Deferral Programs
Harvard’s approach to the personal statement for their JDP is identical to their approach during the regular law school application cycle. However, Columbia takes quite a different approach and technically does not ask for a personal statement as part of the LEAD application process. Columbia requires 3 different essays as part of the LEAD application. Therefore, the advice here is not directly applicable to the LEAD program.
Regular Law School Application Cycle
The personal statement is a part of every law school application during the regular law school application cycle. Even though many law schools will also offer additional (often optional) essays, the personal statement is required by all. Therefore, the personal statement is undoubtedly a key piece of the law school application. It is arguably the third most important piece of the law school application following closely behind your LSAT (or other test) score and your undergraduate GPA.
For details on best practices for writing the personal statement, click on the button below.