Personal Statement Help

[blueberry]

Hey all,

I am applying to UOttawa (was allowed to re-submit and am taking this as my chance to perfect it) and wondering if anyone has any tips for their personal statements. If it helps, I studied in Ottawa, worked at the House of Commons + gov jobs, was very involved in my school and community, am really interested in politics, and would love to learn more about immigration/refugee/environmental law. I'm having some trouble integrating my story with the prompt. If anyone has some advice or would even be able to look it over, I'd greatly appreciate it! Thank you!

Edited November 18, 2024 by blueberry

[LMP]

I think it is smart to play up your connection to the city, certianly keep that. But make sure to speak to why you'd be a good law student as well. I don't see that aspect in your post (which I appreciate is just an overview) so make sure the final product has it.

[PapaPetrovitch]

Definitely play up your connection to the city as LMP mentions. I would also recommend you do some research on the university/faculty to speak directly about who you're looking forward to learning from/TA'ing with. Ottawa also has a technoship program for first years, basically a beginner research position, so mention that as well if it interests you. 

Ultimately, the best personal statement advice I received is to focus on the narrative. Grab a pen and paper and write down the main ideas, how they're connected, and how together they weave a compelling story about who you are, why you're interested in becoming a lawyer, and why you're interested in uOttawa. Good luck! 

[blueberry]

On 11/20/2024 at 12:46 AM, LMP said:

I think it is smart to play up your connection to the city, certianly keep that. But make sure to speak to why you'd be a good law student as well. I don't see that aspect in your post (which I appreciate is just an overview) so make sure the final product has it.

 

On 11/25/2024 at 11:47 AM, PapaPetrovitch said:

Definitely play up your connection to the city as LMP mentions. I would also recommend you do some research on the university/faculty to speak directly about who you're looking forward to learning from/TA'ing with. Ottawa also has a technoship program for first years, basically a beginner research position, so mention that as well if it interests you. 

Ultimately, the best personal statement advice I received is to focus on the narrative. Grab a pen and paper and write down the main ideas, how they're connected, and how together they weave a compelling story about who you are, why you're interested in becoming a lawyer, and why you're interested in uOttawa. Good luck! 

Hey realized I never came back to post a comment, but huge thanks to you both! Appreciate the kindness:)