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WhyCornell - HELP
Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2012 12:45 pm
by iMisto
I'm filling out my application to Cornell, and question 11 asks, "Why have you chosen to apply to Cornell Law School? (Briefly explain your reasons in two to three short sentences.) (maximum characters 1000)"
My intention was to attach a 1 page essay detailing my reasons. Would this be a poor decision on my part, since they allocate a specific space for it? Should I simply use the space provided?? 3 short sentences.. 1000 characters?
Thanks for the help!
Re: WhyCornell - HELP
Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2012 1:01 pm
by tryingtomakeit
I could be wrong, but I'm fairly certain that 1000 characters is a little more than 3 sentences. My advice would be just to take the main points of your paper and consolidate them in a concise paragraph (what I assume is 1000 characters with spaces).
Re: WhyCornell - HELP
Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2012 1:03 pm
by 2014
I would use the form provided, not doing so would be more likely to do harm than good as it could irritate an admissions person or suggest that you don't follow directions.
Save your full letter though for use as a letter of continued interest should you get held or WLed.
Re: WhyCornell - HELP
Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2012 1:07 pm
by iMisto
Alright. I'll go with the 3 sentences.
Can I PM anybody my 3 liner?

Re: WhyCornell - HELP
Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2012 1:13 pm
by JohnV
3 Sentences is going to be about 1/4 the allotted amount.
Re: WhyCornell - HELP
Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2012 1:23 pm
by iMisto
JohnV wrote:3 Sentences is going to be about 1/4 the allotted amount.
It specifically says explain your reasons in 2 to 3 short sentences...

Re: WhyCornell - HELP
Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2012 1:27 pm
by Bildungsroman
iMisto wrote:JohnV wrote:3 Sentences is going to be about 1/4 the allotted amount.
It specifically says explain your reasons in 2 to 3 short sentences...

Go with 2 - 3 sentences. I'm almost certain that 1000 characters is just the technical limit they've placed on that text box; defer to their stated preference, rather than judging by how much it's physically possible to fit.
Re: WhyCornell - HELP
Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2012 1:33 pm
by iMisto
Bildungsroman wrote:iMisto wrote:JohnV wrote:3 Sentences is going to be about 1/4 the allotted amount.
It specifically says explain your reasons in 2 to 3 short sentences...

Go with 2 - 3 sentences. I'm almost certain that 1000 characters is just the technical limit they've placed on that text box; defer to their stated preference, rather than judging by how much it's physically possible to fit.
Thank you!
Cornell has an addenda portion, for which applicants can include "anything else you believe would help Cornell Law School’s Admissions Committee evaluate your application..." Would the WhyCornell statement simply be misplaced here, as they provided a particular space for it? Granted, it's a small space.
Re: WhyCornell - HELP
Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2012 1:36 pm
by FlanAl
Are you applying EA? If so then it might be worth adding an addendum for why you want cornell so bad etc. If not just use the space provided and send your "why cornell" letter if you get wait-listed or something.
Re: WhyCornell - HELP
Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2012 1:44 pm
by iMisto
FlanAl wrote:Are you applying EA? If so then it might be worth adding an addendum for why you want cornell so bad etc. If not just use the space provided and send your "why cornell" letter if you get wait-listed or something.
Definitely EA - and my reasons are genuine.
I feel pulled in so many directions. I don't want to be bothersome, or ignore their instructions, but I don't want to miss my chance either.

Re: WhyCornell - HELP
Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2012 1:46 pm
by bernaldiaz
Is theCornell app open?
Re: WhyCornell - HELP
Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2012 1:47 pm
by iMisto
bernaldiaz wrote:Is theCornell app open?
Yes...
Re: WhyCornell - HELP
Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2012 1:52 pm
by FlanAl
If your numbers are correct my guess is that you'd be a shoe-in. If you can ask for a tour pretty early on just to show an expressed interest or something.
Re: WhyCornell - HELP
Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2012 1:59 pm
by iMisto
FlanAl wrote:If your numbers are correct my guess is that you'd be a shoe-in. If you can ask for a tour pretty early on just to show an expressed interest or something.
Honestly, I don't think my numbers make me a shoe-in. A 'consider', probably... but I'm trying to set myself apart, which is why this extra essay is such a big deal to me.

Re: WhyCornell - HELP
Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2012 3:55 pm
by 2014
iMisto wrote:FlanAl wrote:If your numbers are correct my guess is that you'd be a shoe-in. If you can ask for a tour pretty early on just to show an expressed interest or something.
Honestly, I don't think my numbers make me a shoe-in. A 'consider', probably... but I'm trying to set myself apart, which is why this extra essay is such a big deal to me.

Agreed you are not a shoe in, but good luck nonetheless!
Re: WhyCornell - HELP
Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2012 4:59 pm
by iMisto
Haha! Thanks, 2014.
Anybody available to read my WhyCornell essay? It's short, and shouldn't take up too much of your time!

Re: WhyCornell - HELP
Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2012 5:02 pm
by top30man
iMisto wrote:Haha! Thanks, 2014.
Anybody available to read my WhyCornell essay? It's short, and shouldn't take up too much of your time!

I'll take a look.
Re: WhyCornell - HELP
Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2012 5:12 pm
by iMisto
top30man wrote:iMisto wrote:Haha! Thanks, 2014.
Anybody available to read my WhyCornell essay? It's short, and shouldn't take up too much of your time!

I'll take a look.
PMed
Re: WhyCornell - HELP
Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2012 6:52 pm
by JohnV
iMisto wrote:JohnV wrote:3 Sentences is going to be about 1/4 the allotted amount.
It specifically says explain your reasons in 2 to 3 short sentences...

Ah I see, I didn't read very accurately (was at work just kind of skimming), the 1000 characters is, as mentioned, probably just a technical limit.
Re: WhyCornell - HELP
Posted: Thu Aug 16, 2012 5:37 pm
by iMisto
So, if I decide to attach my essay, what should I write in the space provided? Nothing? 'See addenda'? Come up with something to say in addition to my essay?