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Hey everyone,

I have written an unsolicited Why X statement for one of the schools on my list (T30). I am wondering if that should be included in the "optional essay" box. I know that is traditionally where a diversity statement would go, but the description also includes "....or other factors that you wish for us to consider while reviewing your application" which could in theory apply to a Why X statement.

The other option, I guess, is the addendum.


I am also operating under the assumption that unsolicited Why X statements are okay as long as they have reason to be submitted (aka not just repeating stats from the website, generic 'great faculty' comments, etc.). Am I correct in thinking this?


Thanks a lot for any advice

hos9903 wrote:Hey everyone,
Why X statements are okay as long as they have reason to be submitted (aka not just repeating stats from the website, generic 'great faculty' comments, etc.). Am I correct in thinking this?

Isn't that what a Why X statement is? From what I can tell they are only important if you are well over the schools numbers. It won't make or break your application. Try finding info, I know I've seen the deans of schools various schools say they have never minded a Why X essay, in fact some like them even though they don't ask for them.

So try and see if you can find out more information. Without giving us the specific school, I'm not sure how else to help.

Sure, and sure.

Happy Gilmore wrote:
Isn't that what a Why X statement is? From what I can tell they are only important if you are well over the schools numbers. It won't make or break your application. Try finding info, I know I've seen the deans of schools various schools say they have never minded a Why X essay, in fact some like them even though they don't ask for them.

So try and see if you can find out more information. Without giving us the specific school, I'm not sure how else to help.

Thanks for the response....I am pretty sure the unsolicited Why X statement is fine, I was mostly just asking that second question to make sure that there hasn't been any shift in attitude toward them.

I am really trying to figure out whether I should submit it as an addendum or an optional statement. This school does not ask for a Why X essay

adcoms are just groups of people and the law school application doesnt have to only include whats required. in other words, if you got something else to share im sure theyll be happy to read it. for example, itll probably give your candidiacy a huge boost if in your u washington application you write a supplemental, why UW-y, essay saying, unelaborately in a single paragraph, that you would like to be in seattle b/c your husband just got accepted a job there. your app doesnt have to be a contrived bore.

I'm planning on doing a "Why X" essay for a school that I'm very interested in attending. Numbers wise I should have a solid chance of getting in, but I'd like to set myself apart as someone who is seriously considering the school and not just using it for leverage or as one of X number of schools I'm equally interested in.

That being said, is there any consensus on what these essays should contain, or can I safely assume I should be honest and lay out the reasons I want to be in the area and attend the school? Should it be a narrative like a personal statement, or more of a formal essay (I like X school for Y and Z reasons)?

Sorry if this has been addressed before, I tried to use the search function to find similar threads without much luck. Maybe someone who has experience in this area can chime in. Thanks!