"Why X?" and ED Forum

[ATR]

I'm considering applying ED, but it depends on what my LSAT score is (waiting for Friday).

Anyway, I understand that writing a "Why X?" essay is generally inconsequential - except for some yield-protection considerations - but could it help in some ED situations? Specifically, I may applying ED to GW. I have very specific reasons for doing so that don't involve the $$$, so would this help me at all? Or does the fact that I've entered into a binding ED contract negate the influence of a "Why X?" essay, because, you know, I've entered such a contract?

[tourdeforcex]

write it. it might help. it might not. but it can't hurt.

[lzyovrachievr]

I'm considering applying ED, but it depends on what my LSAT score is (waiting for Friday).

Anyway, I understand that writing a "Why X?" essay is generally inconsequential - except for some yield-protection considerations - but could it help in some ED situations? Specifically, I may applying ED to GW. I have very specific reasons for doing so that don't involve the $$$, so would this help me at all? Or does the fact that I've entered into a binding ED contract negate the influence of a "Why X?" essay, because, you know, I've entered such a contract?

Well, they already know you're interested in their school, so it's not useful for that. But, that said, if it is done well, I don't think it will hurt your application, and the school may well see your reasoning or research about their school and find it impressive. I'd doubt it, but since it probably won't hurt you, it might be worth a shot (provided you have good, legitimate reasons for the essay).

[bk1]

write it. it might help. it might not. but it can't hurt.

It can probably hurt if it's written like shit.

OP, write it if you like. If you manage to make a good one then you may as well attach it even if it is unlikely to help. If it is crappy or just mediocre, don't bother sending it in.

[tourdeforcex]

i'll agree w/ bk.

i'm hoping if OP care enough about lol school to be on TLS, post a well written question using the big word "inconsequential" (which i don't think i've ever used in my life), OP won't be writing a Why GW that is "written like shit"

[sherpaorlawschool]

I was in a slightly similar situation earlier in the cycle (different school, no scholarship money on the table). I found an article on the "Why X" Addendum written by VanWinkle (Apologies to the writer if it was not VanWinkle).
http://www.top-law-schools.com/writing- ... endum.html
I didn't write a "Why X" essay since I applied ED and was accepted earlier this cycle. The article convinced me with the reasons not to write an essay, mainly that it is redundant and applying ED is the ultimate "Why X" in and of itself. However, everyone is different and some people did get in ED with an essay. My point is that people get into their top choice without writing the extra essay.

[ATR]

sherpaorlawschool, thanks for the link. I'll read through it later and make a decision about the essay.

You all seem to be right about "Why X?" being redundant and ED already expressing the "Why X?" sentiments.

[sherpaorlawschool]

sherpaorlawschool, thanks for the link. I'll read through it later and make a decision about the essay.

You all seem to be right about "Why X?" being redundant and ED already expressing the "Why X?" sentiments.

No problem. If you do decide to write the essay, you may find the article to be helpful since it gives a lot of tips. If not, the article will give you good reasons for not doing it.

[Bitter Buffalo]

So is the conventional TLS wisdom to not write a "Why X?" essay for your ED school unless you have very specific and unique reasons? I intend on applying somewhere ED, but my reasons for going are generic and uninteresting (e.g. prestige, location, atmosphere, etc.). Still, I feel a nagging guilt to write one. I'm an average writer, though, so I don't think I could blow them out of the water. Could an earnest, but unspectacular, essay still help, or is it just taking an unnecessary risk?

[AreJay711]

So is the conventional TLS wisdom to not write a "Why X?" essay for your ED school unless you have very specific and unique reasons? I intend on applying somewhere ED, but my reasons for going are generic and uninteresting (e.g. prestige, location, atmosphere, etc.). Still, I feel a nagging guilt to write one. I'm an average writer, though, so I don't think I could blow them out of the water. Could an earnest, but unspectacular, essay still help, or is it just taking an unnecessary risk?

Most people apply most places because those reasons so a why X won't do much. If you have cool reasons or especially reasons that can't be duplicated by other schools then you might want to write about it. What would really be good is if you can can come up with reasons that would make the school want to take you. I might apply ED to Michigan if my lsat is low and in my "why Michigan?" I talk about how I want to be a law prof and Michigan's support and programs for academic placement. That way I give Michigan reason to take me ED over others because they know I will work toward something they want. If you can the match the schools goals I think it can be really helpful.