What Is a Personal Statement? Its Role In Your Master of Laws Application and How It Impacts Your Chances of Admission
If you're applying for a master's program, you’ll likely need to write some form of essay: a personal statement, a motivation letter, or a statement of purpose. In my earlier posts, I talked about common mistakes when writing a personal statement, as well as its hidden benefits for building your confidence and clarity. In this post, I’ll dive deeper into what a personal statement is and what it is not, and why crafting a strong one is crucial to your application.
So, What is a personal statement?
A personal statement is an essay where you discuss your past, present, and your plans for the future. It’s your opportunity to answer questions like:
- Why do you want to pursue a master’s degree?
- Why is this particular program the right choice for you at this stage in your life and career?
- Why is this the next logical step for you?
- What are you going to do with this degree afterwards?
More than just answering these questions, the personal statement is your chance to advocate for yourself. It’s your opportunity to show the admissions committee who you are as a person, beyond the sum of your grades, test scores, and accomplishments.
Think of it as building a case for why you’re an ideal candidate for the program. You want to persuade the admissions committee that you are not only academically prepared but also deeply motivated and uniquely qualified for the opportunity.
In essence, your personal statement is an invitation to the admissions committee to get to know you better.
What a personal statement is nOT
It’s equally important to understand what a personal statement is not:
- It’s not an expanded version of your CV.
Your personal statement should not simply repeat the information already presented in your CV or résumé (for how to write a CV for your master's applications, see this post). Instead, use it to highlight aspects of your story that are not reflected elsewhere in your application. - It’s not an academic essay about your field of study.
You don’t need to write a thesis on the importance of your chosen subject. Admissions officers are already familiar with your field. What they want to understand is you—your motivations, values, and personal journey. (for how to write an essay on a legal topic, please see here Part 1 and Part 2)
Why is personal statement so important?
Personal statement is usually the only document in your application package where your voice comes through. Its purpose is to give the admissions committee an insight into your persona - who you are and what you stand for. Personal statement is meant to make the admissions committee understand 'what makes you tick.'
What to Include in a Personal Statement
Almost anything you consider important about yourself can be a valid topic for exploration. Common themes might include:
- Influences like family, mentors, or personal role models
- Experiences of living in a different country or culture
- Moments of personal growth through challenges, such as loss, trauma, or disability
- Academic or professional milestones, such as research projects or career achievements
The key is not just to mention these experiences but to reflect on them thoughtfully. How have they shaped your identity, values, and goals?
It’s worth noting that writing a personal statement often requires vulnerability. Sharing your authentic self, even if it feels risky, is what makes a statement compelling. This openness is what allows admissions officers to connect with you on a personal level.
How to Approach Writing It
Many applicants worry about choosing the “right” topic. But here’s the truth: it’s not the topic itself that matters most—it’s how you write about it. Even seemingly mundane experiences can become profound when analyzed deeply and thoughtfully.
For example, reflecting on a simple childhood memory or a routine part of your workday can reveal significant insights about your character, values, or aspirations. Don’t shy away from “common” topics; instead, focus on drawing meaning from them.
Final Thoughts
If you'd like to learn more, I share my process writing the Harvard LL.M. personal statement in a three-part post series here: Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3. It's an illustration of my original 5-step methodology for writing personal statements. The core of this methodology is identifying and focusing on formative life experiences to craft a compelling LL.M. application. In this post I explain how I strategically chose what experiences to include and what to leave out. You can also read about my philosophy on using personal stories, as opposed to professional, here (the overarching framework) and here (how I applied it to my Harvard essay). For the essay on a legal issue (Harvard's personal statement, part 'b') or a writing sample, please check out this post.
I have also created a course, The Ultimate Guide to a Personal Statement That Gets You Admission, with a full roadmap for writing a winning personal statement, motivation letter, or statement of purpose.
A personal statement is your chance to bring your application to life. It allows you to stand out as more than just numbers or achievements on paper. When done well, it gives the admissions committee a glimpse of the person behind the application and makes them want to offer you a place in their program.
So, invest time and thought into your personal statement. Be authentic, reflective, and intentional about what you share. And remember: it’s not about having a “perfect” story—it’s about presenting your story in the most genuine and compelling way possible.
Good luck, and happy writing!