10 Personal Statement Blunders: #8--Engaging in Cliche'

At Bowen, the personal statement is a very important component of the application. It can often make the difference between admission and denial. Thus, on each of the next 10 days I'm going to share with you one of my Top 10 personal statement blunders.

Today's blunder: #8--Engaging in Cliche'

• Be wary of using popular quotes, poems, and expressions in your statement.
• Provide a basis for compliments. While we like to be lauded as much as the next school, we want to know that your compliments are sincere and not mere attempts at flattery. So if you're inclined to tell us how wonderful we are, also tell us what factors prompt you to feel this way.
• For the record, everybody has wanted to be a lawyer since they were (insert amazingly young age here). Thus, this proclamation is indeed a cliche'--albeit somewhat endearing.

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Interested in meeting Bowen students, sitting in on a class or touring the school? If so, attend our Pre-Law Visitation Day on November 14, 2008. RSVP with Pat Martin at pamartin@ualr.edu.