On this webpage, you will find our advice and guidance for approaching the two written statements in the application.
Instructions
The Admissions Committee makes every effort to understand who you are as an individual and potential Harvard Law School student and graduate. To that end, 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. Please place (a) the name of your Written Statement (i.e., either “Statement of Perspective” or “Statement of Purpose”) in the document’s header, left-aligned, and (b) your full name in the document’s header, right-aligned.
Statement of Purpose
What motivates you to pursue law? How does attending law school align with your goals and vision for your future?
Statement of Perspective
How have your past experiences shaped the person you are today? How will those experiences inform your engagement in your law school community?
Navigating Law School Admissions with Miriam & Kristi
Miriam Ingber (Associate Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid at Yale Law School) and Kristi Jobson (Assistant Dean for Admissions at Harvard Law School) provide candid, accurate, and straightforward advice about law school admissions — direct from the source. They will be joined by guest stars from other law schools to discuss application timing, letters of recommendation, personal statements, and more.
Mathiew Le (University of Texas at Austin School of Law) joins Miriam and Kristi to offer advice on personal statements.
You submitted, and we’re offering our thoughts! Miriam, Kristi and Eulas Boyd (Brooklyn Law) dig into personal statements submitted by listeners. Read along with our first personal statement here.
You submitted, and we’re offering our thoughts! Miriam, Kristi and Eulas Boyd (Brooklyn Law) dig into personal statements submitted by listeners. Read along with our second personal statement here.
You submitted, and we’re offering our thoughts! Miriam, Kristi and Eulas Boyd (Brooklyn Law) dig into personal statements submitted by listeners. Read along with our third personal statement here.
You submitted, and we’re offering our thoughts! Miriam, Kristi and Eulas Boyd (Brooklyn Law) dig into personal statements submitted by listeners. Read along with our fourth personal statement here.
Written Statements Workshop
Our Statement Workshop provides applicants with straightforward advice on how to craft essays with a reflective activity and guiding questions to consider.
(Coming soon!)
FAQs
Must I submit both a Statement of Purpose and a Statement of Perspective with my application?
Yes, every applicant must submit both a Statement of Purpose and a Statement of Perspective.
Will I be disadvantaged if I don’t use two full pages for each essay?
We expect every applicant to submit at least one full page for each Written Statement. If you need more space for either piece, you can use up to two full pages. Because applicants and their experiences differ, you are the best person to determine what length is appropriate. Please do not exceed the two-page limit per essay.
Should I provide extensive detail about my particular interest in HLS?
Given the space limitations for the Written Statements, we ask that the focus of both pieces center on you as an individual. While either essay might reference resources, opportunities, or organizations at HLS that appeal to your interests or goals, the substance of the essay should not simply detail the offerings at Harvard Law School. We know all about HLS—the goal of these Written Statements is to learn more about you!
Is there any specific guidance for rising 2L transfer applicants?
We ask that transfer candidates also address the reason(s) for applying for transfer enrollment. Please visit our Transfer Applications Components for more information.
How can I make my Written Statements stand out?
Please rest assured that there is no secret formula for creating an outstanding Written Statement. Instead, compelling Written Statements typically share similar qualities. They are well-written, polished, and free of grammar or spelling errors. Additionally, they directly address the prompt and demonstrate a clear sense of purpose. It’s not necessary for the content of the essay to be groundbreaking. Each candidate brings something unique to the table, and the Written Statements provide students with the opportunity to express their own purposes and perspectives.
I made an error in one of my statements. Can I provide an updated document after my application has been submitted?
We do understand mistakes happen. You are more than welcome to upload an updated document through your status checker. We will review the new material alongside what has been previously received.
Note that when you complete your application and hit submit, the information contained in your application may not be altered or deleted in any way by you as an applicant or by us as an admissions team.
