I will be applying in the next two months for the course starting 2013. though I have a few queries I wish if someone could respond to.

1) What is the word limit on the personal statement.
2) Word limit for LORs
3) is it better to apply online to universities/ through LSAC or through post.

Please help.

Hi,

The following response is my understanding of the whole process since even i intend to apply to the US for course staring in Fall 2013.

The word limit for both the PS and LOR would ideally be prescribed in the respective forms or the brochures of the universities.

If you are applying for multiple universities I suggest you apply through LSAC since it is easier to accumulate and distribute your transcripts, LORs easily through one medium for a nominal cost. However if you are intending to apply to just a couple of colleges then I suggest you apply directly to the college.

Hope the above helps.

All the best.

Archana Sahadeva

Each school has their own requirements as regards the personal statement, LORs and LSAC. You should check their websites in order to comply with their specific application instructions.

In general, personal statements are 3 pages long, double spaced text (for some schools, however, it should have a max of 500 words) and LORs are usually 2 pages long.

I am also applying this year. Which schools are you applying to?

None of the university websites specify word limit for personal statement.
I am applying to just 5 colleges.
LSAC seems to be more expensive plus it has a process of grading , average or above average etc.
there seems to be no point to be pre-judged before colleges see the application forms.

I think NYU has a word limitation (NYU website: "All applicants must electronically attach to the online application a brief personal statement of no more than 500 words"). The websites have very clear instructions regarding the personal statement and most of them limits the size of the document (up to 3 pages) and not the number of words.

I also read on most websites that they strongly recommend LSAC. Are you sure it is that much more expensive? You will need to have 5 sets of transcripts, translations, TOEFL results etc for each school.

Which schools are you applying to?

as of now
Upenn
USC
UCLA
George Washington.

Yes it turns out more expensive.
there is an option of EILTS score too or just a letter from the college saying it was taught using english as a medium.

I am also applying to UPenn. You have to request a waiver of the requirement that LSACs services must be used. Also, candidates receiving a waiver of this requirement will not be eligible for early notification and the application fee will be increased to $125.00.

are you saying its a compuulsion to use LSAC?
i asked people , they all said LSAC is more convenient, but then its 200 $ + 17$ per application more expensive than applying directly !

are you saying its a compuulsion to use LSAC?
i asked people , they all said LSAC is more convenient, but then its 200 $ + 17$ per application more expensive than applying directly !

You're not reading as you should. It's $200 + $17 for each application. 1 school = $17, 2 = $34, 3 = $51, etc

Is it that expensive? i thought each LL.M. application if done independently would be around 75-80 $.

Yeah, well to each application fee you must add original transcript/translation costs. It varies from individual to individual, but if you're applying for top law schools, they all (I guess) require LSAC certification.

Thanks. Am I right in understanding that most of the Universities will release their online applications in September?

Generally, yes. But check its/their website(s)