How many PS's are you tailoring? Forum

[Flanker1067]

I have a selection of 14 schools, all of which I could see myself at, hence why I am applying. Because the list is large, I simply cannot tailor every essay or write a "why X?" for each one. So my question:

What % of your schools did you tailor your application for? Did you notice more positive responses for the ones you did?

[Neelio]

50%

[Flanker1067]

I feel like that is pretty fair, I think I will end up doing 6 or 7. I have tailored 2 of 3 that are already out. (Plus Berkeley practically requires one and Penn literally does.)

[Cale39]

reapplying in 2010 I will be tailoring almost all considering I will have so much time available. To me, tailoring consists of 2-5 lines talking about something very specific to that law school or meeting with an admissions rep at a law school fair.

[rw2264]

made one shorter for a length requirement. the rest are identical. never visited any of the law school campuses i'm applying to (though i've been to most of their corresponding UG institutions) so i didn't have much to say, and it really didn't fit with my PS.

[Amelie]

Didn't tailor any (but it really wouldn't have worked with my PS). Doesn't seem to be causing any problems.

[holydonkey]

0% Just write the Why X essay in addition.

[lawyering]

I have a selection of 14 schools, all of which I could see myself at, hence why I am applying. Because the list is large, I simply cannot tailor every essay or write a "why X?" for each one. So my question:

What % of your schools did you tailor your application for? Did you notice more positive responses for the ones you did?

I wrote 2 essays -- one that I used as my PS for all schools except NYU. Then a second "diversity statement," I added to half my apps, and used as my PS for NYU in order to use my first to apply for their public interest scholarships. I didn't write a single "why X school" essay.

[Flanker1067]

Didn't tailor any (but it really wouldn't have worked with my PS). Doesn't seem to be causing any problems.

If you don't mind could you say where you got in and #'s. I am just interested to know if I am wasting time tailoring.

Also, this is good input. It only kind of fits with my ps, but I said tailoring your APPLICATION, in order to include for "Why X?" essays.

[rw2264]

you could very well be wasting your time... if you're just throwing the school's name in at the end and mentioning a program you read about online (unless it is perfectly in line with your demonstrated interests) its probably not worth the time. just write "Why x" essays in addition, if they have them

[Amelie]

Didn't tailor any (but it really wouldn't have worked with my PS). Doesn't seem to be causing any problems.

If you don't mind could you say where you got in and #'s. I am just interested to know if I am wasting time tailoring.

Also, this is good input. It only kind of fits with my ps, but I said tailoring your APPLICATION, in order to include for "Why X?" essays.

My LSN is linked in my profile for numbers and acceptances (173/3.9).

And sorry, it said PS in the topic, I must have overlooked the application part. I did send a Why X for schools that requested one (Penn & Mich), and sent a belated one to UVA because I got worried about YP. Other than that I didn't do anything, though.

[Flanker1067]

Ahh ok, well your #'s speak for themselves. Mine are good but not that good.

[Flanker1067]

you could very well be wasting your time... if you're just throwing the school's name in at the end and mentioning a program you read about online (unless it is perfectly in line with your demonstrated interests) its probably not worth the time. just write "Why x" essays in addition, if they have them

Well I have work experience in financial services and have written a ps on that experience and an interest in securities law. So, some schools do have journals and clinics that could benefit from that experience, but I definately think I am stretching too far on one.

[ps494]

I would really like to tailor my PS to each school, but I have no room left. How can you adequately write a PS short enough that would allow room for a discussion about the school?

[Flanker1067]

I would really like to tailor my PS to each school, but I have no room left. How can you adequately write a PS short enough that would allow room for a discussion about the school?

Well for example, on one I said something like "I am looking forward to being a part of this unique clinic that I believe I can contribute meaningfully to because of my experience", in a short paragraph at the end. Is that bad?

[ps494]

I would really like to tailor my PS to each school, but I have no room left. How can you adequately write a PS short enough that would allow room for a discussion about the school?

Well for example, on one I said something like "I am looking forward to being a part of this unique clinic that I believe I can contribute meaningfully to because of my experience", in a short paragraph at the end. Is that bad?

I guess I've always considered a targeted PS to have a short paragraph and not just a couple lines.