Personal Statements and Name-Dropping Forum

[uscfan45]

I would imagine name dropping to be a no-no in a personal statement, but the reason I want to go to law school, and this school in particular is because a well known alumni inspired me to be. Scrap the story all together or go with it?

[Zapatero]

It all depends on how you write it. Most likely, it will sound pretentious.

[CardinalRules]

95% probability that it won't work.

[jazzluvr]

Depends what you mean by name dropping. If the name pops up in an event that's truly relevant to your experience, I think there's no problem. (Sort of like admissible evidence, I guess...) I mentioned a big gun's name in my statement only because I had to. He was the litigator on a case I did some volunteer work on, the case was a big one, and the event was important to my statement. There was virtually no way not to mention him. I got permission from him first and referenced him only to a minimal extent. I got in everywhere I applied (no T14).

[bluejayk]

Is is Noam Chomsky, by any chance?

[MartianManhunter]

I name dropped in my Why Michigan because what this alum had to say about the school made it one of my top choices. I got in, though who knows how much of an effect it had. I'd go with it if it's a tailored PS or a Why X statement and there is a compelling story with it (i.e, something the alum did or said made the school stand out vs. merely knowing an alum that's a cool guy).

[Oban]

I name dropped in my PS, but not in relation to any school, just in reference to my topic, which dealt with economics.

[reasonabledoubt]

Is is Noam Chomsky, by any chance?

There's no MIT Law.... I'd imagine it would be an interesting school though!