Top Law Schools

Should I write a DS based on the following:

Being first generation, 1st to go to a university in my family, mom and dad did not have any education in the states (not even high school or an AA), learned things the hard way due to a naive new generation family in America (been arrested and convicted of fighting, went through a gambling problem in college which resulted in attending GA)

Was thinking to include struggles my family had to overcome, including the upbringing of my teenage years to explain for factors such as an unguided path, resulting in my arrest. Explaining how that event had changed my life which resulted in a more mature outlook. Also in the beginning of college, gambling addiction along with joining a fraternity ruined 1st year grades. After attending GA and maturing from fraternity life, once again I became more mature and have gotten a 3.8 GPA and have not gambled at a casino ever since. I know some may argue that I am making mistakes over and over again, but this time I believe I have matured to the fullest level, especially having experience what it feels like to be in jail, the experience of a compulsive gambler, and knowing what priority is most important.

I am not sure if this would qualify as a DS or if it should be included in my PS, but any suggestions from you guys would be great. Thanks again

I think you should, especially with the 1st generation/finding your way.

You definitely went through a lot of struggles, but def don't put in everything. If it's too much of a downer...adcomms might get overwhelmed. I know I did.

Good luck.

lhlee wrote:I think you should, especially with the 1st generation/finding your way.

You definitely went through a lot of struggles, but def don't put in everything. If it's too much of a downer...adcomms might get overwhelmed. I know I did.

Good luck.

Also, don't make the 1st gen thing about your parents. Mention it and then focus on the effects it had on your life and then how trudged through it. And don't turn this into a cover-all-bases addendum. It sounds a lot like you're trying to mesh both a grade addendum and C&F Statement into a diversity statement about growing up in a first-gen household. Which could be fine. But be careful.

mst wrote:

lhlee wrote:I think you should, especially with the 1st generation/finding your way.

You definitely went through a lot of struggles, but def don't put in everything. If it's too much of a downer...adcomms might get overwhelmed. I know I did.

Good luck.

Also, don't make the 1st gen thing about your parents. Mention it and then focus on the effects it had on your life and then how trudged through it. And don't turn this into a cover-all-bases addendum. It sounds a lot like you're trying to mesh both a grade addendum and C&F Statement into a diversity statement about growing up in a first-gen household. Which could be fine. But be careful.

cosigned.