LAW SCHOOL ADMISSIONS | my personal statement

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personal statements are so hard to write! (well, maybe not as hard as the lsat, which i still don't know how i got through.) in this video, i talk about my own experience writing (and rewriting) my personal statement for law school and read you my final personal statement and yale 250 (the 250-word supplemental essay required by yale law). along with my gpa, lsat, and strong letters of recommendation, these essays got me accepted to yale, harvard, columbia (full-tuition hamilton), nyu (full-tuition vanderbilt), and duke (interviewed for the full-tuition mordecai but withdrew my application after acceptances elsewhere). stanford waitlisted me :(
intro - 0:00
approach to personal statements - 0:36
my personal statement - 2:29
approach to supplemental essays - 7:46
my yale 250 - 8:50
reflections, nine years later - 10:08
💕 f o l l o w m e 💞
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🎶 m u s i c 🎵
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❓ F A Q s ❓
how old are you? 30 ('91 baby)
which schools did you go to? yale (undergrad) and harvard (law school)
what did you major in? economics
what was your gpa and lsat score? 3.86/176
what sign/MBTI/enneagram are you? aries, ENFJ, 3w4
are you sure you're not a virgo? no part of my star chart is virgo or an earth sign, i swear

[@sonianamadiko8379]

am i applying to law school? no. do i intend to apply to law school? no. will i ever need to write a personal statement? no. did i listen intently to this video and take notes? yes.

[@CeceXie]

A+

[@dymo47]

Honestly, incredible essay. Currently writing my personal statement and my lack of extracurricular achievement is a little disheartening, but thank you for sharing this with us. Definitely changed my outlook on this essay and your story is extremely motivating. I aspire to be like you one day.

[@brittneystaples7493]

I don't think I've ever felt so intimidated.. I want so badly to go into law, to become a lawyer. To help people has always been in my blood. But I never got those opportunities growing up. My family is poor.. I've had to work for everything I have. It doesn't seem good enough after hearing this.

[@elarael6045]

you're ok honey. I'm about to write about how I used to be a stripper lol. Just be honest.

[@xtineig]

Made me emotional as I have a hard time being an overachiever and felt your heart when you mentioned the teacher, you definitely deserved all the accolades you received. Great job

[@Ann-ng7fm]

As a 0L preparing for application, got a huge insight from your video and also touched by your story back in high school. Love this video!

[@RachelTprouse]

I've been doing A LOT of research on how to write the best personal statement for my law school application and I've read a variety of topics from sexual assaults, homelessness, to being in the military, etc. Your statement is honestly the best one I've read yet!! Thanks for sharing such an informative video (:

[@keikosakai4920]

When you started talk about your teacher, I started crying as well! Thank you for sharing your beautiful written statements!

[@vanessavazquez5167]

I really liked your personal statement! i liked how you connected everything back to the proposal and your true love, that's something I struggle with the most!

[@yakshhanda6592]

This is such a beautiful statement, Cece! Truly well written, gives me such good direction to start thinking about mine (since I'll be applying in a few years too)...

[@CeceXie]

thank you! good personal statements are always borne from thoughtful self-examination. good luck!

[@_priv]

Thank you so much, Cece! I’m writing my updated personal statement literally right now (at the deadline), and your vulnerability is really helpful. I appreciate you.

[@4lizabeth]

I'm a sophomore in high school right now, and after watching your video I can't explain how much you touched me. I'm 15, struggling in high school not knowing if I actually will make it far enough to reach my dream life of being a lawyer. But your video of your personal experience, through not only your writing but through your high school experience really spoke to me. So for that, thank you and I hope to someday be where you are currently in life.

[@CeceXie]

wow, ky, thank you for such a wonderful comment. i feel like i know how you feel right now, and it can be so tough to wonder if everything will pay off ever, if the hard times will be worth the pain. keep on pushing, and i am certain you will surpass your wildest dreams 💖

[@holetohell4140]

How’s life going?

[@jessierong1813]

Thank you for sharing these! Your personal statement is so beautifully written. I always look forward to your videos ❤️

[@bertcadman6573]

Love this! I love the glimpses into your fascinating life!

[@ebere9438]

I enjoyed this video although I am a law student in the UK lol; also really heartwarming to hear you talk about the impact your teacher had on you ❤️

[@CeceXie]

ahh i love seeing how law works in other countries!! glad you enjoyed 🥰

[@user-ys1og1rz9j]

I see exactly how and why you got accepted, those letters are amazing and very original.

[@noemidiop8015]

Thanks for sharing! I just “found” you lol yesterday (quitting your job) and I’m a devotee 😃I’m probably a lot older than you, but sooo much of what your are going through resonates with me ❤️you’re such a breath of fresh air from most typical KZbin creators or whatever lol I’m sending you love and keep on following your heart ❤️ and passion 🌸🌺

[@dereklance9415]

Hi Cece, I absolutely adore you and your videos and this was so cathartic for me. I was freaking out about my mcat when I started watching this video and it was so cathartic. You’re amazing

[@carlhutchens8587]

Wow. This was amazing. I had one line written on my personal statement and backspaced it. This definitely changed my ideas. Thank you.

[@priyavicky7912]

I can relate to everything you said towards the end. Its so refreshing to know that I'm not alone in this. My life has also always been about my academic and career achievements and I'm wondering how it'll be like if I wasn't raised or pushed to be the way I am today. My Asian parents have always pushed me to study hard and work hard and i know i have a good life atm because of this but like you said, i have no idea if this is what I would have wanted for myself haha.

[@CeceXie]

it’s an interesting thought experiment! i’m trying to explore this idea of who i would be if not for external pressures right now and hopefully can make a video with some thoughts once they develop more. i think having a stable life gives us the opportunity now to explore more, versus when our parents were raising us :)

[@fabianlawstudies9497]

Thanks for sharing! After all of the hard work you put into accomplishing your goals, I am sure your teacher would be so proud of you. 👍🏾

[@muznamarghoob3890]

So inspiring!! Truly the best statement I have read so far. Thank you so much for this. Also, your voice is so soothing I actually felt sleepy afterwards:p

[@pngchoonbing728]

Xie, commendable. Happy to share I was so happy when my daughter got in medical school in 2016 and she started her medical career last year. I am a secondary school teacher in Sg.

[@angelalopez7905]

You are so well spoken! Loved your personal statement and Yale 250 💯🙌🏽❤️

[@CeceXie]

thank you so much!

[@izzibreaux7044]

This is prob my favorite thing I’ve ever read (listened to). I’ve run up your views over the last two weeks while I’ve tried conquering my PS. Well done

[@christinakcover]

Thank you for sharing your amazing personal statement and Yale 250.

[@starremedi9263]

beautiful essay I plan on applying for law school in 2.5 years and watching this is so so inspiring

[@RRPartnersBucharest]

Great content, so interesting to find out more law schools from the US! Greeting from fellow attorneys from Romania, Europe 🇷🇴

[@sagitariusforever98]

Wow, that personal statement was beautifully written. Thanks for sharing! Also, I will totally read your book when you become a writer. Wishing you the best on your future journey!

[@CeceXie]

thank you so much for your support!

[@weijingao3321]

legit the best personal statement i've ever seen

[@CeceXie]

wow, high praise-thank you so much!!

[@onylouis1628]

This was a great reference for me to consider my personal approach thanks!!

[@morganonawhim]

Just started watching but already commenting to say that it's so good to hear that I'm not the only one who has written multiple terrible versions of my personal statement. I was hoping to have most applications submitted by now. I was starting to get frustrated with myself- how can I seriously not write about myself in a non-cliche way? I hate cliches! I'm so good at selling myself in real life. I've finally landed on a draft that's workable so I think I'm getting close. Back to add that your statement is SO GOOD! I love the creativity. This is the type of statement I wanted to write but that came out sounding soooo cheesy. Nicely done.

[@aalegalfocus]

I read the article about the pre-law person rudely demanding a call with you. Good for you for calling out that guy. I've gotten plenty of emails and even phone calls from people who tracked me down from youtube, wanting to talk about whether they should go to law school. No one has the right to demand your time/attention (and for free), especially when we have to make a living and have plenty of other obligations. You are already doing a service by making these videos. Keep up the great work!

[@matthewphillips5483]

Although I agree, it seemed a bit immature to mention that she "could have consulted his employer." ...and said what exactly? Nothing said (that I read) seemed like a terminating offense and not even relevant to the company. I cannot imagine someone with a social media presence that would be surprised by the sense of entitlement many people have these days. I believe Ms. Xie needs to toughen up if she is going to be in the public eye.

[@iiesquire]

If this makes you feel better; you single-handedly motivated me to go to law school. In the application cycle currently. I remember all your OG KZbin videos and that's what sparked my interest in a legal career.

[@CeceXie]

no way!! law is super intellectually interesting and engaging when you find the area you love. good luck applying!!

[@k4tr1n4b]

you’re so eloquently spoken

[@orphajeancharles5043]

this is a very beautifully written personal statement

[@oneydaayala9467]

This was so insightful! Thank you for sharing.

[@natashadelvillarr]

Thank you do much for sharing this 💖 its very helpful and motivating

[@MSTiPPYx3]

You’re such a good writer!

[@metatrix4251]

Very, very nice essay. I am currently seriously considering studying law. The reasons behind my desire to study law are many but one stands tall above all the others, it is my love for the realm of principles, which is a bridge between philosophy and law. I will fight the urge to infinitely elaborate on that. All that being said, I really love that your personal statement was, I think, at its core philosophical and that it was narratively carried by its metaphorical aspect. Your love for the law transpires and the words you shared give me hope that there might exist a future where philosophy and law are getting closer rather than the opposite. Thank you very much for sharing. We will never meet but I think we might work on a similar goal. Dear stranger, may your path be blessed. Thank you again that was epic.

[@brittanyreiser5357]

I really enjoyed this, thank you for sharing. If I ever get the courage to actually apply (I’ve taken two LSATs with no further action…), this is helpful since I feel petrified of the PS. I see a way in which I may share my own story.

[@CeceXie]

i’m so glad! the LSAT was the hardest part of applying for me, but the PS was definitely a close second

[@steve19149]

I am not sure you understand how talented you are.

[@ellen9752]

Ugh the resonance. Literally my other major was also economics and I also work in privacy law. I’ve never written a personal statement (I went to law school in another country) but somehow I felt every word of yours.

[@CeceXie]

i love this!! makes the random world feel a little less random

[@kyahboyd1145]

This video was so sweet for me because through you, I get to have some pointers on what I can expect from higher education. I actually just watched the video about you explaining why you quit your Big Law job. Your story is incredible and some professors and teachers impact us in ways no one will understand and I have definitely felt like this before. My parents didn't go to college and really didn't have the means to support me financially or emotionally when I was starting out in college. Making big decisions by yourself may seem empowering, but I think it also carries a lot of stress. The grass is definitely greener on the side you know the least about. Thank you for sharing your experience with us.

[@CeceXie]

definitely! there is a tension between stability and passion that we all have to encounter one day. i'm glad you found my videos helpful. remember that even as you're making decisions by yourself and dealing with the stress of that, you're never alone

[@andreperez8961]

There is profound knowledge in those last 2 minutes.

[@MarioMartinez-gn1hg]

Thank you sooo much for sharing. Helps a lot!

[@user-hjj3382]

Thank you for sharing this. I love how well-written and genuine your statement is. I'd say the same about your videos as well. Love them! I hope you keep at it!

[@jayyykayyy]

I love your voice and you are so articulate

[@ivalinapasse2469]

Wonderful Statement. Thanks For the Encouragement

[@shenadarling50]

This crazy Daja Vu. I am in banking going to Law. I wrote my personal statement similar to this about how my passion started and why I discovered it was Law and I got accepted although I am still ashamed of reading out but it along the lines of yours.

[@mistersauga716]

this is SO good

[@dianatamayo5089]

Lol I wrote my final paper for undergrad tipsy and I got a 98, but loved your video! Very good personal statement

[@CeceXie]

the TALENT 😍

[@coffeenpages]

ughhh it's soooo goood!!!

[@Schuyler4]

Love you! Yes, yes you can. Anything.

[@keerthana7353]

That was amazing!

[@regieds]

Cece is such a queen. She's so beautiful and smart.

[@steve19149]

You are so very articulate charismatic and my hero

[@vibesarereal]

Hi Cece, thank you for this video, it was so insightful as a law student myself. Do you mind doing one about your application into biglaw? That would seriously help so much!! Love you Cece!

[@CeceXie]

there wasn’t really an application process-top law schools organize on-campus interviews with tons of biglaw firms, and you interview with 10-30+ through that! you bring your resume but there wasn’t an application or anything

[@hobiprints6128]

12:40 “without a fear of failing or safety net” um i feel like im your alternate self.. and im here to tell you that you would not be much different. Some people are ambitious…we have nothing to lose and have no safety net… we have no choice but to overcome any type of fear…and reach for the stars. I have accomplished so much and have not been afraid. I’m a realistic optimist and do not have strict parents and have never been conditioned to achieve. I have been surrounded by gangs. And I have earned so many to trophies, achieved the highest math grades, and have been accepted into a top university. Nobody inspired me except me. You wouldn’t have been different in an alternate universe, and I’m an example/proof. You are one unique person, your personality blazing through adversity.

[@jennamarcus4283]

I have nothing to say other than you are extraordinary ❤

[@PT-ChucoTown]

Thank you so much for sharing!

[@nicoletteyoung8660]

Damn. Amazing personal statement!

[@shenadarling50]

Beautiful personal statement.

[@elisac1264]

Hello Cece I never was inspired by public personalities because I always thought that were « acting » in front of the camera and could show another personality in private life. But when I saw your video I felt the honesty and your path inspired me so much. As an asian who was born in France whose parents are émigrants, I have that feeling to rise in society at all cost so I don’t have to endure the hardships they’ve gone through. Your video made me reflect but also motivated me to succeed in my life and do whatever I like to do. Please keep making video, I wish you the best. Sorry for my bad english, I’m french..

[@CeceXie]

elisa, thank you for such a lovely message! navigating immigrant mindsets with your own desires can be so tricky, but i’m sure you can do it. and your english is fantastic-no need to apologize for anything!

[@MarkWeiss100]

I don't need to apply to law school again but when CECE posts, I click.

[@CeceXie]

HAHAH maybe let’s all go back 😏

[@iFrankie.]

Lucky for you. I have friends in 1L & 2L and I’m in the process of applying myself and their selfish didn’t guide me on anything or any tips. So I’m doing this without any guidance as many others and being a first gen making less than middle class it sucks

[@alyssagray1113]

i love her.

[@christinastjuste1331]

I’m a college undergrad student right now and I really want to be a lawyer like you, but I don’t even know where to start. Idek what major I’m gonna pick yet 😭

[@CeceXie]

that’s totally okay!! there isn’t a “best major” or anything so i would just pick whatever you like best when you get there. my college roommate declared her major SO late (like during senior year!!)

[@SusannahSusannah-wx2oi]

I failed 2 times, i lost money to reviews that never helped but the major thing is that I've not lost hope

[@mictv2010]

You literally had me tearing up as you spoke of your teacher…I have yet to apply to law school because I HATE my personal statement…I have done a lot of great things from leaving Mississippi relocating to Bristol, CT working for ESPN to running my own media outlet…I am surrounded by attorneys who admire my work and support my choice of pursuing law…but how do you say you have made a difference in the world around you without sounding boring and arrogant? I AM STUCK 😢

[@bradydahl6655]

You are a genius

[@jordanwoods5022]

Such a beautiful story I am currently studying for the LSAT.

[@natashadelvillarr]

Me too! When do you plan on taking it and applying to law school?

[@jordanwoods5022]

@@natashadelvillarr I actually planned on taking the LSAT next month but because I want to make a good score I’ll wait until December if they are offering testing that month. After that I planned to enrolled next August.

[@jordanwoods5022]

@@natashadelvillarr Are you here in Atlanta?

[@natashadelvillarr]

@@jordanwoods5022 that’s great!! I’m not from Atlanta, I’m from NYC. I will be taking it in November hopefully. I think that the next LSAT after the November one is in January 2022.

[@jordanwoods5022]

@@natashadelvillarr okay sounds good thank you for the info.

[@aigtss]

Damn now I gotta rethink my whole life 🤌🏾

[@hollyhernandez8229]

I love the way you wrote that, what would your objective be if you had to create one, wow!

[@countrydevil4573]

Lol. These are so good, I feel stupid just by listening these. Such a huge difference between her and I. Smart smart and savvy, she rocked her PS. Alright, I’m going to go quit. Lol.

[@nataliecarey4382]

Brb crying 😭

[@jessierong1813]

Given that most law school admissions operate on a rolling basis, would you mind sharing what time of the year you submitted your applications?

[@CeceXie]

january! so “late” by many standards

[@nahomybg]

Thank you for sharing your story! I admire so much. I’m a law student, not from the US, but currently thinking about applying to a LLM or JD at the US. I was wondering if you have any recommendations regarding these options, which kind of program would be better If I would like to stay at the US?

[@CeceXie]

if you will already have a law degree from your home country, an LLM is usually the route that people take! it is one year versus three years, although i would definitely look at on-campus interviewing opportunities for LLM students, as getting an employer to sponsor your visa will be the biggest hurdle

[@kamacazi9744]

Hi I am also a foreign lawyer I strongly suggest getting the Accelerated JD which is now replacing the LLM. The LLM is currently being discontinued and replaced. Some law schools don’t require LSAT to get in if you are a foreign lawyer. Those law schools are : Hofstra, Depaul, Drexel. With the LLM you cannot practice in a lot of states hence why they are replacing it with the accelerated JD which would allow you to practice in all states and get government based jobs. I would not recommend the LLM since it is being replaced.

[@Rebel_sincedayone]

How did you get full tuition for nyu? Is there a way to apply or did they just reach out to students that are worthy?

[@user-rd6yv1zj7f]

Currently researching for my daughter who is a HS senior looking to peruse law. What would you recommend for her undergrad major. We are New Yorkers and picking a school to start this path has been tough aswell.

[@maddieruiz7743]

UGHHHH. so amazing and beautiful

[@Tft161]

Do you know any of any advice/recommendations for applicants who want to include a GPA addendum? Love your content btw!

[@CeceXie]

this is just my opinion but to the extent you can pinpoint it to one semester or year or contained era and explain (but not over-explain or make excuses for) the extenuating circumstances, that’s helpful. and always end with a high note pointing to how you improved consistently since then or went on to get your master’s with a much better GPA or whatever else that’s a plus to try and show that the GPA is not representative of who you are and your capabilities. i’d also try searching for successful candidates who have shared their GPA addendum online, on reddit or a forum. good luck!

[@Tft161]

@@CeceXie thank you so much!

[@osmselenagomez]

Did you also write a supplemental diversity statement? I'm applying to law schools now but I'm not sure whether I should include a diversity statement since it's optional.

[@CeceXie]

i didn’t, but i also didn’t feel diverse or have any good reflections on diversity at the time. don’t write one just to write one, but if you have something unique to say about how your perspective is diverse, definitely go for it!

[@vernonpainter2941]

"And it wasn't kneeling in front of me" that was badass, to say the least

[@cat70705]

hi ! i dunno if you'll ever see this but after watching this video it was extremely helpful so im curious to ask but do you recommend for undergrad students (such as myself) to pursue law-related activities in school to show interest? or is it okay to not do that and instead pursue independent activities that are unrelated to law? thank you!

[@CeceXie]

totally okay to pursue activities unrelated to law and i would even encourage that-the goal is to figure out what you like, not to resume pad

[@bsmith8166]

I'm applying to law school with a 177 and a super low GPA. Your PS was beautiful and frightening. I'd love to learn how to write like that. Can you recommend any resources to make me a better writer? Thanks!!!

[@aalegalfocus]

The Elements of Style is a good resource. Reading more complex journalism helps too. Congrats on your high score and good luck!

[@CeceXie]

there are some essayists whom i love (gia tolentino, joan didion, david foster wallace) that i will read aloud, and then i always read my own essays aloud when drafting to see if they “hit” the same. i think just reading and writing in practice will definitely help!

[@michellecisneros1352]

What’s the objective of the Yale 250? Like is it a why Yale and if so how did your essay answer that?

[@CeceXie]

nope-it can be about anything. the admissions website says it’s an “opportunity to explore an idea or issue from your academic, extracurricular, or professional work that is of particular interest to you.” it doesn’t even need to be law-related

[@ThantKhine]

Could you please also share study plan for scholarship?

[@osmselenagomez]

How long did it take you to complete your personal statement from start to finish? I imagine it must have taken many rounds of revisions to perfect.

[@CeceXie]

i did 10 versions over the course of 3-4 months, i believe!

[@cwhitecaramel]

Beautifully written! I'm thinking of applying for law school after 20 years of law enforcement. Your statement sounds like a lot more than the recommended 2 to 3 pages I've always heard about. Is that acceptable?

[@CeceXie]

thank you! this statement is actually exactly two pages, double-spaced, so within the word/page limit. maybe it just reads long!

[@stephenprice5882]

What was your sat score may I ask??

[@josieb6880]

Hi! After working in law, do you still feel excited by the prospect of using law to change the future? Or, have your views changed?

[@CeceXie]

i'm still hopeful. understanding how our legal system works felt like learning the rules of, for example, soccer, and then working in law felt like learning that the playing field isn't level. i think our legal system has a lot of potential still to create a better world for everyone, but there are a lot of obstacles and more foundational issues that will need to be addressed in order for that potential to be realized

[@AbhinavSingh-cn1bd]

I was just wondering what your undergraduate major was. Also, what majors do you suggest taking for law school?

[@CeceXie]

econ. major in whatever you want and think you’ll maintain a high GPA in!

[@sabrinabarrera8493]

This is poetry..

[@LotsofloveKaelyn]

I would read a whole novel of this

[@myraarora4048]

love the video! can i ask, where did you go to college?

[@CeceXie]

thank you! i went to yale

[@Handobolo]

Aka playing by the rules

[@rustlerboi1052]

technician of the world engine is pretty cliche. like someone used a synonym generator. Technicians just sustain what already exists…

[@alexp2488]

2:27 omg full tuition offers?? howwwwww

[@noelle3610]

how long was your final personal statement?

[@CeceXie]

2 pages, double-spaced-the law school personal statement is really short!

[@Leo-rb9sp]

Can u please do a stat vid

[@CeceXie]

it’s in the FAQs at the bottom of the description