How Long Should a Law School Personal Statement Be?

One of the most common questions I get asked is, “How long should a law school personal statement be?”

My answer? It depends.

Some schools have page limits, while others have word limits. There are also schools with no limits at all!

That said, there are some general rules and do’s and don’ts to be aware of as you write your personal statement. 

And that’s what I’ll tell you about today.

Ready to get started? Let’s go!

How long should a law school personal statement be? 

Generally, personal statements are between two to four pages. But it really all depends on the school you’re applying to – there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

So, let’s look at personal statement instructions for the top law schools next.

Personal statement instructions by the top 50 law schools 

Now, your personal statement can make ALL the difference to your application, especially if your scores are lower than you’d like them to be.

Take it from me.

Penn was my dream school, but my LSAT and GPA scores weren’t in line with the medians.

In the end, it was my standout personal statement that helped me get in!

So, the moral of the story? Don’t underestimate the power of a personal statement.

That said, there’s something you’ll want to consider when writing one…

More isn’t always better.

Now, you could have the best personal statement ever.

But if you don’t stick to the page or word limit, you could end up doing more harm than good.

After all, the admissions committee has thousands of personal statements to read through – the last thing they need is everyone going over the limit!

With that in mind, here’s a quick glance at what the top law schools in America say about personal statement length.

So, on average, how long should a law school personal statement be for the best law schools in America?

About 2 to 3 pages.

Now you know more about the length, let’s take a look at a real-life example of a successful personal statement.

Successful personal statement example for law school 

If you’re struggling to write your personal statement, don’t panic – I’ve got you covered. 

Here’s a real example of a successful personal statement my client, XXXX, wrote.

(But remember, it’s just an example! If you’re wondering how long a law school personal statement should be, check out the school’s specific requirements.)

The dos and don’ts of writing a personal statement for law school 

My advice when it comes to your personal statement?

Think of it as a way to show the admissions committee who you are beyond your GPA and LSAT scores.

I know that sounds challenging, especially with limited space!

But as long as you’re intentional about what you include and focus on who you are and why you’re pursuing a law degree, you have nothing to worry about. 

I’ve come up with a list of key dos and don’ts to help you create a personal statement that grabs the reader’s attention and makes a lasting impression.

Do:

• Choose one clear, focused topic. It should have a single theme that clearly illustrates why you want to go to law school without needing much explanation. 
• Tell a memorable story that demonstrates your ability to think critically, solve problems, and grow from your experiences. 
• Showcase the unique skills and characteristics that set you apart from the crowd. How will they contribute to your success as a law student?
• Use brainstorming questions to find your topic, like: 
  • What’s something the committee wouldn’t know about me from my application?
  • What do I want to accomplish as a lawyer?
  • What am I most interested in?
• Be authentic and let your personality shine through. That means telling your own story, in your own voice – not what you think admissions officers want to hear.
• Keep it simple by focusing on clarity and not trying to cover too much.
• Read and reread. Proofreading your personal statement is CRITICAL. Even a tiny error can distract from your overall message and suggest that you don’t have a strong eye for detail, which can hurt your chances of admission.

Don’t: 

• Rehash your law school resume. Your personal statement is a chance to offer insight into your journey instead of just listing your accomplishments. 
• Write about an overused topic that won’t stand out, like a historical event, high school experience, study abroad trip, or athletics. 
• Try to sound overly academic or formal. Admissions teams want to read your story, not a research paper.
• Write a generic personal statement that tells rather than shows. Instead of saying something like, “I’ve always wanted to be a lawyer,” find a way to show them with a personal experience.
• Ignore school-specific prompts. Personal statements are almost never one-size-fits-all! Some schools have specific questions they want personal statements to answer, so make sure you tailor yours accordingly. 
• Exceed the word or page limit. Remember, admissions teams appreciate concise and well-edited writing. Stick to the required length and make every word count.

Not sure where to start? Here are a few resources to help:

• Top Law School Personal Statement Topics + Ideas
• Law School Personal Statement Topics to Avoid
• Biggest law school personal statement mistake – and REAL applicant personal statement breakdown

Next steps 

And that’s it. Now you know the answer to “How long should a law school personal statement be?”

Before you dive into writing, make sure you check your dream school’s guidelines – after all, following their requirements is key!

A strong personal statement can be a game-changer. 

In fact, I’ve helped clients with scores below the median get into their top-choice schools because of a well-crafted essay.

To make the process easier, I created a cheat sheet to help you find the perfect topic.

Grab my free guide and start brainstorming your winning personal statement topic today!

Read more:

How Many Law Schools Should You Apply To?

Law School Requirements & Prerequisites

The Top Law School Admission Statistics

What is a Good LSAT Score?