Are "Why X" essays necessary? Forum

[wombie]

So I know that it may be a good idea to submit a why x essay for obvious reasons, but I'm just wondering if it's really crucial? I'm applying to a lot of schools while taking classes and I don't think I'll have time to write essays for all schools. Will this negatively affect my chances of getting in?

[HowdyYall]

I wouldnt worry too much about them unless youre worried about YP bc of your high numbers. Looking back i wish i wouldnt have written the ones i did because I found a couple of grammar and spelling errors and they're kindof blllaahhhh

[wombie]

I wouldnt worry too much about them unless youre worried about YP bc of your high numbers. Looking back i wish i wouldnt have written the ones i did because I found a couple of grammar and spelling errors and they're kindof blllaahhhh

Yeah, I'm kind of worried about that too.. I'm getting so sick of filling out apps and Im scared I'll just make stupid mistakes... Thanks!

[whymeohgodno]

The real question is are they sufficient?

[wombie]

The real question is are they sufficient?

The real question is are they sufficient?

Lol, definitely not

[Spinozist21]

I wrote them as part of my PSs...I wrote school specific PSs.

[Spinozist21]

Again, I am not sure they are necessary or sufficient (for us philosophy majors haha)...however, I think its a decent touch and a way to leave an OK impression at the end of my PS.

[AreJay711]

I think Why X's are only good when you have a good reason to write one. I mean for most schools that I applied to it was because they are highly ranked and have good career prospects. I only had 2 schools that I had other reasons to apply to and only one asked for a why x statement. Instead of making up reasons, come up with a good diversity statement.

[catsparka]

Instead of making up reasons, come up with a good diversity statement.

Trying to do this, but this is also hard.

[wombie]

I think Why X's are only good when you have a good reason to write one. I mean for most schools that I applied to it was because they are highly ranked and have good career prospects. I only had 2 schools that I had other reasons to apply to and only one asked for a why x statement. Instead of making up reasons, come up with a good diversity statement.

Wait, why should I write a diversity statement? Because I'm international? I haven't written one since I'm not URM and I've been studying in the US since 11th grade.. (though my family still lives in my home country)?

[catsparka]

I think Why X's are only good when you have a good reason to write one. I mean for most schools that I applied to it was because they are highly ranked and have good career prospects. I only had 2 schools that I had other reasons to apply to and only one asked for a why x statement. Instead of making up reasons, come up with a good diversity statement.

Wait, why should I write a diversity statement? Because I'm international? I haven't written one since I'm not URM and I've been studying in the US since 11th grade.. (though my family still lives in my home country)?

Wow we are so similar. I'm STILL debating whether I should write a DS. Basically in the same situation as you.

[AreJay711]

I think Why X's are only good when you have a good reason to write one. I mean for most schools that I applied to it was because they are highly ranked and have good career prospects. I only had 2 schools that I had other reasons to apply to and only one asked for a why x statement. Instead of making up reasons, come up with a good diversity statement.

Wait, why should I write a diversity statement? Because I'm international? I haven't written one since I'm not URM and I've been studying in the US since 11th grade.. (though my family still lives in my home country)?

You can write a diversity statement about whatever makes you diverse or whatever unique experiences you have. Everyone can come up with something to write about and it might set you apart from someone else that doesn't specify what intangibles they can bring to their class.

[Spinozist21]

I think Why X's are only good when you have a good reason to write one. I mean for most schools that I applied to it was because they are highly ranked and have good career prospects. I only had 2 schools that I had other reasons to apply to and only one asked for a why x statement. Instead of making up reasons, come up with a good diversity statement.

Wait, why should I write a diversity statement? Because I'm international? I haven't written one since I'm not URM and I've been studying in the US since 11th grade.. (though my family still lives in my home country)?

You can write a diversity statement about whatever makes you diverse or whatever unique experiences you have. Everyone can come up with something to write about and it might set you apart from someone else that doesn't specify what intangibles they can bring to their class.

I guess i conceive of my PS differently than most...I conceive as my PS doing both what you are saying, plus saying why law, and plus saying why school x.

[Teflon1974]

I wrote them as part of my PSs...I wrote school specific PSs.

I did too...sort of. I had a core section of my PS, then devoted the last few paragraphs to a tie-in to that specific school, and usually a specific specialization within the program.

[capitalacq]

I think Why X's are only good when you have a good reason to write one. I mean for most schools that I applied to it was because they are highly ranked and have good career prospects. I only had 2 schools that I had other reasons to apply to and only one asked for a why x statement. Instead of making up reasons, come up with a good diversity statement.

agreed (with exception to last sentence).

If you've got a compelling reason, go ahead and write it (if the school accepts it). If not, don't worry- they don't really matter.