How to Avoid the Most Common Mistakes in Law School Admissions
Applying to law school is one of the most high-stakes—and frequently mishandled—processes in higher education. From choosing recommenders to writing the personal statement, even strong applicants make preventable mistakes that cost them acceptances or scholarship money. We spoke with Moshe Indig of Sharper Statements, a top-tier law school admissions consultant who’s helped hundreds of applicants get into T14 and other top law schools, to break down the most common pitfalls—and how to avoid them.
1. Using the Personal Statement as a Resume
Too many applicants treat the personal statement like a second resume in paragraph form. “They stack accomplishments instead of telling a focused story,” says Moshe, founder of Sharper Statements, a premier law school admissions consulting service. But admissions officers aren’t looking for a highlight reel—they’re looking for a reason to believe you’ll thrive in law school.
What to do instead:
Tell one story well. Start with a specific moment, experience, or turning point that shaped your interest in law. Then zoom out to show how it reflects your growth, judgment, or values. If done well, your accomplishments will show up naturally through the lens of that story. Read standout law school personal statement examples to see what this looks like in action.
2. Picking Recommenders Based on Prestige
“Applicants often chase big names,” says Moshe, “but a tepid letter from a senator is worse than a glowing one from a TA who actually knows you.”
What to do instead:
Choose people who’ve seen you think critically, solve problems, or grow over time. The best letters offer specific anecdotes and insights that go beyond what’s on your resume. Think quality over clout.
3. Writing the Diversity Statement Like an Essay About Trauma
This is a common trap, according to Moshe Indig, a law school admissions expert. “Not every diversity statement needs to be heavy. It just needs to reveal something meaningful about how your background, identity, or perspective might add to the classroom.”
What to do instead:
Focus on how your experience shaped your worldview, decision-making, or ability to connect across differences. You can mention hardship, but the core of the essay should be agency, growth, and contribution. Remember: you're not trying to earn pity—you’re trying to earn respect.
4. Treating the Why X Essay Like a Fluff Piece
Some schools (especially Michigan, Duke, and Berkeley) ask why you’re applying specifically to them. “This is not the place for vague praise,” says Moshe, who offers personal statement help for law school, law school admissions guidance, and strategic insight for optional essays. “It’s where you show serious engagement.”
What to do instead:
Reference specific clinics, classes, faculty, or local opportunities—and tie them to your goals. Show you’ve done your homework and that your interests actually match the school’s strengths. Avoid generalities like “top-ranked” or “great location.” Be precise.
5. Forgetting That Admissions Is a Human Process
Above all, applicants forget that real people are reading their materials. “They want to admit people they believe in,” says Moshe. “People who are thoughtful, resilient, and already acting like future lawyers.”
What to do instead:
If your application feels like a cold, distant report, you’re missing an opportunity to connect. Whether you’re writing your resume, essays, or even optional addenda, the goal is the same: make it easy for the reader to advocate for you. For examples of how to present your experience effectively, check out these law school application resume samples.
6. Underestimating the Value of Application Strategy
Many applicants focus on content but overlook strategy—when to apply, how to position themselves, and how to leverage soft signals. As Moshe Indig, a seasoned law school admissions consultant, explains: “It’s not just about having the right materials. It’s about deploying them at the right time, in the right way.”
What to do instead:
Map out your timing early. Know when applications open, when scholarship priority deadlines hit, and how your profile aligns with different schools. A smart strategy can be the difference between a waitlist and a scholarship offer.
Bonus Mistake: Waiting Too Long to Start
Procrastination is the silent killer of great applications. Many students wait until deadlines loom to begin writing their essays, only to find themselves rushed, stressed, and unable to think clearly. “People always underestimate how long a good draft takes,” says Moshe. “It’s not just about writing. It’s about discovery.”
What to do instead:
Start early—even if it’s just outlining ideas or journaling possible topics. Give yourself space to reflect, get feedback, and iterate. The best essays are rarely the first ones written. They’re the ones that had time to breathe.
Final Thought
You don’t need to be perfect. But you do need to be clear, compelling, and strategic. Avoiding these seven mistakes won’t guarantee admission—but it will put you way ahead of the pack. If you're feeling overwhelmed, consider working with a law school admissions consultant like Moshe Indig of Sharper Statements to develop a customized plan. Whether you're applying to T14 schools or regional programs, expert law school application help can make all the difference.
