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Reviewed by:
Former Head of Pre-Law Office, Northeastern University, & Admissions Officer, Brown University
Reviewed: 03/03/23
If you’re starting to write your Cornell Law personal statement but aren’t sure where to begin, this guide has you covered!
As a top Ivy League law school, Cornell attracts thousands of applicants each year. With such high rankings and prestige, it takes a lot to impress the admissions committee at Cornell.
Your Cornell personal statement should highlight your qualities and character to justify your potential as a future legal leader. However, writing this T14 personal statement won’t be easy, so read on for everything you need to know.
Cornell requires all applicants to submit a personal statement. In five pages or less, you will answer up to four prompts, which you can either indicate in your writing or leave ambiguous.
The four prompts Cornell lists on their website are:
“1. 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.”
“2. 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 but not necessarily to expertise you have, experiences you can share, and how communities of which you have been part have shaped your perspective.”
“3. 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.”
“4. 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.”
The goal of your personal statement is to provide more context to your character that is not seen anywhere else in your application. It should be written in your own words.
Your personal statement may address your intellectual interests, significant accomplishments, obstacles overcome, personal or professional goals, and educational achievements. You may also address your perspective, viewpoint, or experiences that will add to the richness of Cornell's academic environment.
Now that you’re familiar with the basic Cornell Law personal statement requirements, let’s delve deeper into how to write a statement that resonates with the judges and maximizes your chances of acceptance!
You want to prove your dedication to Cornell in your personal statement. To do this, your statement cannot be generic. Familiarize yourself with Cornell Law School’s missions, values, programs, and history.
Before writing your first sentence, reflect on your personal, academic, and professional experiences that have shaped your interest in law. Consider significant challenges, achievements, or moments of inspiration that have influenced your decision to pursue a legal education at Cornell.
Once you’ve brainstormed the key experiences that define your identity, develop a central theme or narrative that connects these experiences and motivations. This could be a personal story, a passion for a specific area of law, or a desire to make a difference in the legal field.
This narrative will give your personal statement coherence and help the admissions committee understand your unique perspective. You should use this narrative as your hook as well! Consider setting the scene for the readers with vivid descriptions or starting mise-en-scene at the climax of your story.
You’ve accomplished a lot to get to where you are, and you should tell the admissions committee about it! While you don’t want to rehash your resume, you should highlight your key strengths, skills, experiences, and attributes that make you a strong candidate.
Some traits Cornell values in its applicants are problem-solving, leadership, and a commitment to social justice and service. Provide concrete examples to support these strengths and share how they will contribute to your success as a law student and lawyer.
That said, provide examples of your prowess in context; don’t simply list your accomplishments and avoid arrogance. You’ve learned a lot, but not everything! You should be proud and honest while also highlighting your eagerness to learn and grow.
Ensure your essay flows as you move through different experiences. Use transition words and phrases, maintain your tone, provide logical connections, and engage your reader.
Remember that research you conducted about Cornell? Now’s the time to show you did your homework. Students typically include their reasons for applying to Cornell near the end of their personal statement.
Mention any relevant courses, clinics, or professors that align with your academic and career goals. Prove that you have carefully considered why Cornell is the right fit for you!
Don’t neglect your conclusion! You want to leave a lasting impression on the admissions committee, so consider your final sentences.
You can either summarize your reasons for attending law school and your hopes for the future or refer to the story in your introduction. Regardless of your decision, ensure your conclusion impresses your reader.
Write in your own voice and be true to yourself. Admissions committees appreciate authenticity and want to understand who you are as an individual. Avoid clichés, unnecessary jargon, and only use language you feel comfortable with.
After finishing your first draft, edit and revise until it is free of grammar and spelling errors. Ensure it flows, is clear, and is impactful. Seek feedback from others to gain different perspectives on your statement, and do not submit it until you’re happy with it!
Here are two Cornell Law School personal statement examples that allow you to see these steps in action!
Growing up in a small town, my perspective on the world was limited. Opportunities to witness the challenges faced by marginalized communities were rare, and my understanding of human rights was confined to textbooks and news headlines. It wasn't until a life-changing experience during my college years that my passion for human rights was ignited.
It all started when I stumbled upon a documentary about a grassroots organization working tirelessly to combat child labor in Southeast Asia. The film featured brave individuals who risked their lives to fight for the rights of children subjected to exploitation and abuse. I was struck by their unwavering determination and the impact they were making in their communities.
Intrigued and inspired, I immersed myself in the subject, delving into academic research, volunteering at local NGOs, and engaging in eye-opening conversations with activists. Each encounter further deepened my understanding of the intricate web of social, political, and economic factors that perpetuate human rights violations.
During a summer internship at an international human rights organization, I witnessed firsthand the harsh realities faced by refugees fleeing persecution. I listened to their stories of despair, resilience, and hope. It was in those moments of empathy that I realized the power of the law in safeguarding human dignity and fostering social change.
Motivated by this newfound purpose, I dedicated myself to the study of human rights law, pursuing coursework and research projects that explored the intersection of legal frameworks and social justice. I eagerly engaged with professors, attending guest lectures and seminars to deepen my knowledge and broaden my perspective.
My passion for human rights also compelled me to take action beyond the classroom. I co-founded a student organization focused on raising awareness and advocating for human rights issues on campus. We organized events, hosted panel discussions, and collaborated with local organizations, striving to ignite a sense of responsibility and action within our community.
Through these experiences, I have come to appreciate the immense challenges inherent in protecting and promoting human rights. Yet, I firmly believe that change is possible, and it starts with each individual who refuses to be silent in the face of injustice.
It is my profound desire to further my education at Cornell Law School, renowned for its commitment to social justice and its distinguished faculty in human rights law. I am inspired by the opportunity to learn from leading scholars, collaborate with passionate peers, and immerse myself in an environment that nurtures both academic excellence and practical application.
Ultimately, my aspiration is to become an advocate for those whose voices have been stifled and rights have been trampled upon. I strive to dedicate my legal career to the pursuit of justice, working tirelessly to ensure that human rights are upheld and protected for all.
Cornell Law School represents the ideal platform to nurture my passion, provide me with the tools and knowledge necessary to effect change, and equip me with the skills to make a meaningful impact in the field of human rights. I am ready to embark on this transformative journey, committed to the pursuit of justice and the relentless pursuit of a world where human rights are not just lofty ideals or headlines, but tangible realities for all.
This statement is successful because it effectively captures the reader's attention with a personal narrative and engages them in the journey of the writer's discovery and passion for human rights.
The writer demonstrates a clear understanding of the complexities surrounding human rights issues and their commitment to making a difference. They showcase their academic pursuits, practical experiences, and leadership initiatives, all while highlighting their desire to contribute to real-world human rights initiatives.
The statement also effectively connects the writer's experiences and aspirations to Cornell Law School's reputation and resources, demonstrating a genuine interest in the institution. Their essay flows well, it is easy to follow, and it leaves the reader with a deeper understanding of who this student is and what they value.
Jane Mendez, aged 13 years, a devoted daughter, loving sister, and cherished friend, passed away Saturday, March 17, 2018.
As I sat, re-reading my sister’s obituary, I couldn’t help but wonder how she could be reduced to a one-page statement. A statement that seemed so matter-of-fact, that left out all her little quirks that I took for granted, like the way she still slept with her broken blue nightlight that buzzed when it was plugged in or how she only ate her pancakes with whipped cream and strawberries because she hated the taste of maple syrup.
This obituary wasn’t my sister, but it was all she was remembered as. The poor 13-year old with so much life yet to live, tragically killed by a drunk driver. The pain and grief from her loss were indescribable. I found myself grappling with questions of justice and accountability.
Driven by a desire to transform my personal tragedy into a force for change, I embarked on a journey that intertwined my grief with a passion to do more. Through tireless research, I educated myself about the legal intricacies surrounding drunk driving and the devastating consequences it inflicts upon society.
Empowered by my knowledge, I actively engaged with local organizations dedicated to combating drunk driving. Collaborating with legal advocates, I participated in awareness campaigns, organized fundraisers, and lobbied for stricter legislation. Witnessing the impact of my efforts, I realized that the law possessed the potential to save lives and provide solace to those affected by tragedy.
This awakening fueled my academic pursuits as I immersed myself in legal studies, devouring courses on criminal law, torts, and public policy. In classrooms and debates, I sought to unravel the complexities of our justice system, exploring the nuances of accountability, rehabilitation, and victim advocacy.
In my journey, I discovered the powerful intersection between law and advocacy. Through internships at law firms and victim support organizations, I worked diligently to provide compassionate legal assistance to those navigating the aftermath of traumatic events. Assisting survivors in court hearings, I witnessed firsthand the pivotal role attorneys play in giving voice to the voiceless and restoring faith in a broken system.
I found solace in channeling my grief into compassionate action. I became determined to contribute to a legal system that prioritizes the rights of victims and ensures that justice prevails, even in the face of unspeakable tragedy.
Cornell Law School, with its unwavering commitment to social justice and academic excellence, stands as the beacon of hope for realizing my aspirations. The opportunity to learn from distinguished faculty members renowned for their expertise in criminal law and victim advocacy is a privilege I deeply covet.
My sweet sister’s untimely death forever altered the trajectory of my life. Her memory propels me to pursue justice, inspire change, and ensure that no other family experiences the pain I endured. Guided by my sister’s legacy and with her broken blue night light in hand, I emerge through the darkest period of my life with resilience, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to the pursuit of justice. I stand ready to make a lasting impact at Cornell Law School and in the broader realm of law.
This emotionally charged personal statement does an excellent job of engaging the reader. They add personal touches, like the blue nightlight, that further immerse the readers into the narrative. Readers can sympathize with the reader, feel their sense of loss, and feel inspired by their resilience.
They demonstrate they have clear ambitions and goals for the future, showcase their research, advocacy, and legal involvement in combating drunk driving, and determination to do more as a lawyer. They also tie their ambitions back to Cornell, showing their genuine interest in this school!
For any remaining questions about how to write your Cornell Law personal statement, read on!
While there is no formal word count for the Cornell Law personal statement, it’s suggested your statement does not exceed five pages.
You may answer one or all prompts when writing your Cornell personal statement. You may indicate that you’re answering these prompts or leave it ambiguous.
Most successful personal statements will include meaningful experiences that motivated students to join the legal field and experiences that shaped their values and future aspirations. You should also highlight the strengths and qualities that make you a strong Cornell candidate.
Cornell considers the personal statement very important. Cornell takes the integrity of these statements seriously, and providing false, incomplete, or misleading information could result in your admission offer being rescinded.
Cornell does not mention specific formatting guidelines for the personal statement, though they highlight that it should not exceed five pages. You may indicate answering one, some, or all four prompts.
As you begin your own Cornell Law personal statement, ensure you strive for authenticity, reflect on your individual and academic journey, and use your own voice. Write a statement you’re proud of and feel connected to, and embrace this opportunity to stand out and make a memorable impression on the admissions committee.
Reviewed by:
Former Head of Northeastern University's Pre-Law Office, Northeastern University
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