"Why X?" + ED worthwhile at Chicago? Forum

[Ernert]

Thanks for the info

[lawyerwannabe]

Am I missing something? Without numbers it is hard to say whether an ED to UChi is a good idea or not.

[Ernert]

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[Samara]

I thought I read somewhere on their site something specifically about Why Chicago? essays, but I can't find it. I do know they pointedly say on more than one occasion to be concise and only submit addenda if it absolutely cannot be part of your personal statement, so I would be leery of submitting a Why Chicago essay.

[bport hopeful]

If thats where you really want to go, why not? Doesnt it only take like two weeks to get ED decisions back?

[lawyerwannabe]

If thats where you really want to go, why not? Doesnt it only take like two weeks to get ED decisions back?

No. They send out ED decisions in batches in December.

[Ernert]

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[bport hopeful]

If thats where you really want to go, why not? Doesnt it only take like two weeks to get ED decisions back?

No. They send out ED decisions in batches in December.

Still pretty early. Id do it still if that where you wanna be.

[Ernert]

Something I just dug up on the site (Samara I assume this is what you were referring to):

May I submit a diversity statement or an additional essay?
We do not ask for a diversity statement or additional essays because we believe that the personal statement is an appropriate place for you discuss any aspects of your background (e.g., racial, ethnic, or religious identification, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation) that you think are relevant to your application. If you find that you absolutely cannot convey the necessary information in your personal statement, you may submit an additional statement.

Remember that the Committee is looking for you to demonstrate skills that you will need in law school. We want to see that you can communicate your message in a clear, concise, and organized manner. Often, too many additional or supplemental materials or addenda detract from a clear and concise message.

The impression I'm getting from this statement is that it would be preferable to put any Chicago-ness into the PS and call it a day.

Then this is from the TLS interview with Assistant Dean of Admissions Ann Perry:

TLS: So since you don’t have a Why Chicago question, does that mean that students shouldn’t write one?

It’s fine if they want — they can add it to their personal statement. I am a fan of addendums. If they feel there’s something they really want the admissions committee to know that already isn’t in their application in another way, addendums work in that way. Sometimes I think about going to a Why Chicago question; I haven’t yet, though.

Which seems to contradict the above to an extent, especially because I think when she says, "add it to their personal statement," she means in the form of a separate piece, not just incorporating it into the statement.

[Ernert]

If thats where you really want to go, why not? Doesnt it only take like two weeks to get ED decisions back?

No. They send out ED decisions in batches in December.

Still pretty early. Id do it still if that where you wanna be.

I totally agree. Honestly, I'm basically set on applying there because it basically seems to be my dream school the more I read about it, I'm just trying to figure out this one aspect of my application.

[Samara]

Something I just dug up on the site (Samara I assume this is what you were referring to):

May I submit a diversity statement or an additional essay?
We do not ask for a diversity statement or additional essays because we believe that the personal statement is an appropriate place for you discuss any aspects of your background (e.g., racial, ethnic, or religious identification, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation) that you think are relevant to your application. If you find that you absolutely cannot convey the necessary information in your personal statement, you may submit an additional statement.

Remember that the Committee is looking for you to demonstrate skills that you will need in law school. We want to see that you can communicate your message in a clear, concise, and organized manner. Often, too many additional or supplemental materials or addenda detract from a clear and concise message.

The impression I'm getting from this statement is that it would be preferable to put any Chicago-ness into the PS and call it a day.

Then this is from the TLS interview with Assistant Dean of Admissions Ann Perry:

TLS: So since you don’t have a Why Chicago question, does that mean that students shouldn’t write one?

It’s fine if they want — they can add it to their personal statement. I am a fan of addendums. If they feel there’s something they really want the admissions committee to know that already isn’t in their application in another way, addendums work in that way. Sometimes I think about going to a Why Chicago question; I haven’t yet, though.

Which seems to contradict the above to an extent, especially because I think when she says, "add it to their personal statement," she means in the form of a separate piece, not just incorporating it into the statement.

Yeah, there's that page, but I thought I saw another page. Hmmm...maybe not. Those definitely are mixed messages. I guess if you can think of something really specific and personal that isn't addressed in your PS, go for it.