stanford law school application optional essays

JD Application Process

Step by step to sls.

If you are applying for admission to Stanford Law’s JD program for Fall 2024, mark these three important dates on your calendar:

September 15, 2023  — When the application becomes available.

December 1, 2023 — The date your application must be received and deemed complete (last eligible LSAT test administration is November 2023) by SLS if you are applying for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program . We strongly suggest that applicants take the LSAT prior to the November test administration so that all application deadline requirements are met. If you opt to submit a GRE score in lieu of the LSAT, plan accordingly so that we receive your score from ETS by the stated deadline.

February 15, 2024, 11:59 PM PST — The deadline for submitting your application.

Explore these key steps in the application process — then get started.

Application Process at a Glance

The first step to admission to Stanford Law is a thoroughly completed application. It is your responsibility to make certain that all items arrive at the Office of Admissions. We will consider your application complete and proceed with an admissions review as soon as we receive all required documents. Unless stated otherwise, any updates to your application must be submitted via e-mail to the Office of Admissions at [email protected] .

• Application for Admission.  You must complete the entire application form and submit it electronically through LSAC.
• Application Fee. Your nonrefundable application fee of $85 must be submitted by credit card through LSAC. If you are unable to pay the fee, please review the 2024 SLS Application Fee Waiver Instructions , complete the Fall 2024 SLS Application Fee Waiver Form , and submit it to the Office of Admissions as soon as possible so that we may process your fee waiver request. You must submit your fee waiver request prior to submitting your SLS electronic application. Allow 5-7 business days for a decision and factor in this timing to ensure you adhere to the application deadline. Please note that our fee waiver criteria and process are distinct from that of LSAC.  
• Resume.  Stanford requires a one-to-two page resume describing your academic, extracurricular and professional activities. The resume must be submitted electronically with your electronic application. Please do not include a photo. If you have already submitted your resume and have included a photo, note that we have redacted that photo. No further action is required on your part and that original submission will not impact our review process.
• Personal Statement. Please describe what aspects of your life experiences, interests, and character would help you make a distinctive contribution to Stanford Law School. The personal statement must be submitted electronically with your electronic application. Your statement should be approximately two pages in length.
• Optional Essay . At Stanford Law School, we value the ability to communicate constructively across differences – even when the stakes are high or the differences significant. Please discuss a time when you encountered a viewpoint that contrasted with your own and explain how you responded. Would you do anything different if the same thing happened today? Your essay should be approximately one to two pages in length.
• Optional Short Essays. From a list of four essay questions, you may provide up to two responses of 100 to 250 words each.
• Two Letters of Recommendation.  Stanford requires that at least two and no more than four letters of recommendation be sent directly through the LSAC Letter of Recommendation Service . Letters sent directly to the Office of Admissions will not be accepted. Recommenders should be instructors who have personal knowledge of your academic work, preferably those who have known you in a seminar, small class, tutorial program or the like. If you have been out of school for a significant period you may substitute one letter from an employer or business associate. Sometimes these applicants find it difficult to obtain even one academic recommendation; in that case, you may submit two nonacademic letters. Please advise recommenders that should you choose to apply for a joint degree and/or other programs at Stanford University, the letters of recommendation may be forwarded to that program for review.
• Right of Access to Recommendations. Federal law provides a student, after enrollment, with a right of access to, among other things, letters of recommendation in the student’s file (if maintained). This right may be waived, but such a waiver may not be required as a condition for admission to, receipt of financial aid from, or receipt of any other services or benefits from Stanford Law School. Please indicate your choice by checking the appropriate box on the LSAC Letter of Recommendation form before giving them to your recommenders.
• Standardized Tests. All applicants are required to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test. If you have one or more valid LSAT scores, they must be reported as part of your application. If you also take the GRE, you may submit all valid GRE scores, but you may also choose to submit only LSAT scores. The only circumstance where you may apply without providing us with an LSAT score is if you have only taken the GRE. If you are admitted to the Law School with a GRE and, after admission, take the LSAT, the Admissions Committee will consider this new LSAT score and will re-evaluate our offer of admission. LSAT. If you choose to apply with the LSAT, you must take the LSAT no later than January 2024. This deadline is based on the time needed by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) to get your scores to us by our application deadline of February 15, 2024. LSAC will report scores directly to us. If you do not indicate the January 2024 test date on the application but plan to take that test at a later date, you should notify the Office of Admissions in order for the score to be considered. Scores received on tests taken prior to June 2018 will not be considered valid. Note that all applicants using the LSAT are required to submit at least one writing sample. This sample can either be taken at the time of the LSAT examination or at a later date. If taken at a later date, note that it may take several weeks for LSAC to process and report your writing sample so plan accordingly keeping our February deadline in mind. GRE . If you choose to apply with the GRE, you should take the exam no later than February 1, 2024. This deadline is based on the time needed by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to get scores to us by our application deadline of February 15, 2024.  You must arrange with ETS to have all valid GRE scores sent directly to us. Log into your ETS account and select Stanford Law School as a recipient of GRE results using the school code 4993 . Scores received on tests taken prior to June 2018 will not be considered valid.
• Credential Assembly Service Report.  Transcripts from each college or university you have attended should be forwarded to LSAC, which will prepare and transmit a Law School Credential Assembly Service (CAS) Report to Stanford Law School. To register for the CAS service, please visit LSAC . The report furnished to the school will include copies of all transcripts sent to LSAC. If you have received academic credit for coursework taken abroad while enrolled as a full-time student, and if grades for that period of study are not clearly indicated on your home transcript, you must send that foreign study transcript directly to LSAC or to Stanford Law School. All non-US/Canadian transcripts listed during registration for the Credential Assembly Service are forwarded to the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO), where they will be authenticated and evaluated, except in cases where it is clearly marked on the home campus transcript. This service is included in the CAS registration fee. The data is assembled into a credential evaluation document that contains AACRAO’s summary, copies of the transcripts and translations (where applicable), and will be sent to the Office of Admissions. Any updated transcripts must be sent directly to LSAC. Please note that should you choose to apply for a joint degree and/or other programs at Stanford University, the CAS report may be forwarded to that program for review.

When the documents described above have all been received, your application is considered complete. However, until the application has been finally acted upon (and until the first day of attendance, if you are accepted and enroll), you are obligated to advise the school of any changes in the information previously furnished. In particular, you should promptly report to the school any additional grades received and any other facts that would have required a different answer to the questions asked in the application. Such changes may be reported informally by e-mail to the Office of Admissions; if official verification is required, you will be so advised. You must have received, or expect to receive by the Summer of 2024, a bachelor’s degree (or the equivalent) from an approved college. All offers of admission are conditional upon graduation.

Reapplication Procedure

If you wish to reapply for admission you must submit the following:

• New application
• Application fee
• Updated resume
• Updated personal statement
• New letter of recommendation to LSAC utilizing the Letter of Recommendation and Evaluation Service
• Updated transcripts showing conferral of degree
• New LSAT scores through LSAC if available

Please note that recommendations already on file need not be duplicated. Applications for the Fall of 2021, 2022, and 2023 have been retained.

Application Status Check

To keep you apprised of your application status, we provide an online status page. To view the status of your application, please click on the link below to access our password-protected online status page. Please note that bookmarking may make it difficult to access the page.

CHECK YOUR STATUS ONLINE

The Admissions Committee does not grant interviews as part of the admissions process. However, we encourage you to visit the school and arrange to meet with a member of the admissions staff.

Notification of Acceptance

Stanford Law uses a rolling admissions process, acting upon applications throughout the admissions season as they are completed. However, some applications are held until the committee has reviewed the entire applicant pool. This second review generally occurs in April, at which time the class will be filled. (A small number of applications will be held for possible use in filling vacancies that may occur during the summer.)

The Office of Admissions will make every effort to send applicants a first response (accept, deny or wait list) by April 30.

To secure a place in the entering class, applicants accepted for admission must pay a deposit.

If you are offered admission, Stanford reserves the right to withdraw that offer of admission (even after enrolled attendance) if: 1) you show a significant drop in academic performance or fail to graduate from your current program; 2) there has been a misrepresentation in or a violation of any of the terms of the Stanford Law School (SLS) application process; 3) we learn that you have engaged in behavior prior to the first day of enrolled SLS attendance that indicates a serious lack of judgment or integrity; or 4) you reserve a place in our entering class and make an enrollment commitment or make a deposit at another law school. Stanford further reserves the right to require you to provide additional information and/or authorization for the release of information about any such matter.

Acceptance Deferral Policy

Stanford Law School grants a limited number of requests for one-year deferrals. Any admitted applicant granted and accepting deferred admission is required (1) to submit a nonrefundable deposit that will be applied to tuition; and (2) to sign a statement that deferred status is not also held at another law school, that all prior applications to other law schools have been withdrawn, and that new applications will not be made to other law schools. Persons admitted from the wait list are ineligible for deferment.

Additional Matters

International Student Visas

In order to register as students, Stanford University requires all those who are not U.S. citizens or U.S. registered permanent residents to obtain and maintain an appropriate visa status for their stay in the United States. For more information, please visit the Bechtel International Center website .

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) or Undocumented Applicants

Inclusion and nondiscrimination are core values held by the University and this extends to all members of our community regardless of citizenship or nationality. Therefore, SLS remains firmly committed to the principle that citizenship is not a condition for admission to any of our programs. Individuals who have been granted DACA status at the time of application are eligible to apply and matriculate at SLS. In addition, individuals who have met all other admission requirements and are otherwise undocumented are permitted to apply and matriculate at SLS.

Stanford has actively supported the DREAM Act legislation since its introduction in 2001, which would enable undocumented students to continue their education and apply for U.S. citizenship. Stanford also supports DACA, which has allowed some undocumented individuals who entered the United States as children to remain in the country without fear of deportation. Stanford is among the more than 600 colleges and universities that have signed a letter in support of DACA.

https://immigration.stanford.edu/

Nondiscrimination Policy

Stanford University admits qualified students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or marital status to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the University. Consistent with its obligations under the law, in the administration of the University’s programs and activities, Stanford prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, marital status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law; Stanford also prohibits unlawful harassment including sexual harassment and sexual violence. This policy applies to Stanford programs and activities both on and off-campus, including overseas programs.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding this nondiscrimination policy: Stanford’s Director of the Diversity and Access Office, Krista Martinelli, Kingscote Gardens, 419 Lagunita Drive, Suite 130, Stanford, CA 94305-8550; (650) 723-0755 (voice), (650) 723-1791 (fax),  [email protected]  (email). Stanford’s Title IX Coordinator, Stephen Chen, has been designated to handle inquiries regarding sexual harassment and sexual violence: Kingscote Gardens (2nd floor), 419 Lagunita Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, (650) 497-4955 (voice), (650) 497-9257 (fax),  [email protected]  (email).  Individuals may also file complaints directly with the Office for Civil Rights, within the United States Department of Education, by following the information on this website:   https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/complaintintro.html

Last revised September 13, 2023 .  For the most recent policy, please visit the  Diversity and Access Office .

Campus Security

Stanford University complies with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act. Stanford’s policies and statistics under this act are posted on the Department of Public Safety website at  https://police.stanford.edu/security-report.html . A paper copy can be obtained by calling the Stanford Department of Public Safety at (650) 723-9633 or by sending an email to [email protected].

• [email protected]
• (650) 338-8226

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Stanford Law Application: What You Need to Know

By Eric Eng

Stanford Law School is one of the world’s most prestigious and highly-ranked law institutions, consistently appearing among the top three law schools in the United States. Its academic programs and opportunities are unrivaled, offering various courses, clinics, and joint degree programs catering to various interest areas. It is for this reason that people learn about the Stanford Law application

The school is renowned for its stellar faculty, leading experts in their respective fields, and a diverse and accomplished alumni network that includes prominent judges, public servants, and private practitioners.

A strong application is paramount for aspiring Stanford Law students, as the admission process is highly competitive and seeks to identify the most promising candidates who possess exceptional academic and professional backgrounds and demonstrate a genuine commitment to creating a positive impact in the legal field and beyond.

As such, applicants must strive to showcase their unique qualities, experiences, and potential to secure a coveted spot at this esteemed institution.

Stanford application requirements

1. application deadlines and timelines.

Application deadlines and timelines are crucial for the Stanford Law School admissions process. Typically, the application cycle commences in September, and applicants are strongly encouraged to forward their materials as early as possible, ideally before the priority deadline in February.

Adhering to these timelines is essential, as the admissions committee follows a rolling review process, meaning that applications are reviewed and evaluated as they are received.

Consequently, applying earlier in the cycle may increase the chances of a favorable outcome. It is important for applicants to carefully research and adhere to the specific deadlines outlined by Stanford Law School to avoid missing any critical steps in the admissions process.

2. LSAT and/or GRE scores

LSAT and GRE scores are important components of the Stanford Law School application process, as they provide a standardized measure of an applicant’s aptitude for law school. The LSAT is specifically designed to test skills critical to success in law school, such as reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, and logical reasoning.

Alternatively, the GRE is a more general graduate school admissions test that measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills.

Stanford Law accepts both LSAT and GRE scores, allowing applicants to choose the test that best reflects their strengths. While a high score on either exam can bolster an applicant’s chances of admission , it is important to note that Stanford Law follows a holistic review process, meaning that test scores are only one of many factors considered in evaluating an application.

3. Undergraduate transcripts

Undergraduate transcripts play a significant role in the Stanford Law application process, offering insight into applicants’ academic performance and rigor throughout their college years. These transcripts provide a detailed record of the courses taken, the grades earned, and the honors or distinctions awarded.

Admissions committees look for patterns of academic success, an upward trajectory in performance, and engagement with challenging coursework.

While a strong undergraduate GPA can contribute positively to an application, it is essential to remember that Stanford Law evaluates applicants holistically, considering various factors. Some of which include extracurricular activities, work experience, and personal qualities in addition to academic achievements.

4. Letters of recommendation

Letters of recommendation can play a very important role in the Stanford Law School application process. They offer valuable insights into an applicant’s character, intellectual abilities, and work ethic from those who have had close professional or academic interactions with the candidate.

When selecting recommenders, it is essential to choose individuals who can provide detailed, personalized accounts of the applicant’s strengths and the possibility of success in law school.

This typically includes professors, supervisors, or mentors who have worked closely with the applicant and can speak to their achievements, problem-solving abilities, and interpersonal skills. To prepare recommenders, applicants should provide ample notice, along with relevant materials such as an updated resume, personal statement, or a list of key points they would like addressed in the letter.

Additionally, it is important to discuss any specific guidelines or Stanford application requirements for the letters, such as submission deadlines or preferred formats, to ensure that the recommenders can provide a comprehensive and timely assessment that aligns with the admissions committee’s expectations.

5. Personal statement

The personal statement is another important component of the Stanford Law application, as it allows applicants to showcase their unique qualities, motivations, and aspirations beyond their academic and professional achievements. The purpose of the personal statement is to give the admissions committee a deeper understanding of the applicant’s background, experiences, and commitment to pursuing a legal education.

To craft a compelling personal statement, applicants should focus on telling a cohesive and engaging story highlighting their passion for the law, specific experiences shaping their perspectives, and how they plan to contribute to the Stanford Law community. It is essential to maintain a clear and concise writing style while ensuring the statement is genuine and reflects the applicant’s personality.

Some common pitfalls to avoid include clichés, being overly generic, or reiterating information already evident from other parts of the application. Instead, applicants should strive to create a thoughtful and well-organized narrative demonstrating their potential for success at Stanford Law and beyond.

6. Resume or curriculum vitae

A well-crafted resume or curriculum vitae (CV) is an important component of the Stanford Law School application, as it concisely summarizes an applicant’s professional and academic accomplishments.

This document should highlight relevant experiences, such as internships, research projects, volunteer work, leadership roles, and employment history. In addition to showcasing an applicant’s skills and achievements, a strong resume or CV can demonstrate a commitment to the legal field, community service, or other areas of interest relevant to legal education.

Applicants must tailor their resume or CV to the law school context by emphasizing experiences and qualifications that align with the institution’s values and expectations while ensuring that the document is well-organized, free of errors, and easy to read.

7. Optional essays

Optional essays allow applicants to share additional information about themselves that may not be evident from other parts of their application. One common optional essay is the diversity statement, which allows candidates to discuss their unique backgrounds, perspectives, or experiences that contribute to a more inclusive and diverse learning environment.

Applicants can share their stories about race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic background, disability, or other aspects that have shaped their lives and worldviews. Additionally, Stanford Law may offer other optional essay prompts that allow applicants to address specific aspects of their background or interest in the legal field.

These essays can be particularly valuable for candidates who wish to highlight a unique aspect of their Stanford Law application, explain any discrepancies in their academic or professional history, or demonstrate their strong fit with Stanford Law’s programs and values.

It is important to approach these optional essays thoughtfully and use them to provide a complete picture of the applicant’s experiences and potential contributions to the law school community.

8. Application fee and fee waiver

The application fee is a standard requirement for most law school applications, including Stanford Law School. This fee covers the cost of processing and reviewing the application materials. However, recognizing that some applicants may face financial barriers, Stanford Law offers fee waivers for those who demonstrate significant financial need.

To apply for a fee waiver, applicants must submit a formal request, typically through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) platform, along with relevant documentation demonstrating their financial circumstances.

If granted, the fee waiver allows applicants to submit their application without incurring the standard cost, ensuring that access to the application process remains equitable and inclusive for all prospective students, regardless of their financial background.

Stanford Application Review process

The application review process at Stanford Law School is designed to evaluate each candidate thoroughly and fairly through a holistic approach. This means that the admissions committee considers all aspects of an applicant’s background, achievements, and potential rather than relying solely on quantitative measures such as test scores or GPA .

During the review process, the committee assesses the candidate’s academic performance, work experience, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and any optional essays submitted.

While interviews are not a standard part of the admissions process at Stanford Law, the school may occasionally request interviews with selected candidates to gather additional information or to clarify specific aspects of their Stanford Law application.

The timeline for decisions typically spans several months, as the admissions committee conducts a rolling review of applications. Applicants may receive decisions at various points throughout the cycle, with final decisions generally released by late spring.

Candidates need to remain patient and optimistic during the review process, as the timeline can vary based on individual circumstances and the overall volume of applications received.

Tips for a successful application

In order to enhance your chances of submitting a successful application to Stanford Law School, it is essential to demonstrate a strong fit with the institution, showcase your unique background and experiences, and ensure that your application materials are polished and well-crafted.

Demonstrating a strong fit with Stanford Law

Researching the school and programs: Conduct thorough research on Stanford Law’s academic offerings, faculty, clinics, and extracurricular activities to gain a deeper understanding of the opportunities available and how they align with your career goals and interests.

By demonstrating knowledge of the school’s programs and conveying a clear vision of how you would benefit from and contribute to the Stanford Law community, you can make a stronger case for your candidacy.

Networking with current students and alumni: Engage with current students and alumni through informational interviews, law school events, or online platforms. These interactions can provide valuable insights into the school’s culture, experiences, and opportunities and help you build connections that may be beneficial in the future.

Showcasing your unique background and experiences: Use your statement, optional essays, and letters of recommendation to highlight your distinct experiences, achievements, and perspectives. You can set yourself apart from other applicants by emphasizing your unique qualities and the value you bring to the law school community.

Proofreading and editing your application materials: Ensure that all application components, including your resume, personal statement, and optional essays, are well-written, error-free, and adhere to any specific guidelines the school provides. A polished and professional application will make a strong impression on the admissions committee and demonstrate your attention to detail and commitment to excellence.

Seeking advice from mentors, alumni, or admissions consultants: Reach out to individuals with experience with the law school’s application process, such as mentors, alumni, or admissions consultants, to gain insights and advice on crafting a compelling application.

These individuals can provide valuable feedback on your materials, offer suggestions for improvement, and help you navigate the complexities of the application process. Leveraging their knowledge and expertise can enhance your chances of submitting a successful Stanford Law application.

Stanford financial aid and scholarships

Stanford Law School recognizes the importance of making legal education accessible to all qualified students, regardless of their financial background. To help students finance their education, the school offers a range of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities.

The financial aid application process at Stanford typically requires students to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and other supplemental documents, such as tax returns, to determine their eligibility for various types of aid. Merit-based scholarships are awarded to exceptional applicants based on their academic achievements, leadership potential, and overall accomplishments.

These scholarships may cover either partial or full tuition and are often renewable, provided the recipient maintains satisfactory academic progress. In addition to merit-based scholarships, Stanford Law provides need-based aid to students who demonstrate significant financial need.

This type of aid may include grants, low-interest loans, or work-study opportunities that help offset the cost of tuition and living expenses. By offering a comprehensive financial aid program, Stanford Law ensures that students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds can pursue their legal education and contribute to a vibrant, inclusive law school community.

Now that you have a clear understanding of Stanford University’s law school, you should also begin preparing for your admission. You can get help with AdmissionSight with the help of our world-class guidance. You can enter the best university that suits you best with the guidance of AdmissionSight. You can talk to our experts today to get started.

Want to assess your chances of admission? Take our FREE chances calculator today!

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How to Write Strong Essays for Stanford Law School

posted on January 7, 2016

“Please attach a statement of about two pages describing important or unusual aspects of yourself not otherwise apparent in your application.”

Here is a link to the Stanford JD application page.

This prompt is wide -open, but SLS gives you one clear direction: do not reiterate what is on your resume and in other parts of your application. You don’t need to re-state what the admissions officer already knows. Essays that run through a list of your accomplishments end up sounding boastful and boring.

Now that you know what not to do, how should you approach the question?

First of all, stop and take a deep breath. A personal statement is all about telling a compelling story. (Don’t believe me? Check out SLS Dean of Admissions Faye Deal’s blog post about the personal statement.) You can do this!

Here are a few questions to start brainstorming:

• When in your life have you felt entirely engaged in an activity, project, or cause? (This is just a less cheesy way of asking what you are passionate about.)
• Why do you want to go to law school? This can be a particularly helpful starting point if you can identify a key moment when you decided to become a lawyer. (If you are unsure of the answer to this, see our post on how to know if you should go to law school!)
• Thinking back on recent college or work experiences, are there one or two moments or stories that stand out in your memory as particularly meaningful?
• What is the most challenging obstacle or setback you have encountered? What did you learn from the experience?

These do not need to be monumental events. A story about a college athlete dealing with a sports injury can be a compelling tale of perseverance and commitment. A story about learning to play an instrument as a child can be a powerful tale about navigating family dynamics. Many applicants get paralyzed by the idea that you need to stand out from a crowd of thousands of other talented, smart people. This can seem impossible, especially if you are still in college. But remember that it is not your experiences that need to stand out; it is how you describe, analyze, and reflect on those experiences. Some people will have truly unique backgrounds in military service, work experience, or public service—great! But for everyone else, the challenge is to take a common experience and talk about it with an uncommon depth of reflection.

Notice that SLS does not ask: Why do you want to go to law school?

Most applicants will end up addressing this question, either explicitly or implicitly, but this does not need to be the guiding principle of your essay. If SLS wanted every applicant to write about this topic, they would ask for it. Instead, they ask: What makes you different? What is important to you? Focus on these two things. You can write a beautiful personal statement about your love of music or the value of being part of a team or the thrill of scientific discovery. Like many schools, SLS gives you two opportunities to demonstrate your thoughtful approach to complex issues. In addition to the broad personal statement, there is an optional diversity essay: “While admission to Stanford Law School is based primarily upon superior academic achievement and potential to contribute to the legal profession, the Admissions Committee also regards the diversity of an entering class as important to the school’s educational mission. If you would like the committee to consider how factors such as your background, life and work experiences, advanced studies, extracurricular or community activities, culture, socio-economic status, sex, race, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation would contribute to the diversity of the entering class and hence to your classmates’ law school experience, you may describe these factors and their relevance in a separate diversity statement.” Some people are definitely admitted without submitting the additional essay. However, it is in your best interest to use every opportunity that you have to show SLS what you can bring to the school and to the practice of law.

Do not feel as though you must be a member of an underrepresented minority to write this essay!

SLS already knows a lot of demographic information about you based on the boxes you checked on the application form. They don’t need an extra essay to know your sex, race, ethnicity, etc. They do need an extra essay to know what you have learned from your life experiences—both those stemming from your identity as well as those stemming from your decisions—and how you will share that with your classmates. Your two essays should work together to demonstrate different aspects of your personality, experiences, and goals. Try to pick different themes for the two essays to avoid appearing one-dimensional.

Finally, read over your essays and make sure they are clear , well-written , and error-free .

Most lawyers spend a great deal of their careers writing, so a key element of any law school application essay is demonstrating that you have excellent writing skills.

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Stanford Law Personal Statement Examples

To apply to Stanford Law, one of the most competitive law schools in the US , you’ll need to leverage everything you’ve got, and looking at Stanford Law personal statement examples will help immensely in crafting one of the most noteworthy components of your application.

In this article, we will provide a quick overview of what goes into a personal statement, what the format should be for Stanford Law, and then provide some example statements for your perusal.

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free strategy call here . <<

Article Contents 10 min read

What to include in a personal statement.

Unlike with other admissions essays, in which you have law school admissions essay topics , the only topic in a law school personal statement is you. What you’re going to talk about is your story, how you came to be applying to law school, and what your aspirations and dreams are.

The objective of your personal statement is to introduce yourself to the admissions committee as a unique person. This is why you focus on your story – because anybody could have a similar law school resume or transcript to yours, but only you have your specific story.

Check out the top Harvard Law School personal statement examples in this video:

You can focus on two or three main points or events in your life, taking yourself from your first inkling of wanting to be in law, to your current condition of applying to law school, and along the way talking about accomplishments you’ve had and lessons you’ve learned. These might take the form of law school extracurriculars , jobs, courses, or other growth events in your life, but you should choose only the best – the ones that give the clearest, most impressive picture of who you are.

You want to include anything that will make you fit in with Stanford Law in particular. While you don’t need to specifically mention Stanford, you should look out for any way you can synchronize your values or ambitions with those of your chosen school.

You will be following a standard essay format. When thinking about how to write a college essay , you can’t go wrong if you focus on three main areas: the introduction, body, and conclusion.

• Remember how to start a college essay : with a “hook” sentence – the opening statement that grabs the reader’s attention. Use something that forces the reader to keep reading, even if they didn’t have to as part of their job.
• The rest of the introduction sets up the body of the essay. Your introduction should quickly establish what you’re going to talk about next.
• The body of the essay contains one or two main ideas – don’t go beyond this, you don’t have the space – and drives forward to the conclusion.
• The conclusion wraps up the essay. You might want to talk about your career goals and aspirations here.

The best way to approach formatting your story is chronological. Other structures might work, but a chronological story is easier to write and easier to follow as a reader.

Example No.1

We almost lost everything, and I spent a large part of my high school days not knowing if my parents would have a job tomorrow. They are entrepreneurs and small business owners, and everything seemed great until they hired an employee I’ll call “John,” who caused them no end of trouble. John put so much effort into not working that he could have been a millionaire if he put the same effort into jobs. At the end of his employment with my parents, John got injured on the job and locked our family into legal battles for almost two years.

My dad stayed up late at night, looking over the legal documents. He didn’t understand them but looking them over made him feel a lot better. I was a night owl, so I was often right there with him, and at first, he didn’t really talk to me. But, as the nights went on, he started to talk to me about the documents and what was happening with the case. I think it was his way of venting stress. But for myself, I was fascinated by the documents, and I started to read them closely.

I discovered something strange: what should have been opaque to me – all the legal jargon – didn’t seem terribly impenetrable. So, I started to look up the terms I didn’t know and make my way through the case. This improbable incident started me on my journey toward law school. The law was something I was developing a passionate interest in, that I enjoyed reading about, and that was affecting me and my family on a deeply personal level.

At some point – I don’t even know how – I managed to work up the courage to ask our lawyer if he would mind talking to me about his job and what went into it. He agreed, although I think at first, he thought I was only interested in what was going on with my family’s case. Soon, he understood that what I wanted to know was everything, and he suggested that I shadow him for a couple of days to see what a lawyer went through on a day-to-day basis. I accepted with enthusiasm.

He showed me the nitty-gritty of the daily life of a lawyer, thinking I would be frustrated by the paperwork and how slow the law moved. I wasn’t. I was fascinated from end to end. Once, while discussing case law, I offered several insights I had obtained while going through my parents’ files at home. While these insights were hardly novel and had certainly not been overlooked by our attorney, he was impressed by my acumen and told me so. He wrote me a wonderful letter of recommendation to study pre-law in college.

As I progress in my college journey, I continue to be a bit of an anomaly. While many of my peers seem to seek the heady thrills of courtroom law, I am content to sit at a desk and scrutinize documents for the optimal strategies, precedents, and data necessary to operate as a lawyer.

I had a cruel introduction to the law, but it ended in the best possible way. Not only did my parents win their case against their former employee, but I also found a vocation in life that fascinates me endlessly, and for which I have an aptitude. It is rare to receive such a fine gift as a job you are truly excited about, but I say without reservation that I cannot wait to study law and start practicing. Ultimately, I want to work in the corporate sector and handle the complex cases that come along with any employers and businesses. This is how I first came to love the study of law, and it’s what I’m most passionate about pursuing.

Want to learn how to get into law school with a low GPA? Check out this infographic:

Example No.2

Pacing back and forth during a brief recess, I wasn’t sure where I could go next. I was due back in the courtroom at any moment, and I couldn’t seem to stop sweating. Perspiration cut down my temple like condensation on a water glass. I felt like I was made of water when I should be made of stone. The jury were implacable, unreadable – a team of twelve poker players, or so it seemed. I heard the bell, mopped my brow, and strode out to my desk to meet the rest of the trial.

The cafetorium had been outfitted with a judge’s bench, and I can still remember my buddy Rod sitting up there, playing the role of the court. He had joked that he wished we were holding a mock trial based on England’s justice system because then he could wear a powdered wig.

I was taking part in an ongoing program with my school during which we staged mock trials to get to know the legal system better and learn various aspects of the law, particularly trial law, as well as how to study for and present cases. All of this was in partnership with several local law offices, which generously donated time and resources to our school so that we could get the best possible legal education.

Most of the mock trials were based on high-profile cases, but we also had more obscure or completely fabricated cases so that we could experience a trial with less knowledge and fewer biases or preconceptions concerning what would occur. In this particular case, the trial that I was getting so sweaty over, it was a fabricated case about a shooting incident, and I was acting as prosecutor.

Mr. Thompson was my advisor. He came from a law firm called Gould and Partners, and if you didn’t know him professionally, you’d think Mr. Thompson was nothing but easygoing and jovial. In court, he was an absolute pit bull. Mr. Thompson was generous with his time and with giving me access to his work. I had sat in court several times as a member of the public and watched him work. Gone was the joviality, replaced by tenacity, and although never angry or inappropriate, Mr. Thompson was always direct and powerful whenever he took the floor.

I tried to channel this energy into my own trial, and as I walked from the recess room – which was really just the cafetorium’s supply closet – I locked eyes with Mr. Thompson at our desk, who nodded. Then, I went into my closing arguments.

In the days preceding the mock trial, Mr. Thompson had looked over the case I had prepared. He grilled me, just as if I was on trial, and made sure I knew the case inside and out.

“If you’re nervous,” he told me, “Just think back to all this prep stuff – the boring stuff, for most people – and remember that it isn’t paperwork. It’s stonework. This is your foundation.”

I swear I could feel those stones beneath my feet as my shoes clicked on the linoleum. That foundation was solid, and my arguments were delivered without another bead of sweat trickling down my forehead. I knew the case backward and forward; I had learned from experience with these mock trials to prepare thoroughly. It felt good and right, and when the jury returned a guilty verdict, Mr. Thompson shook my hand.

“This feeling never goes away,” he said. “You’re made of stone now.”

I was getting snowed under between work, school, and family life. My father had recently had an invasive operation performed, and while he was recovering nicely, he was frequently on my mind during my studies. It made any additional responsibilities unfeasible for me that year.

I was taking a Victimology course, and we had been assigned group projects. Our presentation was going to be on victim statistics, both in terms of how to accurately gather data and how to read those data to best serve future victims and prevent crime. This was a huge subject, and I was at first quite grateful to have the benefit of a team to rely on. It became apparent to me, however, that I could not rely on all team members equally.

It always seems to be the case that there is one team member who just isn’t as effective in their role in the group as the others are. In this case, I had a classmate named Stacy who was habitually late to meetings and who didn’t understand the material. Working with Stacy became a large hurdle on my path to becoming a lawyer.

My journey into law started back in high school when I got involved with every kind of club that I could think of and found that I most loved our model UN, debate club, and classes on political science and civics. This led me to a series of conversations with our career counsellor, who helped me choose law as a good career path for my skillset and interests. Along the way, I have dealt with all manner of hang-ups and problems.

My first major hurdle was the sheer amount of knowledge there was on the subject, and it often felt like I would never get it all sorted out in my head. Of course, there are so many different kinds of law to go into as well, which meant that there was a tremendous amount of potential information to learn. Through these experiences, I was forced to develop better study habits and better time management skills. I’m glad I did, too, because thanks to better scheduling, I have more time to continue getting involved in all kinds of clubs and activities, like student government, which I have been in since starting my undergrad.

However, all those obstacles were nothing compared to Stacy. My main problem here was that all other obstacles were about the amount of work there was to be done. I could improve my own study habits myself. I could employ my organizational skills to narrow down my legal readings and get all the information I needed. I could even grapple with problems in student government or in the debate club because I was up against or working with people who were as passionate as I was. Although it was hard, we all wanted the same things.

However, Stacy needed a different motivator because she just wasn’t as dedicated as we were; she was contemplating switching majors and wasn’t sure she would need victimology. Once I found that out, I had a conversation with her. It was friendly, over cups of tea in the cafeteria after a team meeting. I told Stacy that I liked to stay organized, and if she wanted to, I might be able to help. I helped her work through logical possibilities, which amounted to two real choices: drop the course or give it everything she had to help us. She elected to stay the course, work harder, and help us out. She committed.

I learned something invaluable through working with Stacy. It was a strange obstacle to encounter: trying to accomplish something with someone who isn’t on my wavelength. My attempt at mediation – calm, friendly, but professional – was a new way to approach adversity for me. I hope to build on that approach going forward, as I think it will be very useful when I am trying to be part of or lead a team at a firm, or when I am in negotiations with other firms and their clients.

 Stacy and I are still friends, my dad is fully recovered, and I’m on track to head into law school with the best experiences I could possibly have, showing that I have persistence as well – a much-needed quality of fine lawyers.

Stanford says that statements should be “about 2 pages” long. While you could go a little more than 2 pages, try not to fill 3 pages completely. In fact, in this case, less is more, and you should probably aim for a little less than 2 pages. This means that your personal statement will be, on average, 600–1,000 words.

Stanford doesn’t officially say, but most essays are written double-spaced, so you can assume double-spaced.

Yes. This isn’t a spelling test, but you won’t leave a good impression with bad syntax.

It’s not necessary, but you can. The statement is focused on you, personally, not Stanford, but it’s not off-limits.

Spend a good amount of time with it. A little time each day for 2–3 weeks is good, giving you time to write, re-write, edit, proofread, or use a law essay writing service to check your work.

Not formally, but every aspect of your application is part of the complete picture you give to Stanford, so take it as seriously as you would if it was graded. You may even wish to work with a law school advisor to ensure that this crucial component of your application is the best it can be.

Law school acceptance rates place Stanford as the second most difficult school to get into, at least in the US.

Not directly. You would need to contact Stanford and ask to make the correction.

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How to Get into Wharton UPenn

Get into upenn wharton.

Founded by Joseph Wharton, American entrepreneur and industrialist in 1881, The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania is not only renowned for being an entrepreneurial ecosystem, they are also the world’s first collegiate business school. Wharton will be the first to tell you they’re trailblazers as they have “continued innovating to meet mounting global demand for new ideas, deeper insights and transformative leadership.”

Are you aiming for Wharton?

“ Top Tier Admissions was instrumental in every part of the business school application process. The team helped me identify my strengths and weaknesses well before the application deadlines so I had plenty of time to boost my test scores, supplement my extracurriculars and academic heft, and plan my application strategy. Unlike undergrad, there is no Common App for business schools, so the team helped me write tailored and impactful essays for individual schools. In the end, most schools I was accepted to extended full-tuition offers, and I decided to enroll at Wharton. Wharton was a great culture fit for me, and I’m looking forward to developing my financial chops, participating in a Leadership Expedition, and complementing my time in Philadelphia with the Semester in San Francisco program. ” –L.P., Graduate Analysis & Guidance Program (UPenn, Wharton)

How To Get Into The Wharton School: What You Need To Know

1. Identify what you want . 

Wharton has a flexible but academically rigorous curricular track where MBA students commit to a 20-month program. But, that’s not all. Students across the world are drawn to Wharton for their undergraduate and graduate level programs outside of the two-year MBA.  For example, their undergraduate program in Economics, their undergraduate Huntsman Program in International Studies and Business, their Nursing and Healthcare Management BS degree, their MBA program for working executives, their JD/MBA program, the Lauder Institute’s MBA/MA joint degree, their MBA and engineering graduate MA program, or my personal favorite, the UPenn Wharton and Harvard Kennedy School combined Masters in Public Administration (MPA) and MBA dual degree program . And, the above list of programs doesn’t even take into account the nine PhD programs Wharton offers in fields ranging from Ethics to Marketing to Applied Economics. No wonder Wharton has almost 250 faculty on staff.

2. Know what they’re about.

Wharton is historically known for their world class faculty, strong alumni network and their focus on finance. Many Top Tier Admissions alumni have been drawn to Wharton thanks to their managers at top consulting and financial firms who attended Wharton and are now leading venture capital firms, hedge funds, and investment management firms. Wharton also made the news as their Financial Times  2024 MBA ranking was 1st, whereas Harvard Business School was 11 th and Stanford Graduate School of Business was 23 rd . Part of this ranking boost is due to Wharton’s high average? alumni salary as of 2024, which was $247,875. The post-MBA salary increase was an impressive 121%. 

3. Get their digits.

Wharton loves crunching the numbers, so you need to know the metrics they want to see in your application, especially considering their MBA program (Class of 2025) received 6,194 applications and enrolled just 874 . These enrolled students are 50% women, 31% international, represent 70 countries, are 11% LGBTQ+, 11% first generation, and have five years of work experience on average. They also had an average GMAT of 728 and an average GRE of 162 verbal and 162 quant, plus the average undergraduate GPA was a 3.6. Wharton is anything but average, so as a Wharton applicant, you cannot afford to be average either. We can help set you apart. 

4. Explore the unique opportunities they offer. 

Since your application and essays for Wharton will need to articulate why they’re the best match for you and your targeted career, you need familiarize yourself with their buzz words. What do they feel sets them apart from their peer MBA programs throughout the world and what draws you to them in particular? Perhaps it’s their renowned pedagogical innovation, or, maybe you’re compelled by their status as an “analytical powerhouse [that] is undisputed in academic circles.” Or, maybe you like their Executive Coaching and Feedback Program where they foster self-awareness and strong leadership skills in their MBA students, modeled after executive coaching programs at leading corporations. 

5. Prep your toolbox.

After you attend a few info sessions (virtually or on campus) and events such as their “Student Led Wharton MBA Overview Webinar,” “MBA App Overview,” or “Top Business Schools Discussion on Diversity and Inclusion,” start gathering what you need to apply. 

Here’s the list: 

• Background info, including the online application itself
• A $275 application fee
• Essay 1 : How do you plan to use the Wharton MBA program to help you achieve your future professional goals? You might consider your past experience, short and long-term goals, and resources available at Wharton. (500 words)
• Essay 2 : Taking into consideration your background – personal, professional, and/or academic – how do you plan to make specific, meaningful contributions to the Wharton community? (400 words)
• Required Essay for all Reapplicants:  Share with the Admissions Committee how you have reflected and grown since your previous application and discuss any relevant updates to your candidacy (e.g., changes in your professional life, additional coursework, and extracurricular/volunteer engagements). (250 words)
• Optional Essay:   Share any additional information about yourself that cannot be found elsewhere in your application and that you would like to share with the Admissions Committee. This space can also be used to address any extenuating circumstances (e.g., unexplained gaps in work experience, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance, areas of weakness, etc.) that you would like the Admissions Committee to consider. (500 words)
• Official Transcripts
• Contact information for two recommenders
• GMAT or GRE score
• Resume (one page in PDF format)

Finally, ensure your submission is finalized well before your selected deadline. There are three options (the dates for 2024-2025 will be similar to these from 2023-2024): 

• Round 1: Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at 5pm ET
• Round 2: Thursday, January 4, 2024 at 5pm ET
• Round 3: Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at 5pm ET
• Deferred Admissions Round: Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 5pm ET

We would love to help you ensure your essays and resume shine as you apply to UPenn Wharton. 

Contact us to learn more about our  MBA, PhD and graduate admissions consulting programs .

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The University of Chicago The Law School

College essays and diversity in the post-affirmative action era, sonja starr’s latest research adds data, legal analysis to discussion about race in college admissions essays.

Editor’s Note: This story is part of an occasional series on research projects currently in the works at the Law School.

The Supreme Court’s decision in June 2023 to bar the use of affirmative action in college admissions raised many questions. One of the most significant is whether universities should consider applicants’ discussion of race in essays. The Court’s decision in Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA) v. Harvard did not require entirely race-blind admissions. Rather, the Court explicitly stated that admissions offices may weigh what students say about how race affected their lives. Yet the Court also warned that this practice may not be used to circumvent the bar on affirmative action.

Many university leaders made statements after SFFA suggesting that they take this passage seriously, and that it potentially points to a strategy for preserving diversity. But it’s not obvious how lower courts will distinguish between consideration of “race-related experience” and consideration of “race qua race.” Sonja Starr, Julius Kreeger Professor of Law & Criminology at the Law School, was intrigued by the implication of that question, calling the key passage of the Court’s opinion the “essay carveout.”

“Where is the line?” she wrote in a forthcoming article, the first of its kind to discuss this issue in depth in the post- SFFA era. “And what other potential legal pitfalls could universities encounter in evaluating essays about race?”

To inform her paper’s legal analysis, Starr conducted empirical analyses of how universities and students have included race in essays, both before and after the Court’s decision. She concluded that large numbers of applicants wrote about race, and that college essay prompts encouraged them to do so, even before SFFA .

Some thought the essay carveout made no sense. Justice Sonia Sotomayor called it “an attempt to put lipstick on a pig” in her dissent. Starr, however, disagrees. She argues that universities are on sound legal footing relying on the essay carveout, so long as they consider race-related experience in an individualized way. In her article, Starr points out reasons the essay carveout makes sense in the context of the Court’s other arguments. However, she points to the potential for future challenges—on both equal protection and First Amendment grounds—and discusses how colleges can survive them.

What the Empirical Research Showed

After SFFA , media outlets suggested that universities would add questions about race or identity in their admissions essays and that students would increasingly focus on that topic. Starr decided to investigate this speculation. She commissioned a professional survey group to recruit a nationally representative sample of recent college applicants. The firm queried 881 people about their essay content, about half of whom applied in 2022-23, before SFFA , and half of whom submitted in 2023-24.

The survey found that more than 60 percent of students in non-white groups wrote about race in at least some of their essays, as did about half of white applicants. But contrary to what the media suggested, there were no substantial changes between the pre-and post- SFFA application cycles.

Starr also reviewed essay prompts that 65 top schools have used over the last four years. She found that diversity and identity questions—as well as questions about overcoming adversity, which, for example, provide opportunities for students to discuss discrimination that they have faced—are common and have increased in frequency both before and after SFFA.

A Personally Inspired Interest

Although Starr has long written about equal protection issues, until about two years ago, she would have characterized educational admissions as a bit outside her wheelhouse. Her research has mostly focused on the criminal justice system, though race is often at the heart of it. In the past, for example, she has assessed the role of race in sentencing, the constitutionality of algorithmic risk assessment instruments in criminal justice, as well as policies to expand employment options for people with criminal records.

But a legal battle around admissions policies at Fairfax County’s Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology—the high school that Starr attended—caught her attention. Starr followed the case closely and predicted that “litigation may soon be an ever-present threat for race-conscious policymaking” in a 2024 Stanford Law Review article on that and other magnet school cases.

“I got really interested in that case partly because of the personal connection,” she said. “But I ended up writing about it as an academic matter, and that got me entrenched in this world of educational admissions questions and their related implications for other areas of equal protection law.”

Implications in Education and Beyond

Starr’s forthcoming paper argues that the essay carveout provides a way for colleges to maintain diversity and stay on the right side of the Court’s decision.

“I believe there’s quite a bit of space that’s open for colleges to pursue in this area without crossing that line,” she said. “I lay out the arguments that colleges can put forth.”

Nevertheless, Starr expects future litigation targeting the essay carveout.

“I think we could see cases filed as soon as this year when the admissions numbers come out,” she said, pointing out that conservative legal organizations, such as the Pacific Legal Foundation, have warned that they’re going to be keeping a close eye on admissions numbers and looking for ways that schools are circumventing SFFA .

Starr envisions her paper being used as a resource for schools that want to obey the law while also maintaining diversity. “The preservation of diversity is not a red flag that something unconstitutional is happening,” she said. “There are lots of perfectly permissible ways that we can expect diversity to be maintained in this post- affirmative action era.”

Starr’s article, “Admissions Essays after SFFA ,” is slated to be published in Indiana Law Journal in early 2025.

Engels, Saratov Oblast, Russia

When the Volga German colonies were founded, Engels was known as Pokrovsk. It was a commercial center located on the left bank of the Volga River across from Saratov.

Pokrovsk was founded in 1747 by ethnic Ukranians, and it is referred to as the Pokrovsk Ukranian Quarter in the 1798 Census of the Volga German colonies.

Over the years, Pokrovsk became the center of much of the German culture on the Volga and was known by the German name of Kasakenstadt. It had a population of 22,000 in 1897.

In 1924, Pokrovsk became the capital of the Volga German Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic and in 1931 was renamed in honor of Friedrich Engels. It is still called Engels today.

In 1965, a bridge was constructed across the Volga River to connect Engels to Saratov.

Population:

- Diesendorf, V.F. Die Deutschen Russlands : Siedlungen und Siedlungsgebiete : Lexicon . Moscow, 2006. - The German Settlements in the USSR before 1941 [in Russian]. Moscow, 2002.

- Engels (city) (Wikipedia)

Map showing Engels (1935).

Pokrovsk sawmills in 1928. Photo courtesy of the Deutsches Bundesarchiv.

Bridge over the Volga River between Saratov and Engels. Photo courtesy of Jens Althoff.

Rendering of the Lutheran Church in Pokrovsk. Source: Jorge Bohn.

German Archives Building in Pokrovsk (1928). Source: oldsaratov.ru

Pre-Volga Origin

Settlers came from the following locations.

Saratov State Academy of Law Admission, Courses, Fees, Contacts, online Application

About the university / university details.

Established in 1931, Saratov State Academy of Law is a non-profit public higher-education institution located in the large city of Saratov (The area population ranges between this figures 500,000-1,000,000 inhabitants), Saratov Oblast. Officially recognized by the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation, Saratov State Academy of Law is a coeducational Russian higher education institution. Saratov State Academy of Law offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. Saratov State Academy of Law also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, as well as administrative services.

Table of Contents

Saratov State Academy of Law’s website

Admission, Courses, Fees, Contacts, online Application For this University please visit the link below and Apply for Undergraduate programmes, Masters programmes, and PhDs. 

University Contacts, Phone Number, Location, Email and Postal Address.

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Struggling with Stanford optional essay