fordham law school essays

How to Write the Fordham University Supplemental Essays: Examples + Guide 2024/2025

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What are the fordham university supplemental essay prompts.

• How to write each supplemental essay prompt for Fordham
• Prompt #1: Community contribution + “Why us” essay
• Prompt #2: Leadership + “Identity” essay
• Prompt #3: “Why New York City” essay
• Prompt #4: “Proud of” essay

Finding the right combination of higher education, service, and community isn’t easy. But Fordham University believes that striving for excellence + caring for others + fighting for justice = an education that’ll change the world. If you agree, Fordham might just be the right place for you to call home.

While Fordham leaders love the person you are now (why wouldn’t they?), they’re just as excited to see whom they can help you become. Using a core curriculum rooted in the liberal arts and sciences and guided by Jesuit and Catholic traditions, Fordham strives to nurture the humanity and intellect of its students, so you can go out into the world and make your mark.

For a clearer sense of what Fordham is looking for in its students, you can get an extensive, by-the-numbers look at its offerings, from enrollment and tuition statistics to student life and financial aid information, on its Common Data Set . And for insights into how the university envisions itself and its role, and how it wants to grow and evolve, read its strategic plan .

Fordham University Supplemental Essay Prompts

You may choose to answer one (1) of the optional questions below. Keep in mind that your response is a maximum of 300 words. Choose the question that you think will help the admission committee get a better understanding of your unique perspective and potential contributions to our community:

At Fordham, we expect students to care for and engage with their communities and be active citizens for positive change. Please share an experience you had that caused you to develop a new perspective, change your point of view, and/or empower you to take an action or be courageous. Your response should include examples of your personal growth (e.g., what did you learn, did your point of view change, did you develop new skills or strengths?). (300 words) Fordham, as a Jesuit university, recognizes the dignity, uniqueness and potential of each person. A Fordham education is student-centered and rooted in close collaboration among students, faculty, and staff. Describe how you would contribute to our campus community as an actively engaged learner and leader. Specifically draw on your personal story, identity, experiences, strengths, and perspectives. (300 words) Our motto is “New York is my campus, Fordham is my school.” New York City is a diverse and global city that provides Fordham students with a special kind of educational experience, full of both challenge and opportunity. What has prepared you to embrace the unique opportunity of living and learning in New York City? (300 words) Is there something that you are proud of that you would like to share with the Admission Committee?

How to Write the Supplemental Essay Prompts for Fordham University

How to write fordham supplemental essay prompt #1.

Optional Prompt 1: At Fordham, we expect students to care for and engage with their communities and be active citizens for positive change. Please share an experience you had that caused you to develop a new perspective, change your point of view, and/or empower you to take an action or be courageous. Your response should include examples of your personal growth (e.g., what did you learn, did your point of view change, did you develop new skills or strengths?). (300 words)

There is a lot packed into this prompt, and it’s asking you to cover a lot in just 300 words! This means you’ll have to be strategic AND make sure you’re hitting each and every point they’re asking you to. We’re here to help you do both.

First things first, parse out each element of this prompt, going sentence by sentence. If you’re a person who likes bullet point lists, you’re in luck:

Fordham wants to know how you’ve actively created positive change , and this should be the framework for your response. What have you done that has left a lasting impact on your community?

Next, they’re asking you to get specific. Was there a defining moment, a significant experience that let you see the world through a different lens or that pushed you to stand up and be brave? That’s what they want to hear about.

Finally, and this is the big one, Fordham wants to learn what you learned. The idea is that you somehow emerged from this significant experience having grown and learned something about yourself. Be self-reflective, be specific, and be focused!

Overall, this prompt offers multiple versions of what is generally referred to as a “diversity” essay— check here for a full guide to various kinds of “diversity” prompts .

One option for this prompt is to treat this as essentially a “Community Essay” focused on how your engagement led you to develop “a new perspective, change your point of view, and/or empower you to take an action or be courageous.”  You can find our comprehensive guide on how to write the Community Essay here . Or, if you’re short on time, here’s the abbreviated version:

Step 1: Create a “communities” chart by listing all the communities you’re a part of.

Keep in mind that communities can be defined by ...

Place: Groups of people who live/work/play near one another

Action: Groups of people who create change in the world by building, doing, or solving something together (Examples: Black Lives Matter, Girls Who Code, March for Our Lives)

Interest: Groups of people coming together based on a shared interest, experience, or expertise

Circumstance: Groups of people brought together either by chance or external events/situations. 

Step 2: Use the BEABIES Exercise to generate your essay content.

Once you’ve chosen a community, map out your content using the BEABIES Exercise .

That exercise asks:

What did you actually do? (Tip: Use active verbs like “organized” and “managed” to clarify your responsibilities.)

What kinds of problems did you solve (personally, locally, or globally)?

What specific impact did you have?

What did you learn (skills, qualities, values)? 

How did you apply the lessons you learned?

Step 3: Pick a structure.

The Narrative Structure works well for students who have faced a challenge in or with this community. Otherwise, the Montage Structure works well.

Consider answering these three questions in your essay if you choose the Narrative Structure:  

What challenge/s did you face?

What did you do about it? 

What did you learn?

How do those things shape how you will contribute to Columbia? (Ideally with some Why Us detail)

Here’s an example that illustrates how you can approach this prompt (and others like it).

Example:  

I felt a blend of connection and distinction at a Heritage Day event in Bahrain. Amidst a sea of flowing thobes and artistic hijabs, my Pakistani shalwar kameez, rich in embroidery, boldly told a tale of my roots. As the event unfolded, a curious voice asked, "Why is someone from Pakistan at our school?" Underlying that innocent curiosity was a shade of bias, reminding me of the delicate balance between being part of a group and standing apart.  Instead of diminishing my spirit, this nudged a fire within me. A fire that later blazed as I hoisted our flag, representing Bahrain in tennis and paddle tournaments. Those moments of uncertainty did not anchor me down; instead, they acted as the wind beneath my wings. My roles at Numu and IKMUN made me wonder—if I could lead there, why not lead in building bridges of understanding, too? So, I wore the hat of an inclusivity advocate. Through endeavors like "Go Green Environmental," I aimed to do more than just address water sanitation; I wanted to shift our collective lens. Activities like the Ramadan Food Drive and house renovations with Team Nasser made me witness the transformative power of community efforts.  Fordham University's ethos of justice and global sensibility? It is like hearing a familiar song that resonates deeply. The Dorothy Day Center for Service and Justice is not just a program; to me, it is a beacon. I envision a cultural symphony at Fordham, where our varied stories don't just echo but inspire. Drawing from my life's tapestry, I aspire to knit a community at Fordham where every voice is heard and celebrated. Let's make our stories not just tales to tell but beacons of inspiration for all. — — —

Tips and analysis

Share (and briefly set context for) the experience. The first paragraph of this essay is dedicated to giving the reader all the context they need to know: the event (Heritage Day event in Bahrain), the student’s identity (Pakistani), the incident (“Why is someone from Pakistan at our school?”), and the thought or insight that allowed the student to take action (last sentence).  While it may be easy in early drafts to over-explain, refining this part of the essay will give you the much-needed context for the rest of the essay where you’ll expand on your personal growth. Doing so briefly ensures that you can still devote most of your word count to your actions, impact, and insights. 

Tie in relevant activities. This student mentions their roles at Numu, IKMUN, as well as “Go Green Environmental” and the Ramadan Food Drive. Weaving in these activities allows the student to create a narrative around their leadership experience in being an advocate for inclusivity, while also allowing them to expand on their activities list and give extra context that might have not fit there. In relation to the prompt, this advocacy is evidence for how their experience (first paragraph) inspired them to take action in some of their activities. 

Bonus points for thinking about how you can contribute. In the last paragraph, the student mentions how they’ll be able to use what they learned to contribute to Fordham’s campus, specifically the Dorothy Day Center. This isn’t a requirement for this prompt, but adding how you can contribute to a specific community could be a nice addition, especially if you haven’t had a chance to mention this specific aspect in another essay. It’s also worth noting that this contribution piece may be more fitting for the second prompt option below. Keep scrolling!

Here’s an example essay written for a very similar prompt for Villanova.

Growing up, most of my childhood friends were Asian. I never thought much about it; it seemed normal to me that all of my friends had similar backgrounds and perspectives. However, when I was introduced to the storytelling world of Instagram, I realized what a homogenous environment I’d been living in.  On Instagram, I wrote stories with a diverse group of friends like Fio, who identifies as nonbinary, and Cindy, who is on the autism spectrum. Meeting Fio allowed me to gain a better understanding of my brother, who identifies as transgender, while working with Cindy showed me that there are many ways to approach creativity. Having different kinds of friends is important to me because it allows me to consider issues in society from their points of view. I was able to use this experience from Instagram when I volunteered at Harbor House Ministries. There, I noticed that Jennifer, a girl with ADD, was experiencing some difficulties fitting in. I volunteered to be her buddy, because I felt that, after working with Cindy, I was in a unique position to help her. I noticed that she behaved better when she wasn’t overwhelmed, so during recess, I introduced her classmates to her in small groups. Her behavior improved, and others became more comfortable around her.  By trying to understand people’s needs, I’m able to be more inclusive. At Villanova, I want to continue using my experience to help others, while also gaining new perspectives by meeting diverse new friends. (249 words) — — —

Tips + Analysis

Set the stage. It’s important to give your reader some context before just jumping into the details of your story, and this writer does an excellent job of that in just two sentences. After reading the first short paragraph, we know this student’s cultural background, a little about their childhood, and a lot about their perspective. Your readers will thank you for your clarity.

Show readers the active part of “active citizen.” This prompt gives you the opportunity to contextualize your experiences through the lens of positive change, so fill your readers in on the details of your “activity.” This student doesn’t just say they want to continue to work towards inclusivity; instead they show us precisely how they’ve already done that. They have been active agents of change, and readers learn the specific ways in which they’ve enacted change. 

What did you learn? When answering this prompt, it’s so important that you address this final piece. Not only does it ensure you’re fully addressing the prompt, but it also helps you bring your essay to a clear and relevant conclusion. Once you’ve shown readers what you’ve already accomplished, let them know that YOU know there is more to do. And if you can frame this through the lens of contributions you hope to make to Fordham specifically, even better!

how to write Fordham Supplemental Essay Prompt #2

This is a fairly standard “ how will you contribute ” prompt. (Check that link for a full guide.)

Essentially, a way to think of this kind of prompt is that it’s a combo of “community/identity/background” and “why us” prompts: use some of your response to show how you’ve become who you are, and then show how those experiences shape what you will bring to the college through linking to specific opportunities/groups/details. Connect your unique upbringing, in a very broad sense of the word, with what the school offers and how you will make a great team.

While there are many things outside of “community” that might fit this prompt, if you’re looking for a way to brainstorm ideas, that’s a good place to start. (But keep in mind that you’ll want to include some “how will you contribute” details in your essay—this isn’t just a “tell us about a community” prompt.)

For a full guide to “community” essays , head there, but here’s the short version, plus how to add “how will you contribute” elements:

STEP 1: DECIDE WHAT COMMUNITY YOU WANT TO WRITE ABOUT

Create a “communities” chart by listing all the communities you’re a part of. Keep in mind that communities can be defined by...

Place: groups of people who live/work/play near one another

Action: groups of people who create change in the world by building, doing, or solving something together (Examples: Black Lives Matter, Girls Who Code, March for Our Lives)

Interest: groups of people coming together based on shared interest, experience, or expertise

Circumstance: groups of people brought together either by chance or external events/situations

STEP 2: USE THE BEABIES EXERCISE TO GENERATE YOUR ESSAY CONTENT

You’ll find detail on the BEABIES Exercise + a chart you can use at that link.

STEP 3: DO SOME “HOW WILL YOU CONTRIBUTE” RESEARCH

You’ll want to offer a few specific ways that show how the experience/s you’re discussing in your essay will allow you to contribute to the college. The easiest way to do this is to do some “Why Us”-like research and find ways you’ll engage with and contribute to the school’s community. 

STEP 4: PICK A STRUCTURE (NARRATIVE OR MONTAGE)

Step 5: write a first draft.

I embody both a young Muslim woman passionate about civil liberty and a global citizen whose identity transcends her nationality. After witnessing migrant workers in the Middle East left at sunrise in desert mountains with only a broom and a single meal to last the day, I found my calling as an advocate.  At Fordham, I want to pursue these human rights questions in courses like Professor Durkin’s Development and Globalization, where I can delve into discussions about reproductive rights, genocide prevention, and prison reform. By joining the Humanitarian Student Union, I can work alongside my peers to directly engage with social justice issues. And as an Indian classical dance enthusiast, I look forward to joining Fordham Falak. And some day, in addition to being a world voyager, I will become the first hijabi United  States Ambassador to the United Nations, a journey I embarked on at Fordham. (148 words) — — —

Show them how you can be a teacher and a student. The prompt wants you to think about who you are as a “learner” AND a “leader,” as someone who can guide others and can be guided by others. Dig into your background and experiences to find moments in which you got to be both. This writer positions herself as an advocate (leader) and also lets her readers know the specific environments in which she hopes to learn more (learner). She is clear, specific, and detailed.

Let them know you work well with others. Remember all the times you heard you needed to learn how to work as part of a group? Well, here’s your chance to make those lessons count. Fordham asks specifically about collaboration, so don’t ignore this part of the prompt. In essence, readers want to learn the ways in which you’ll contribute to their school community, and this student addresses this question head-on (“I can work alongside my peers to directly engage with social justice issues”). This concise but impactful statement lets Fordham know she plans to use the strength that comes from collaboration to further her advocacy work. Who wouldn’t appreciate that in a prospective student?

Demonstrate impact. Many students might worry that they had an impact on only one person, or that the impact on their community wasn’t important enough. To that, we say: Give yourself more credit. If you can say you made an impact—big or small, one person or one nation—then you made an impact. Embrace it. And, by all means, write about it. This student begins to explore what she’ll do with her Fordham education—engage with social justice issues and be the first hijabi U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations—but we would’ve loved to have seen her also state the impact she’ll make on her issues of interest and in her communities.

And here are a couple more example essays, written for other schools’ versions of this prompt. Though note that ideally, you’d spend a bit more of your word count on the “how will you contribute” elements.

A large aspect of my identity is my low-income family of eight. As one of the eldest siblings, I was expected to financially contribute as soon as I could work. The majority of my summers were spent shelving products, filing papers, and answering customers’ questions. I quickly discovered the difficulty in earning a paycheck and appreciated my parents more. My family has been my rock—ever since we faced homelessness. Homelessness allowed me to understand my family’s financial situation, but most importantly, it resulted in bonding emotionally. At that moment, family was the one thing I knew I could call home. Over time, the comforting feeling of my family began to disappear. As my parents are devoted missionaries and pastors, I regularly hear their conservative perspectives of Christianity. Throughout my life, I’ve shared similar personal values with my family, denying my bisexuality up until last year. This identity realization impacted me emotionally and physically. I was afraid to come out to anyone, worried that my faith would be questioned and I’d be treated differently. I felt powerless and miserable; mental struggles sometimes limited my motivation. One day, I sought professional help and found solace with my school counselor. After spending endless nights contemplating coming out, I told my close friends. I found acceptance from some and learned who were my real friends, the support system that I’m grateful for. My true identity hasn’t changed. Rather, coming out allowed me to be more open-minded, inclusive, and taught me to value conversations where I can bring a fresh perspective.  Above all, I’ve learned that my experiences shape me into the multifaceted person I am today. They propel me to openly contribute to my Entry, the Gender and Sexuality Resource Center, and most importantly, the everyday interactions with my Williams peers and faculty members. (300 words) — — —

At the Student Diversity Leadership Conference in Seattle, I joined a mixed-race affinity group where I articulated how liberating it felt to discuss intersectional issues I hadn’t felt I could share as a mixed woman of color in a predominantly white school. With support from group leaders, I realized that my labels don’t restrict me, but can be an opportunity to foster conversations about aspects of my identity that make me unique.  I manifested my new approach towards dialogue in Actualizing Beloved Community, a group that addresses social justice challenges and facilitates student programs to include diverse perspectives. I found peers who share my ideals, and I learned to appreciate views of those who don’t. These lessons culminated when I interviewed a panel of queer women of color for Women’s History Month on an episode of The Refresh, a series that engages St. Andrew's community in socio-political conversations. Students reflected how listening to these women’s experiences opened their minds beyond our school’s former echochamber.  I hope to facilitate similar programs to include diverse voices through Columbia’s Women of Color Collective and Mixed Heritage Society, in which I and my peers can learn from the experiences of those from different backgrounds. (200 words) — — —

how to write Fordham Supplemental Essay Prompt #3

We find this prompt interesting because it’s actually asking you to think outside the confines of Fordham, when typically schools want to know why you want to go to THEIR school. Instead, essay readers are hoping to learn why you want to spend the next few years of your life in New York City. Sounds easy, right? New York is pretty awesome. 

But there are some potential pitfalls you could fall into, so the name of the game here is FOCUS.

What your application reader wants to hear is how you envision using New York as an extension of the learning community you’ll get at Fordham. What they DON’T want to hear is how you’ve always wanted to go ice skating in Central Park (although, you should definitely do that). Look at the language in the prompt… it’s all about the EDUCATIONAL opportunities New York can provide you, so make sure to consider the Big Apple through this lens. Try to connect the city-as-a-classroom to Fordham-as-a-classroom.

The word “challenge” pops up in this prompt, and although it’s quick, it’s also pretty significant. Living in New York City isn’t for everyone, and Fordham wants to know that you’ve considered what life will be like in this bustling metropolis. It’s busy and crowded and always in motion, and your essay reader wants to make sure you’ve given some thought to whether or not this is an environment you can thrive in. If it is, then show them!

We don’t have an example written for this prompt, but the below essay (written for an older “Why NYU” prompt) and tips/analysis can point you in the right direction.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved cities, but when I first picked up National Geographic “The Cities Issue,” I discovered I could make a career from the intricate and multifaceted hubs where millions of people converge. I want to immerse myself into where history lives and evolves through architecture and design; where the environment, technology, and government intersect; where there’s a myriad of languages, cultures, music, and food. Only cities have it all, and NYU gives me more options to explore cities than anywhere else.  I love unexpected connections—in “The Cities Issue,” I learned about urban environments through rat populations. In Gallatin, I will continue exploring in nontraditional ways; especially through First-Year seminars like “The Lives, Deaths, and Rebirths of Public Space” and classes like “Architecture as Narrative.” New York City will be the ultimate classroom—a city of unexpected connections waiting to be discovered.  Flipping through Nicolas Ruel’s double-exposure photography of cities, I learned it’s impossible to understand complexity from only one viewpoint. NYU will encourage me to explore the full spectrum of what makes a city, and Gallatin specifically emphasizes branching out. In taking classes across Metropolitan Studies, Sustainable Urban Environments, and more, I will mix disciplines freely; whether architecture, engineering, history, or Social & Cultural Analysis. Gallatin’s focus on interdisciplinary studies means my education will be nuanced and relevant in an unparalleled way. I could spend days poring over the ideas Skidmore, Owings, & Merrill propose for creating a sustainable urban future. I want to be part of something visionary, and captivating research is happening at NYU. I hope to get involved with Professor Solly Angel’s Urban Expansion research at the Marron Institute to explore the far-reaching impacts of urbanization, and collect data on lighting with the CUSP Urban Observatory to examine the intricacies of our relationship with cities. When I read “The Cities Issue,” I imagine myself in Singapore’s SkyPark and Tokyo’s Yakitori restaurants. At NYU, I won’t have to imagine—I can study abroad anywhere from Accra to Shanghai, since it’s crucial to gain a global perspective. I look forward to “Seeing London’s Architecture” and “Street Food & Urban Farming.” I especially want to study abroad in Madrid to continue working towards fluency in Spanish and explore La Gran Vía y El Retiro. Everything that makes a city amazing—the intersection of every discipline, a diverse group of people, boundless opportunities, and thought-provoking experiences—I will find at NYU. (400 words) — — —

Tips + Analysis:  

Let the tone of your essay mirror your content. This student’s excitement about New York nearly jumps off the page. How do they achieve this so well? It’s in the words, the pace, the sentence structure. Language like “immerse,” “converge,” and “connection” highlights what it is that this student values about NY. Their sentence variety creates an immediacy to their writing. They manage to speed things up and slow things down from one paragraph to the next. In many ways these details mirror what life in NY might be like. Let your writing enhance and reflect your content by using all the linguistic tools you have available to you.

Details, details, details. This writer doesn’t just tell us that they love cities (and NY in particular); they also tell us why , and this is a key reason why this essay is so strong. You know how you had to do some homework to learn about Fordham? Well, being specific about what you love about cities shows you’ve done your homework about NY as well. Educate yourself about the things in NY the average tourist doesn’t know. Where’s the best bookstore? Is there a cultural center that will be part of your NY community? What off-campus resources are available to you that relate to your major? Find the answers to these types of questions and include them in your response. 

Ways to tweak to fit this prompt. Because the above was written for a Why Us, it includes a lot of details about NYU classes, professors, and programs. And for a normal “Why Us” that’s a good thing. But for this Fordham prompt, you’d want to replace those with details about New York itself, and the opportunities you want to take advantage of outside of Fordham to learn and grow. (Though you’d want the same level of specificity and “so whats.”)

how to write Fordham Supplemental Essay Prompt #4

Is there something you’re excited to talk about that you can’t quite address with any of the other prompts? If you’re passionate about a certain topic or want to combine topics to weave an essay that’s uniquely yours, this could be the option to go for.

To brainstorm some ideas, think about some of the things that come to mind after reading this prompt. To help get you started…

Is there something that you might have already included in your activities list?

 If so, is it something you might want to make more personal and include more context or backstory for? 

Is there something that hasn’t yet been mentioned in your application, but is really important to understanding who you are, what motivates you, or what makes you tick?

 Take some time to brainstorm some ideas and see what pops up. The BEABIES exercise might help here (especially if it’s related to an activity), or even the Forked Path Exercise , which will help you think about transitional moments in your life. 

One option would be to think of this as a chance to show your heart. Maybe it’s a value you hold dear (see example below). Maybe it’s connected to an activity you haven’t been able to talk about elsewhere in your application (also see example below). 

If you head in this direction, make sure you say really specifically what the Thing is that’s meaningful to you / that you’re proud of. You can pinpoint the thing at the beginning, middle, or end, but a lot of our favorite essays are ones that I can come away from and say, “Oh, X is meaningful to this student.”

One caveat: You shouldn’t write about just anything you’re proud of. You could be proud of how you improved on your skills in illustration, for example, but you’ll also want to consider any values you can showcase with this question, or any challenges you might have overcome that have influenced who you are today. So, maybe you’re proud of how you improved your illustration skills, but also how you used your improved  illustration skills to create posters and flyers for a cause you’re dedicated to. The exercises linked above should help you think more in depth about a potential topic. 

Here are some examples from Stanford’s old “what’s meaningful to you and why?” prompt, which is similar. These could all easily be used as super essays for Fordham’s Option 4.

Example: (from Stanford) Whether it’s painting for a teenager getting out of rehab, dissecting the anti-war meanings behind Banksy’s street art, or dancing a Bharatnatyam piece that communicates how we’re all one and the same, I’ve seen first-hand art’s power to persuade, influence, and urge people to act.  My next project is a multimedia piece that speaks to an issue of utter importance to me: suicide prevention. My brother, a peer, and I are working on a campaign, with support from the national mental health organization SAVE and our school, with a call to action— share one reason worth living for each day.  To support the campaign, my piece will be centered around a dance choreographed to two poems focusing on the little beauties of life: “People Should Fall in Love More” by Courney Peppernell and “And In Wonder And Amazement I Sing” by the Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore—sung in Bengali. Since those with suicidal tendencies often have racing thoughts, I want our piece to calm them with the steady beat of the tabla playing in the background. With each line, I plan to use hand gestures like Alapadma and Hamsasya, to wordlessly communicate the poems’ important messages of life, love and purpose.  I hope this audiovisual experience will inspire my audience with hope, so that they see the beauty in even small things. Using my art for action gives it meaning through impact. 

Give us a glimpse into your life. To describe in what ways art has influenced this student, they mention painting for a teenager getting out of rehab, analyzing Banky’s anti-war street art, and dancing a Bharatnatyam piece. Just in the first sentence alone, we not only learn about what things this student might dedicate some of their time to, but we also learn that art seems to be a fundamentally important part of their life. 

Connect to you + your values. In the second paragraph, this student writes about how their next art project, a multimedia piece, deals with an issue that is important to them: suicide prevention. We start to see here that the student is combining their love of art with an issue they’re passionate about, and how they hope to create change through this art piece. Whether or not these activities showed up on their activities list or additional info, the student weaves together two topics of interest to create a cohesive narrative. 

What are your plans? With the way that this essay is written in the third and fourth paragraphs, the reader can tell that this student’s multimedia piece is not yet finished, or has not happened yet. It’s OK to write about things that haven’t finished yet, since readers know that your senior year is still in progress. As long as you can clearly outline your intentions, plans, and what you hope the impact will be (as this student did), it still gives the reader a good idea of what the event would look like, as if it already happened. By writing about something that hasn’t happened yet, we ultimately get to see this student’s attention to detail in planning this piece. 

What are you proud of? Since this essay was written for Stanford’s old prompt, “What’s meaningful to you and why?”, we suggest tweaking the language slightly so it matches Fordham’s prompt better. For example, if it fits your voice, you might go straight into saying “I’m proud of…”. For this example essay specifically, you could tweak the last sentence to say that they’re proud of the impact they’re able to make through art, for example. When revising, make sure to ask yourself: am I 100% answering the prompt?

And here are two more example essays (also from Stanford).

Example: (from Stanford)

The issue of educational injustice is deeply important to me. School closures during the pandemic exacerbated this inequality, with many public institutions staying closed the 2020-21 school year as opposed to their private school counterparts—their students’ educational experience being less optimal as a result. Seeing this disparity, I decided to start TutorDigital, a non-profit free tutoring and technology donation service for Bay Area students. My interest in tutoring began in middle school through volunteering as a peer tutor. In high school, I created a tutoring club, giving my peers the opportunity to help younger elementary students on financial aid with their homework. With the club being sidetracked by COVID-19, I tutored for 826 Valencia. This experience prompted me to transition my old club to a remote format, while also rebranding it with a friend: naming it TutorDigital, registering it as a non-profit, designing a website, and recruiting additional tutors. These efforts expanded our reach to include local public schools. Since then, we’ve provided tutoring services to 34 students and identified other opportunities to support public schools like donating upwards of 60 iPads. While the issue unfortunately will not be solved overnight, educational injustice must be aggressively addressed, now more than ever given the impacts of the pandemic. But for now, I gain great satisfaction from each thank you note from a parent or good grade achieved by a student, knowing my efforts have potentially improved the academic trajectory of these children and helped to address educational injustice in my community.

When I was five, I was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome. While I did fairly well academically, I struggled to pay attention in class, express my feelings, and make friends.  Noticing my challenges, my fourth grade teacher decided to help me. After school one day, he gave me a small rock that would supposedly help me focus. I looked at it: it was just a smooth, grayish-reddish rock. How could this possibly help? After a few days of keeping it on my desk, I decided to use it during a lesson, holding it firmly to remind myself to focus. As I used it more, I saw my focus improve, and I would run my fingers over the rock whenever I caught myself staring off into space. It served as a reminder to be present and concentrate Using this tool, I have become empowered to improve myself and take on new challenges, such as taking more difficult classes, giving longer performances in music, learning new skills like coding, and growing more comfortable in being open with others about my feelings, especially when I feel angry or unhappy. By expressing myself, I am able to build stronger relationships. I have also become more aware of how society perceives people like me differently. As a result, I have become more understanding of ways that I can support them. My rock symbolizes all of the progress that I have made, and I hope I take even more strides in the future to grow and improve. 

Want advice on dozens of other supplemental essays? Click here

Special thanks to Jessica for contributing to this post.

Jessica has a Ph.D in English from the University of Southern California and teaches English at a Los Angeles-area independent school, where she has also been English department chair and a class dean.  Sandra Cisneros is her hero, and she loves books, her awesomely-sarcastic family, the beach, cozy sweaters, and more books. Oh, and her sweet pitbull/lab mix named Ruby. 

Top values: Curiosity, equity, wonder

Fordham University 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 3

You Have: 

Fordham University 2024-25 Application Essay Explanations

The Requirements: One short essay of 300 words

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Community , Why

You may choose to answer one (1) of the optional questions below.  Keep in mind that your response is a maximum of 300 words.  Choose the question that you think will help the admission committee get a better understanding of your unique perspective and potential contributions to our community.

At fordham, we expect students to care for and engage with their communities and be active citizens for positive change. please share an experience you had that caused you to develop a new perspective, change your point of view, and/or empower you to take an action or be courageous. your response should include examples of your personal growth (e.g., what did you learn, did your point of view change, did you develop new skills or strengths)..

This prompt will likely stand out for those of you who have a background in or meaningful experience related to volunteer work or community service. This is your opportunity to tell admissions about a time when you gave back to your community or acted as an agent for positive change. Maybe you’ve volunteered at your local soup kitchen every other weekend since you were in middle school and developed a deeper understanding of the hardships faced by people experiencing homelessness or surviving on low wages. Perhaps you canvassed for political candidates whom you believe will generate positive change for generations to come, and the experience empowered you to get more involved in local politics. Whatever your example(s) may be, be sure to reflect on what the experience meant to you, whether that be acquiring a new perspective, feeling motivated, or developing a new skill. Bonus points if you can connect your past service to the work you want to do in the future, hopefully at Fordham!

Fordham, as a Jesuit university, recognizes the dignity, uniqueness and potential of each person. A Fordham education is student-centered and rooted in close collaboration among students, faculty, and staff. Describe how you would contribute to our campus community as an actively engaged learner and leader. Specifically draw on your personal story, identity, experiences, strengths, and perspectives.

Odds are that this isn’t the first Diversity Essay prompt you’ve come across this year—even if the prompt doesn’t explicitly use the word. If it is, however, please read on. Fordham wants to accept students from a range of backgrounds who will contribute to a collaborative university community, so tell admissions about what makes you you and how you will engage with others on campus. Think about times when people have been intrigued by or curious about your identity, skillset, or background. Maybe you were a section leader for your high school choir and look forward to applying that leadership experience to help organize a tour with the University Choir. Perhaps you grew up in Singapore and you hope to design a lecture series about the different cultures and languages that mingle there. What do you hope to share with others about your lived experience? How will you incorporate this element of your identity into your college experience? Show admissions that you’re eager to contribute as an “actively engaged learner and leader.” We also encourage you to reference a specific component of the Fordham experience (think clubs, classes, volunteer opportunities, etc.) to demonstrate interest and fit.

Our motto is “New York is my campus, Fordham is my school.” New York City is a diverse and global city that provides Fordham students with a special kind of educational experience, full of both challenge and opportunity. What has prepared you to embrace the unique opportunity of living and learning in New York City?

This prompt is for all you applicants who are champing at the bit to study in New York City. (We at CEA totally get it—we live here!) In addition to offering your unique take on why an education in this “diverse and global city” is right for you, you’ll also want to make sure your response addresses what has prepared you to embrace this opportunity. How will living in New York affect you as a person? As a student? How will you grow? Your answer should be personal to you and, if possible, surprising. Remember that, while you have free rein to gush about how much you want to live in New York, a lot of your potential peers probably feel the same way. So, try not to focus on what you’d like to do or see. Instead, explain what your desire to move from your hometown to New York says about you and what has primed you to succeed in the city. Whether you’re trying to be courageous by leaving your small homogenous town with big dreams in tow or hoping to stay close to your family in Brooklyn, tell admissions a story that only you can tell.

Is there something that you are proud of that you would like to share with the Admission Committee?

This open-ended question gives you the chance to share something about yourself that hasn’t appeared anywhere else in your application. Think about a time when you acted on your personal values, helped someone in need, or achieved something that meant a lot to you. What you choose to write about can be as intimate as teaching your younger cousin to tie his shoelaces, as main-character as leading your Mathletes team to a state victory, or as brave as organizing a sit-in at Town Hall when your local lawmakers were voting to ban books in your school district. With only 300 words to use, keep the focus on why this event or experience was meaningful to you rather than on its broader significance in the world.

About Amanda Amah

View all posts by Amanda Amah »

Learn more about our services!

Contact us for information on rates and more!

• I am a * Student Parent Potential Partner School Counselor Private College Counselor
• Name * First Last
• Phone Type Mobile Landline
• Street Address
• Address City State / Province / Region Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antarctica Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Bouvet Island Brazil British Indian Ocean Territory Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cabo Verde Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Christmas Island Cocos Islands Colombia Comoros Congo Congo, Democratic Republic of the Cook Islands Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Curaçao Cyprus Czechia Côte d'Ivoire Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia Falkland Islands Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guernsey Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Heard Island and McDonald Islands Holy See Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Isle of Man Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jersey Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macao Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Montserrat Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Norfolk Island North Macedonia Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Palestine, State of Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Pitcairn Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Romania Russian Federation Rwanda Réunion Saint Barthélemy Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Martin Saint Pierre and Miquelon Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Sint Maarten Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Svalbard and Jan Mayen Sweden Switzerland Syria Arab Republic Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania, the United Republic of Thailand Timor-Leste Togo Tokelau Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Türkiye US Minor Outlying Islands Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela Viet Nam Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, U.S. Wallis and Futuna Western Sahara Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe Åland Islands Country
• Which best describes you (or your child)? High school senior High school junior College student College grad Other
• How did you find CEA? Internet Search Podcast New York Times Guidance counselor/school Social Media YouTube Friend Special Event Delehey College Consulting Perks at Work Other
• Common App and Coalition Essays
• Supplemental Essays
• University of California Essays
• University of Texas Essays
• Resume Review
• Post-Grad Essays
• Specialized Services
• Waitlist Letters
• Private School Essays
• General College Counseling
• School list with priorities noted:
• Anything else we should know?
• Email This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

School Stats:

• Agnes Scott College
• Alvernia University
• American University
• Amherst College
• Babson College
• Bard College
• Barnard College
• Baylor University
• Bennington College
• Bentley University
• Berry College
• Bethany College
• Bishop’s University
• Boston College
• Boston University (BU)
• Bowdoin College
• Brandeis University
• Brown University
• Bryn Mawr College
• Bucknell University
• Butler University
• California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
• California Lutheran University
• Capitol Technology University
• Carleton College
• Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)
• Catawba College
• Centre College
• Chapman University
• Claremont McKenna College
• Clark University
• Clemson University
• Coastal Carolina University
• College of Charleston
• College of William and Mary
• College of Wooster
• Colorado College
• Colorado School of Mines
• Columbia University
• Cornell University
• Culver-Stockton College
• D'Youville University
• Dartmouth College
• Davidson College
• Dickinson College
• Drexel University
• Duke University
• Earlham College
• Elon University
• Emerson College
• Emory University
• Flagler College
• Fordham University
• George Mason University
• The George Washington University
• Georgetown University
• Georgia State University
• Georgia Tech
• Gonzaga University
• Hamilton College
• Hampshire College
• Harvard University
• Harvey Mudd College
• Haverford College
• Hillsdale College
• Hofstra University
• Howard University
• Illinois Institute of Technology
• Illinois Wesleyan University
• Ithaca College
• Johns Hopkins University
• Kalamazoo College
• Lafayette College
• Lehigh University
• Lewis and Clark College
• Linfield University
• Loyola Marymount University (LMU)
• Lynn University
• Macalester College
• Manchester University
• Marist College
• Mary Baldwin University
• Meredith College
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
• Monmouth College
• Moravian University
• Morehouse College
• Mount Holyoke College
• New York University (NYU)
• North Carolina State
• North Park University
• Northwestern University
• Occidental College
• Oklahoma City University
• Olin College of Engineering
• Pepperdine University
• Pitzer College
• Pomona College
• Princeton University
• Providence College
• Purdue University
• Reed College
• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
• Rice University
• Roger Williams University
• Saint Anselm College
• Saint Elizabeth University
• Santa Clara University
• Sarah Lawrence College
• Scripps College
• Seattle Pacific University
• Seattle University
• Siena College
• Smith College
• Soka University of America
• Southern Methodist University
• Spelman College
• St. John’s College
• Stanford University
• Stevens Institute of Technology
• Stonehill College
• Swarthmore College
• Syracuse University
• Texas A&M University
• Texas Christian University (TCU)
• The College of Idaho
• The New School
• Trinity College
• Tufts University
• Tulane University
• UNC Wilmington
• University of California
• University of Central Florida (UCF)
• University of Chicago
• University of Cincinnati
• University of Colorado Boulder
• University of Florida
• University of Georgia (UGA)
• University of Illinois Chicago (UIC)
• University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
• University of Maryland
• University of Massachusetts Amherst
• University of Massachusetts Lowell
• University of Miami
• University of Michigan
• University of Minnesota
• University of Mississippi (Ole Miss)
• College of Mount Saint Vincent
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC)
• University of North Carolina at Charlotte
• University of North Carolina at Greensboro
• University of Notre Dame
• University of Oklahoma
• University of Oregon
• University of Pennsylvania
• University of Pittsburgh
• University of Richmond
• University of Rochester
• University of San Diego
• University of San Francisco
• University of Southern California (USC)
• University of Texas at Austin
• University of Tulsa
• University of Vermont
• University of Virginia (UVA)
• University of Washington
• University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Vanderbilt University
• Vassar College
• Villanova University
• Virginia Tech
• Wake Forest University
• Washington and Lee University
• Washington University in St. Louis
• Wellesley College
• Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)
• Yale University

Want free stuff?

We thought so. Sign up for free instructional videos, guides, worksheets and more!

One-On-One Advising

Common App Essay Prompt Guide

Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

• YouTube Tutorials
• Our Approach
• Meet The Founder
• Meet the Team
• Undergraduate Testimonials
• Postgraduate Testimonials
• Where Our Students Get In
• CEA Gives Back
• Undergraduate Admissions
• Graduate Admissions
• Private School Admissions
• International Student Admissions
• Common App Essay Guide
• Supplemental Essay Guide
• UC Essay Guide
• Coalition App Guide
• The CEA Podcast
• Admissions Stats
• Notification Trackers
• Deadline Databases
• College Essay Examples
• Academy and Worksheets
• Deferral Guides
• Get Started

What are your chances of acceptance?

Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

A Great Fordham Essay Example

Well-renowned for its undergraduate teaching, Fordham University is known for its small class sizes and location in New York City. Fordham gives students the freedom to choose between its Rose Hill and Lincoln Center campuses. 

Fordham is rather selective, so it’s important to write strong essays to make your application stand out. In this post, we will discuss an essay that a real student submitted to Fordham, and outline the essay’s strengths and areas of improvement. (Names and identifying information have been changed, but all other details are preserved).

Please note: Looking at examples of real essays students have submitted to colleges can be very beneficial to get inspiration for your essays. You should never copy or plagiarize from these examples when writing your own essays. Colleges can tell when an essay isn’t genuine and will not view students favorably if they plagiarized. 

Read our Fordham essay breakdown to get a comprehensive overview of this year’s supplemental prompts. 

Sophie Alina , an expert advisor on CollegeVine, provided commentary on this post. Advisors offer one-on-one guidance on everything from essays to test prep to financial aid. If you want help writing your essays or feedback on drafts,  book a consultation with Sophie Alina or another skilled advisor.

Essay Example

Prompt: You may choose to respond to the optional question below. At Fordham, we expect students to care for and engage with their communities. Please share a specific instance in which you challenged yourself or stepped out of your comfort zone in order to impact your community (for example, your family, friend group, high school, or town). Or, share a way you hope to do so at Fordham. (150 words)

When the cast list for my junior year play came out, I expected to find my name next to a character name. Instead, I found it next to “swing.” Over the next few months, instead of getting a moment in the spotlight where I thrive, I stood just off stage and read cue lines to actors as we filmed their scenes for a virtual production. I had no costume or character name in the playbill, but despite my worries, my director and fellow cast members made it clear that I contributed immensely to the production. I originally joined theater with the vision of being praised for my acting skills and stage presence. As I’ve learned since, stepping out of my comfort zone and uplifting other actors is just as valuable. Some of my fondest memories come from being a swing, and I’m grateful that I challenged myself with this role. 

What This Essay Did Well

I love the writer’s attitude in this essay! In a humble way, the writer details the role they played in supporting other actors.  The writer details how they didn’t have a costume or character name, contrasting the parts of a typical actor role with the one that they played. 

The most important part of writing about a difficult situation is detailing your response to the situation. The writer does this well. They talk specifically about the role they played, without diminishing their responsibilities, and give us a lesson of what they learned at the end (“As I’ve learned since…”) The writer also mentions being grateful for the opportunity, further adding to the humility that the writer is showing. I love how the values shine through in this essay. 

What Could Be Improved

At the beginning of this essay, the writer “tells” what happened when they saw the cast list. Instead of telling, this writer could have brought us more into the story by “showing.” The writer could have written, “It was 2:30 pm, and I was scanning a list that would determine my future. I scanned the character list– my name wasn’t there. I scanned again. Then, I saw it. I was a “swing.” This adds a few more details and words to the essay, but makes the experience richer and can connect more to the reader through the strong visuals. 

I would suggest some reorganization here. I would have put the details about the original vision (these details are scattered throughout the essay) first, then what the writer actually did, and then how they felt about it. A clearer structure could take this essay up a level.

I would also include some examples of specific actors that relayed the info that they felt “uplifted.” Were there instances of other actors telling the writer how much they appreciated them? I’m assuming so, because of how the other cast members “made it clear” how much the writer had contributed.

These examples, shown through visual details, could make this essay even better. The writer could have done this through “At the end of the play, my director thanked me for taking this role, and the lead cast members told me how much I had helped them. One cast member, Caroline, told me that practicing with me gave her confidence to perform. I never realized that I could thrive in a different kind of spotlight, one located just off stage.” This last detail about the spotlight could parallel the initial detail that the writer has a swing role “instead of getting a moment in the spotlight where I thrive.” 

Where to Get Feedback on Your Essay 

Want feedback like this on your Fordham essay before you submit? We offer expert essay review by advisors who have helped students get into their dream schools. You can book a review with an expert to receive notes on your topic, grammar, and essay structure to make your essay stand out to admissions officers.

Haven’t started writing your essay yet? Advisors on CollegeVine also offer expert college counseling packages . You can purchase a package to get one-on-one guidance on any aspect of the college application process, including brainstorming and writing essays.

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

How to Write a Compelling Personal Statement for Fordham University School of Law

Learn how to craft a winning personal statement for Fordham University School of Law with our comprehensive guide.

Posted May 12, 2023

Table of Contents

If you're considering applying to Fordham University School of Law, then you likely already know that a personal statement will be a key component of your application. In fact, a well-crafted personal statement can be the difference between being accepted or rejected from law school. That's why it's important to understand how to write a compelling personal statement that showcases your strengths and uniqueness as a candidate. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of writing a personal statement for Fordham University School of Law, step-by-step.

Understanding the Importance of a Personal Statement in Law School Admissions

A personal statement is your opportunity to tell the admissions committee about yourself - who you are, what experiences have shaped you, and what unique qualities you can bring to the table as a law student. It's essentially your chance to make a case for why you would be a good fit for Fordham University School of Law. A strong personal statement can help distinguish you from other applicants with similar academic backgrounds. Essentially, it's your chance to show the admissions committee what makes you stand out as an applicant.

One important thing to keep in mind when writing your personal statement is to avoid cliches and generic statements. Admissions committees read hundreds of personal statements, so it's important to make yours stand out. Instead of simply stating that you are passionate about law, provide specific examples of experiences that have led you to pursue a career in law.

Another key aspect of a strong personal statement is demonstrating your writing skills. Law school requires a lot of reading and writing, so admissions committees want to see that you are capable of expressing yourself clearly and effectively. Be sure to proofread your personal statement carefully and consider having someone else review it as well.

Researching and Understanding the Values of Fordham University School of Law

Before you start writing your personal statement, it's important to research Fordham University School of Law and understand its values. You want to make sure your personal statement aligns with what the law school is looking for in its candidates. Take some time to read about Fordham's mission statement and core values, and think about how you can demonstrate your fit, both in the content of your essay and in the way you present yourself.

One of the core values of Fordham University School of Law is social justice. This means that the school is committed to promoting fairness, equality, and human rights in the legal system. As you write your personal statement, consider how you have demonstrated a commitment to social justice in your past experiences and how you plan to continue this work as a law student and future lawyer. You may also want to research the various social justice initiatives and clinics offered at Fordham and discuss how you hope to get involved in these programs.

Choosing the Right Personal Statement Prompt for Fordham University School of Law

Fordham University School of Law typically provides several prompts for the personal statement. It's important to choose the prompt that best allows you to showcase your strengths and unique qualities. Don't be afraid to think outside of the box and choose a prompt that allows you to tell a creative and compelling story with your personal statement.

One important factor to consider when choosing a personal statement prompt is to ensure that it aligns with your career goals and interests. For example, if you are interested in pursuing a career in environmental law, you may want to choose a prompt that allows you to discuss your passion for environmental issues and how it has influenced your decision to pursue a legal career.

Another important aspect to keep in mind is to avoid choosing a prompt that is too broad or generic. Instead, try to choose a prompt that allows you to provide specific examples and anecdotes that highlight your skills and experiences. This will help your personal statement stand out and make a lasting impression on the admissions committee.

Brainstorming Unique and Relevant Personal Experiences to Include in Your Statement

One of the most important parts of writing a personal statement is choosing the right experiences to highlight. You should aim to choose experiences that are both relevant to your interest in law and unique to you as a candidate. Think about experiences that demonstrate your leadership, problem-solving skills, or commitment to social justice. Be sure to choose experiences that speak to your personal qualities and experiences, and that demonstrate your qualifications for law school.

When brainstorming experiences to include in your personal statement, it can be helpful to consider experiences outside of the classroom. For example, you may have volunteered at a legal aid clinic or interned at a law firm. These experiences can demonstrate your interest in the field and give you a unique perspective on the legal system.

Additionally, don't be afraid to include personal experiences that have shaped your perspective on the world. For example, if you have overcome a significant obstacle or faced discrimination, you can use these experiences to demonstrate your resilience and commitment to justice. Remember, the goal of your personal statement is to give the admissions committee a sense of who you are as a person and why you would make a great addition to their law school community.

Highlighting Your Strengths and Accomplishments in a Personal Statement

Once you've chosen the experiences you want to highlight, it's time to highlight your strengths and accomplishments. Be sure to articulate what makes you stand out as a candidate, and don't be afraid to brag a little bit about your accomplishments. However, do so in a humble and confident way that shows the admissions committee what you can bring to the law school community.

One effective way to highlight your strengths and accomplishments is to use specific examples and anecdotes. For instance, instead of simply stating that you are a hard worker, provide a specific example of a time when you went above and beyond to achieve a goal. This not only demonstrates your strengths but also makes your personal statement more engaging and memorable. Additionally, be sure to tie your strengths and accomplishments back to your interest in law and how they will help you succeed in the field.

Tips for Structuring Your Personal Statement for Clarity and Flow

When it comes to the structure of your personal statement, it's important to think about clarity and flow. You want your essay to be easy to read and easy to follow. Consider using an introduction, body, and conclusion structure, and include transitions between each section to ensure a smooth transition between ideas. Make sure your points are well-organized and build upon one another to tell a compelling story of why you are a strong candidate for Fordham University School of Law.

Another important aspect to consider when structuring your personal statement is to make sure that you are highlighting your unique qualities and experiences. This can be achieved by including specific examples and anecdotes that showcase your skills and achievements. Additionally, it's important to avoid repeating information that can be found elsewhere in your application, such as your resume or transcripts. Instead, focus on providing new insights and perspectives that will help the admissions committee get to know you better. By following these tips, you can create a personal statement that is both clear and compelling, and that will help you stand out as a strong candidate for Fordham University School of Law.

Writing a Powerful Introduction to Grab the Attention of Admissions Officers

The introduction of your personal statement is where you will grab the attention of the admissions committee and draw them in to your story. Consider starting with a strong hook that draws the reader in, such as a personal anecdote or intriguing fact about yourself. From there, provide context about who you are and what you hope to achieve with your law degree. Be sure to demonstrate your passion for law and for being a student at Fordham University School of Law.

Another effective way to start your personal statement is by posing a thought-provoking question that relates to your interest in law. This can immediately engage the reader and make them curious about your perspective. Additionally, you can use your introduction to highlight any unique experiences or skills that set you apart from other applicants. This can include relevant work experience, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your commitment to the field of law.

It's important to remember that your introduction sets the tone for the rest of your personal statement. Therefore, it's crucial to make a strong first impression and capture the attention of the admissions committee. However, be careful not to be too gimmicky or over-the-top in your approach. Your introduction should be authentic and reflective of your true self, while still being attention-grabbing and memorable.

Using Strong Language and Active Voice to Convey Confidence and Determination

In order to make a strong impression with your personal statement, it's important to use strong, active language that conveys confidence and determination. Avoid passive voice or overly complex sentences. Instead, choose words that show your commitment to your goals and your ability to take action. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your qualifications and achievements, and show the admissions committee why you will be a successful law student.

Proofreading and Editing Your Personal Statement for Grammar, Spelling, and Clarity

After you've written your personal statement, it's important to proofread and edit it carefully. Make sure there are no typos or errors, and that your writing is clear and concise. Consider giving your essay to someone else to read, and solicit feedback from trusted mentors or advisors. This will help you to catch any errors or areas where you can improve the clarity or impact of your essay.

Seeking Feedback from Trusted Advisors or Mentors on Your Drafted Personal Statement

It can be helpful to get feedback on your personal statement before submitting it with your application. Reach out to trusted advisors or mentors, such as your pre-law advisor or a former professor, and ask for their thoughts on your essay. Be open to constructive criticism and take their feedback seriously - it can help you to refine your essay into a more compelling and polished piece of writing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Personal Statement for Fordham University School of Law

When writing your personal statement for Fordham University School of Law, there are several common mistakes to avoid. Be sure to avoid generic or cliche language, such as saying you've always wanted to be a lawyer. Instead, focus on specific experiences and motivations that make you unique. Avoid writing an essay that is too long or includes irrelevant information. Finally, make sure your writing is polished and error-free. Avoid too much passive voice, unnecessary words, or weak formulations.

Writing a compelling personal statement for Fordham University School of Law can be a challenge, but it's ultimately a worthwhile endeavor. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that your essay is polished, focused, and showcases your unique strengths as a candidate for law school. Remember to stay true to yourself and your experiences, and to demonstrate your passion for the law and commitment to Fordham University School of Law. Good luck!

Browse hundreds of expert coaches

Leland coaches have helped thousands of people achieve their goals. A dedicated mentor can make all the difference.

Browse Related Articles

May 12, 2023

How to Write a Compelling Personal Statement for University of Chicago Law School

Learn how to craft a winning personal statement for University of Chicago Law School with our comprehensive guide.

How to Write a Compelling Personal Statement for University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School

Learn how to craft a powerful personal statement that will impress the admissions committee at University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School.

How to Write a Compelling Personal Statement for Duke University School of Law

Learn how to craft a standout personal statement for Duke University School of Law with our comprehensive guide.

How to Write a Compelling Personal Statement for Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law

Learn how to write a compelling personal statement that will make your application stand out for Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law.

How to Write a Compelling Personal Statement for Georgetown University Law Center

Learn how to craft a personal statement that will impress the admissions committee at Georgetown University Law Center.

How to Write a Compelling Personal Statement for University of Southern California Gould School of Law

Learn how to craft a powerful personal statement that will make your application stand out to the University of Southern California Gould School of Law.

How to Write a Compelling Personal Statement for University of Minnesota Law School

Learn how to craft a powerful personal statement that will grab the attention of the University of Minnesota Law School admissions committee.

How to Write a Compelling Personal Statement for University of California, Irvine School of Law

Learn how to write a compelling personal statement that will impress the admissions committee at the University of California, Irvine School of Law.

How to Write a Compelling Personal Statement for Emory University School of Law

Learn how to craft a powerful personal statement that will impress the admissions committee at Emory University School of Law.

How to Write a Compelling Personal Statement for Ohio State University Moritz College of Law

Learn how to craft a powerful personal statement that will impress the admissions committee at Ohio State University Moritz College of Law.

How to Write a Compelling Personal Statement for William & Mary Law School

Learn how to craft a powerful personal statement that will impress the admissions committee at William & Mary Law School.

How to Write a Compelling Personal Statement for Indiana University Maurer School of Law

Learn how to craft a winning personal statement for Indiana University Maurer School of Law with our expert tips and advice.