Math and Law PS-Need advice for Final Draft Forum

[Guillermo]

I'm going to apply by the end of the month. This version is pretty close to what I want, and several people looked over it. I just want to improve it some more before sending it off. It's slightly less than two pages double spaced. Let me know what you all think.

Mouth slightly ajar, eyes searching my face for a sign I am joking—friends and family always react the same way when I first tell them I am studying math before going to law school. It is not unusual for them to tell me I should major in something more applicable to law—English or history perhaps. Even more often, someone will tell me I could use my math background to become an engineer or a doctor. “When will you ever need to use Calculus as a lawyer?” they object. The first few times I was asked this question, I could not give a reply. Eventually, I came to understand my affinity for the objectivity and problem solving inherent in math was what drew me towards a career in the legal field.

Math has always been a way for me to push myself. Coming from a rural Kentucky town, my high school offered few opportunities for learning math, but that wouldn’t stop me. By taking independent study AP Calculus course in high school and competing in statewide math competitions, I challenged myself to see how far I could go. That did not stop when I got to college, but all of a sudden math was not easy anymore. In fact, I started off well behind most of the students in my classes, which put me in an unfamiliar position. Well into sophomore year, the problem-solving abilities and analytical reasoning that were at the foundation of all of my upper level math courses were lacking. The further I got, the more apparent it became, until slowly but surely I almost hated what had been my favorite subject. At this critical juncture, I seriously doubted whether I had what it takes. It would have been so easy to give up, but pride, determination, and my love of learning would not let me. I know I will face similar adversity in law school, and my experience with my back against the wall will prove useful as a motivating example of what I am able to do in rough times.

I could not see it in the moment, but a big part of what was holding me back in my math classes was a lack of attention to detail, which affected everything from taking notes during lecture, to understanding my textbooks and answering problems on tests. Luckily, during my sophomore year I joined the mock trial team and took on the role of an attorney, which meant I had to be able to interpret the rules of evidence. In the beginning, I was not good with responding to objections because, just like in math, the smaller details would slip by. As the year went on, I got better by watching the other attorneys and learning to work out exactly what was being said— instead of merely assuming. It was around that time that I realized what I had been learning was applicable to my math classes. Sure enough, like a veil lifting from my eyes, when I took the time to pay attention to the nitty-gritty details, the mysteries in my math books became clear, and the “stupid mistakes” on exams were much less frequent. In law school, I will approach the problems I face, both big and small, with the heightened attention to detail because of what I learned.

Nearly two years later, I am more confident than ever in my abilities to pay attention to detail and reason through complex problems like those I might encounter in law school. I probably will not use the fundamental theorem of calculus, a proof for Euler’s formula, or my flowcharts for solving a differential equation as a lawyer, but the method of thinking I employed in all of my math classes, will help me tremendously in law school and in my career. Because I persevered when things were hard, this semester, I am taking advanced calculus, a class I simply would not have been able to take two years ago. On the first day of class, we introduced ourselves and explained our career interests. I got some weird looks when I said I wanted to go to law school, but I just smiled and said “They’re more alike than you think.”

[CanadianWolf]

Have you taken the LSAT yet ? If so, are you willing to share your numbers here or via PM as it will relate to my critique of your PS. Basically, this PS is okay if you have strong numbers, but may not be a wise topic choice if your LSAT & GPA are weak. My reasoning is that your PS portrays you as less than brilliant even though hardworking & determined.

[Guillermo]

I have a 167 LSAT and a 3.76 GPA. I have a 4.0 in classes that aren't math. I got a C in Calculus 4 my sophomore and a few Bs before that.

[CanadianWolf]

Are you willing to retake the LSAT ? (As an aside, have you taken the GMAT or GRE ?)

Your numbers make this, in my opinion, an inappropriate PS for T-10 law schools because the lasting impression is that you are not as bright as many of your peers in college. Although this is probably untrue, it is an impression made by your PS.

[pancakes3]

What's calc 4?

[CanadianWolf]

Asked about the GMAT/GRE because NYU's MBA program has amazing full-ride scholarships for college seniors ($104,000 per year.) ( Plus, I'd like to see how an 167 LSAT compares to a GMAT/GRE score.)

[Guillermo]

What's calc 4?

Differential Equations at my school

[Guillermo]

Are you willing to retake the LSAT ? (As an aside, have you taken the GMAT or GRE ?)

Your numbers make this, in my opinion, an inappropriate PS for T-10 law schools because the lasting impression is that you are not as bright as many of your peers in college. Although this is probably untrue, it is an impression made by your PS.

I haven't taken either. I retook in October and got a 164. I think I could do better if I had time in the summer. If I don't get in where I want, I'm going to retake in June.

Would it help if I made some changes to emphasize that I am doing better than average now? I mean for it to sound like I got off to a bad start due to a lack of foundation. I retook Calc 4 and got an A a year after I originally got a bad grade. They would be able to see that on my transcript.

[CanadianWolf]

Probably. One's law school PS should leave an impression with the reader. Ask yourself what is the dominant theme of my PS. What is the primary, or most memorable, message that I am sending to readers ?

[totesTheGoat]

my affinity for the objectivity and problem solving inherent in math was what drew me towards a career in the legal field.

I'd get rid of "objectivity." Calling law "objective" sticks out like a sore thumb. Even the most "objective" law is ridiculously subjective.

Because I persevered when things were hard, this semester, I am taking advanced calculus, a class I simply would not have been able to take two years ago.

I think this needs to be reworded. My first thought was why were you, as a math major, previously unable to take advanced calculus? Isn't that something you're expected to do as a math major?

Other than that, I like it!

[Alive97]

I assume CanadianWolf's reasoning is based on the assumption that not excelling in math classes right away means you're not as brilliant as many of your college peers.

I deem this assumption flawed.

[Phoenix97]

Post removed...

[Maplesyrup]

"i'm not a fan of this because i can't read well"

[salander]

Mouth slightly ajar, eyes searching my face for a sign I am joking—friends and family always react the same way when I first tell them I am studying math before going to law school. It is not unusual for them to tell me I should major in something more applicable to law—English or history perhaps. Even more often, someone will tell me I could use my math background to become an engineer or a doctor. “When will you ever need to use Calculus as a lawyer?” they object. The first few times I was asked this question, I could not give a reply. Eventually, I came to understand my affinity for the objectivity and problem solving inherent in math was what drew me towards a career in the legal field.

Okay, I can completely relate to this. BUT my biggest concern with your essay is that I'm not sure how unique this topic will be. Can't every STEM major write a a similar essay? What draws you to the law field other than the problem solving aspect? Why'd you choose the legal field over, say, medicine?

I know I will face similar adversity in law school, and my experience with my back against the wall will prove useful as a motivating example of what I am able to do in rough times.

Again, I'm a little doubtful that writing an essay on academic adversity will make your application pop. It's not quite as motivational as adversity of a different aspect (socioeconomic background, etc.)

Because I persevered when things were hard, this semester, I am taking advanced calculus, a class I simply would not have been able to take two years ago. On the first day of class, we introduced ourselves and explained our career interests. I got some weird looks when I said I wanted to go to law school, but I just smiled and said “They’re more alike than you think.”

I agree with totes that my first thought was, "Why weren't you able to take advanced calculus earlier?" If you're going to stick with this topic, perhaps list an achievement that unquestionably puts you in a positive light. e.g. scoring near the top of your class in one of the most challenging math classes at your school or something.

[PoopyPants]

I was talking to a work friend yesterday about school. When I told him I was finishing my math degree, he asked me why I picked something so difficult (I've noticed that there is a common perception that math is more difficult than most majors, which I'm not sure is objectively true for everyone) when I was planning on going to law school. I explained to him that the critical thinking and problem solving skills that I've honed over my math courses will help me in law school, as will the writing skills I've picked up writing research papers for said courses.

But, pretty much any STEM major, and certainly any math major, could say the same thing. It's not unique to me, which is why I didn't write about it in my PS. I wrote about something that said something about me specifically.

[salander]

I've noticed that there is a common perception that math is more difficult than most majors, which I'm not sure is objectively true for everyone

Certainly not true for everyone, although I do find mathematical minds to be beautiful.

[PoopyPants]

I've noticed that there is a common perception that math is more difficult than most majors, which I'm not sure is objectively true for everyone

Certainly not true for everyone, although I do find mathematical minds to be beautiful.

My wife might disagree with you.