Personal Statement Topic - Overcoming Addiction

[gabs.baker]

My first instinct when choosing my personal statement topic is to focus on how I overcame drug addiction at a young age (high school). Every single part of who I am today stems from that period in my life. I think that I can effectively use my past to explain who I am today, what my potential is, and why I'm a great candidate. However, I'm not sure if this is an appropriate topic for a personal statement and I have some questions.

Is talking about drug addiction a topic that is considered too personal?
Is it something that is frowned upon by admissions committees?
Does it take the idea of "don't play it safe" too far?

Any advice would be great. Thanks so much!

Gabs

[Ron Gore]

Gabs,

First, let me congratulate you on your recovery.

Next, I want to point you to an article on this very subject by Law School Expert founder Ann Levine, who is one of our partners. In this post, Ann covers everything I would say in response to your question.

Check out Ann's post, and if you have any follow-up questions, please don't hesitate to ask. You're life experience has clearly provided you with a unique perspective. As an attorney has has practice for several years, and having been appointed Guardian ad Litem for nearly 200 hundred children in that time, I can tell you that your experience has great value to the legal profession. Trust your instincts and follow Ann's recommendations for how best to convey your experience to the law schools.

Best wishes,

Ron