Is this too much application material? Forum

[Brittany2012]

- Personal Statement
- Diversity Statement
- Addendum (a few paras)
- Why X


The "Why X" would only be for the school that I'm considering ED'ing to, but still... too much??

[BearState]

As long as they are not redundant, it should be fine.

[rinkrat19]

No.

You should also include a resume and any optional essays the schools ask for.

[cutecarmel]

I guess I'm a little confused about your question because you can't submit whatever you want in your applications. PS and resumes are a given. I think I only wrote a diversity statement to one school. I didn't write addendum because I didn't need one, but if you have to, I wouldn't recommend making it longer than 1 or 2 paragraphs.

I guess if your question is what type of application material you should be starting to compile now, then it never hurts to have more than you need and then send only as much to the school as they request.

Focus on perfecting your PS and having a professional resume. My "Why X" essays were part of my PS, except for when a school required a separate "Why X", then I took it out of my PS and extended it. Make sure your PS and Resume are done before applications come out so you can focus on the extra essays when applications come out.

[Brittany2012]

Thanks for the responses! First of all, can't I already know what essays are required for what school? I don't have to wait until apps come out to know what essays are required for each school right? (unless they change things this year I guess...)

So my question is, can I submit the following SEPARATE documents to law schools (in addition to resume, etc.):

- Personal Statement
- Diversity Statement
- Addendum (just one, maybe two paras)
- Why "X" law school

So I guess the "Why X" would be an addendum of sorts if it's not explicitly required.... what do you guys think?

[thederangedwang]

It all depends on the school.

If a school only asks for a statement and resume, then including all of that might be too much. Usually, in those cases, just opt out of the diversity statement or make the personal statement a bit of a diversity statement.

[Brittany2012]

Thanks! What if the school doesn't really give a strict requirement? What if it says something like this in the applicant info pdf:

Optional Supplemental Statements
Applicants may submit brief supplemental statements that will provide useful information to the Admissions Committee in evaluating the application. The Committee especially welcomes addenda that allow it to understand the contribution your personal background would add to the community.

This covers the Diversity statement, but a Diversity and a Why X????

[Tom Joad]

- Addendum (a few paras)

para is awesome, but I would leave most of her musings out of your application.

[BearState]

- Addendum (a few paras)

para is awesome, but I would leave most of her musings out of your application.

I don't know man, it would definitely add some diversity.

[727813]

Some of the schools have a PDF version of last cycle's application. Look at the specific schools you intend on applying to. Some do not ask nor require a "Why X" essay, but some hint at it, i.e. UChicago, GTown, etc. I know on Asha's YLS blog, she specifically stated that she isn't impressed by you throwing in a few facts about professors and courses that you found on her website as to "Why YLS". My suggestion is to do your own research on the schools you want to apply to -- specifically your reach and expected schools. The ones that you know you can get into as-is, don't worry about them.