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A Guide to the Columbia Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

October 3, 2023

Situated in the vibrant heart of New York City, Columbia University has long been renowned as one of the most fiercely competitive institutions in the world. With a consistent top-five ranking among colleges in the U.S., Columbia attracts a diverse array of exceptional students from across the globe. As you embark on the challenging task of distinguishing yourself from this impressive pool of applicants, it is crucial to consider how the Columbia supplemental essays for the 2023-2024 application cycle can greatly enhance your candidacy.

The purpose of the Columbia supplemental essays is to provide the admissions committee with deeper insights into your intellectual passions, extracurricular interests, and the genuine motivations behind your desire to join Columbia's prestigious community. By thoughtfully addressing the prompts below, you can help the admissions officers understand why you are an ideal fit for Columbia. To facilitate a seamless writing process, I have meticulously outlined each prompt, offered invaluable tips and tricks for crafting compelling responses, and provided additional advice to ensure your Columbia supplemental essays for 2023-2024 truly shine.

Columbia Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

Question 1 (100 words or fewer), list a selection of texts, resources and outlets that have contributed to your intellectual development outside of academic courses, including but not limited to books, journals, websites, podcasts, essays, plays, presentations, videos, museums and other content that you enjoy..

The instructions make it very clear that there’s no minimum number of titles you must include. That being said, don’t just insert one answer for each topic. From your answers to the Columbia supplemental essays 2023-2024 , the university wants to know what kind of topics and genres you enjoy outside academics. All of these could follow a particular theme - your answer to the latter three bullets could be a great way to show that you’ve pursued your academic interests through more than just schoolwork. Or, you could highlight a passion outside your intended major, such as sports or cooking, by mentioning relevant books or magazines.

Don’t list big-name publications such as The New York Times just because you think it sounds impressive. It will probably be one of the more common answers anyway. Go through your subscriptions, browser history, and think about which publications you’re always drawn to when at a newsstand or library.

Question 2 (150 words or fewer)

A hallmark of the columbia experience is being able to learn and thrive in an equitable and inclusive community with a wide range of perspectives. tell us about an aspect of your own perspective, viewpoint or lived experience that is important to you, and describe how it has shaped the way you would learn from and contribute to columbia’s diverse and collaborative community..

Because so many academically qualified students apply to Columbia, admissions officers want to pinpoint the candidates who will meaningfully contribute to their community. Through this supplemental prompt, Columbia is interested in knowing exactly what you’ll bring from your current life as a high schooler to the Morningside Heights campus in Manhattan. If we break this prompt down further, you’ll notice that the word “community” is broad here — the Columbia supplemental essays 2023-2024 has given you flexibility by listing some possible examples of the type of community you might write about — as well as saying “another community” if it’s more applicable.

As you brainstorm, start thinking about all of the communities you interact with on a daily basis—school, student group, sports team, neighborhood organization, family, etc. From there, think about what—from any of these communities—you’ve had the most impact on and why. The list could go on, but may include things like helping your parents with your siblings, or stepping up as a leader to initiate a new community center in your neighborhood. From there, you want to think about how your skills can benefit others, specifically at Columbia University.  When approaching this essay, try to be as specific as possible. 200 words is a short essay, so make sure you get straight to the point and explain the unique contributions you would bring from your current life to Columbia.

Question 3 (150 words or fewer)

In college/university, students are often challenged in ways that they could not predict or anticipate. it is important to us, therefore, to understand an applicant’s ability to navigate through adversity. please describe a barrier or obstacle you have faced and discuss the personal qualities, skills or insights you have developed as a result..

In this prompt, you have the chance to share a personal story of a barrier or obstacle you have faced and delve into the personal qualities, skills, or insights you have developed as a result. It could be a difficult academic journey, a setback in your extracurricular activities, or a personal struggle you have overcome.

By sharing your experience, you can demonstrate to the admissions officers your ability to navigate through challenges and your willingness to learn and grow from them. Remember to also highlight the specific lessons you have learned, such as perseverance, adaptability, problem-solving, or the importance of seeking support.

Ultimately, this essay is an opportunity to showcase your resilience, determination, and personal growth. Emphasize how overcoming obstacles has shaped you into a stronger individual, capable of navigating the unpredictable challenges of college life and beyond.

Question 4 (150 words or fewer)

Why are you interested in attending columbia university we encourage you to consider the aspect(s) that you find unique and compelling about columbia..

Now we come to the “why this school” portion of the Columbia supplemental essays 2023-2024 . Remember that this essay isn’t about what makes Columbia a good school - admissions officers already know that it is! What do you find the most appealing about the university? How do these great features relate to your learning and your future plans? The points you should try to get across are why the college’s resources are a good fit for you, how you will benefit from all that it offers, and the aspects of campus life where you believe you can contribute the most. 

The best strategy in answering this question is conducting research specific to your interests and goals, as Columbia wants to see an emphasis on what you “value.” Since you have a good number of words, you can mention both academic and extracurricular offerings that call out to you. At the same time don’t go all over the place - stay within describing two to three of the most appealing factors, and then elaborate on them. What classes and activities do you currently enjoy that you hope to continue at Columbia? Which particular Columbia courses align with your ideal career? Is there a unique student organization that you want to join, such as Columbia Undergraduate Film Productions or the Columbia University Glee Club?

Don’t just think about the internal resources - but the external aspects of Columbia that make it great as well. You can mention the New York City environment - but don’t dwell on this as this essay should be about Columbia and not how much you love Manhattan! Are there ways in which this particular urban academic setting works better for you than a suburban or rural one? Use your response to the first prompt for clues about what you’re looking for from your college experience (but don’t be repetitive!) and articulate how Columbia is the perfect place to explore your aspirations.

Columbia College (150 words or fewer)

What attracts you to your preferred areas of study at columbia college.

Continuing from the “why Columbia” question, this prompt among the Columbia supplemental essays 2023-2024 asks you to delve deeper into the academic aspect of your interest in Columbia. A memorable answer to this prompt should successfully tie in where your passion for your academic interest stems from, as well as how Columbia can help you explore it further. 

If you’ve chosen creative writing, for example, think about when this interest started, how your love for the topic grew, and how you’ve honed your writing skills.  Perhaps you participated in competitions or creative writing clubs. Anecdotes outlining these activities and accomplishments should dominate your essay. If you have space remaining, talk about how Columbia’s creative writing program is the perfect place to help you as a budding writer. Is there a professor whose writing you’ve followed? Are there any specific courses that perfectly suit the genre you dream of mastering someday such as WRIT UN2110 Seminar Approaches to the Short Story?

No matter which field of study you’ve chosen, admissions officers should leave with no doubts regarding your dedication and commitment to the discipline. Columbia appreciates individuals who avidly pursue intellectual growth . Use your answer to demonstrate that your interest in the topic is deep and sustained. 

Columbia Engineering (150 words or fewer)

What attracts you to your preferred areas of study at columbia engineering.

This prompt is the same as the previous one - but only for engineering applicants. Just like applicants to Columbia College, your answer to this question should focus on tying in your previous engineering experiences to the opportunities available to you at the Fu Foundation School of Engineering at Columbia. Don’t just write about engineering as a broad discipline. Think about the area you’ve chosen - such as Electrical Engineering or Earth & Environmental Engineering - and express how your curiosity about that specific field arose. 

Detail any specific instances of you working with topics that fall under your chosen concentration. If you want to study computer science, for example, what specific experiences do you have with programming or app-building? Was there a particular incident where you decided that this was the field for you? Then, connect your answer to the Fu Foundation School. Which courses under Columbia Engineering’s Computer Science curriculum fit with your plans the most? Is there a particular research program that perfectly augments your interest within computer science?

Your experiences and active persuasion of your choice of concentration should leave admissions officers with the confidence that you’re not just a good fit for Columbia, but for Columbia Engineering specifically.

Additional Tips for Writing the Columbia Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

Now that you’ve taken a look at the prompts for the Columbia supplemental essays , here are a few tips to help your brainstorming process: 

• Let your personality shine: The purpose of the Columbia supplemental essays 2023-2024 is to get to know you . You can’t be a memorable candidate if admissions officers are unable to gauge who you are, sense what you’re passionate about, and identify your goals. Don’t just repeat your personal statement. Instead, exemplify each point as concretely as possible. Whether reading about your favorite books or learning about your interest in biology or history, the reader must be able to get a clear picture and learn new information from every essay.
• Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of Columbia: The Columbia supplemental essays 2023-2024 strike a balance between asking questions specific to your experiences and asking about what appeals to you regarding the university. A lot of students apply to Columbia only because it’s an Ivy League school or because it’s located in Manhattan. Assure them that you’re not one of those students by showcasing a comprehensive knowledge of the school’s curriculum and resources, and demonstrating that you’ve done the research to understand how those opportunities specifically pertain to your aspirations. Your essays should convince the admissions officers that you and Columbia are a perfect fit.
• Think about your Application Persona: A lot of the questions asked by Columbia want you to reflect on your chosen disciplines, so you need to stay true to your application persona in your responses. Your application persona is the overall theme of your application. You could be a student who’s worked with environmental issues throughout your time in high school. Or, you could be a budding director who has taken charge of all the school plays. Think about how your approach to the Columbia supplemental essays 2023-2024 can convincingly harmonize with your application persona and portray authentic interest in your field of choice.

Your responses to the Columbia supplemental essays 2023-2024 should serve as a window into your true self, showcasing your interests and how you plan to continue pursuing them during your college years. The admissions officers should gain a clear understanding of your goals and recognize how Columbia can play a pivotal role in helping you achieve them. By skillfully intertwining your passions with what intrigues you about Columbia, you have the opportunity to craft exceptional essays that set you apart from the impressive pool of applicants. I wish you the best of luck in this endeavor!

If you are looking for a college admissions counselor to help maximize your chances of getting into your dream school, we can help! InGenius Prep has helped more than 6,000 students around the world gain admission into the most competitive schools including Harvard, Yale, MIT, Johns Hopkins, Cornell, NYU, and more. Sign up for a free strategy call today and join the 6,000+ students we've helped get accepted into their dream schools. 

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How to get into columbia law.

Reviewed by:

David Merson

Former Head of Pre-Law Office, Northeastern University, & Admissions Officer, Brown University

Reviewed: 10/25/23

Columbia Law is one of the nation’s top law schools. Read on to learn how to get into Columbia Law and kickstart your law career. 

Columbia Law School is ranked as the nation's eighth-best law school , making it an attractive addition to any future lawyer’s list. If getting into Columbia Law is your dream, this guide will outline its programs, requirements, essay tips, and more to boost your chances of acceptance. 

Programs Offered 

Columbia Law offers a J.D. program and three other graduate law degree options, not including dual degrees. The J.D. program’s goal is to immerse students in current legal and social challenges and mobilize students to use their education to create impactful changes. 

The graduate law degree programs are a J.S.D program and two LL.M. programs: a standard LL.M. program and an Executive LL.M. in Global Business Law. 

J.D. students at Columbia can choose from eight dual degree programs and one joint degree program:

• Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (J.D./Ph.D. in selected programs)
• Graduate School of Business (Three-Year J.D./MBA or Four-Year J.D./MBA)
• Graduate School of Journalism (J.D./M.S.)
• Mailman School of Public Health (J.D./M.P.H.)
• School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation (J.D./M.S. in Urban Planning)
• School of International and Public Affairs (J.D./M.I.A., J.D./M.P.A., and special programs through the Weatherhead East Asian Institute and Harriman Institute)
• School of the Arts (J.D./M.F.A. in Theatre Management & Producing)
• School of Social Work (J.D./M.S.W.)
• Joint degree program: Princeton School of Public and International Affairs (J.D./M.P.A.) 

Columbia Law School Requirements 

Applying to law school can be chaotic and overwhelming at times, but don’t worry. To give you some Columbia Law School application guidance , we’ve put together a list of requirements that you’ll need to submit. 

Columbia Law School requires applicants to submit applications through LSAC to apply to the J.D. program for Early or Regular Decision. These are the Columbia Law School requirements you must fulfill to complete your application: 

Columbia Law GPA: Requirements

While there is no GPA requirement, examining class profile data can help you compare your academic performance to admitted students: 

• 25th percentile GPA: 3.81
• Median GPA: 3.90 
• 75th percentile GPA: 3.97

Given this data, it’s difficult to determine the Columbia Law School average GPA. However, we can assume that the Columbia Law average GPA likely ranges from 3.8 to 4.0. 

Columbia Law School LSAT Score Requirement

There is no requirement for Columbia Law LSAT scores. However, this doesn’t mean that your Columbia Law School LSAT score isn’t crucial to your application’s success. Admitted students typically submit impressive LSAT scores: 

• 25th percentile score: 169
• Median LSAT score: 173 
• 75th percentile score: 175 

Based on this information, it's challenging to determine what the Columbia Law average LSAT score is. However, an LSAT score at or above 173 should put you in good standing. To achieve this score, you’ll have to study hard by taking advantage of practice tests and questions . 

Columbia Law School GRE 

If you’re waffling between taking the GRE versus the LSAT , you should be fine with either, as Columbia Law accepts GRE scores. However, class profile data doesn’t reflect GRE score data from admitted students. Based on Columbia Law students’ impressive LSAT scores, we can safely assume that achieving high GRE scores is imperative. 

Using the ETS online tool to predict LSAT scores based on GRE results, achieving 168 on each GRE section would equate to 174 on the LSAT. 

Columbia Law Interview

You may also be contacted for a video interview with an admissions committee member. This is a great opportunity for Columbia to ask some questions about your application to learn more about you, and you can even ask some questions of your own. However, you cannot request an interview with Columbia Law. 

The University of Columbia Law School Essays (Prompts, Tips, & Examples) 

Writing great essays is key to getting into Columbia Law. We'll outline Columbia Law's personal statement and optional statement prompts with tips. 

Columbia Law School Personal Statement 

There isn’t a prompt for Columbia Law’s personal statement. The only advice that Columbia provides is that your personal statement should be two pages long, double-spaced, and "a clear and concise example of your best writing. It should also be free from spelling and grammatical errors." 

So, what do you do with such an open-ended requirement? These tips will help you organize your thoughts to write a creative, compelling personal statement. 

Understand the Purpose of the Personal Statement 

Although you don't have much to go off of, understanding the Columbia personal statement can help direct your writing. In essence, you want to provide something more profound than your GPA and test scores: what can you write about to add another layer of depth and intrigue to your application? 

According to a handout provided by the Columbia School for Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS), your law school personal statement should provide insight on: 

• What kind of person you are 
• How you think and organize your thinking 
• What type of student you’ll be if admitted 

SEAS emphasizes that no matter what topic(s) you choose to share, the ultimate goal of your personal statement is to capture your essence. 

Ask Yourself Useful Questions to Brainstorm

The Columbia School of General Studies suggests prospective law students should ask themselves deep, personal questions to begin brainstorming. Some questions you can ask yourself include: 

• How has your background shaped and influenced you? 
• What would make you a good fit for Columbia Law? 
• When did you first discover your passion for law, and what steps have you taken to explore your interest? What did these experiences teach you?
• What are you most passionate about? Why are you passionate about it? 
• What accomplishments are you most proud of? 
• What specific hardships have you faced? How did you overcome them, and how did the situation help you grow? 
• What qualities do you possess (i.e., compassion, integrity, a strong sense of justice) that make you believe you'd be a great lawyer? 

Your answers to these questions may point you toward the perfect personal statement topic: remember, Columbia’s non-prompt is just about as open-ended as it gets, so you have a lot of freedom. 

Tell Your Story Using Strong Imagery and Examples 

"Show, don't tell" is something you've probably heard a lot regarding writing advice, but it's excellent advice to follow. Any anecdotes you use to tell your story should be vibrant and compelling. While you don't have to pull out a thesaurus to write your statement, this is your opportunity to show off your effective communication and writing skills. 

When you share an anecdote, ensure you're reflective and demonstrate how it's shaped you or your personality. It's one thing to say, "I have a strong sense of justice," and it's another to describe how you advocated for local residents being wrongfully evicted in your community. 

Do Your Research 

Knowing how to get into Columbia Law starts with research. Most law school applicants tailor their personal statements to each law school they apply to. 

While the primary purpose of your statement is for the admissions committee to learn more about you as a person, it doesn't hurt to subtly show that you've done your research and have concrete reasons for choosing Columbia Law. Ensure you research the curriculum, opportunities, and other Columbia-specific offerings. 

Which of Columbia’s offerings excite you and why? 

Keep Your Tone Professional and Be Careful With Sensitive Issues 

While you don't want to take yourself way too seriously, your tone should be conversational yet professional. In keeping a professional tone, you should also navigate sensitive topics with grace. 

For example, you don't want to write about anything too graphic or events that paint you negatively. Also, keep any controversial content out of your statement: there's no guarantee the admissions committee members have the same opinions as you. 

Other Tips to Ace the Columbia Personal Statement 

Other short tips to ensure you produce the best statement possible include: 

• Don’t try to cover too much ground: you only have two pages! 
• Don’t rehash your resume. 
• Write clearly and concisely (writing in the active voice helps). 
• Don’t add quotes or cliches. 
• You can be creative but avoid thinking too far out of the box. 
• Proofread your work: you'll be doing much of that before getting to the final draft. 

Columbia Law School Supplemental Essays 

The prompt for the optional Columbia Law School supplemental essays is: 

“Applicants, if they wish, may submit brief supplemental statements that will provide useful information to the Admissions Committee in evaluating the application. The Committee especially welcomes addenda that allow it to understand the contribution your personal background would add to the Columbia Law School community.”

If you plan to write an additional essay, consider these tips. 

Determine If You Should Write A Supplemental Essay 

If you have gaps in your application, like a lower GPA, test scores, or anything else you think requires an explanation, it's in your best interest to add addenda. On the other hand, if you want to discuss your identity and experiences (that aren't otherwise stated in your application), you should consider writing about them. 

Keep Your Essay to the Point 

These essays don't need to be very long, so you should keep your writing concise. If you're writing about academic performance, don't linger on your mistakes but on how you overcame them and grew. 

If you're writing a diversity statement, show how your background will directly contribute to the Columbia class. 

Reflect on Your Experiences

Reflecting on your experiences and their impact helps direct your story and keeps your writing clear. Think about your most transformative moments and what you’ve learned from them, how they impacted you, and how they propelled you along the path to law. 

Columbia Law School Personal Statement Example

Examining Columbia Law School personal statement examples can help show you what you should aim for in your writing and even how you can improve: check out this personal statement example excerpt and our feedback on why it was good.

Columbia Law Personal Statement Example

“I’m the child of Afghani immigrants, and my parents have a great story to tell. It begins with a 7-year old girl who watches in confusion as a swarm of parents rush through the classroom grabbing their children. Soon she realizes that she and one other student are the only ones left. Suddenly a soldier bursts into the classroom and grabs the other student, the grandson of the former President of Afghanistan, Daoud Khan. The teacher fights a tug-of-war to keep the child, but eventually the soldier takes him away to the family’s palace, where his entire family is massacred.

The Russians are invading Afghanistan.

On the way home, the girl hears gun shots and bombs, and she starts to fear what this invasion will mean for her and her family. Before she knows it, her mother and father are selling their belongings to make enough money to escape the war. A month later, her family boards a plane to the U.S.

On the other side of town in Kabul, a young boy awakens to his family of 10 rushing to finish packing. The communists had placed a hit on his father, brother, and sister, who are all active anti-communists. The family drives from Kabul to Jalalabad, takes a bus, hops onto the back of a pickup truck, and travels by foot until they reach a military area with tents for individuals escaping the country.

Early the next morning, the family walks with their luggage the entire day until they catch a bus to Peshawar, Pakistan, leaving behind their beloved home of Afghanistan. After living in Pakistan for 18 months, the family makes its passage to the United States.

Ten years later, the girl and boy meet at a high school in Annandale, Virginia. Discovering how much they have in common, the two high school sweethearts fall in love and marry shortly after graduation. In their early 20s, they bring three children into this world, one of them being me.

Growing up in an Afghan household in the U.S. presented its own challenges. At a young age, the way I looked and dressed – and especially my faith – were different than those of my classmates. Ignorant comments and questions were not uncommon. “Is Osama Bin Laden your uncle?” “I know your family has oil money.” “Why are you so hairy?” “You’re Muslim? I’ll pray for you.” These comments made me incredibly sad, especially when classmates I considered my friends made them.

My own family did not make assimilating any easier. My parents would only let me play with other kids in our home because they feared I would lose my Afghan identity. Sleepovers were out of the question. As my mother would occasionally rant, “Just because you were born here doesn’t mean you’re American. You are not allowed to date, wear short shorts, or go to parties.”

Despite these strict expectations, I always celebrated my background, the way I was raised, and my religious beliefs. I performed the centuries-old Afghan dance, the attan, in traditional clothing at my high school’s heritage night; joined the Afghan Student Union at George Mason University; presented my unusually large family tree in an anthropology course (I have 22 first cousins!); and met with a mullah every weekend to learn how to the read the Quran in Arabic. I am proud to be different than my peers and have my own sense of uniqueness.

However, my pride has been tempered by the realities of being a first generation college student. When my parents moved to the U.S., my father became an electrician and my mother a hairstylist. While I received immense support and love from my family for continuing my education, I had to teach myself how to apply to college, and once there I had to learn on my own what my professors expected of me. I couldn’t call my parents when I was stuck on a difficult calculus problem or cry for help when I didn’t know how to conclude my 10-page Western Civilization paper. I was on my own.

These experiences have crafted me into who I am today. Given my appreciation for diversity, as an attorney I want to help minorities who face discrimination achieve equal opportunity and success in the workplace.”

Why This Personal Statement Worked 

The beginning of this statement opens with a vivid story full of action directly related to the student’s background. Then, it drives the narrative to the author's upbringing in American culture, their struggles to assimilate, and their relationship to their Afghani culture. 

The author does an excellent job of showing how their background could help them contribute to problems more than others who don’t share their experiences and culture (this doubles as a diversity statement). They take care to discuss how their experience with immigration would make them a passionate attorney with unique strengths. 

The only thing to be careful with when writing a personal statement that references another person is to ensure the focus stays on you. We think this writer managed to do that for the most part, but be careful not to remove yourself from the spotlight, particularly in introductions and conclusions. 

Columbia Law School Stats (Admissions Statistics)

A snapshot of the Columbia Law School class profile can tell you more about the school’s commitment to a diverse student body and your chances of acceptance. The recent entering class profile shows the following breakdown for ethnicity, gender, age, and of students: 

Most admitted students (31%) are from the mid-Atlantic region, followed by international students (19%) and students from the American West (18%). 

Columbia Law School Acceptance Rate

Although the Columbia Law acceptance rate reflects the school’s selectivity, it’s crucial not to get too hung up on statistics. In a recent admissions cycle, Columbia Law received 7,754 applications and admitted 948 students. 

The Columbia University Law School acceptance rate is 12.2%. 

For more admissions data about Columbia Law, here’s a table with the acceptance rates from the past few years: 

Source: Columbia Law School Standard 509 Reports

How Hard Is It to Get into Columbia Law School? 

Getting into Columbia Law School is relatively difficult: approximately 1 out of every 10 applicants is accepted. Columbia Law also made the U.S. News World and Report’s list of the top 10 hardest law schools to get into . 

Due to the school’s reputation, resources, and ranking, getting accepted at Columbia is no easy task. However, you can always boost your chances of admission with a well-polished application. 

Columbia Law School Deadlines & Application Process  

You’ll use the LSAC application to apply to Columbia Law, no matter when you decide to apply. Below are the important dates you should know to stay ahead of the Columbia Law School deadline. 

Columbia Law Regular Decision Dates 

Although exact dates haven’t been released yet for the current application cycle, most application dates tend not to change much every year. Here is a breakdown of Regular Decision dates you should know: 

Columbia Law Early Decision Dates 

These are the Columbia Law Early Decision dates you should know: 

How to Get Into Columbia Law School FAQs

If you still have questions about how to get into Columbia Law, check out these FAQs! 

1. What GPA Do You Need for Columbia Law School?

While no GPA will guarantee your admission, you should strive for a GPA above the median of 3.9 to be viewed as a more competitive applicant. 

2. What Are My Chances of Getting into Columbia Law School?

Based solely on the 12.2% Columbia Law acceptance rate, you have approximately a 1 in 10 chance of admission. However, you can boost your chances by putting enough time and effort into your application! 

3. What Are the Requirements to Get into Columbia Law School?

The basic requirements to get into Columbia Law are a completed LSAC application, transcripts, test scores, recommendation letters, and a personal statement. 

4. Can I Get Into Columbia Law School With a 3.0 GPA?

Considering the 25th percentile GPA of admitted students is 3.81, it’s not likely that a 3.0 will be enough for Columbia Law. However, with a stellar application and explanation for your lower GPA, you may still stand a chance with a 3.0 GPA .

5. What LSAT Score Do You Need for Columbia Law? 

You should aim for an LSAT score of 173 or higher to be a more competitive Columbia Law applicant. 

6. What Is the Columbia Law Early Decision Acceptance Rate? 

Columbia doesn't release data on its Early Decision acceptance rate. However, there are advantages to applying through Early Decision: U.S. News states law schools may be more lenient with students with lower GPAs or test scores who apply through Early Decision (meaning you may have a higher chance of admission). 

7. What is the Cost of Tuition at Columbia Law School? 

Columbia Law School tuition and fees total $85,833 per year. However, including personal expenses, students can expect to pay roughly $118,357 each year. 

Luckily, Columbia Law offers a number of scholarships, fellowships, and financial aid options for students. 

Get Into Law School at Columbia Today

Columbia Law School is an excellent option for future lawyers. If Columbia is on your list, achieving a high GPA and test scores, spending extra time on your personal statement, and obtaining stellar recommendations can help you claim your seat. 

Getting into Columbia Law may be relatively difficult, but a well-constructed application can boost your chances of acceptance. Good luck!

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Law School Optional Essays: What to Know

Write optional essays only if they contribute to your case for admission.

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A classic mistake applicants make is to write as much as allowed, hoping that something will stick. Applicants can best show their professionalism, communication skills and respect for the reader by writing efficiently and purposefully.

Every law school requires applicants to submit a personal statement, typically limited to two or three double-spaced pages, along with a resume typically limited to two pages. These two documents provide applicants with their chief opportunities to detail their interests, goals and path to law school.

Beyond those core documents, many law schools allow other essays, usually optional but sometimes required. Most prominent is a type of essay that used to be called a diversity statement. 

Diversity, Perspective or Background Statements

Until recently, almost every law school offered an optional diversity statement. Prompts for diversity statements varied among law schools, but typically concerned an applicant’s identity and background, past hardships or potential to contribute to a diverse and inclusive campus environment.

After the U.S. Supreme Court outlawed race-conscious admissions policies in June 2023, law schools adapted diversity statements in different ways, which will likely continue to evolve over future admissions cycles.

Currently, most law schools offer one or more optional essay prompts that give applicants an opportunity to discuss their perspective, identity, personal adversity, experience interacting with diverse viewpoints or other topics related to diversity.

While it’s hard to generalize about all these essay prompts, they still differ from personal statements in many ways. They are more reflective, looking backward rather than forward. They often have tighter page or word limits.

The purpose of these optional statements is not solely for applicants to detail their unique background. Everyone is atypical in some ways . Rather, these optional essays are intended to free applicants from having to weave together their background and interests within the same two-page statement.

For example, imagine an Armenian American inspired by the trauma of the Armenian genocide to become an international human rights lawyer. This would make a great topic for a personal statement.

But what if that applicant actually feels most passionate about securities law? It would be counterproductive to force such a candidate to awkwardly cram genocide and securities law into the same essay. This is why schools allow applicants space to tell more complicated stories. 

Other Optional Law School Admission Essays

Beyond personal and diversity statements, some law schools also allow or require extra short essays. Most commonly, a school might ask about why an applicant would be a good fit for the school, often called a “Why this law school?” essay . These are almost always worthwhile to write.

Some schools have short-answer questions on topics like an applicant’s career goals or how an applicant aligns with the school’s values. A few schools, like Stanford University Law School in California and Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C., have offbeat essay prompts that tend to vary from year to year.

Finally, some law schools provide dedicated space for applicants wishing to explain issues often covered by an addendum , like underperformance on standardized tests or in their transcripts. 

Are Optional Essays Worth Writing?

A classic mistake applicants make is to write as much as allowed , hoping that something will stick. Many law school applicants fear that if they fail to maximize every possible opportunity to write about themselves, they will appear lazy or disinterested. Therefore, they sabotage themselves by padding their application with redundant and repetitive text.

Applicants can best show their professionalism, communication skills and respect for the reader by writing efficiently and purposefully. Admissions officers have a limited amount of time, perhaps a matter of minutes, to review your application. Anything you write that does not contribute to a coherent argument for your admission risks wasting that time.

Thus, an optional essay is unnecessary if its key points are already adequately communicated through the personal statement or other materials. Optional essays should be used strategically to build your argument for admission. Don’t simply talk about yourself to fill space.

For example, if an optional essay prompt asks for your favorite book, there is no need to lie and claim that it is "The Common Law" by Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.

On the other hand, before you write about your love of "Harry Potter," consider whether and how that would bolster your application. Unless you can trace your interest in justice to Hermione’s efforts to emancipate house elves, you might be better off choosing another book or skipping the essay altogether.

In sum, optional essays should convey or emphasize something about you that your personal statement and other materials fail to address. If you cannot think of anything else that would strengthen your case, then forgo the essay. Like a lawyer, show meticulousness and fine judgment with restraint, not verbosity.

20 Law Schools That Pay Off

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About Law Admissions Lowdown

Law Admissions Lowdown provides advice to prospective students about the law school application process, LSAT prep and potential career paths. Previously authored by contributors from Stratus Admissions Counseling, the blog is currently authored by Gabriel Kuris, founder of Top Law Coach , an admissions consultancy. Kuris is a graduate of Harvard Law School and has helped hundreds of applicants navigate the law school application process since 2003. Got a question? Email [email protected] .

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Home > Student Scholarship > LL.M. Essays & Theses

LL.M. Essays & Theses

The LL.M. Essay and Theses Series provides access to the theses and essays completed by LL.M. candidates at Columbia Law School. The LL.M. Essay is a substantial and rigorous piece of legal writing based on research on a topic approved in advance by a faculty member who has agreed to act as Faculty Supervisor.

Each author has agreed to the following release statement: In presenting this LL.M. Essay in partial fulfillment of the requirements for a master’s degree at the Columbia Law School, I agree that the Library shall make it available for library use, reproduction, distribution and display in any regularly employed format, which may include electronic forms. I further agree that extensive photocopying and transcribing of this LL.M. Essay is permissible for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying of this essay for commercial purposes or financial gain, or any publication of the essay as such, shall require my written permission.

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How to Get into Columbia Law School: GPA, LSAT Requirements, and Acceptance Rate

April 3, 2023

Todd Carney

How to Get into Columbia Law School

1. Columbia Law School Program Overview 2. About Columbia Law School 3. What Does Columbia Law School Offer 4. Class of 2025 Acceptance Rate and Statistics 5. Columbia Law School Application Details 6. Columbia Law School FAQ

Columbia Law School Program Overview

Columbia Law School is one of the most prominent law schools in the nation, with Supreme Court justices, presidents, legal scholars, and big law partners among its alumni. The school has been featured in television shows such as Daredevil , How I Met Your Mother , and Suits , which has boosted its popularity. The school’s location in New York City and its beautiful campus also are attractive to aspiring JDs.

Although the competition to gain admission to Columbia Law may seem daunting, there is no reason to self-select out of the applicant pool if you have the grades and scores to be a competitive applicant. The school typically awards roughly 900 acceptances each year — you certainly have a shot at being one of them!

Columbia Law seeks competitive applicants with regard to LSAT/GRE score and undergraduate GPA. However, being knowledgeable about the stats and other factors that are important to the school can be a game changer. 

In this blog post, we at Stratus walk you through what you need to know to increase your chances of getting into Columbia Law.

About Columbia Law School

History and ranking.

Columbia Law School is one of Columbia University’s 21 schools. The university opened in 1754, while the law school came along a little over 100 years later, in 1858. Located in Manhattan’s Upper West Side, Columbia Law is one of the many law schools based in New York City. Columbia Law is currently ranked fourth (tied with Harvard Law School) in U.S. News & World Report’s 2023 Best Law Schools list. 

Acceptance rate and class size

With an acceptance rate typically around 12%, Columbia Law has about 1,200 students enrolled. Each class consists of roughly 400 students. The first-year class is divided into four sections with around 100 students in each section. Columbia Law’s larger class size provides a wide group of students and alumni for networking.

Post-graduate status

Columbia Law’s Class of 2021 had a bar passage rate of about 98%. Around 96% of its graduates accepted jobs that require JDs, and slightly more than 1% of its graduates reported that they are looking for a job and cannot get one. Several dozen students from Columbia Law receive judicial clerkships every year, and the school has placed more than 100 students in Supreme Court clerkships.

Columbia Law has more than 400 faculty members, including such distinguished professors as Lina Khan, chair of the Federal Trade Commission, and former Solicitor General Donald B. Verrilli, Jr. 

Columbia Law counts two former US presidents (Theodore Roosevelt and Franklin Delano Roosevelt ) among its alumni and is the only law school to boast having more than one Supreme Court chief justice as a graduate (Charles Evans Hughes, John Jay, and Harlan Fiske Stone). In total, ten Supreme Court justices have attended Columbia Law, along with several federal judges and members of Congress. 

What Does Columbia Law School Offer?

First-year curriculum.

Columbia Law offers a standard first-year curriculum, which students take with their assigned class sections. Students are required to take courses in tort law, contract law, constitutional law, civil procedure, property law, and criminal law. Students also take courses in legal practice and legal methods during both semesters of their first year. These courses incorporate the content that most first-year law school writing classes offer, along with information that allows students to apply this content in real-life legal settings. Columbia Law students are also required to take a legal professions course, which is typical of other law schools. They also get to choose an elective in the second semester. Columbia Law offers an array of courses with varying class sizes. Some have more than 100 students, while others have fewer than 20. The school’s courses cover conventional legal areas, such as tax law, labor law, and environmental law, as well as more specialized areas including anti – money laundering law and privacy law. Some Columbia Law courses culminate in a typical end-of-semester exam that determines the student’s entire grade. However, the law school also offers seminars whose grades are determined by an assigned paper. 

Writing, experiential, and pro bono requirements

Columbia Law requires students to complete two writing credits and six experiential credits in addition to 40 hours of pro bono service.

Columbia Law has ten clinics, and participating in one clinic meets the school’s experiential credit requirement. These clinics cover a wide array of areas such as criminal law and family law as well as more niche areas including science law and transition law. 

Student clubs

The more than 80 student organizations at Columbia Law address a large number of legal topics and social issues. Notable clubs on campus include the Columbia International Arbitration Association and the Columbia Law and Entrepreneurship Society. 

Columbia Law’s 14 journals cover engaging topics such as European law, environmental law, and law and arts. Given the large number of journals published by the school, many students have an opportunity to participate. These journals offer law students the opportunity to publish their writing, review academic papers, and participate in conferences and symposiums. 

Columbia Law offers more than 30 academic centers covering different areas of the law, such as constitutional law and gender equality. These centers conduct research on their topics of focus and also organize related events. Students can participate in these centers by assisting with research and events.

Class of 2025 Acceptance Rate and Statistics

Columbia Law received 8,026 applications for its Class of 2025 and offered admission to 950. 

Of the 402 students in the Class of 2025, 

• 50% are women.
• 1% identify as non-binary, gender non-conforming, or bi-gender. 
• 52% are people of color. 
• 18% identify as LGBTQIA+. 
• 58% are between ages 21 and 24. 
• 34% are between ages 25 and 28. 
• 8% are age 29 or older. 
• 9% were STEM majors. 
• 13% have at least one graduate degree. 
• 20% are international students. 
• 73% are at least one year out of college.

Among US students,

• 31% are from the Mid-Atlantic.
• 16% are from the South.
• 16% are from the West. 
• 10% are from the Midwest.
• 7% are from New England.

Students in the Class of 2025 came from 163 colleges in 38 different states, DC, and Puerto Rico; represent 37 different countries; and collectively speak about 70 different languages.

In terms of statistics,

• For the LSAT, the 25th percentile was 171, and the 75th percentile was 175. 
• For undergraduate GPA, the 25th percentile was 3.78, and the 75th percentile was 3.95. 

Class of 2021 Post-Graduation Statistics

According to Columbia Law’s employment report for the Class of 2021, of the 460 graduates, 

• 441 accepted jobs that require a JD.
• Two were working in jobs where having a JD is helpful.
• Two were in “professional” positions. 
• Six accepted positions funded by the school. 
• Three were unemployed but not seeking a job. 
• Five were unemployed and seeking a job. 
• One was attending another graduate program. 

Graduates took jobs in the following industries/roles:

• Law firms: 361 
• Business: 4
• Government: 21 
• Public interest organizations: 35 
• Judicial clerkships: 30 

Application Requirements

• Application and application fee
• LSAT or GRE
• GPA and undergraduate transcript

Personal statement

Optional essay, letters of recommendation.

• No work experience requirement

Columbia Law School Application Details

Application.

Columbia Law’s application period typically opens in early September. The school follows a rolling admissions process, so students are allowed to apply until mid-February. Columbia Law offers early decision, with a deadline of November 15. 

As noted above, Columbia Law accepts both the LSAT and the GRE. The October LSAT is the last LSAT that can count toward early decision. For the GRE, students must take the exam by November 1 for it to count toward early decision.

Columbia Law requires applicants to submit two letters of recommendation, preferably from faculty “who can provide insight about their candidacy,” according to the school’s website. If you are not a recent graduate, submitting one professional letter and one academic letter is encouraged. Provide your recommenders with clear instructions and early deadlines, and share some bullet points to help them remember your accomplishments.

Make sure you customize your resume for your Columbia Law application. Use professional and consistent fonts, avoid small page margins, and do not exceed one page. As far as content, avoid jargon so the admissions committee can easily understand your accomplishments, and be sure to balance your work experience with law school – related skills. Your resume should include sections on your education, experience, and personal information.

The personal statement does not have an official limit in terms of length, but Columbia Law recommends that students submit two double-spaced pages with text that is both readable and printable. Although the school does not share the statement prompt until you apply, it is generally ideal to discuss why you are applying to law school, why you want to practice law, and your aspirations for your legal career. It is also a good idea to address why you are interested in Columbia Law in particular. Make sure to research the school to find out which of its offerings specifically connect to your legal goals so you can mention them in your essay.

Columbia Law’s optional essay gives applicants an opportunity to explain areas that are not fully represented in their application, such as issues with undergraduate GPA or test scores. Other topics for the optional essay could be a diversity statement or a statement of interest.

Columbia Law School FAQ

What if i attended a low-ranked undergraduate institution.

As long as your college is accredited, its undergraduate ranking does not matter; you just need to make sure you have a strong GPA and test scores.

If I take time off between college and law school to work, do I need to do legal work?

No. As long as you do something productive with your time off, such as working or completing an internship, your employment history will not hurt you and could still be beneficial.

Is Columbia Law looking for applicants with a particular undergraduate major?

No. The school accepts students from a variety of academic backgrounds.

I have a low GPA but a difficult major. Will Columbia Law overlook that?

Generally, no. Law schools usually are just interested in your overall undergraduate GPA. They will allow some flexibility for applicants who had particularly difficult majors, but this will not excuse a low GPA.

Does it matter when I apply if I don’t apply for early decision?

If you are not applying for early decision and your application is ready to go at the beginning of the cycle, it is probably a good idea to apply then, as doing so will provide a bit of an advantage. However, it is best not to rush your application. If you think you can improve your LSAT/GRE score by taking the test one or two more times in the fall, remember that substantially increasing your score will improve your chances of acceptance a lot more than applying a few weeks earlier.

Do I need to take time off between college and law school to work in order to gain a competitive edge?

Although work experience can certainly help an application, a lot of students are admitted to Columbia Law each year without work experience. Even applicants who have work experience might not get in, as several variables are involved in the admissions decision.

Are you considering applying to Columbia Law? Whether you are looking for comprehensive law admissions consulting, hourly help, or perhaps interview prep, we at Stratus Admissions Counseling can help you!  Sign up for a free consultation  today!

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2023 Law School Application Changes Compiled

In the wake of the recent Supreme Court decision on race-conscious admissions , we have seen more law schools making changes to their application components and instructions this cycle than in any other we can recall.

For easy reference, we will be compiling these changes below, adding new schools as their applications and instructions are posted.

Please note that, even though all of the below have been announced officially by the law schools, these questions are subject to change prior to the actual application opening date. You can find a list of all law schools' application opening dates here .

Updated October 2, 2023

Fall 2023 Law School Application Essay Changes

Yale law school.

Prior to this 2023-2024 cycle, Yale Law School's application required a Personal Statement and a 250-word essay on a subject of the applicant's choice. Applicants were also offered the option to write a Diversity Statement. This year, the application still requires a Personal Statement and 250-word essay, but in lieu of the Diversity Statement, there are now four different options for Optional Essays to write. Full instructions below.

New Yale Law Optional Essay Instructions: Source

Applicants may choose to submit an essay in response to one of the four questions below, each related to a value that is central to the Law School community. This is an opportunity to provide readers with relevant information that may not be found elsewhere in your application. If you choose to answer one of these questions, your essay should focus on your relevant personal, professional, and/or academic experiences and not on specific reasons why you wish to attend Yale Law School.

The optional essay should be approximately one page double-spaced. The prompts for the optional essay are as follows:

• Option 1: The Law School has a strong tradition of public service and encourages its students to contribute to the community in a wide variety of ways. Describe a community that has been particularly meaningful to you. Discuss what you have gained from being a part of this community and what you have contributed to this community.
• Option 2: The Law School encourages its students and alumni to be leaders, innovators, and changemakers across many different sectors. Describe one of your most important accomplishments and explain why it is important to you. Discuss how you demonstrated leadership, helped innovate, and/or drove change as part of that accomplishment.
• Option 3: The Law School values determination and resilience and recognizes that these traits are critical to success at the Law School and in the legal profession. Describe a significant challenge, disappointment, or setback that you have faced. Discuss how you approached this experience and what you learned from it.
• Option 4: In order to succeed at the Law School and in the legal profession, you must be able to have discussions across difference and be open to changing your mind. Describe a time when you changed your mind on an important topic after discussing it with a person with whom you disagreed or learning additional information. Discuss what you learned from this experience.

Harvard Law School

Prior to this year, Harvard Law required one two-page Personal Statement and gave applicants the option to submit an additional Diversity Statement. This year, HLS has replaced both with two required essays: a Statement of Purpose and a Statement of Perspective. Instructions below.

New Harvard Law Essay Instructions: Source

Every applicant must submit both a Statement of Purpose and a Statement of Perspective, responding to the prompts below. Each Statement must be one to two pages in length, using double-spacing, one-inch margins, and a font size that is comfortable to read (no smaller than 11 point). We expect every applicant to use at least one full page for each Statement.

Statement of Purpose: What motivates you to pursue law? How does attending law school align with your ambitions, goals, and vision for your future?

Statement of Perspective: The Admissions Committee makes every effort to understand who you are as an individual and potential Harvard Law School student and graduate. Please share how your experiences, background, and/or interests have shaped you and will shape your engagement in the HLS community and the legal profession.

University of Chicago Law School

Prior to this cycle, UChicago Law gave applicants the option to write a Diversity Statement. This year, they have removed that statement and now include the below prompt as an optional Addendum.

New UChicago Law Addendum Prompt Source: UChicago Law Fall 2024 JD Application (LSAC)

UChicago Law aims to train well-rounded, critical, and socially conscious thinkers and doers. Describe how your background or experiences will contribute to the UChicago Law community. Example topics include: lessons you have learned; skillsets you have developed; obstacles you have overcome based on your background or upbringing; or topics you have become passionate about studying in law school based on your lived or educational experiences.

Columbia Law School

Prior to this 2023-2024 cycle, Columbia Law School asked for a traditional Personal Statement and gave applicants the option to write a Diversity Statement. This year, applicants will have the option to submit one Supplementary Statement from five options, which are included below.

New Columbia Law Supplementary Statement Options: Source: Columbia Law Fall 2024 JD Application (LSAC)

Optional Supplementary Statements. Please note that these questions are completely optional and if an applicant chooses not to submit a response to any of these questions, it will not have an impact on their admissions decision. Applicants should choose no more than one supplemental statement, which should be no longer than 500 words double spaced. Kindly note that supplemental statement may be shorter than 500 words.

• A hallmark of the Columbia experience is being able to learn and thrive in an equitable and inclusive community with a wide range of perspectives. Tell us about an aspect of your own perspective, viewpoint or lived experience that is important to you, and describe how it has shaped the way you would learn from and contribute to Columbia’s diverse and collaborative community.
• We recognize that many applicants have faced adversity in myriad ways and to varying extents throughout their lives. Tell us about an example of adversity or a challenging circumstance in your own life and describe how you overcame it and how that experience has shaped your life and your own perspective.
• Columbia Law School aims to prepare its students to be advocates as well as effective leaders. Tell us about an example of leadership in your own life whether in an educational, professional, or personal setting and how those leadership skills and qualities would contribute to your legal education and the profession.
• Columbia Law School’s mandatory pro bono program requires that every student devote at least 40 hours to public interest law service during their time in law school. Tell us about your own commitment to public service and describe how volunteer work, advocacy, community service, pro bono work, and/or extra-curricular activities have shaped who you are today and how you want to continue serving the public good during law school.
• Tell us why you are applying to Columbia Law School and how the Law School's programs, faculty, curricular and extra-curricular offerings, location, and/or community would be a good fit for your legal education given your own academic, professional, or personal goals.

NYU School of Law

Prior to this year, NYU Law offered applicants the option to submit an Underrepresented Group statement. This year, that statement has been replaced by an Optional Additional Information attachment with the below prompt.

New NYU Law Optional Additional Information Prompt: Source: NYU Law Fall 2024 JD Application (LSAC)

New York University School of Law seeks to enroll a student body from a broad spectrum of society. The Committee on Admissions encourages you to provide any information that may be helpful to us in reaching a thoughtful decision on your application. While the choice as to whether and what information to submit to the Committee is entirely yours, any information you provide will be used to give the Committee a more complete understanding of your academic, professional, and personal background; to help the Committee reach an informed decision on your application; and to aid the Committee in selecting a student body with a range of experiences.

This is an opportunity to share with the Committee information about how your background will enable you to contribute to the NYU Law community. Information that has been helpful in the past includes but is not limited to meaningful leadership experience; significant community involvement; personal/family history of educational or socioeconomic disadvantage or unusual circumstances which may have affected academic performance and how you exceled despite those circumstances; and skills you have developed to overcome adversity. This list is not all-inclusive, but we offer it for you to think about as you consider whether such information might be relevant in your case, and to assure you that it is quite appropriate.

University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School

Prior to this year, Penn Law gave applicants four choices for optional essays—one on diversity (wording changed this year, see below); one on core strengths, goals, and values (same this year); one asking, "What do you find valuable (or challenging) about a collaborative environment?" (removed this year); and one on reasons that the applicant's academic record or test scores do not accurately reflect their aptitude (i.e., a GPA/LSAT addendum) (same this year). This year's new prompts are below.

New Penn Law Optional Essay Prompts: Source

• Penn Carey Law is committed to achieving an expansive and inclusive law school community that brings a diverse range of ideas, experiences, and perspectives to our classrooms. Tell us how your lived experience informs who you are today.
• Describe a significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge.
• What strength or quality do you have that most people might not see or recognize?
• What don't we see in your application file that you would like to share with the Admissions Committee?

University of Virginia School of Law

UVA Law added an optional "Why UVA Law" statement to their application this year (prompt below).

New "Why UVA Law" Statement Instructions: Source: UVA Law Fall 2024 JD Application (LSAC)

Why UVA Law (optional) (suggested page limit: two pages double-spaced in 12pt font)

We recognize that some applicants have personal reasons for applying to UVA Law. Such reasons might include, but are not limited to, being a child of someone who graduated from or works for UVA Law, being a descendant of ancestors who labored at UVA, prior participation in other UVA programs, specific interest in our academic offerings, and/or a personal connection to the Charlottesville area. If these reasons are not already addressed elsewhere in your application, you are welcome to include that information here. Please note this question is optional.

Duke University School of Law

Prior to this year, Duke Law required a Personal Statement and gave applicants the option of submitting either or both of two additional essays, a diversity statement and/or a statement of interest in Duke. This year, in addition to the Personal Statement and optional statement of interest in Duke, they are requiring applicants to write 1-2 short essays from a group of six prompts/options, all of which are listed below.

New Duke Law Short Answer Essay Instructions: Source

Short Answer Essay(s) (required): Our admissions process is guided by the view that a law school class that includes actively engaged students who possess a variety of skills, personal qualities, and life experiences helps to advance the Law School's mission, improves the learning process, and enriches the educational experience for all. Please write one or two short essays from the list below. Be sure to label the essay(s) you are answering and use only one attachment even if you submit two short answers. Please limit your answer(s) to approximately 250-500 words per essay.

• What does the rule of law mean to you, and what special background or experience do you have that may help you contribute to its advancement or that underscores its importance to you personally?
• The promise of equal justice is fundamental to our legal system. Why is equal justice important to you personally, and what personal experiences or knowledge do you have that may help you become an effective advocate for equal justice under law?
• Exposure to a diversity of perspectives and experiences can enhance one's ability to deliver effective professional services. Please describe any opportunities you have had to serve clients or your community, either through work or on a volunteer basis, and how your own exposure to different perspectives and experiences helped you.
• Lawyers are members of a learned profession, and are often called to serve the public in a variety of ways. Please describe your interest in public service and any experience that you have had to prepare you for a life of service in the public interest.
• Please describe your interest in learning the law in an open, rigorous, and collaborative environment. Why is a commitment to the free expression of ideas so important in the learning process?
• What does ethical leadership mean to you? Please provide examples of how you have prepared yourself to become an ethical leader.

University of Michigan Law School

Prior to this year, in addition to a Personal Statement, Michigan Law gave applicants the option to write 1-2 additional essays from a selection of prompts. Some of those prompts have been updated this year; full list below.

New Michigan Law Supplemental Essay Instructions: Source

Supplemental essays allow you an opportunity to provide us with relevant information that you were not able to include elsewhere in your application materials. If you think writing on any of the topics suggested would help us get a better sense of who you are, we encourage you to consider submitting your responses to one or two (but no more) of the following topics. Each essay should be between one and two pages. For ease of reading, please use double-spacing and at least an 11-point font. Please be sure to include the number of the prompt you are addressing at the top of your essay.

• Essay One: Say more about your interest in the University of Michigan Law School. Why might Michigan be a good fit for you culturally, academically, or professionally?
• Essay Two: Describe a challenge, failure, or setback you have faced and overcome, whether long-term and systemic (e.g., socioeconomic, health, or complex family circumstances) or short-term and discrete (e.g., a workplace scenario or a particularly demanding course). How did you confront it? What, if anything, might you do differently?  
• Essay Three: How has the world you came from positively shaped who you are today?
• Essay Four: Describe a quality or skill you have and discuss how you expect it will help you in your legal career.
• Essay Five: Tell us about a time in the recent past when you changed your mind about something significant.
• Essay Six: We seek students who are encouraging, kind, and collaborative, even when it is not convenient or easy. Describe a recent experience where you exhibited these characteristics.
• Essay Seven: One of the goals of our admissions process is to enroll students who will enrich the quality and breadth of the intellectual life of our law school community, as well as to expand and diversify the identities of people in the legal profession. How might your experiences and perspectives contribute to our admissions goals?
• Essay Eight: Think of someone who knows you, but doesn't know you well (i.e., not a family member or a close friend). How would they describe you? Would their description be accurate? Why or why not?
• Essay Nine: If you could have dinner with any prominent person, living or dead, who would it be and why? What would you discuss?

UC Berkeley School of Law

This year, UC Berkeley Law added some additional language to their diversity-focused essay prompt and added a new optional statement on applicants' interest in the legal profession. The latter prompt also gives applicants the option to record a video submission in lieu of a written statement.

New UC Berkeley Law Optional Statement Prompts (including Kira video submission) Source

Perspective and Experiences:

How will you (your perspective, experience, Voice) contribute to diversity in our classrooms and community? Feel free to address any factors or attributes you consider important and relevant. In the past, applicants have included information about characteristics such as: race/ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic background, first generation college or professional school student, student parent, re-entry student, geographic diversity, ideological diversity, and others. (500 word maximum)

Interest in the Legal Profession (Video Submission Option):

Please share more about why you are applying to law school by answering one or more of the following questions:

• What about you (your experiences, your values, your perspective, etc.) calls you to law school?
• How will you use your law degree with integrity, vision, creativity, and/or to innovate?
• What makes you hopeful, optimistic, or excited about entering the legal profession?
• How do you see yourself contributing to or advancing the public good as a lawyer, scholar, or advocate?

(4 minutes or 500 words maximum)

For the optional statement, “Interest in the Legal Profession,” applicants are invited to complete this statement in an alternative modality: video submission. This is not an interview. It is another opportunity to share insight into your potential for study at Berkeley Law, and it gives you an additional tool (video recording) for the communication and presentation of that information. You may also choose to complete this statement in written format.

Optional video statements, as with all statements, are unscored and intended only to augment your application. While we will consider the information shared and will use it within our holistic review of your application, no value will be assigned to whether you choose the written or video format.

Candidates will submit this statement via a free, third-party platform called Kira. Kira will allow you to respond to the prompt either via video recording or in writing and provides comprehensive support and trouble-shooting. Please only submit your response through Kira; written or video “Interest in the Legal Profession” statements sent separately will not be considered.

Northwestern Pritzker School of Law

Prior to this year, Northwestern Law offered one Optional Essay prompt asking about diversity. This year, they are offering applicants four different Optional Essay prompts, allowing applicants to respond to any or all of them.

New Northwestern Law Optional Supplemental Essay Instructions: Source: Northwestern Law Fall 2024 JD Application (LSAC)

Responding to the following questions is entirely optional and should not be viewed as required.  You may include responses to as many of the four optional essays as you wish or none at all.  These are intended to give you an opportunity to provide additional information that you were unable to include in other portions of the application.  Please limit your response to each essay that you complete to 1-2 pages, double-spaced, and at least an 11-point font.

• Describe your interest in attending Northwestern Pritzker School of Law.
• Describe any experiences in your life or unique qualities you think would benefit Northwestern Pritzker School of Law and/or your classmates.  (Relevant information may include but is not limited to financial hardship, educational adversity, special talents, work or community service experience, first generation or immigrant experience, an unusual rural or urban upbringing, foreign residence, military background, or unique family and/or personal circumstance.)
• What does public service mean to you and how do you see yourself engaging in public service or pro-bono work to meet the needs of the underserved?
• Did you face any particular challenges we should know about when considering your academic history or test scores?

Cornell Law School

Prior to this year, Cornell Law School offered an optional Diversity Statement. They have removed that prompt this year and added additional instructions to their personal statement (below). They also used to have a question in their application about reasons for applying to Cornell with a 600-character limit and the option to attach a longer essay. This year, they have made a one-page "Why Cornell" essay required.

New Cornell Law Personal Statement Prompt Source: Cornell Law Fall 2024 JD Application (LSAC)

RESPOND TO AT LEAST ONE OF THE FOLLOWING PROMPTS (required). YOU MAY RESPOND TO AS MANY AS YOU WISH, BUT DO NOT EXCEED A TOTAL OF FIVE (5) PAGES.

• We aim to train excellent lawyers. GPAs and test scores have some predictive power, but they don't tell the whole story. Please describe any significant challenges you have overcome, including but not limited to economic hardship, discrimination, trauma, or disability, and/or significant accomplishments of which you are proud.
• In the aftermath of the U.S. Civil War, Ezra Cornell wrote, "I would found an institution where any person can find instruction in any study." For over 150 years, Cornell University has remained deeply committed to Ezra's vision. Explain how your life experiences will help inform your contributions to a law school learning community devoted to "...any person...any study." We encourage you to think broadly about what you will contribute to a law school class and eventually to the legal profession, including bu not necessarily to expertise you have, experiences you can share, and how communities of which you have been part have shaped your perspective.
• From its founding, Cornell Law School has not only focused on producing excellent lawyers, but "lawyers in the best sense." A law school education teaches you a craft, and prepares you for a great career, but law is also a calling, and a lawyer in the best sense is one who will, in some way, serve justice. If your career goals include representing under-served populations or otherwise vulnerable individuals or groups, please tell us about those goals and how you hope to pursue them.
• Is there anything else you wish the Admissions Committee to know about you beyond what you have revealed in other parts of your application? You can describe a formative experience, or your motivation to go to law school, or a story that reveals your character, personality, or strengths, or whatever else you think is relevant.

Georgetown University Law Center

Georgetown Law updated their "Diversity Statement" to an "Optional Statement" this year. Additionally, they updated their (separate) Optional Response prompts, as they have many times in the past. All of the new prompts are below.

New Georgetown Law Optional Statement & Optional Responses Prompts: Source: Georgetown Law Fall 2024 JD Application (LSAC)

Optional Statement:

If you would like to share any additional personal perspectives, reflections, or experiences – whether positive, challenging, a combination of both, or something else entirely – that have contributed to who you are as a person and as a future legal scholar and lawyer, we invite you to do so in an additional statement.

Optional Responses:

• What’s the best (or worst) piece of advice you ever received?
• If you could “uninvent” one thing, what would it be?
• Tell us about a moment in your life that you regret.
• Describe your perfect day.
• Share a top ten list with us.
• Prepare a one-minute video.

University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Law

UCLA Law slightly altered the wording of their optional "Challenges Addendum" this year. The updated prompt is below.

New UCLA Law Challenges Addendum Prompt: Source: UCLA Law Fall 2024 JD Application (LSAC)

Please share any information about adversity or challenge that you would like us to consider about your personal life experiences. This may include socio-economic challenges; educational challenges; health issues; disability; immigration status; surviving abuse; or complex family circumstances like an incarcerated parent, homelessness, living in foster care, or others. This is not an inclusive list, but simply an opportunity, if you wish, to share any additional aspects of your background that may give us a deeper sense of your strengths and who you are.

The University of Texas at Austin School of Law

Prior to this year, UT Law required a Personal Statement and gave applicants the option to submit a Statement of Economic, Social, or Personal Background. This year, they are giving applicants the option to write responses to one or both of two prompts, below.

New UT Law Optional Statement Instructions: Source

Applicants may submit one or more of the following optional statements to provide to the Admissions Committee additional insight when reviewing their application. Each optional statement may not exceed one (1) double-spaced page with a minimum 11-point font size and 1-inch margins.

• Please address any information that you believe your application would be incomplete without and that sheds more light on your unique potential to succeed in the J.D. program and contribute to the University community and the field or profession.
• Civil dialogue and reasoned debate over contested ideas are core values both for the practice of law and in legal education. In light of this, Texas Law is interested in learning about experiences you may have had engaging with ideas with which you disagreed, and how such experiences have impacted you.

Boston University School of Law

BU Law modified the language in their diversity-focused optional essay prompt this year. New language below.

New BU Law Optional Essay Prompt Source: BU Law Fall 2024 JD Application (LSAC)

Consistent with the American Bar Association, Boston University School of Law believes that knowledge about bias, cross-cultural competency (ability to understand people from different backgrounds and engage with them effectively), and racism are central to the legal profession. Please tell us how your education, training, or lived experience has deepened your knowledge about bias, cross-cultural competency, and racism and/or prepared you to explore these topics at BU Law.

Vanderbilt Law School

Prior to this cycle, Vanderbilt Law allowed applicants to submit an optional diversity statement. This cycle, a Lived Experience Statement (full prompt below) is required from all applicants.

New Vanderbilt Law Lived Experience Statement Prompt: Source: Vanderbilt Law Fall 2024 JD Application (LSAC)

The quality and vibrance of the educational environment at Vanderbilt Law arise from enrolling a student body with a broad mix of individual backgrounds, experiences, skills, knowledge, and interests. Please tell us about any aspects of your background and experience that you believe would contribute to the educational environment.

University of Florida Levin College of Law

Prior to this year, UF Law included a Diversity Statement prompt that they have removed this year. Source: UF Law Fall 2024 JD Application (LSAC)

George Washington University Law School

GW Law altered their optional Identity Statement prompt this year—new prompt below.

New GW Law Identity Statement Prompt: Source: GW Law Fall 2024 JD Application (LSAC)

We are proud of the perspectives brought to the GW Law community by individuals from around the United States and the world. To that end, how has your identity contributed to the person that you are today? Examples might include, but are not limited to, lived experiences, obstacles overcome, areas of intellectual or professional interest, background/upbringing, and service.

University of Georgia School of Law

UGA Law has kept their optional Diversity Statement this year. The slightly altered prompt is below.

New UGA Law Diversity Statement Prompt: Source: UGA Law Fall 2024 JD Application (LSAC)

The School of Law believes the overall educational environment of the law school may be enhanced by life experiences that significantly add to the academic, cultural, geographic, or socioeconomic diversity of the student population. You are invited to explain how your own life experiences would significantly add to the diversity of the student population and enhance the educational climate of the law school. This may also include discussion of your status as a first-generation college graduate or veteran.

Notre Dame Law School

Notre Dame Law has updated the wording of their Different Kind of Lawyer Statement prompt this year—full text below.

New Notre Dame Law Different Kind of Lawyer Statement Prompt: Source: Notre Dame Law Fall 2024 JD Application (LSAC)

The mission of Notre Dame Law School is to educate a "Different Kind of Lawyer" - one who sees the law as more than just a profession, but as a service to others. Students are encouraged to explore not only the moral and ethical dimensions of the law but also their unique roles in furthering the cause of justice.

Following the murder of George Floyd, Dean G. Marcus Cole wrote an open letter to the Notre Dame Law Community in June 2020 in which he stated the following:

One thing that each and every one of us can do is to end the cycle of hate by ending the separation that leads to it.... Each of us needs to get to know people who differ from us. We must all make a conscious decision and effort to expand our circles.

Considering the mission of Notre Dame Law School, Dean Cole's open letter, and his call to action, please provide a response to one or both of the following:

• What experiences, hardships, or adversity have you faced that have shaped your perspective on law and justice?
• How has your own circle, culture, and community inspired you, your morals and ethics?

The "Different Kind of Lawyer" statement must be the applicant's own work in their own words. It should be no more than two double-spaced pages. If an applicant plans on providing this statement, it must be included with their application at the time of submission. The statement's header must include the applicant's name, LSAC account number, and be titled "DKL Statement."

University of Minnesota Law School

Prior to this year, Minnesota Law offered applicants the option to write a one-page Diversity Statement. This year, applicants will have the option to submit a one-page Supplemental Statement answering the below (similar) prompt.

New Minnesota Law Supplemental Statement Prompt: Source: Minnesota Law Fall 2024 JD Application (LSAC)

Applicants may attach additional statements to highlight or discuss any of the following: Unique backgrounds and lived experiences; demonstrated commitment to racial justice/equity; obstacles or adversity overcome; absences or breaks in academic history; or other matters that may be of importance to the Admissions Committee. Each additional statement should be no more that one-page, double spaced.

USC Gould School of Law

USC has updated their Diversity Statement this year to be a "Diversity of Background and/or Experience Statement"—prompt below. They also removed the prompt for a "Why USC" statement that had previously been an optional essay.

New USC Law Diversity of Background and/or Experience Statement Instructions: Source

USC Gould's admissions process is guided by the view that an individual student that reflects the broad and rich diversity of our society provides a superior educational environment for all law students. The primary goal of our admissions process is to enroll students who demonstrate outstanding academic and professional promise and whose background and experience will enrich USC Gould's educational environment or enhance the diversity of our student body or the legal profession.

• Based on the above, we invite you to discuss any ways in which your lived experiences offer a unique ability that you may contribute to the Gould School of Law. Examples include (but are not limited to) students who:
• Have overcome racial discrimination if that is tied to the student's courage and determination.
• Have been motivated by your heritage or culture to assume a leadership role or attain a particular goal.
• Have struggled against prejudice, economic disadvantage, family or personal adversity, or other social hardships (perhaps as a result of disability, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation or religious affiliation)
• Have lived in a foreign country or spoke a language other than English at home
• Have unusual career goals, employment history (perhaps military or law enforcement experience) or educational background (including graduate study)
• Demonstrate unusual extracurricular achievement (including school or community service)

Arizona State University Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law

ASU Law added a new "elevator pitch video" to their application this year.

New ASU Law Elevator Pitch Video Instructions: Source: ASU Law Fall 2024 JD Application (LSAC)

You may submit an optional elevator pitch video as part of your ASU Law application in addition to your written materials. The elevator pitch is a concise and compelling summary of yourself that shows your oral advocacy skills. The video should be no longer than 30 seconds. You may only submit one video.

University of Illinois College of Law

Illinois Law added seven Supplemental Essay prompts to their application this year.

New Illinois Law Supplemental Essay Options: Source: Illinois Law Fall 2024 JD Application (LSAC)

Supplemental essays allow you an opportunity to provide us with relevant information that you were not able to include elsewhere in your application materials or that did not fit thematically with your personal statement.  If you think writing on any of the topics below would help us get a better understanding of what you individually bring to the law school class, we encourage you to consider submitting your responses to one or two (but no more) of the following topics.  Your response to each essay should be less than 500 words. Please use a minimum of 11 point font and double space your responses.  Please be sure to include the number of the prompt you are addressing at the top of your essay.

Essay Prompt #1

Describe a challenge, failure, or setback you have faced and overcome, whether long-term and systemic ( e.g., socioeconomic, health, or complex family circumstances) or short-term and discrete ( e.g., a workplace scenario or a particularly demanding course).  How did you confront it?  What, if anything, might you do differently?

Essay Prompt #2

Describe a quality or skill you have and discuss how you expect it will help you in your legal career.

Essay Prompt #3

Tell us about a time in the recent past when you changed your mind about something significant.

Essay Prompt #4

Our law school culture is one of encouragement, cooperation, and collaboration. We actively seek out students who exhibit those characteristics, even when it is not convenient or easy.  Describe a recent experience when you exhibited any or all of these characteristics.

Essay Prompt #5

One of the goals of our admissions process is to enroll students who will enrich the quality and breadth of the intellectual life of our law school community and the legal profession.  How have your lived experiences and perspectives positively shaped who you are today in a way that contributes to our admissions goals?

Essay Prompt #6

Think of someone who knows you in an academic or professional setting, but doesn't know you well ( i.e., not a family member or a close friend).  How would they describe your work ethic, written or oral communication skills, and/or professionalism?  Would their description be accurate?  Why or why not?

Essay Prompt #7

Provide insight into your potential to contribute to a community of inclusion, belonging, and respect in which scholars with varied perspectives, abilities, and experiences can learn and [sic].

University of North Carolina School of Law

Prior to this cycle, UNC Law required two written statements—one essentially asking "Why law?" and the other "Why UNC?"—and gave applicants the option to submit two additional statements—one on diversity and one functioning as a place for an LSAT/GPA addendum.

This year, the optional diversity-related prompt has been removed, but the required "Why UNC?"-type prompt (Statement Topic 2 in the application) has been updated to include new language asking about how applicants will "contribute to the breadth of perspectives" at the law school. Full prompt below.

New UNC Law Statement Topic 2 Instructions: Source: UNC Law Fall 2024 JD Application (LSAC)

What is your reason for choosing the University of North Carolina School of Law? How does the institution meet your educational and/or your professional goals? Please include how your academic background, personal qualities, and life experiences inform your pursuit of legal education at Carolina Law and how you will contribute to the breadth of perspectives in the law classroom and broader law school community.

Florida State University College of Law

Prior to this year, FSU Law gave applicants the option to submit a Diversity Statement. That statement has been removed this year, and an optional Seminole Statement has been added—prompt below.

New FSU Law Seminole Statement Instructions: Source: FSU Law Fall 2024 JD Application (LSAC)

Located within the heart of Tallahassee, the capital city of Florida, Florida State University College of Law is surrounded by a vibrant legal community.  As Florida has the third largest economy of any state in the United States, there are ample opportunities to practice law in a rich variety of settings – law firms, state government, local and municipal government, courts, associations, non-profit organizations, business settings, and more – which work to serve the legal needs of a diverse clientele made up of a variety of cultures, traditions, histories, languages, and backgrounds.  Florida State University College of Law is a values-based and purpose-driven law school that embraces all perspectives, backgrounds, and students.  FSU College of Law is consistently ranked one of the top schools in terms of student satisfaction – and that is due to the emphasis on creating a culture of belonging, where every person feels valued and has an opportunity to contribute.

In no more than two typed pages (double-spaced, using a 12 point font), please feel free to submit a Seminole Statement to provide the Admissions Committee with insights and examples from your life to share a quality of your character, and/or a unique ability that you possess to describe how you would uniquely contribute to the academic and student communities at the Florida State University College of Law.

Wake Forest University School of Law

This year, Wake Forest Law added a required Imagining Your Future statement and updated the language of their Optional Statement. Both prompts are below.

Source: Wake Forest Law Fall 2024 JD Application (LSAC)

New Wake Forest Law Imagining Your Future Statement Prompt:

Upload a brief descriptive statement of a job, in terms of the job title and responsibilities, you envision holding (or hope to hold), a decade after graduating from law school and being admitted to the bar.

New Wake Forest Law Optional Statement Prompt:

You may upload an optional statement describing any other information about yourself that you wish to share that is not included in your personal statement.

Examples of optional statement topics include, but are not limited to:

• interest or preference in attending Wake Forest Law compared to other law schools;
• describe how the ethos of Wake Forest University’s motto, Pro Humanitate (“for humanity”), applies to your past experiences and your plans for the future as a law student and attorney.

Uploading an optional statement is not required. There is a separate optional upload for an addendum related to test scores and academic performance.

William & Mary Law School

W&M Law has modified their Optional Essay prompt and removed the description "Diversity & Inclusion Statement." The full updated prompt is below.

New W&M Law Optional Essay Instructions: Source: W&M Law Fall 2024 JD Application (LSAC)

You are invited to submit an essay that describes your life experiences with an emphasis on how the perspectives that you have acquired would contribute to the William & Mary Law School’s intellectual community and enhance the diversity of the student body. Examples of topics include (but are not limited to): an experience of prejudice, bias, economic disadvantage, personal adversity, or other social hardship (perhaps stemming from one’s religious affiliation, disability, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity); experience as a first-generation college student; significant employment history (such as in business, military or law enforcement, or public service); experience as an immigrant or refugee; graduate study; or impressive leadership achievement (including college or community service).  Please be as concise as possible.

Law School Optional Essay Examples: When and How to Write Supplementals

Reading law school optional essay examples is a wonderful way to learn the format and expectations of this supplementary law school application component. Law school optional essays, like a law school letter of continued interest , are a useful tool in drawing attention to your application and helping you increase your chances of getting in. While there is some disagreement on whether optional essays are always required, knowing how to write them well is important. In this blog, we’ll learn what law school optional essays are, how to write them, some common essay prompts, which schools ask for optional essays, and some optional essay samples to help you in writing your own.

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

Article Contents 7 min read

What is a law school optional essay.

A law school optional essay is a secondary, supplementary essay you can submit as part of your application to law school. As the name implies, they are not always required of students and are different from a law school personal statement . For example, law school diversity statement is a common optional essay in the US and Canada. An optional essay is similar in structure and intent to a personal statement, but will usually be written in response to a specific prompt. Optional essays are usually submitted concurrently with your primary application.

Law school optional essays are a student’s response to supplementary prompts or questions. Some law schools will have specific instructions on writing and submitting an optional essay, or provide writing prompts or a list of potential questions.

There is some debate whether law school optional essays are actually optional. Some law schools state that students who do not submit an essay in response to at least one of their optional essay prompts are not considered for admissions. And given how competitive law school acceptance rates are, it’s in your best interest to write an optional essay if the school provides a prompt, question or topic. If they do not, you can brainstorm a topic of your choice to write a supplementary essay.

If you choose to do so, it’s vital that you respond to the prompt or prompts you feel you can provide an answer to.

Optional essays should be used strategically to bolster your application. It can be a useful tool to tell the admissions committee of your chosen law school more about you or provide them additional information about why you should be considered for admissions.

Want to see a summary of some of our key points from this blog? This infographic is for you:

How to write a law school optional essay

Law school optional essays follow the same formula as college essays or law school personal statements . They are an essay that highlights your personal experiences, perspectives and answer the given prompt. Some schools will allow students to submit an optional essay on the topic of their choosing, too.

Optional essays need to include an introduction, body paragraphs and conclusion, same as other college essays . A typical word count for the optional essay is only 250 words, although some schools will ask students to submit multiple optional essays or allow for a greater word count. Schools like Stanford and Yale are among the top schools which allow only 250 words for optional essays.

If you’re unsure how to begin writing an optional essay or brainstorm ideas, law school admissions consulting can help you develop the writing and researching skills you need to craft an excellent essay. Or you can read our examples below for some help and inspiration in writing your own.

Some things you need to consider when writing your own optional essay for law school, though, is to avoid repeating any information you shared in your personal statement or other parts of your application, use your optional essay strategically, and follow the instructions you’re given for the prompt.

Be sure to address the prompt directly. Brainstorm your answer and write a couple of drafts to see how your ideas flow on the page. Admissions committees will be evaluating not just your writing skill but your answer, so be sure your response to the prompt is compelling and informative of your skills and mindset. This is your chance to be a little creative and stand out from the crowd. Even if the prompt is a simple \u201cWho is your favourite author?\u201d type of question, don\u2019t just spout out a name that sounds impressive. Be genuine and discuss why that particular author is your favourite and what you\u2019ve learned from their writing. ","label":"Follow the instructions","title":"Follow the instructions"}]" code="tab1" template="BlogArticle">

One of the most common law school optional essay prompts is “Why do you want to attend X law school?” You may have already answered this question in your personal statement or another part of your initial application, but it is a favourite question law schools ask of prospective students.

To answer this prompt, you’ll need to find your distinct reason or motivation for applying for that specific law school. Research the school’s program, culture, values, and mission and demonstrate your knowledge in your answer. For example, if you’re applying to Harvard Law School as it is arguably the best law program in the country, tell them why you agree the program is excellent and why having a top-tier law education is so important to you personally.

Some other common prompts for law school optional essays will be to ask you off-beat or quirky type questions, sometimes similar to law school interview questions , to see what kind of unique, stand-out responses you’ll submit. Other optional essay questions will be relatively simple to answer, such as “what is your favourite book?” or “what are your most important extracurricular interests?” These questions might sound simple for a 250-word essay, but it’s key to always tie your answer back to your motivation for applying to law school and reveal something pertinent about yourself.

Would you rather watch a video?

Below we’ve listed recent prompts provided by some of the top law schools in the US, including Stanford Law School, Harvard Law School and Georgetown University.

Some recent prompts from Stanford Law School include:

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There are some law schools which encourage students to submit an optional essay for consideration as part of their application. If you’re thinking of applying to law school in Canada, for example the University of Toronto, an optional essay is highly encouraged as part of your OLSAS application . If you’re researching potential law schools in Canada , it’s also a good idea to check out their admissions requirements as well.

Many of the top law schools in the US strongly encourage students to submit an optional essay or statement as well, including Harvard, Stanford, Yale, Columbia, and Duke University, to name a few.

Law school optional essay sample #1

Prompt: What important challenge does society face today?

The most important challenge society faces today is to collaborate for a better future. There are more people on the planet than ever before, and with so many different generations, cultures and peoples all trying to find common ground, it can create a sort of “too many cooks in the kitchen” dilemma. Society has been changing rapidly, and the world is changing more drastically than ever before. It is my belief that collaboration is our biggest challenge.

We’re all aware of the global problems facing our society today, and the various efforts around the globe to implement solutions and come up with the answer. However, with so many different voices clamoring to be heard and different perspectives all clashing in the discussion, it can be hard to see any forward progress. Solving our problems on a global scale will be some of the most significant challenge any of us will know in our lifetimes, so in my opinion learning to work together for a solution will be the biggest obstacle. It is my thinking that it is time we see new voices, and new solutions in the room.

This may of course contribute further to the problem since there are already so many individuals wanting to be heard. But we have also seen in recent years how the younger generations have been stepping up and adding their contributions in positive ways. In politics, in technology, in environmentalism, in law and in industries across the globe, there has been a turnover of new ideas. And I think focusing on new ideas and figuring out how to make them work now is far more beneficial than another debate. We already know what needs to be done. Our biggest challenge will be to stop thinking of our individual needs and start thinking collectively of our global futures.

Law school optional essay sample #2

Prompt: List and describe your academic interests and tell us how they are related to your future career.

My academic interests are broad, but I have always been interested in a career in the law. I studied my undergrad with a Bachelor of Communications with a minor in criminology and forensic science. I have always been fascinated with forensic sciences and I believe a thorough understanding of science and criminology are essential to my future goal to become a criminal defense lawyer.

As an undergrad, I also took several optional seminars and courses on criminology, and I interned at a local forensic lab during the summer as a file clerk. During my internship, I was allowed to safely observe many common forensic procedures and learn more about the inner workings of a forensic lab. It was fascinating to learn the science behind these procedures and witness how they are performed with my own eyes. My criminology seminars also afforded me the chance to speak to practicing lawyers and retired police officers about their experiences with the criminal justice system.

My major in Communications has also been invaluable to me as I pursue my goal to become a lawyer. As a lawyer I will need the skills I have learned in communicating effectively and clearly in any medium. I have also been able to develop my writing skills considerably, which will be a necessary tool in my skillset.

All of these experiences have given me a well-rounded and holistic view of my future career and given me a solid foundation to build on as I prepare to enter law school. I believe my undergraduate experiences and academic interests will add to my learning at law school. 

A law school optional essay is a supplementary essay you can include in your law school application. They are a good way to boost your application and provide further information to the school admissions committee about your background, personal experience and motivations.

No; not every law school asks for optional essays, and not every law school will expect one. Even so, an optional essay can be a great tool to help your application stand out, especially with the right writing prompt.

One of the most common prompt is “Why do you want to attend X law school?”, although different law schools may provide a list of prompts for students to choose from.

An optional essay is typically no more than 250 words, but some law schools will allow some flexibility on this matter.

While it is not required, Harvard Law School does provide applicants with a list of optional essay prompts, so it’s a good idea to pick at least one to submit to help strengthen your application.

An optional essay may have a diversity prompt, but sometimes diversity statements are required separately as well.

Stanford doesn’t require an optional essay, but students who choose to do so are asked to submit at least two essays of 250 words maximum. Applicants are provided a list of prompts to choose two topics from.

The university doesn’t require an optional essay in their applications, but they do provide a prompt list for those who choose to submit one.

The only time it’s advisable NOT to submit an optional essay is if the prompt or prompts provided don’t resonate with you personally. Submitting a weak optional essay is worse than not submitting one at all. If you’re struggling on picking a topic or a prompt you like for an optional essay, don’t submit one.

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How to Nail the Law School Optional Essays/Statements: Standing Out from the Crowd

Learn how to stand out from the crowd with your law school optional essays and statements.

Posted May 12, 2023

Featuring Cian S.

Law School: Crafting a Compelling Personal Statement

Friday, april 19.

8:00 PM UTC · 45 minutes

Table of Contents

Applying to law school can be an intimidating process. It's a highly competitive field and a single application mistake can cost you dearly. Law school admissions committees weigh multiple factors before making their decisions, including your undergraduate grades, LSAT scores, personal statements, letters of recommendation, and much more. However, there's one additional aspect of the application process that often gets overlooked: the optional essays/statements. These essays give you the chance to stand out, highlight your unique qualities and experiences, and give the admissions committee a deeper understanding of who you are as a potential law student. In this article, we'll explore why these optional essays matter, and provide tips for crafting outstanding essays that showcase your best self.

Why Optional Essays/Statements Matter for Law School Admissions

Firstly, it's important to understand that optional essays/statements aren't really optional. While they're not strictly required, they're highly recommended and can make a significant impact on your overall application. Law schools receive a large number of applications, with many of them having similar grades and LSAT scores. In such situations, these essays are the only way for you to differentiate yourself, showcase why you are an excellent candidate, and explain any unique circumstances that aren't addressed in other parts of your application. They offer a window into your personality, motivations, and passions - key factors that law schools want to uncover before admitting you into their program.

Moreover, optional essays/statements can also demonstrate your writing skills and ability to articulate your thoughts clearly and concisely. This is particularly important for law schools, as the legal profession requires strong writing skills. By submitting a well-written essay, you can show the admissions committee that you have what it takes to succeed in law school and beyond. Additionally, these essays can also provide an opportunity for you to address any weaknesses in your application, such as a low GPA or a gap in your academic history. By acknowledging these issues and explaining how you have overcome them, you can demonstrate your resilience and determination to succeed in the face of adversity.

Understanding the Purpose of Optional Essays/Statements

Before diving into writing these essays, it's important to understand their purpose. The optional essays/statements can serve several purposes, such as:

• Explaining your motivations for applying to law school and pursuing a career in law.
• Highlighting specific life experiences that have prepared you for a career in law.
• Addressing potential weaknesses in your application, such as low grades or LSAT scores, career gaps, or lack of extracurricular activities.
• Contributing unique perspectives to the classroom by showcasing your diverse background and experiences.

By understanding the purpose of these essays, you'll be better equipped to craft a compelling and authentic narrative that resonates with the admissions committee.

Another purpose of optional essays/statements is to demonstrate your interest in a particular law school. This can be achieved by discussing specific programs, clinics, or professors that align with your career goals and interests. It shows the admissions committee that you have done your research and are genuinely interested in attending their institution.

Additionally, optional essays/statements can be used to explain any extenuating circumstances that may have affected your academic or personal life. This could include a medical condition, family responsibilities, or a traumatic event. By providing context for any challenges you have faced, you can help the admissions committee understand your unique circumstances and how you have overcome them.

Identifying the Right Topics for Optional Essays/Statements

Choosing the right topic for your optional essay is crucial. You want to pick a topic that showcases your strengths and adds value to your overall application. Some potential topics to consider include:

• Overcoming adversity in your life and how it has prepared you for law school.
• Highlighting a unique experience or perspective that you'll bring to the classroom.
• Discussing how a particular academic, professional, or personal challenge has helped you grow and become a better candidate.
• Showcasing your motivations for pursuing a career in law and how you intend to contribute to the legal profession.

Once you have identified potential topics, it's important to pick the one that aligns best with your overall narrative and that you're passionate about.

It's also important to keep in mind the specific requirements and guidelines provided by the law school you're applying to. Some schools may have specific prompts or word limits for their optional essays, so make sure to read and follow their instructions carefully. Additionally, consider seeking feedback from trusted advisors or mentors to help you refine your topic and ensure that your essay effectively communicates your message.

Tips for Writing Compelling and Authentic Optional Essays/Statements

While there's no specific formula for writing excellent optional essays/statements, there are several tips that can help you craft an outstanding piece of writing:

• Start early: Give yourself enough time to brainstorm, draft, and revise your essays.
• Show, Don't Tell: Use anecdotes, examples, and specific details to show your story, instead of just telling it.
• Be Authentic: Avoid clichés and write from your own voice, using your own life experiences and perspectives.
• Be Purposeful: Ensure that your essay is cohesive and that every sentence serves a purpose.
• Be Clear: Write in a clear, concise, and organized manner; avoid using jargon or excessively long sentences.

By following these tips, you'll be better equipped to write a compelling and authentic essay that stands out from the crowd.

Another important tip to keep in mind is to tailor your essay to the specific school or program you're applying to. Research the institution and its values, and make sure your essay aligns with them.

Additionally, don't be afraid to ask for feedback from others. Share your essay with trusted friends, family members, or mentors and ask for their honest opinions. This can help you identify areas for improvement and ensure that your essay is as strong as possible.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Optional Essays/Statements

While there are many dos in crafting optional essays/statements, there are also a few don'ts that you should be aware of:

• Avoid writing about controversial or sensitive topics that might come across as inappropriate or offensive
• Don't use your essay to make excuses for poor grades, LSAT scores, or other application weak spots
• Avoid generic or obvious statements that don't provide insight into who you are as a candidate
• Avoid using fillers or fluff to make your essay longer than necessary
• Don't be afraid to showcase your personality and your unique style of writing, but make sure to stay within the bounds of professionalism.

Another common mistake to avoid in optional essays/statements is failing to proofread and edit your work. Spelling and grammatical errors can detract from the overall quality of your essay and make it appear sloppy or rushed. Take the time to carefully review your work and make any necessary corrections before submitting your application.

Showcasing Your Unique Qualities and Experiences in Optional Essays/Statements

With so many applicants vying for a limited number of spots, you want to find ways to stand out. The optional essays/statements offer an excellent opportunity to showcase your unique qualities and experiences as a candidate. Whether it's your background, life experiences, or extracurricular activities, find ways to highlight those aspects of yourself that make you stand out from the crowd.

It's important to remember that the optional essays/statements are not just an opportunity to reiterate what's already in your application. Instead, use this space to provide additional context or information that may not have been fully captured elsewhere. For example, if you had a particularly challenging experience that shaped your perspective or approach to life, this could be a great topic to explore in your essay. Ultimately, the goal is to provide the admissions committee with a more complete picture of who you are as a person and why you would be a valuable addition to their program.

How to Tailor Your Optional Essays/Statements to Specific Law Schools

Every law school is unique and has specific values, missions, and cultures. It's important to tailor your optional essays/statements to reflect those specificities. Research the law schools you're interested in applying to and try to understand what they're looking for in candidates. Do they have specific programs or areas of expertise that align with your skills and interests? Find ways to showcase how you fit into their overall vision and mission.

Additionally, it's important to consider the geographic location of the law school. If you're applying to a school in a specific region, highlight any experiences or connections you have to that area. For example, if you're applying to a law school in the Pacific Northwest and have previously lived in that region, mention how that experience has shaped your perspective and why you're excited to return. By demonstrating your familiarity and connection to the area, you can show the admissions committee that you're a good fit for their school.

Examples of Successful Optional Essays/Statements

Reading successful essays written by others can give you insights into what makes a good essay. However, remember that your essay must be unique to you and your own passions and experiences. You can find great samples of essays from websites like Law School Toolbox and 7Sage.

It's important to note that while reading successful essays can be helpful, it's equally important to avoid copying or plagiarizing any part of someone else's work. Admissions committees are looking for authenticity and originality in your essay, so make sure to use these examples as inspiration rather than a template to follow.

Using Feedback and Revisions to Improve Your Optional Essays/Statements

It's always best to get feedback on your writing, especially when applying to law school. Find a trusted friend or mentor who can provide constructive criticism, and work to refine your essays based on that feedback. This will help you take your writing to the next level and substantially improve your overall application.

Finalizing and Submitting Your Optional Essays/Statements

Once you have crafted your essay, ensure that it aligns with your overall narrative, is proofread, formatted correctly, and adheres to the law school's instructions. Be sure to submit your essay before the deadline and keep a copy for your records.

Following Up with Law Schools After Submitting Your Application

After submitting your application, it's always a good idea to reach out to the law schools to get a sense of where they stand in their admissions process. You can also take this opportunity to express your continued interest in their program and provide any additional information that might be relevant to your application.

Additional Resources for Navigating the Law School Application Process

• Law School Toolbox
• LSAC (Law School Admissions Council)
• ABA (American Bar Association)

In conclusion, crafting outstanding optional essays/statements takes time, effort, and careful reflection. But by following the tips outlined above, you'll be well-positioned to differentiate yourself from the crowd and showcase why you're an excellent candidate for law school.

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