What constitutes a compelling "Why X" essay
Posted: Sat Jun 23, 2012 6:12 pm
Greetings, thanks for taking the time to help me out. I'm considering writing "Why X" essays for two of my top choices. I'm the type of applicant who will be blanketing the T14.
I have a few reasons for wanting to attend beyond the fact that they're both great schools. The first is that I have lived away from my mother/stepfather/siblings for over 13 years and they are permanent residents of the area which would allow me to rekindle my relationship with them. My SO has secured employment in the area, which is also where her family lives. This is the area I intend to practice law and spend the rest of my life. Both schools have great environmental law programs and I can speak about a professor or two from each that I have specific interest in learning from (I have a natural science background which I hope to make use of while practicing law). I have spent significant time visiting both schools and the areas around them. My mother and stepfather have also been employed by the UG of one of the schools.
I feel these reasons are the base for a few "Why X" essays, but I still thought I'd ask the forum. One of the reasons I am questioning writing the essays is because the schools are ranked so highly. It's obvious why anyone would want to attend and I don't know if my reasons stand out. Another thought that crept up on me was that if you write an essay that basically says you would pick a school over most other you apply to, could that possibly be a reason for them to give you LESS scholarship money because you've shown that you're somewhat committed?
Thanks for your time and for your help.
I have a few reasons for wanting to attend beyond the fact that they're both great schools. The first is that I have lived away from my mother/stepfather/siblings for over 13 years and they are permanent residents of the area which would allow me to rekindle my relationship with them. My SO has secured employment in the area, which is also where her family lives. This is the area I intend to practice law and spend the rest of my life. Both schools have great environmental law programs and I can speak about a professor or two from each that I have specific interest in learning from (I have a natural science background which I hope to make use of while practicing law). I have spent significant time visiting both schools and the areas around them. My mother and stepfather have also been employed by the UG of one of the schools.
I feel these reasons are the base for a few "Why X" essays, but I still thought I'd ask the forum. One of the reasons I am questioning writing the essays is because the schools are ranked so highly. It's obvious why anyone would want to attend and I don't know if my reasons stand out. Another thought that crept up on me was that if you write an essay that basically says you would pick a school over most other you apply to, could that possibly be a reason for them to give you LESS scholarship money because you've shown that you're somewhat committed?
Thanks for your time and for your help.