be called a supporting statements. Below, we have an example of the type of language used. So “approximately 5000 characters explaining why you were interested in studying on your chosen program”. 

Now it's important to note that sometimes you'll have something quite broad that they might ask you, but sometimes they might phrase it in slightly different ways. And it might be phrased in one of the following ways. So, for instance, why do you want to undertake the program or research, what are your academic interests, why do you wish to study at our university, do you have any relevant work experience what are your career aspirations? They might phrase it in lots of different ways, but ultimately what you were trying to do with your personal statements is to provide evidence of the relevant skills experiences and ambitions that make you a particularly good fit for this specific course at this specific institution. For vocational courses, they often strict limits, so, for instance, in terms of teaching or law. So for teaching it has to be 47 lines or 4000 characters, whereas law via CAB it's, 10,000 characters so it can possibly be different from course the course, and institution to institution.

Now I’d just like to talk a little bit about structure. Your structure should fall into three main areas when it comes to a personal statement writing. Number one, your introduction, and this is where you want to grab the reader’s interest, create your personal hook. Then we have the content, which is going to take up around about 80% at least of the statement, and this is where you're going to evidence why you're such a great fit for their course and why their courses such a great fit for you. And then, to bring it full circle we're going to look at your closing statements and here you're going to summarize why this is the perfect or preferred next step for your career. 

So, in terms of the introduction. You want to be short and focused and to the point you don't want to begin with a complete history of your interest in this subject keep your focus on why you want to study that subject at this particular institution on this course. And it should be really, really clear in the first paragraph, what you're applying for so do include the full name of the course and the institution. Also, you want to get across why you want to study the course so try this if you can to sum it up in one sentence again imagine if somebody from the course was standing in front of you. And they say tell me in 10 seconds why you want to study this course, what would you tell them and that can be that can help to form a good basis for the why of your introduction. 

So now we have an example from a personal statements and I’m going to talk you through some good and some not so good elements of it. So, starting on the first line it's great that they mentioned, they want to study an MA in Publishing they are very specific there. And they go on to say that it will give them the opportunity to learn and develop, and this is great, but here we note that they say skills that would help me to pursue a career in the publishing industry. Now there is area here in which they can improve this is an opportunity to highlight some specific skills that they wish to gain and add in specifics like this, shows that you have a firm understanding of what the course offers can help you to stand out. They then go on to mention the name of the institution, and that was a range of modules both theoretical and practical again this is great, because it shows, they have an understanding of the different elements of the course they even go on to specify a specific module in e-publishing, which is really, really good again it's showing that we have specific knowledge. But then we fall into another area here where it could be improved again they say it will give me the opportunity to learn skills, but they don't say which skills. This again is an area where they could be more specific and help them stand out. 

Now we're going to talk a little bit about the content for your personal statements. We like to break it down into what we call the four P's and the first of which are person and place. So number one, why are you right for the course and then, secondly, why this institution. And these two things are going to be closely interconnected, all the way through your personal statements, so if you find yourself writing a paragraph about your suitability and perhaps your skills and experiences always try to link them back to specific elements of the course. And then, when you're writing about the institution and why it appeals to you, linking back specifically to your unique interests and ambitions don't just tell them about why they're wonderful. Make it as specific as possible, to you, you don't want to just be needlessly flattering them and telling them how wonderful they are. Pick specific elements of what appeals to you and tell them why. And these could, for instance, be unique course aspects staff specialisms some unique support or the resources that are available or the post graduate community within the departments. It might not be any of those it might be something very specific to the course for which you apply, but it should be something that you can link back to yourself, your own interests, motivations or career plans.

Now, in terms of the next up, we have preparation and passion. So, in terms of preparation, you want to show them that you are prepared for the course so you're going to want to highlight relevant modules or maybe your dissertation skills maybe research technical lab or practical, it's all going to depend on the type of course for which you're applying. And then any experience, and this could be professional voluntary or through your studies. Throughout your entire statements you want to be showing that you are passionate about this area of study. And the course and it's really important that you do your research, so think about your use of language throughout. But you can also show your passion, through your understanding of the sector industry demonstrated a long term interest or maybe you're a member of a relevant society. But when it comes to your content in the main body of your statements each paragraph should have a clear and distinct subject you could summarize in a sentence. So resist the urge to start a paragraph talking about one thing and then move on to something else entirely.

Secondly, you want to order topics, according to what your audience will most care about so you don't want to structure your statement in chronological order, starting with the beginning of your interest in the subject and then you'll GCSEs and then you’re A-levels and then your undergraduate degree for instance. Think about it more than terms of what would you want to tell them about first if they were in front of you, and what would you want to tell them about second and then third and fourth and fifth etc., by doing this, you will not only get their attention immediately, but keep it. And when you are talking about examples from your relevant experiences keep them short and supportive and focused. Then, finally, at the end of the statement you're going to have a closing statement. And with this, much like you introduction stay focused and highlight what you'd like to achieve by the end of the course. Be concise and remember to really emphasize that commitment to the course and subject area and just ensure that you maintain that positivity this is your last chance to show them your enthusiasm and passion.

So when it comes to academic statements just to recap, you want to show an awareness of course content modules you might like to take, for instance. You might also want to highlight modules from your undergraduate studies or relevant reading you've done, perhaps. You might want to highlight sector experience, maybe an internship you've done transferable skills, really, really emphasizing those longer term career goals and how this course would fit into them and also knowledge of the university and the departments.

When it comes to professional statements, for instance I mentioned for law teaching earlier, you want to show that you're committed to a vocational path. You want to show insight and understanding the rewards and challenges of that vocational path you want to show an awareness and evidence and skills and qualities required, as well as drawing upon a range of examples from your experiences. You also want to reflect upon what you've learned from said experiences, but much like academic statements what you're really trying to do throughout is to show why you specifically have a great fit for this path that you've chosen. In terms of tone and style you want to minimize essay style language. Keep your sentences short and succinct. You don't want to be writing sentences, for instance, that are 2,3,4 sentences long. If you find that's the case it's often better to break them into fewer shorter sentences. You want to avoid waffling and what do I mean by that what I mean is that every sentence should add relevant information. Every sentence should give them another reason to want you on their course, it can be a good exercise once you've written your first draft to go through your statement line by line and ask yourself, could I make the same point but with fewer words?

You want to check your spelling and grammar and mind your language, essentially, it can be a great idea to ask a friend or a family member to read through your statement for you. Because it's far easier to pick up on grammar or language mistakes and somebody else's work can also be a great idea in order to check the flow of the piece to actually read your statement out loud or record yourself and then listen back to it. It can be a really good idea to print a copy of your statement and spell check it by hand for some reason I’m not entirely sure why it is actually easier to spot mistakes on printed documents.

Don't flatter without substance, like I mentioned earlier, don't just tell them how wonderful they are. Make links between what you think's impressive about them and why you personally find those things impressive and don't waste your word limit by repeating unnecessary information that you've already detailed in other parts of your larger application.

So when it comes to references normally two or three are requested and usually they're going to want a combination of both academics and employers. Whatever they asked for, make sure that you contact them as soon as possible. Thanks for bearing with me. But remember you are asking for their permission to be a reference basically so contact them as soon as possible with your request. And because, ultimately, they are doing you a favour so you want to give them as much time and information as possible, so that they can write you a really good reference in a timely manner.

Now we have some useful links, here we have some online articles from Prospects and Studential. We have some great websites for more vocational courses so for law and teacher training. And we also have further resources from Imperial College London, so if you'd like to visit any of these sites and just suggest pausing this video now, so you can take notes. And that brings us to the end of today's video, and so I do hope you found it useful.

I just like to highlight some of our other resources, so we have lots of other application resources on our website, we can offer you. Written application feedback for personal statements and other application documents and we'll get back to you within five working days. We offer 10 minutes application appointments every week we've on webinars on lots of different other areas of applications and their recruitment processes. We run half hour practice interviews every week, so if you get invited to interview for a further study course get in contact with us and we'd be happy to run an interview for you. We also have CV checker which will check your CV and give you feedback within seconds and ShortlistMe that allows you to practice for interviews online. And we offer all of this support in the years following your graduation.

I’d just like to say again, I hope you found this video useful and good luck with any applications, you have coming up have a great day.

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Birmingham University Personal Statements

These UCAS personal statements have been kindly provided by students applying to The University of Birmingham. You can click on one of the links below to view the entire statement and find out if the applicant was offered a place.

You can also view our entire collection of personal statements or view personal statements for application at other universities .

Computer Science Personal Statement Example 4 I find it amazing to watch as the digital revolution sculpts society at a rate that has never before been seen; there is so much to still be discovered. Quantum computing is a topic that particularly interests me, stemming from my studies and keen interest in physics...

Mechanical/Electrical Engineering Personal Statement Example I have always been fascinated by the vast jobs robots are able to perform, and by the way all these cars around us were designed. The problem is, my interest was not satisfied by revolving around the outer appearance of these machines or by how well they achieved their functions, but was constantly demanding to learn more about how they managed to do so, and what inner complexities I was not allowed to meet closely made it capable of attracting my attention...

History and Economic History Personal Statement Example Studying History at degree level has been my interest since my first ever history lesson in High School, for it is a subject that invites debate and feeds my inquisitive side. I have always been intrigued by what has happened before us and how it has led to where we are now...

Psychology Personal Statement Example 6 It was the odd behavioural traits displayed by my uncle, who has Asperger’s syndrome that first generated from a young age my questioning about why he acted so ‘differently’ to the rest of us. This was part of what led to my interest of studying psychology, as it made me question how and why humans are so disparate from one another, and what part the brain plays in running our everyday lives...

Politics & International Relations Personal Statement Example 2 It was November 1989. My parents were rattling their keys in the main square of Bratislava with other Czechoslovak youngsters asking for the democracy that was denied by the Communist regime. They raised me in an environment, where appreciation of freedom, expressing my thoughts and being an active citizen have been essential...

Economics and Politics Personal Statement Example 1 "I killed the bank": the last words of Andrew Jackson, former president of the US, after he had vetoed to renew the charter and withdraw all federal deposits from banks causing them to bust. Real money was backed with gold shortly after, causing the greatest economic boom in history for the US where no income tax was implemented...

Economics & International Relations Personal Statement Example Growing up in a deteriorating global economic climate I have come to appreciate the extent to which economics influences the relationships between nations, and the importance of competent macroeconomic management...

Psychology Personal Statement Example 9 There are very few things that are as interesting yet as confusing as the unique enigma that is the human brain. Our diverse behaviours and our intricate personalities that make us who we are must have a cause...

Biology Personal Statement Example 5 Outside was always my favourite place as a child, splashing in puddles, inspecting insects under magnifying glasses and having snail races with my brothers. The living world fascinated me. My enthusiasm has only increased over the years and living by the sea has inspired me further...

Geography Personal Statement Example 1 At first glance, my A Level choices appear scientifically biased, but they underpin key topics studied in Geography. I enjoy investigating the theories of global economies, population and poverty. The mathematics I have studied enables me to manipulate raw data meaningfully...

Biochemistry Personal Statement Example 1 The need to survive is a remarkable thing, for it has allowed evolution to equip organisms with a range of extraordinary capabilities in order to stay alive. Since reading 'Why Geese Don't Get Obese' by Widmaier, my interests have developed in the molecular adaptations of animals; for example, the antifreeze protein that prevents the blood of Antarctic Notothenioid fishes from turning into ice...

English Literature Personal Statement Example 3 When I was seven years old, I first read 'Twist of Gold' by Michael Morpurgo. When reading the book I was captivated by the absorbing plot, beguiling characters and incredibly vivid imagery. Since that time, I have been a passionate reader, particularly admiring the fluidity and profound depth of character and emotion that can be found in work by authors such as Sylvia Plath and Doris Lessing...

Business Studies Personal Statement Example 1 Business is not just about figures and charts, it would be nothing without the people driving it forward. Therefore the part of the Business Studies’ A-level that has inspired me the most has been Human Resource Management...

English and Philosophy Personal Statement Example English has always been at the forefront of my mind, whether it be writing storybooks as a child, play-writing as a teen, or analysing literature at A Level. I enjoy the thrill of writing creatively but equally enjoy composing non-literary pieces where I can put across my views, inform or debate...

Physiology and Medical Sciences Personal Statement Example The human body is arguably the most complex life form that has ever existed. Studying how the body works helps us to comprehend the many processes that maintain health and find better treatment for diseases...

Biomedical Engineering Personal Statement Example 2 Thanks to my mother's profession, I have had a front row seat in observing the radical changes made in the medical field with the introduction of new devices. I have also seen the beneficial effects these developments have had on the lives of people living in the less affluent countries in the Middle East; these observations coupled with my interest in mechanics have inspired me to pursue a career in biomedical engineering...

Postgraduate Medicine Personal Statement Example Quite simply it is my curious nature which has always underpinned my desire to study medicine; the sheer complexity of both the human body and its healing processes have always fascinated me and, during my time in 6th form and subsequently while studying for my BSc...

Medicine Personal Statement Example 43 The ever-evolving nature of medical science and the certainty that we will know more about the many different healthcare practices has inspired me to pursue a career in medicine. My dedication to studying medicine has been confirmed by the experience I have gained in different hospitals and practices and I look forward to the academic discipline and challenges that will arise...

Economics Personal Statement Example 22 After Brazil, Nepal has the largest potential for the generation of hydro electricity. It is estimated that the perennial rivers of Nepal can generate up to a massive 83,000 Mega Watts of electricity. If utilized efficiently, Nepal has the potential of becoming one of the largest exporters of electricity in the world...

English Personal Statement Example 26 Growing up reading Roald Dahl, I saw elements of myself in Matilda, as ever since I can remember, I have loved reading. My passion for English could be seen by those around me, as a child, having taught myself to read and write by the time I was 4 years old, and there was never any doubt that I would go on to pursue a career in English...

Medicine Personal Statement Example 53 I have asked myself many times what it takes to be a great doctor, but like many questions there is never a straight answer. Keeping an open mind with regards to my career has meant that I have been able to pinpoint the one field which has fascinated me unlike any other, medicine...

Early Childhood Studies Personal Statement Example 5 Ever since I could remember I have always wanted to play a big part in children’s education. As I was growing up I could see children of my age in Africa struggling to go to school because of their circumstances...

English Literature & Spanish Personal Statement Example For me, the most captivating part of English literature is the way great writers are able to influence the reader's imagination through the manipulation of language. The A-level topic of World War One literature was especially affecting because it showed me the importance of world events and their effect on contemporary literature that still inspires us today...

Physics Personal Statement Example 10 My fascination for how things work is something that has always been a part of me. Why am I pulled back towards the ground when I jump? How can an airplane that weighs so much fly? In later years I learned that these questions, these as I thought to be unexplainable phenomena, could all be answered through Physics...

International Business Personal Statement Example 2 The motivation behind my decision to gain a Business Degree lies in my determination to better understand how the real world works. I particularly enjoy the way that business blends in with everyday issues...

Civil Engineering Personal Statement Example 15 From a young age, I have been fascinated by engineering, the built environment and the way machines work to aid everyday life. The concept of combining maths, physics and logic to find innovative solutions to problems really interests me and this is what attracts me to engineering...

Mechanical Engineering Personal Statement Example 16 Being born as a son to two former engineers, I was raised in an environment where curiosity is treasured and nurtured. It wasn't surprising that as I became older, my fascination towards science and technology also grew along with me...

Accounting and Finance Personal Statement Example 7 For me Accounting is something I am incredibly passionate about. From a young age I have always enjoyed Mathematics and problem solving; fortunately for me these two interests of mine are a part of the fundamentals of Accounting and Finance...

Medicine Personal Statement Example 62 When two, I suffered a large third degree burn on my chest. Living in a small town in Romania, I was not able to get appropriate treatment, so I grew up with complexes about the aesthetical appearance of the scar...

Economics Personal Statement Example 27 When asked 'Why do you want to study economics?' I have always struggled to find a concise answer. There are so many reasons why I would want to study the subject, and this made explaining such an answer quite difficult...

German Personal Statement Example 7 The study of language has always been appealing and is the focus of much of my time and energy, but the study of the German language is what mesmerises me most. Before understanding German I was first intrigued by its sound, and as I began to learn it, I became fascinated by its complexity...

History Personal Statement Example 43 I have always wanted to be part of an open-minded society and live in a country where originality is rewarded, so the UK came to my mind as being the best country to read my degree. My passion for the English language has developed over years of studying English at school, where I have been successful in every written and oral exam...

Mathematics & Computer Science Personal Statement Example I have found mathematics a fascinating subject since my early years. I enjoy it as it is challenging and logical. I am particularly interested in decision mathematics as it is a field that is directly related to real-life applications of mathematics and can be used to solve problems, such as finding the optimal solution for transporting materials from one place to another while minimising the cost...

Psychology Personal Statement Example 67 I first became interested in psychology whilst discussing the underlying causes of criminal behaviour and non-conformity with my father. The nature-nurture debate gave me a huge desire to increase my knowledge and understanding of the human condition...

Law Personal Statement Example 83 Currently I study English language, history and law. Out of the three I find law the most fascinating because it is the foundation of anything that occurs in society. Learning about how decisions are made in law, the constant arguments to reach a fair judgement and the on-going evolution of the law to adapt to society makes me enthusiastic to learn more...

Sociology and Anthropology Personal Statement Example 2 One of the main reasons why Sociology is of interest to me is that it studies the differences among social groups and in the society around us. I believe it is essential to understand how society works in order to blend with it and be a part of it...

Chemical Engineering Personal Statement Example 11 Whilst at a local canal festival, I saw a hydrogen powered barge which intrigued me. I thought that this was my first experience of chemical engineering, until I researched what this field encompassed...

Film Production Personal Statement Example “You shouldn’t dream your film, you should make it” - A famous quote by Steven Spielberg and a quote that I strongly agree with. I have enjoyed this BTEC Media Diploma course so much because I believe film gives everyone the ability to become imaginative which is a valuable skill in life; it can also be very influential to a lot of people and can change people’s opinions...

Politics & Social Policy Personal Statement Example The ever-changing nature and diversity of politics is fascinating. The rapid social and political development in Russia in the early 2000s, still surrounded by the left-overs, if not quite the toppled statues of the previous socialist regime, kindled my interest in politics...

Philosophy Personal Statement Example 15 The way philosophy can challenge our assumptions will never cease to astound me. I particularly remember my first lesson on Descartes, where I was asked to prove that I knew the room around me was real...

Computer Science Personal Statement Example 58 I could tell you why am interested in computer science until the cows come home, but to give you the fundamentals I would so passionately tell you that this course is one of the few disciplines which truly embodies the days of tomorrow...

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How long should a law school personal statement be.

Reviewed by:

David Merson

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

Reviewed: 03/03/23

As you complete your law school application, you’ll have several questions, including “how long should a law school personal statement be?” To find the answer to this question and related ones, read on!

A well-crafted personal statement can set you apart from other applicants and demonstrate your potential to become a successful law student and lawyer. It should provide insight into your personal and professional goals, your passion for law, and what you hope to contribute to the legal field.

Considering how important your personal statement is, it may seem necessary to write several pages explaining why you’d be the best law school candidate. However, law school committees expect personal statements to be concise, to the point, and relatively short. 

While the exact length of your personal statement will depend on the schools you’re applying to, this guide will provide you with some direction on how long your personal statement for law school should be and how to keep it short but sweet!

How Long Should a Personal Statement Be for Law School?

Admissions committees have to read thousands of personal statements per application cycle. To ensure the committee can do so in a timely manner, personal statements are typically limited to around 500-750 words.

How Many Pages Should Your Law School Personal Statement Have?

Many law schools do not have rigid word count limitations but instead ask that the statements do not exceed a certain page length. This is most commonly two to three double-spaced pages, but can sometimes be four. 

To give you a better idea of law schools’ personal statement expectations, here are the page length limits for five top law schools :

Your personal statement should give the admissions committee more insight into who you are, what you value, and what you hope to achieve. As such, most students reach their page limits to share all of this information.  

For instance, if you’re applying to Harvard , your personal statement will likely be at least one and a half pages long. This length will help ensure you share your most meaningful experiences with the admissions committee and prove you’re an excellent candidate for law school.

Tips for Writing a Concise Personal Statement for Law School

So, the quick answer to how long your personal statement should be for law school is around two pages double-spaced or close to your page limit. However, meeting your page limit should not involve repeating information, adding unnecessary language to lengthen your essay, or rearing off-topic.

If your school does not have a strict word count, you have more freedom to write a longer personal statement, but you should only do so if you feel it’s necessary. Otherwise, stick to their recommended guidelines.

You want your personal statement to share valuable information in a concise way so that it reads well and effectively communicates your ideas. To ensure your personal statement does just this, follow these tips:

Start By Brainstorming

Before you start writing, take some time to reflect on your personal and professional experiences, interests, and goals. 

Consider what sets you apart from other applicants and what you hope to achieve with your legal education. Jot down all of your ideas so you can pick the best experiences to talk about.

Narrow Your Topic

For your first draft, ignore the word count. Write your ideas as they come to you so that you have a good foundation and can choose which ideas to keep and which to cut out.

Once you’ve completed your first draft, choose one or two meaningful experiences to center your personal statement around. Do not create a laundry list of your skills and accomplishments, as you will already be submitting a resume with your application. 

Use your story or stories as your focal point. Provide context and depth and relate these experiences to your decision and motivation to pursue a legal career.

Focus on Your Strengths

You want your personal statement to impress the admissions committee. Showcase your unique strengths, accomplishments, skills, and experiences that demonstrate your potential to succeed in law school and as a legal professional. 

Avoid talking about your weaknesses - it will waste valuable space and can work against you. 

Be Specific

Only mention skills or abilities that can be backed up with concrete examples. Avoid any generalizations. Share your specific passions and how you’ve developed them. 

For example, rather than simply stating you’re interested in environmental law , share the exact topics within this area of law that intrigue you and what influenced you to follow this passion. 

Use the Active Voice

Writing in an active voice can make your statement more direct, personal, and engaging. It can also help you avoid wordiness that can confuse your reader.

Keep It Simple

Use vocabulary you are comfortable with! Don’t pull out your thesaurus and try to find the biggest words you can to replace your own. Use simple language that you understand and use regularly to ensure that you do not misuse words or over-complicate your sentences.

Ask for Feedback

Whether you get feedback from your best friend or one of our expert admissions counselors , it’s important to have another set of eyes look over your personal statement to identify areas that need improvement or clarity.

Revise Multiple Times

Don’t be afraid to revise your draft multiple times until you’re absolutely confident it is concise and compelling. Your personal statement is a direct reflection of you and your writing abilities, so spend time perfecting it. 

Start early so that you can take your time with the revisions!

FAQs: Personal Statement Length

In this guide, we focused on answering the question, “how long should a law school personal statement be?” To ensure all of your concerns are addressed, here are the answers to other common questions about personal statements.

1. Are Three Pages Too Long for a Law School Personal Statement?

Three pages may be acceptable, depending on your school’s limit. Most schools ask that students submit personal statements that are between two to four pages long. 

If you choose to write three pages, ensure each sentence is meaningful and adds value to your essay. Focus on quality more than quantity, and don’t feel obligated to meet the maximum page limit.

2. What Is a Good Length for a Law School Personal Statement?

Typically, the best law school personal statements are about two pages long. This gives students enough space to share their most meaningful experiences while being concise.

However, the perfect length depends on your school’s formatting restrictions and the narrative you want to share. If you have had several meaningful experiences that have influenced your decision to pursue law, you may need to write a longer statement. Just ensure you only share relevant details and stay focused. 

3. How Can I Make Sure My Personal Statement Is as Effective as Possible Within the Given Length Limit?

You should begin early so that you have enough time to revise and refine your work before submission. Spend time brainstorming key traits and experiences you want to share and focus on highlighting your strengths. Use concrete examples to illustrate your points and avoid repeating ideas or including unnecessary information.

Use language you’re comfortable with and ask others for feedback on your statement.

Final Thoughts

While most statements are between two to three pages long, use your judgement and school’s expectations when deciding how long your personal statement should be. 

As tempting as it may be to try to include as much information as possible in your personal statement, it's important to focus on crafting a strong and concise statement that effectively communicates your passion, motivations, and potential to succeed in the legal field!

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What is a Personal Statement?

If you’ve done your research and decided you want to go to university, what happens next? You’ll need to prepare your application, including your personal statement, so find out what it is and what to include here.

Your personal statement goes alongside the basic information, educational history and current qualifications you submit as part of you r UCAS application. It’s an important part of your application as it’s your chance to tell admissions tutors (the people who choose which applicants get a place on the course) why you want to study the course and what makes you the perfect student for them to take on board.

How long should it be?

Unlike school essays, your length limit isn’t measured in words. Instead, you’ll have 47 lines or 4,000 characters to work with, which is around a page of A4 (unless you use a tiny font). It’s important that you don’t try to sneak in any extra characters, as the UCAS form will cut you off when you reach the limit.

What do I need to include?

With such little space to get across why you’re so passionate, it’s important to use your characters wisely. You will submit your qualifications separately, so don’t be tempted to tell them all about the subjects and modules you’ve studied. Instead, include why you’re so interested in this topic and what skills, qualities and experience make you well suited to studying at university.

A good place to start is by looking at the course information, finding out the key skills and what qualities are required to succeed on the course, and thinking of examples where you have demonstrated them.

How should I structure it?

Think of it as a mini-essay. You’ll want a clear beginning, middle and end, with sections that make it clear for the admissions tutor to follow. Pay most attention to the middle part, as this is where you’ll tell them exactly why you’re the perfect candidate for their course.

What if I’m applying for different courses?

You get only get to submit one Personal Statement alongside your UCAS application, which can be for up to five course choices. It’s really tricky to write one Personal Statement for completely different courses, which is why it’s advised to apply for similar courses or those within a certain subject area – i.e health courses, social science courses. If you’re set on the courses you want to apply for and they aren’t similar, try to stick with key themes and personal qualities that make you suitable for all.

Where can I find examples of Personal Statements?

There are plenty of examples out there on the internet and it’s fine to do your research to work out what you’re aiming for, but don’t be tempted to copy. UCAS has plagiarism software that detects similarities among statements, and your Personal Statement will be flagged and your application rejected if you’re caught copying.

What do I do once I’ve written it?

Show it to parents, teachers and career advisers. It’s a great idea to get other people’s opinions and take on board any comments they might have. The more eyes that see it, the more opportunities you have to improve.

What should you do next?

Download your free personal statement guide.

Get even more advice on starting, writing and checking your personal statement. Plus, be inspired by real personal statement examples from our students!

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