Did you talk about what attracts you to each school? Forum

[Bill James]

I do not have any room left in my PS to insert a paragraph explaining exactly why I'm interested in that particular school. Is it necessary that we tell schools why we're applying to their school (i.e., clinics, joint degrees, etc.)?

[Pearalegal]

No, its not...I've never really gotten the desire to format each PS to each school. Why X essays are one thing...but the personal statement is supposed to be about you, not the school.

I didn't, at least, and my cycle is going along swimmingly.

[as stars burn]

Meh, I did for about half the schools...but not for the other half. Some specifically asked me to so I did....others I felt compelled too because something in their program stood out for me and I wanted the admissions committee to know it. I don't think it could hurt to put it in...but I don't think it'll hurt if you leave it out either (unless of course the applications says to include it).

[nixxers]

I only did it for Berkeley, which I withdrew from before receiving a decision. Not including a specific paragraph for each school doesn't seem to have hurt me so far.

[vanwinkle]

I didn't mention anything legal in my PS at all. Not the law school I was applying to, not the generic and overused "why I want to be a lawyer" language, nothing.

It depends on what and who you're writing for. Sometimes it's appropriate, sometimes it's not. If I were applying to Berkeley I would've talked about the school, because I know they expect you to, and they give you 4 pages to work with.

[BC2010]

depending on your numbers, it'll probably save you from falling victim to the YP monster...

[02122015]

.

[Nom Sawyer]

I do not have any room left in my PS to insert a paragraph explaining exactly why I'm interested in that particular school. Is it necessary that we tell schools why we're applying to their school (i.e., clinics, joint degrees, etc.)?

nope.. sent exact same PS word for word to all 10 schools I applied to

[legalized]

I do not have any room left in my PS to insert a paragraph explaining exactly why I'm interested in that particular school. Is it necessary that we tell schools why we're applying to their school (i.e., clinics, joint degrees, etc.)?

I certainly plan to for the top schools and the best school in my area (which is a T20). The rest can take a generic version.