- too "self-centered" or whiney about past?
- not specific enough about experiences during undergrad?
- too generic?
Any other thoughts welcome too! I know if any school looks beyond the numbers it is SLS, so please give me your best/worst
I entered the examination room wearing dark blue jeans and a grey blazer, a calculated balance between formal and casual. The comprehensive oral and written examination that I was about to sit for was created for a handful of hopefuls – there were eight of us in total – who didn’t hold a “Matura” that is required to enroll at a Swiss university. Although appearances shouldn’t have been the deciding factor, the investments and sacrifices I had made over the past months meant that nothing could be left to chance. On top of this, I was the only test-taker sitting without a preparatory course, making admission to the University of Zurich even more of a stretch. Still, my heart was set on higher education, and I had a strong feeling that fate would find sympathy with my wishes. A few weeks later, I received the telephone call that would change not only my future, but also the self-perception of my abilities.
The move to Switzerland at age eleven had hugely affected my progress at school. Not speaking a word of German, the transition required me to immerse myself in a foreign culture at a time where everyone was just trying to be accepted by their classmates. The fact that I had just been offered place at grammar school back in England made things all the more frustrating. My single mother was always there to emotionally support my sister and I, but she couldn’t make life during class and recess any more comprehensible or tolerable. Under the pressure of this enormous change, my motivation and grades suffered. Years passed and I became proficient in German to the point of being accent-free. Towards the end of my apprenticeship program, I developed a strong appreciation for my multicultural experience. I had shared the classroom with kids from all walks of life; the daughters and sons of both expats and Eastern European refugees. This afforded me an outlook on society that few of my peers possessed, and the realization that I could play this hand and potentially achieve great things led me to focus on my potential rather than the hurdles I had encountered until this point.
Upon entering university, I became particularly interested in how different cultures and classes resolved their differences on the domestic and international stage. This led me to a successful and rewarding career in the world of Model United Nations. I received many diplomatic awards for my ability to bridge gaps between parties that had difficulty finding common ground, discovering the common denominator in the debate and articulating a pragmatic and inclusive solution. Using these same skills, I was also able to make a real impact in student politics. As co-president of the students’ union in my sophomore year, I made it my goal to help current and potential students from all backgrounds to access and succeed in higher education, and enjoy the educational benefits that I had come to appreciate. Although challenging at times, it was ultimately an incredibly rewarding experience to negotiate with ideologically diverse actors both internal and external to the union and create positive-sum solutions to all kinds of issues.
The insights gained during my studies and extra-curricular experiences at the University of Zurich and the London School of Economics has brought me to the conclusion that the study of law is the next step. Although I cannot say exactly in what area I wish to practice in upon graduation, I would cherish the opportunity to address and resolve the same disagreements and misunderstandings between parties, only this time wielding the power of a top-notch legal education from my home country and state. During a trip to SLS last spring to get a feel for the school and sit in a class, I spoke with various students. What struck me the most was their diversity in every possible measure. During my time spent at LSE I have gained appreciation for just what such a well-rounded student body can provide; despite differing stories and paths, a mission to change the world in some shape or form unites everyone. Immersion in such an environment means you cannot help but be challenged and have your perspectives broadened even further.
It is with these insights and aspirations that I submit my application to Stanford Law School. By accepting me to your J.D. program, you would gain a driven student dedicated to the understanding and improvement of the legal system and society as a whole. I thank you for considering my application.
