DS Question Forum

[Knock]

So trying to figure out to write my DS, and it's proving a lot harder than my PS.

As a 1/2 URM, what do you guys think would be better:
Showing how I have a connection to the 1/2 of my background that is underrepresented, how I contribute to that community, stuff along those lines, etc.

Or:
Writing about how being bi-racial having given me unique perspectives and viewpoints, and basically all the diversity I derive from being a member of multiple cultures, stuff along these lines, etc.

And for the sake of argument/this thread, let's assume I don't have enough room in my DS to write about both to the level of detail I'd like to, and have to choose one or the other. Also assume that more or less I can write about both equally well.

[mfeller2]

Same boat here. I think I will try to write about how my background can contribute to school X's educational atmosphere. Providing a different perspective, etc. Maybe use an anecdote of something that you experienced as a minority and how it has shaped your worldview. Congrats on the numbers btw!

[Knock]

Same boat here. I think I will try to write about how my background can contribute to school X's educational atmosphere. Providing a different perspective, etc. Maybe use an anecdote of something that you experienced as a minority and how it has shaped your worldview. Congrats on the numbers btw!

Thank you . You have great numbers yourself. You definitely got Berkeley, and I think you have a good shot at the schools above it as well.

Perhaps you would be interested in trading DS's when we've gotten a good draft down? left me know.

[mfeller2]

Thanks! Yea, I'd most definitely be willing to trade DSs. Might be awhile before I have mine done though. I haven't started yet, It's really tough. lol. But PM me anytime if you want help revising.

[Knock]

Thanks! Yea, I'd most definitely be willing to trade DSs. Might be awhile before I have mine done though. I haven't started yet, It's really tough. lol. But PM me anytime if you want help revising.

Thanks a lot. I'm going to try and have at least a solid rough draft in the next week or two, and i'll shot you a PM.

[Knock]

Okay, another wrinkle to this. I got a summer internship at a nonprofit law firm that provides legal assistance for low income families and individuals. it's located in primarily a mexican-american community, and most of the people that we help are mexican-americans. do you think i should make this the focus of my ds?

any help is appreciated, thanks

[Tanicius]

So trying to figure out to write my DS, and it's proving a lot harder than my PS.

As a 1/2 URM, what do you guys think would be better:
Showing how I have a connection to the 1/2 of my background that is underrepresented, how I contribute to that community, stuff along those lines, etc.

Or:
Writing about how being bi-racial having given me unique perspectives and viewpoints, and basically all the diversity I derive from being a member of multiple cultures, stuff along these lines, etc.

And for the sake of argument/this thread, let's assume I don't have enough room in my DS to write about both to the level of detail I'd like to, and have to choose one or the other. Also assume that more or less I can write about both equally well.

WTF.

Only relevant question to be asked in this thread:

Why are you wasting your time retaking a 171 when you have a 3.8+ and URM status? It's like retaking a 180. You're already in with a Darrow at Michigan, probably a full ride at Columbia, and obviously you're in H.

[Knock]

So trying to figure out to write my DS, and it's proving a lot harder than my PS.

As a 1/2 URM, what do you guys think would be better:
Showing how I have a connection to the 1/2 of my background that is underrepresented, how I contribute to that community, stuff along those lines, etc.

Or:
Writing about how being bi-racial having given me unique perspectives and viewpoints, and basically all the diversity I derive from being a member of multiple cultures, stuff along these lines, etc.

And for the sake of argument/this thread, let's assume I don't have enough room in my DS to write about both to the level of detail I'd like to, and have to choose one or the other. Also assume that more or less I can write about both equally well.

WTF.

Only relevant question to be asked in this thread:

Why are you wasting your time retaking a 171 when you have a 3.8+ and URM status? It's like retaking a 180. You're already in with a Darrow at Michigan, probably a full ride at Columbia, and obviously you're in H.

haha thanks. you really think so? i'm only 1/2 URM though (Mexican-American).

[Knock]

So trying to figure out to write my DS, and it's proving a lot harder than my PS.

As a 1/2 URM, what do you guys think would be better:
Showing how I have a connection to the 1/2 of my background that is underrepresented, how I contribute to that community, stuff along those lines, etc.

Or:
Writing about how being bi-racial having given me unique perspectives and viewpoints, and basically all the diversity I derive from being a member of multiple cultures, stuff along these lines, etc.

And for the sake of argument/this thread, let's assume I don't have enough room in my DS to write about both to the level of detail I'd like to, and have to choose one or the other. Also assume that more or less I can write about both equally well.

WTF.

Only relevant question to be asked in this thread:

Why are you wasting your time retaking a 171 when you have a 3.8+ and URM status? It's like retaking a 180. You're already in with a Darrow at Michigan, probably a full ride at Columbia, and obviously you're in H.

And why do you think I am a good shot at scholarships? wouldn't they award scholarships on merit, numbers, rather than to someone with average or less numbers for their school?

[Tanicius]

So trying to figure out to write my DS, and it's proving a lot harder than my PS.

As a 1/2 URM, what do you guys think would be better:
Showing how I have a connection to the 1/2 of my background that is underrepresented, how I contribute to that community, stuff along those lines, etc.

Or:
Writing about how being bi-racial having given me unique perspectives and viewpoints, and basically all the diversity I derive from being a member of multiple cultures, stuff along these lines, etc.

And for the sake of argument/this thread, let's assume I don't have enough room in my DS to write about both to the level of detail I'd like to, and have to choose one or the other. Also assume that more or less I can write about both equally well.

WTF.

Only relevant question to be asked in this thread:

Why are you wasting your time retaking a 171 when you have a 3.8+ and URM status? It's like retaking a 180. You're already in with a Darrow at Michigan, probably a full ride at Columbia, and obviously you're in H.

And why do you think I am a good shot at scholarships? wouldn't they award scholarships on merit, numbers, rather than to someone with average or less numbers for their school?

I have never ever heard of being a "half" URM regarding admissions. It's not like "half" Mexicans receive "half" the typical LSAT boost. You either check the Hispanic box on the application or you don't. The reason you'll be eligible for scholarships at those schools is that the percentage of URM's who manage to get a 171 coupled with that decent of a GPA has to be insanely low.Hence the "URM" designation.

[Knock]

So trying to figure out to write my DS, and it's proving a lot harder than my PS.

As a 1/2 URM, what do you guys think would be better:
Showing how I have a connection to the 1/2 of my background that is underrepresented, how I contribute to that community, stuff along those lines, etc.

Or:
Writing about how being bi-racial having given me unique perspectives and viewpoints, and basically all the diversity I derive from being a member of multiple cultures, stuff along these lines, etc.

And for the sake of argument/this thread, let's assume I don't have enough room in my DS to write about both to the level of detail I'd like to, and have to choose one or the other. Also assume that more or less I can write about both equally well.

WTF.

Only relevant question to be asked in this thread:

Why are you wasting your time retaking a 171 when you have a 3.8+ and URM status? It's like retaking a 180. You're already in with a Darrow at Michigan, probably a full ride at Columbia, and obviously you're in H.

And why do you think I am a good shot at scholarships? wouldn't they award scholarships on merit, numbers, rather than to someone with average or less numbers for their school?

I have never ever heard of being a "half" URM regarding admissions. It's not like "half" Mexicans receive "half" the typical LSAT boost. You either check the Hispanic box on the application or you don't. The reason you'll be eligible for scholarships at those schools is that the percentage of URM's who manage to get a 171 coupled with that decent of a GPA has to be insanely low.Hence the "URM" designation.

But wouldn't that money be better spent purchasing high number applicants rather than at or below median applicants? US News & World Report doesn't record diversity, just numbers. Anyways, I hope your right.

Another question though, anyone know the appropriate length of a DS? Does it have to be kept to 1 page double spaced or can I match the length of my PS, at 2 page double spaced.

[billyez]

I believe I chanced upon one school that said a DS should only be one page. Just check it for each school. My general rule was that it could be no longer than my PS.

P.S. Def. would not retake a 171...and congrats on such a great score.

[Knock]

I believe I chanced upon one school that said a DS should only be one page. Just check it for each school. My general rule was that it could be no longer than my PS.

P.S. Def. would not retake a 171...and congrats on such a great score.

Hmm okay i'll have to do some research.

Thanks Billyez, do you still recommend not retaking even though i'm only half-URM (Mexican-American)? (and even though you've read my PS -- it has nothing to do with my ethnicity or heritage).

[billyez]

Tanicius's earlier response is the credited response concerning this. If you identify yourself as a URM on the application, you are a URM and receive the boost. It's that simple. I checked my ethnicity on the application and didn't mention it in my PS at all.

But let's not even think about the URM implications - Knockglock, you received a 171 on your LSAT. The positive reprecussions of that score, combined with your GPA, should be making you feel like your on top of the world. Even if you weren't a URM you'd be a highly competitive applicant. With your numbers, the added boost on your application and the quality of your PS, I'm going to bet right here and right now that you'll be accepted in one of the top three schools (if not more than one) - and that's not a hard bet to make.

Don't retake.


P.S. I'd e-mail the admission office of the schools your interested in sending a DS too and just ask them if they accept one and what's the appropriate length.

[Knock]

Tanicius's earlier response is the credited response concerning this. If you identify yourself as a URM on the application, you are a URM and receive the boost. It's that simple. I checked my ethnicity on the application and didn't mention it in my PS at all.

But let's not even think about the URM implications - Knockglock, you received a 171 on your LSAT. The positive reprecussions of that score, combined with your GPA, should be making you feel like your on top of the world. Even if you weren't a URM you'd be a highly competitive applicant. With your numbers, the added boost on your application and the quality of your PS, I'm going to bet right here and right now that you'll be accepted in one of the top three schools (if not more than one) - and that's not a hard bet to make.

Don't retake.


P.S. I'd e-mail the admission office of the schools your interested in sending a DS too and just ask them if they accept one and what's the appropriate length.

Thanks for the support Billyez, I really appreciate it, and also the advice on the retake. It's always good for me to here some positivity, sometimes it can be rare around here, and I really appreciate your attitude and helpfulness.