One of the biggest surprises at Law School Information Day last month came when admissions representatives described a new experience when reading a personal statement.
It was written entirely by AI.
Benjamin Rogers, an associate director of admissions at the University at Buffalo Law School, said it was surprising that anyone would even try it, especially for something that’s supposed to show authenticity, personal growth and real motivation.
The room full of pre-law students reacted with a mix of shock and secondhand embarrassment.
The essay in question looked polished on the surface, but its tone was oddly generic and overly formal, with no real trace of the applicant’s voice.
Rogers said that within a few paragraphs, the committee knew something was off.
Using AI to replace a personal statement is not only risky but pointless, explained Jane Snyder, an experiential learning coordinator and visiting instructor at St. John Fisher University, because admissions readers can immediately tell when the writing doesn’t sound human.
The discussion came as pre-law students met with admissions officers from area law schools to learn what it really takes to get into competitive programs.
The event, co-hosted by Career Services and the Pre-Law Club, featured tabling sessions, a panel discussion, open conversations about applications, LSAT expectations, personal statements and financial aid.
“It’s really important for students to understand what law school involves before they apply,” said Snyder. She noted that events like this give students the chance to hear directly from the people who read and evaluate law school applications.
Events like Law School Information Day help students with the stress that comes with applying to law school and the steps required before beginning the application process, Snyder said.
Throughout the session, students moved between tables to speak one-on-one with representatives from schools such as Syracuse University College of Law and the University at Buffalo School of Law. They discussed program structures, timelines and how to stand out as a serious applicant.
“Law school seems so intimidating, but talking to admissions counselors made it feel so much more realistic,” said Monica Noonan, a sophomore legal studies major.
The event helped make the process feel more approachable and helped her manage her time better as she prepares for the application process, Noonan said.
“I’ve always wanted to go into law to help advocate for the people who don’t always have a voice,” said Naomi Lopez, a sophomore legal studies major. “Learning what steps I need to take now helps me feel more confident and prepared for the future.”
Lopez added that the conversation about AI made her realize how misusing it could easily hurt an applicant’s credibility.
The goal of Law School Information Day is to support students as they explore legal education and learn how to present themselves authentically in the application process, Snyder said.
By the end of the event, many students said they left with clearer expectations, stronger motivation, and a better sense of what admissions committees look for – and what they look out for.
