A Personal Statement About Video Games?

Personal statements are among the most critical parts of a law school application. They allow applicants to go beyond grades and LSAT scores to tell a compelling story, yet writing one can be tricky, especially when balancing academics, work, and LSAT prep.

A recent LSAT Demon Daily listener, Alexander, raised important questions about how to frame challenges, showcase unique accomplishments, and avoid common pitfalls in his personal statement. His experience offers key lessons for anyone navigating this process.

Avoid the Victim Narrative

Personal statements should build credibility, not make excuses. One of the biggest mistakes applicants make is focusing too much on past struggles, which weakens their case.

For example, Alexander shared that his early 2.3 GPA was due to prioritizing baseball over academics. While honest, this framing could work against him by emphasizing shortcomings without offering solutions.

Instead, focus on transformation and growth. A stronger approach might be:

“After stepping away from school to recover from an injury, I returned with a renewed commitment to academics, earning a 4.0 GPA over the past three semesters. This upward trend reflects my discipline and dedication to excellence.”

This acknowledges past challenges without overexplaining and shifts the focus to progress.

Showcasing Achievements

Alexander’s story isn’t just about academic recovery—he also achieved an impressive ranking in a competitive video game with over 400,000 daily players. While unconventional, this accomplishment highlights discipline, strategic thinking, and perseverance—traits that law schools value.

The key is framing it in a way that connects to law school:

“Competing as a globally ranked player at the highest levels of gaming, analytical reasoning, discipline, and the ability to perform under pressure were vital components of my success. These same skills have fueled my academic success and will serve me well in the legal field.”

Admissions committees may view gaming accomplishments differently, so it’s worth drafting multiple versions of a statement—one with gaming included and one without—to determine which best suits your needs.

When to Use an Addendum

An addendum can provide context for applicants with academic inconsistencies. For example, Alexander’s decision to take a 10-year break before returning with stellar grades is worth addressing.

A strong addendum should be factual, concise, and forward-looking:

• Acknowledge the gap (e.g., an injury, career change, or personal circumstances).

• Highlight recent success (e.g., a 4.0 GPA upon returning).

• Connect it to law school readiness.

Addenda are useful when transcripts raise questions, but they should be separate from the personal statement. When paired with strong recent performance and a compelling statement, they can help reassure admissions committees.

Balancing LSAT Prep and Academic Performance

Alexander’s ability to juggle full-time work, school, and LSAT prep is impressive. However, law schools value upward GPA trends, so maintaining strong grades should be the top priority if schedules become overwhelming.

Law school isn’t a race. Taking additional time to ensure both a competitive GPA and LSAT score can make the difference between an average application and one that stands out. A high LSAT score—especially in the high 170s—can compensate for GPA concerns and improve admissions chances.

How to Answer: “Why Law?”

A personal statement should answer a fundamental question: Why law school? Applicants with unique backgrounds—like athletes, scientists, or competitive gamers—have a chance to craft compelling narratives that connect their experiences to legal aspirations.

Some examples:

• A scientist could explain how their passion for innovation led them to intellectual property law.

• A former athlete might highlight the discipline and teamwork that inform their pursuit of justice.

• A competitive gamer could emphasize the strategic thinking and adaptability required for legal success.

The strongest statements show how an applicant’s experiences naturally align with their future goals.

Key Takeaways

• Focus on Growth: Highlight achievements and improvements rather than dwelling on past struggles.

• Use Context Wisely: If necessary, add an addendum to explain inconsistencies, but keep it factual and concise.

• Showcase Unique Strengths: Include unconventional accomplishments if they add value and demonstrate relevant skills.

• Revise Relentlessly: Draft multiple versions and refine them until your statement feels cohesive and impactful.

• Balance Priorities: A strong GPA and LSAT score matter more than rushing to submit applications.

Final Thoughts

A personal statement doesn’t have to be perfect—it just needs to be authentic, clear, and aligned with long-term goals. The best statements highlight resilience, discipline, and ambition, making applicants stand out in a competitive law school admissions process.

If you’re struggling to craft your story, looking at personal statement examples can provide inspiration—but the key is making sure your narrative feels personal and compelling. 

Need feedback on your personal statement? Email daily@lsatdemon.com for personalized advice.