need some help on Why X essay .... please Forum

[goodbyeLSAT]

I am applying for Duke and Michigan, and my pre-law adviser told me that both of them require why X optional essays.

both of my lsat and gpa are above their 50%, so i want to show some genuine interests.

Instead of writing a super-generic essay, I do have some personal reasons to attend. However, none of them is about unique clinical programs, academic environment, or other safe topics.

So, could you guys take a look at them and give me some advice?

thanks

[goodbyeLSAT]

no reply??

Anyway, I wrote about how prestigious and renowned Duke law school is in my home country, and that I will be more than likely to find a lucrative position back home to requite my financial debt.

if you think it will be an instant rejection, please comment below

[cbbinnyc]

I don't think that will be instant rejection (if you are above both medians I'd say you're in pretty good shape). But, from your description, that does not sound like a good "Why X" essay. First of all, don't talk about prestige. Both Duke and Michigan have established reputations of excellence that extend globally; it's a given that they are prestigious. Also, don't talk about being able to get a "lucrative" position to pay off your debt. I don't think there are any students who want to go to a school because they think it will likely lead to a low paying job that will leave them crushed under mountains of debt. Unless you can say something that is unique to your situation (I am interested in XX law and am excited by the opportunities afforded by the X Institute; I want to pursue a career in public interest and the X program is of interest to me, etc etc) don't include a Why X statement. With numbers over the median, I doubt it will make much a difference anyway.

[goodbyeLSAT]

I don't think that will be instant rejection (if you are above both medians I'd say you're in pretty good shape). But, from your description, that does not sound like a good "Why X" essay. First of all, don't talk about prestige. Both Duke and Michigan have established reputations of excellence that extend globally; it's a given that they are prestigious. Also, don't talk about being able to get a "lucrative" position to pay off your debt. I don't think there are any students who want to go to a school because they think it will likely lead to a low paying job that will leave them crushed under mountains of debt. Unless you can say something that is unique to your situation (I am interested in XX law and am excited by the opportunities afforded by the X Institute; I want to pursue a career in public interest and the X program is of interest to me, etc etc) don't include a Why X statement. With numbers over the median, I doubt it will make much a difference anyway.

Thank you for your advice. Now I realize it's not a right move to talk about about lucrative position and debt.

Duke law school does have unique relationship with my home country, and it is far more well known than the other top14 (except HYS). To be honest, this is the only reason why I want to attend Duke, ie. its prestige. The program I am interested in is not very strong in Duke. I find it very difficult to put things I don't believe in my writing.

[FutureLitigator]

I find it very difficult to put things I don't believe in my writing.

And you want to be a lawyer because? Also, what country are you from? if you don't mind me asking, and why is Duke so "prestige"...Are you guys huge basketball fans? Try to state WHY duke is that way in your country without mentioning the prestige part. It is a given they are prestige, it isn't given why you feel that way about your homeland feeling that way about DUKE. Why? And how can you correlate that with what type of law do you want to practice, etc?

[k5220]

Research the schools a little bit to find things to say about them other than prestige. Talk to current or former law students there if you can. (You could probably even find some students in the forums here who would be happy to answer specific questions about what it's like and tell you what they like about it). But even just looking at the things the schools say about themselves on their website would be helpful. Try to find things that are interesting about the schools, things that you would enjoy, things that match up with your demonstrated interests.

For what it's worth, I don't think it matters too much what you choose as long as you can convey it clearly and tie it to your interests. I got into both those schools without writing a Why X essay at all, since I also had numbers above their medians. Don't stress about it too much.

[goodbyeLSAT]

just received packages from both michigan and duke lol. what a coincidence!!

i guess i have plenty to dig now