Critique "Why Cornell" essay Forum

[cinefile 17]

...

[crossingforHYS]

really vague....so you like the location and size... do some more research into the programs and be more specific in your answers. Sorry to sound harsh, but I just feel like you are saying a lot without saying much...

[cinephile]

Although the physical and social environment are important to consider when selecting a law school, I'm not sure that they are necessarily factors that should be mentioned in a "why x" essay. Or, at least, they shouldn't be the primary factors.

I'm also writing a "Why Cornell" essay for this cycle, but mine focuses on a dual degree offer that is unique to Cornell. Specific programs or opportunities should be addressed in this type of essay.

[kayljsh]

I'm also writing a "Why" essay, although not to Cornell. I'm curious how long these typically are?

[bk1]

I'm also writing a "Why" essay, although not to Cornell. I'm curious how long these typically are?

1/2 to 1 page, I believe.

[kayljsh]

Thanks!

[Bildungsroman]

Why are people writing a "Why Cornell" essay? AFAIK they don't ask for one, and give you 2 1/2 lines on the application to give a reason.

[trudat15]

Why are people writing a "Why Cornell" essay? AFAIK they don't ask for one, and give you 2 1/2 lines on the application to give a reason.

Was wondering the same thing. They specifically give you the space in the app to write this.

[artichoke]

yeah, I don't think it is a great idea to write an essay when not asked for one.

[iwanta170]

yeah, I don't think it is a great idea to write an essay when not asked for one.

bumping this reply. does anyone agree or disagree with this? I was thinking of writing a Why X for berkeley, penn, michigan, duke, cornell, and georgetown, but not all of them ask for one...

[trudat15]

yeah, I don't think it is a great idea to write an essay when not asked for one.

bumping this reply. does anyone agree or disagree with this? I was thinking of writing a Why X for berkeley, penn, michigan, duke, cornell, and georgetown, but not all of them ask for one...

A lot of schools have it informally - as in they say anything that you wish to include that would help them make a decision, you can.

Michigan def has one as one of their optional essays.
UVA doesnt ask for one, but they say a lot of people submit them anyways, and dont discourage it.
Penn's 5 year plan is basically a why Penn.

Though with Cornell in particular, they have space in the application that asks why cornell, so I think the posters above probably mean - if they ask for it in the application and give you space to fill it out, why would you supplement that with a second Why Cornell?

[bk1]

bumping this reply. does anyone agree or disagree with this? I was thinking of writing a Why X for berkeley, penn, michigan, duke, cornell, and georgetown, but not all of them ask for one...

If they say they accept one or accept "any additional info" then I would say write it if it is good. If they don't then don't. If it is written like crap, or even just mediocre, don't attach it.

Maybe if they don't say it but you are trying to avoid getting YP'ed then you may want to, but only maybe.

[let/them/eat/cake]

Although the physical and social environment are important to consider when selecting a law school, I'm not sure that they are necessarily factors that should be mentioned in a "why x" essay. Or, at least, they shouldn't be the primary factors.

I'm also writing a "Why Cornell" essay for this cycle, but mine focuses on a dual degree offer that is unique to Cornell. Specific programs or opportunities should be addressed in this type of essay.

More like a francophile.

[iwanta170]

For Cornell, will it look good if we say "Please see attachment" on the 2-3 lines they give and include the Why X?

I just want to do anything I can to show my interest

[iwanta170]

For Cornell, will it look good if we say "Please see attachment" on the 2-3 lines they give and include the Why X?

I just want to do anything I can to show my interest

bump

[cinephile]

Although the physical and social environment are important to consider when selecting a law school, I'm not sure that they are necessarily factors that should be mentioned in a "why x" essay. Or, at least, they shouldn't be the primary factors.

I'm also writing a "Why Cornell" essay for this cycle, but mine focuses on a dual degree offer that is unique to Cornell. Specific programs or opportunities should be addressed in this type of essay.

More like a francophile.

Why can't I be both?

[im_blue]

From TLS interview of Cornell's Dean of Admissions:
How do you view personal statements that briefly mention Cornell Law, but could be sent to other schools with a few adjustments?
- I don’t have a set view on it. If it’s a good personal statement, it will be good regardless of whether it mentions our law school. The same would be true if it’s a bad personal statement.

Could an applicant significantly improve his or her chances of admission by drafting a personal statement specifically for Cornell?
- I don’t think so. A specific connection with our law school is not really what we’re after. We’re looking to get to know more about the person who’s applying so we can make an informed decision about his or her potential.

[Vanny]

"In pursuit of a legal education to serve the underprivileged, I wish to gain the best practical experience law school can provide. Cornell's Child Advocacy Clinic will allow me to build on previous mentorship experience with at-risk youth, and grant the opportunity to facilitate constructive conversations by sharing those experiences."

[bk1]

"In pursuit of a legal education to serve the underprivileged, I wish to gain the best practical experience law school can provide. Cornell's Child Advocacy Clinic will allow me to build on previous mentorship experience with at-risk youth, and grant the opportunity to facilitate constructive conversations by sharing those experiences."

There is no real need to respond to 6 year old threads about Cornell.