YOUR PATH TO HARVARD LAW STARTS HERE
Discover tips to help you navigate the application process and join a thriving Latina/o/e community at Harvard Law.
STATEMENTS OF PURPOSE AND PERSPECTIVE
When applying to Harvard Law School, Personal Statements and Diversity Statements play significant roles in the admissions process. Here are some tips:
Approach your essays as an opportunity to tell your story, crafting a comprehensive and cohesive narrative that shows admissions who you are as a person.
You may express your heritage, race, culture, and ethnic background, but do so in a way that contributes meaningfully to your narrative.
Both statements should be between one and two pages long. Clarity is more important than length—avoid wordiness. Content over length matters.
Your Statement of Purpose must conclude with a clear explanation of why you want to attend law school.
In your Statement of Perspective, explain how your individual experiences and viewpoints will contribute to the law school community.
Know your audience. The admissions team will read your essays, and they may not be familiar with the legal terminology specific to your field of interest.
Proofread! Mistakes can undermine an otherwise strong admissions essay.
Indent your paragraphs.
There is no need for an elaborate title. Simply label your essays as “Statement of Purpose” or “Statement of Perspective.”
Do not start with a quote or overuse them throughout your essays.
Stay within your narrative—avoid excessive or unclear wording.
Ensure cohesion; the first sentence of each paragraph should connect to or facilitate the transition from the ideas expressed earlier.
Ensure cohesion; the first sentence of each paragraph should connect to or facilitate the transition from the ideas expressed earlier.
The admissions team will assess your confidence in four key areas:
- Why law school?
- Why Harvard?
- How will you perform as a scholar?
- How will you contribute to the law school community?
Professionalism is key. Ensure your attire, interview location, and behavior align with how you would conduct yourself in a job interview.
Maintain eye contact with the interviewer and avoid looking away from the camera. Prepare thoroughly so you are not reading directly from your notes.
Have at least one question ready to ask, but be mindful of the interviewer’s time.
CONTENT TIPS
Approach your essays as an opportunity to tell your story, crafting a comprehensive and cohesive narrative that shows admissions who you are as a person.You may express your heritage, race, culture, and ethnic background, but do so in a way that contributes meaningfully to your narrative.Both statements should be between one and two pages long. Clarity is more important than length—avoid wordiness. Content over length matters.Your Statement of Purpose must conclude with a clear explanation of why you want to attend law school.In your Statement of Perspective, explain how your individual experiences and viewpoints will contribute to the law school community.Know your audience. The admissions team will read your essays, and they may not be familiar with the legal terminology specific to your field of interest.STYLE TIPS
Proofread! Mistakes can undermine an otherwise strong admissions essay.Indent your paragraphs.There is no need for an elaborate title. Simply label your essays as “Statement of Purpose” or “Statement of Perspective.”Do not start with a quote or overuse them throughout your essays.Avoid citations, hyperlinks, or footnotes referencing external sources.Stay within your narrative—avoid excessive or unclear wording.Ensure cohesion; the first sentence of each paragraph should connect to or facilitate the transition from the ideas expressed earlier.ADMISSIONS INTERVIEW
The admissions team will assess your confidence in four key areas:- • Why law school?
- • Why Harvard?
- • How will you perform as a scholar?
- • How will you contribute to the law school community?
Professionalism is key. Ensure your attire, interview location, and behavior align with how you would conduct yourself in a job interview.Maintain eye contact with the interviewer and avoid looking away from the camera. Prepare thoroughly so you are not reading directly from your notes.Have at least one question ready to ask, but be mindful of the interviewer’s time.