preLaw Magazine - Fall 2008 - (Page 39) they’re the wrong ones to give advice. First, they’re too close. That means they’re probably too subjective about whatever it is you’re writing. Second, they’re probably not from the academic or law school worlds, which means that what guides them might (and probably will) be different than what guides the admissions committee. Finally, they’re almost certain to be too gentle. Yes, that’s worse. Unless they tell you “This is crap!” as a standard response (in which case see “they’re too subjective,” above), chances are they won’t tell you what really does need to be redone. NON-traditional student solid, and positive reason—a turning point or revelation, even—making an active choice for law school. This brings a human aspect that few traditional students can match. Use it. The personal statement of a nontrad can—and should—be one of the most interesting, memorable essays the admissions committee reads that year. Draw upon your wealth of unique experiences. Families, real hardships, p prior careers, prior exper riences. Highlight the e experiential diversity this b brings to the class. (But d don’t come across as a k know-it-all.) Most traditional applica cants are still in college an and are accustomed to w writing and rewriting. M Many nontrads are years pa past college. Writing skills la lapse, so nontrad applica cants must take special ca care when drafting the perso sonal statement. Mistakes are unacceptable. Those rea reading the statement are aca academics and can spot go good and bad writing very qui quickly. A poorly written essay yells “the author is an idiot,” despite what the rest of the application says. Have someone at a local college proofread your personal statement if possible, to make sure it meets solid academic standards, at least. Highlighting what you have done to maintain your skills and intellectual capabilities (and curiosities) deserves a small but significant place in your personal statement. As a nontrad, you offer much to your future colleagues. Show the committee how much this is so. So who, then? Most likely, you should ask professors who have known you at least reasonably well, and you should make it clear that you want genuine criticism — and you should be prepared to take it. If you even start to talk back when they do critique your work, pinch yourself. Hard. (If you can slap your- self without being noticed, do that too). You need help. And what you write will almost certainly not be good enough…not yet. This willingness to honestly review and then to revise is the essence of high-quality writing. (It is thus the essence of the law.) You should accept with genuine appreciation a real critique, meaning a higher-order “This is crap…and here’s what you might do to fix it.” The result should be an essay that you read, re-read and re-re-read, smiling as you wonder who on Earth wrote such a lovely piece. My goodness, how can they not let you in? University of St. Thomas School of Law We prepare students to practice law at the highest levels with • a mission that integrates faith and reason • a rich curriculum and exceptional faculty • a nationally recognized mentor externship program • a ranking in the top ten nationally for the percent of students who go into public interest law by National Jurist magazine Now is the time to consider the University of St.Thomas School of Law. Apply online by December 31, 2008 and pay no application fee! For more information or to schedule a campus visit: (651) 962-4895 • (800) 328-6819, Ext. 2-4895 lawschool@stthomas.edu www.stthomas.edu/law Fall 2008 39 http://www.stthomas.edu/law http://www.stthomas.edu/law
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