Why Michigan take 2, advice please
Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2010 8:37 pm
Still pretty rough as I just rewrote a good portion. Let me know what you think. As I mentioned in another thread, this is my first "why?" essay. I have not visited nor will I be able to before apps are sent. Is the opening too "kiss ass-y?" Sound too much like it's completely website based? ( I mean it is but, too obvious?) Basically in the interview with the dean he said. don't make it sound pro forma, let me know if mine does and if it does what I can do about it. Also it is at 415 words right now, is that too much? Thanks!
Since I was old enough to understand the concept of college, my cousin Larry has been extolling the virtues of the University of Michigan. One would think his rambling’s would have been lost on a child of seven, but as I began my search for a law school I remembered his passionate raves and made it a point to find out what had made such an impression. It turned out that what I found was my top choice for law school.
I intend to pursue a career in public interest that will allow me to utilize my background in psychology. I came to appreciate the tangible connection between the two fields after an undergraduate psychology course assigned “Social Science and the Evolving Standards of Death Penalty Law,” co-authored by Phoebe Ellsworth. As a result of the article and my internship experience in criminal law, I have become especially interested in the continuing development of death penalty policy. I believe that conducting research under professor Ellsworth, a preeminent scholar in psychology, law, and the death penalty in particular, would provide me skills and experience that would be invaluable assets in achieving my academic and career goals. I am also interested in participating in the Criminal Appellate Practice Clinic in order to build upon my background in criminal law. I believe I am an excellent candidate for this clinic due to my ability to provided alternative perspectives and insight gained through my experience as an intern with the State Attorney’s Office.
In addition to academic factors, Michigan’s location and environment make the school an excellent personal fit. I attended undergrad in a college town and found that the focus on the university created a sense of community unlike anywhere I have ever lived. Ann Arbor’s collegial reputation and Midwest location makes Michigan more appealing then other top law schools located in unfriendly urban surroundings. In keeping with the school's reputation, and after speaking with many current and past students, I would describe the student body as open minded, grounded and diverse. These qualities are crucial to varied intellectual conversation and are a major factor in my decision.
The appeal of Michigan’s impressive academics and attractive location is further augmented by the university’s rich history, architectural beauty, and national reputation. When all factors are taken into consideration, Michigan stands apart as my top choice for law schools.
Since I was old enough to understand the concept of college, my cousin Larry has been extolling the virtues of the University of Michigan. One would think his rambling’s would have been lost on a child of seven, but as I began my search for a law school I remembered his passionate raves and made it a point to find out what had made such an impression. It turned out that what I found was my top choice for law school.
I intend to pursue a career in public interest that will allow me to utilize my background in psychology. I came to appreciate the tangible connection between the two fields after an undergraduate psychology course assigned “Social Science and the Evolving Standards of Death Penalty Law,” co-authored by Phoebe Ellsworth. As a result of the article and my internship experience in criminal law, I have become especially interested in the continuing development of death penalty policy. I believe that conducting research under professor Ellsworth, a preeminent scholar in psychology, law, and the death penalty in particular, would provide me skills and experience that would be invaluable assets in achieving my academic and career goals. I am also interested in participating in the Criminal Appellate Practice Clinic in order to build upon my background in criminal law. I believe I am an excellent candidate for this clinic due to my ability to provided alternative perspectives and insight gained through my experience as an intern with the State Attorney’s Office.
In addition to academic factors, Michigan’s location and environment make the school an excellent personal fit. I attended undergrad in a college town and found that the focus on the university created a sense of community unlike anywhere I have ever lived. Ann Arbor’s collegial reputation and Midwest location makes Michigan more appealing then other top law schools located in unfriendly urban surroundings. In keeping with the school's reputation, and after speaking with many current and past students, I would describe the student body as open minded, grounded and diverse. These qualities are crucial to varied intellectual conversation and are a major factor in my decision.
The appeal of Michigan’s impressive academics and attractive location is further augmented by the university’s rich history, architectural beauty, and national reputation. When all factors are taken into consideration, Michigan stands apart as my top choice for law schools.