berkeley llm personal statement

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Written Statements

The written statements of an application consist of:

• Personal statement (2-4 pages double spaced)
• Optional supplemental essays such as the diversity statement
• Addendum (optional)

Personal Statements

This statement is a critical sample of your ability to write, as well as an opportunity to tell the admissions committee about yourself. Since most schools do not conduct interviews, the statement represents an opportunity for you to present yourself as more than just a GPA and an LSAT score. With so many applicants possessing identical qualifications, the statement can be the critical factor that distinguishes you from the applicant pool. What you say in your statement can also help you offset weaknesses in your application. So, take writing the statement very seriously.

Most schools are interested in why you are choosing to pursue a legal education now and learning about the unique qualities and experiences you will contribute to their incoming class. To get started, gather information about yourself including:

• Work, school and community experiences, such as positions you have held, volunteer opportunities, and projects you have participated in
• Extracurricular activities, such as clubs, sports teams, leadership positions
• Personal challenges and experiences, including travel, disabilities, goals you have accomplished
• Unique talents or interests

Personal statement resources and samples:

• Crafting a Strong Personal Statement Narrative 
• In Their Own Words: Admissions Essays That Worked – University of Chicago Law School
• The Law School Personal Statement: A Collection – Schar School of Policy and Government

General Tips

• Write a concise narrative with one or two points. Go for quality over quantity.
• Tell a story where you are the main character and you changed, grew, or shifted your perspective.
• Write about any activity that shows off your best qualities. Review your classroom, student organization, work, and personal life for material.
• Show, don’t tell: conclusions should be self-evident. Well written statements use stories that illustrate your good qualities. You should not have to explicitly state them.
• Keep the focus on YOU, not an ill relative, remarkable client, or inner workings of an organization where you worked.
• Write several drafts and ask for feedback on early drafts.

Challenges, such as a string of low grades or a low LSAT score should be addressed in an addendum. Be brief and honest while offering a sympathetic explanation. Generally 1-2 short paragraphs is sufficient.

Berkeley Career Engagement UC Berkeley, CA 94720

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Writing the Personal Statement

Helpful tips and advice for drafting a compelling personal statement when applying for graduate admission.

Make sure to check the appropriate program website to find out if your statement should include additional or specific information.

What does this statement need to accomplish?

The personal statement should give concrete evidence of your promise as a member of the academic community, giving the committee an image of you as a person.

This is also where you represent your potential to bring to your academic career a critical perspective rooted in a non-traditional educational background, or your understanding of the experiences of groups historically under-represented in higher education and your commitment to increase participation by a diverse population in higher education.

What kinds of content belongs here?

Anything that can give reviewers a sense of you as a person belongs here; you can repeat information about your experiences in your research statement, but any experiences that show your promise, initiative, and ability to persevere despite obstacles belongs here. This is also a good place to display your communication skills and discuss your ability to maximize effective collaboration with a diverse cross-section of the academic community. If you have faced any obstacles or barriers in your education, sharing those experiences serves both for the selection process, and for your nomination for fellowships. If one part of your academic record is not ideal, due to challenges you faced in that particular area, this is where you can explain that, and direct reviewers’ attention to the evidence of your promise for higher education.

The basic message: your academic achievement despite challenges

It is especially helpful for admissions committees considering nominating you for fellowships for diversity if you discuss any or all of the following:

• Demonstrated significant academic achievement by overcoming barriers such as economic, social, or educational disadvantage;
• attendance at a minority serving institution;
• ability to articulate the barriers facing women and minorities in science and engineering fields;
• participation in higher education pipeline programs such as, UC Leads, or McNair Scholars;
• Academic service advancing equitable access to higher education for women and racial minorities in fields where they are underrepresented;
• Leadership experience among students from groups that have been historically underrepresented in higher education;
• research that addresses issues such as race, gender, diversity, and inclusion;
• research that addresses health disparities, educational access and achievement, political engagement, economic justice, social mobility, civil and human rights, and other questions of interest to historically underrepresented groups;
• artistic expression and cultural production that reflects culturally diverse communities or voices not well represented in the arts and humanities.

Application Requirements

Students are admitted to the program by the Graduate Division of the University of California, Berkeley, on recommendation of the Jurisprudence and Social Policy admissions committee.

Applications for entry in Fall 2025 will open in October and will close on December 15, 2024 at 8:59pm PST . ALL  application materials (including letters of recommendation for all applicants, and test scores for international applicants) must be received by the December 15 deadline.

All directions and requirements for applying to the PhD in Jurisprudence and Social Policy can be found in the Graduate Division Online Application

Along with the  Graduate Division forms , applicants are asked to submit:

•  transcripts of grades
•   three letters of recommendation (additional letters will not be read)
•  a statement of purpose (2-3 pages, double-spaced)
• a personal statement (2-3 pages, double-spaced)
• a sample of past written work (25-50 pages)

Beginning with the 2022-2023 application cycle (entry in Fall 2023), the GRE requirement is no longer required for the JSP Ph.D. and will not be reviewed.

International applicants will also need to fulfill the UC Berkeley Graduate Division's requirements for international students in addition to the application requirements. Information on TOEFL exemptions can be found in the link above.

If you have questions about the online application, please contact the Graduate Division at [email protected]

If you have questions about admission to the JSP Ph.D. program, please check out our FAQ then contact us at [email protected] if you have additional questions.

For admissions information regarding the J.D., contact: UC Berkeley School of Law J.D. Admissions Office 396 Simon Hall Berkeley, CA 94720-7200 Phone: (510) 642-2274  [email protected]

For admissions information regarding the LL.M. and J.S.D., contact: UC Berkeley School of Law Advanced Degree Programs 214 Boalt Hall #7200 Berkeley, CA 94720-7200 Phone: (510) 642-1476 [email protected]

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5 minutes read

Crafting a Compelling Berkeley LLM Personal Statement

Dirghayu Kaushik

21 August 2024

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• Introduction

When applying for an LLM program at UC Berkeley, your personal statement plays a pivotal role in showcasing your qualifications, achievements, and motivations. It’s a chance to set yourself apart from other applicants and demonstrate why you’re an ideal candidate for Berkeley Law. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the essential steps to craft a compelling Berkeley LLM personal statement.

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• Understanding the Significance of Your Personal Statement

Your personal statement is more than just a piece of writing; it’s an opportunity to provide the admissions committee with a deeper understanding of who you are as an applicant. It allows you to convey your passion for the legal profession, highlight your academic potential, and share the unique experiences and perspectives that make you a valuable addition to the incoming class.

The Role of Your Berkeley LLM Personal Statement

Your Berkeley LLM personal statement serves several key purposes:

1. Showcasing Your Achievements

Your personal statement is a platform to showcase your academic and professional achievements. It’s a space to highlight any accolades, awards, or honors you’ve received that demonstrate your excellence in your field.

2. Demonstrating Your Commitment to Law

The admissions committee wants to see your genuine commitment to pursuing a legal education at UC Berkeley. Your personal statement should convey your passion for the law and your motivation for choosing this path.

3. Sharing Unique Qualities and Perspectives

Berkeley Law values diversity and perspectives. Use your personal statement to share your unique qualities, background, and experiences that contribute to the richness of the incoming class.

4. Communicating Future Career Goals

Your personal statement should touch upon your future career goals and how the LLM program at Berkeley Law aligns with your aspirations. It’s an opportunity to illustrate how this program is the next step in your journey.

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• Structuring Your Berkeley LLM Personal Statement

Now that you understand the importance of your personal statement, let’s delve into how to structure it effectively. A well-organized personal statement not only makes it easier for the admissions committee to read but also showcases your ability to present information coherently.

Introduction: Grabbing Their Attention

Your personal statement should begin with a captivating introduction. This is your chance to grab the reader’s attention and pique their interest. Consider sharing a brief anecdote, a relevant quote, or a personal experience that sets the tone for your statement.

Highlighting Your Academic Interests

In this section, delve into your academic interests related to law. Discuss the specific areas of law that intrigue you and how your past academic experiences have shaped your interests.

Looking Beyond the Classroom

Berkeley Law encourages students to look beyond the classroom and engage in broader discussions about the law. Share how you plan to contribute to these discussions and what topics or issues you’re passionate about.

Academic Potential and Achievements

Your academic potential and achievements should be prominently featured in your Berkeley LLM personal statement. This section allows you to demonstrate your readiness for rigorous coursework.

Showcasing Your Accomplishments

Discuss your academic accomplishments, such as high grades, relevant coursework, and any academic honors or awards you’ve received.

Addressing Your LSAT Score

If applicable, address your LSAT score in a thoughtful manner. Explain any factors that may have influenced your score and how you’ve worked to improve your skills.

Adding an Addendum

If there are any aspects of your academic history that require clarification or additional context, consider adding an addendum. This can be a brief section that addresses any academic challenges you’ve faced.

Your Personal Journey

Your personal statement should also provide insights into your journey and experiences that have shaped your perspective and commitment to law.

Illustrating Your Commitment to the Field

Share experiences or moments that have solidified your commitment to pursuing a legal education. Discuss internships, volunteer work, or other activities that have exposed you to the legal profession.

Discussing Your Extracurricular Activities

If you’ve been involved in extracurricular activities related to law or leadership roles in organizations, highlight them in this section. Emphasize the skills and qualities you’ve developed through these experiences.

Your Unique Qualities

Berkeley Law values diversity and unique qualities. Use this section to share aspects of your background, culture, or identity that contribute to the diversity of perspectives within the incoming class.

Your Vision for the Future

Conclude your personal statement by outlining your vision for the future and how the Berkeley LLM program aligns with your career goals.

Discussing Future Career Goals

Detail your aspirations within the legal profession. Whether you’re interested in public interest law, corporate law, or any other field, articulate how Berkeley Law will help you achieve these goals.

Connecting with Berkeley’s Values

Highlight how Berkeley Law’s values and mission align with your own. Show that you’ve done your research and genuinely believe that this program is the right fit for you.

Wrapping It Up

End your personal statement with a strong and memorable conclusion. Leave the admissions committee with a lasting impression of your passion, qualifications, and commitment to the legal profession.

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Dos and Don’ts of Writing Your Berkeley LLM Personal Statement

Crafting a compelling personal statement requires attention to detail and a clear understanding of what to do and what to avoid. Here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind:

• Conclusion: Your Path to Berkeley Law

Crafting a compelling Berkeley LLM personal statement is a vital step in your journey to Berkeley Law. It’s a chance to communicate your passion, achievements, and aspirations to the admissions committee.

By following the guidelines and structure outlined in this guide and adhering to the dos and don’ts, you can create a personal statement that sets you apart and strengthens your application.

Remember to start early, seek feedback, and stay true to yourself as you embark on this exciting endeavor. Best of luck in your application to UC Berkeley’s esteemed law school!

How important is the personal statement in the application to Berkeley Law’s LLM program?

The personal statement is a crucial component of your application. It provides the admissions committee with insights into your qualifications, motivations, and uniqueness as an applicant.

What should I include in the section about academic interests in my personal statement?

In the academic interests section, delve into specific areas of law that intrigue you and explain how your past academic experiences have shaped these interests.

Is it necessary to address my LSAT score in the personal statement?

If applicable, addressing your LSAT score in a thoughtful manner can be beneficial. Explain any factors that may have influenced your score and how you’ve worked to improve your skills.

How can I showcase my commitment to the legal profession in my personal statement?

What are berkeley law’s values, and how can i connect with them in my personal statement.

Berkeley Law values diversity, unique qualities, and a commitment to the legal field. Highlight how your background, experiences, and career goals align with these values to demonstrate your fit with the program.

• Dos and Don'ts of Writing Your Berkeley LLM Personal Statement

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Table of Contents

• • Introduction
• • Understanding the Significance of Your Personal Statement
• • Structuring Your Berkeley LLM Personal Statement
• • Dos and Don'ts of Writing Your Berkeley LLM Personal Statement
• • Conclusion: Your Path to Berkeley Law

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