Resumes + Letters of Recommendation

Personal Statement

In addition to the application forms and LSDAS report, a complete application package must include a personal statement. The personal statement is the applicant's opportunity to promote and personalize his/her application. It is also the document that should be used to explain any weaknesses in the application and illuminate one's strengths. Considered alongside the LSAT and undergraduate grade point average, the personal statement should provide the admissions office with information about the applicant which can aid in the evaluation process.

The personal statement is a place to discuss factors including, but not limited to:

• grade point average trends
• grade point average at degree granting school
• school(s) attended and degree(s) obtained
• major (rigorousness)
• diversity (ethnicity, sexual orientation, socio-economic background, geographical, and underrepresented religious affiliations)
• work experience
• community service
• military service
• hardships overcome
• unique life experiences.

Résumé and Letters of Recommendation

Applicants also are strongly encouraged to submit a résumé and letters of recommendation (limit of three) even though these documents are not required. Recommendation letters looked upon most favorably are sent by the applicant's undergraduate or graduate professors, as these give better evidence of the applicant's capabilities as a student. However, any one who can write about the applicant's skills and abilities to succeed in law school are helpful. In addition, the applicant may provide a résumé which presents a more illuminating portrait of the applicant's skills and accomplishments, a concise list of activities or such other information considered necessary by the applicant for a thorough evaluation of the application.

All material submitted should be RELEVANT. Term papers and theses will be neither considered nor returned.