Why X Essays Forum

[irving80]

Hey all,

I had some questions about the Why X Essays. How long should your Why X essay be? Also which schools (in the top 20) are worth writing a Why X for?

[studyingeveryday]

Schools typically indicate they want it to be a page, but for those that don't specify, 1-2 pages is probably best.

[Rigo]

UVA, Penn, Mich, Duke are the yield protect schools so they appreciate them.

[blackmamba8]

If a school is your #1 choice would that be worth mentioning in a Why X essay?

[Christinabruin]

If a school is your #1 choice would that be worth mentioning in a Why X essay?

I'm sure it's definitely worth mentioning in a Why X essay, and since it's your first choice, you'll probably have a lot of things to say about the school too!

[irving80]

Schools typically indicate they want it to be a page, but for those that don't specify, 1-2 pages is probably best.

UVA, Penn, Mich, Duke are the yield protect schools so they appreciate them.

Thanks for your help, guys! This is very helpful. So besides their curriculum, clinics, journals, what else is necessary/ideal to mention in the Why X Essay?

[Rigo]

Schools typically indicate they want it to be a page, but for those that don't specify, 1-2 pages is probably best.

UVA, Penn, Mich, Duke are the yield protect schools so they appreciate them.

Thanks for your help, guys! This is very helpful. So besides their curriculum, clinics, journals, what else is necessary/ideal to mention in the Why X Essay?

More personal reasons would lead the day, but if you don't have those, then the standard stuff is better than nothing.

[irving80]

More personal reasons would lead the day, but if you don't have those, then the standard stuff is better than nothing.

Thanks, Rigo! I appreciate your advice

[blackmamba8]

If a school is your #1 choice would that be worth mentioning in a Why X essay?

I'm sure it's definitely worth mentioning in a Why X essay, and since it's your first choice, you'll probably have a lot of things to say about the school too!

Thanks! I was worried about it looking corny/desperate, but I think I can work it into my essay without being like "You're my #1 school plz pick me" lol.

[Christinabruin]

If a school is your #1 choice would that be worth mentioning in a Why X essay?

I'm sure it's definitely worth mentioning in a Why X essay, and since it's your first choice, you'll probably have a lot of things to say about the school too!

Thanks! I was worried about it looking corny/desperate, but I think I can work it into my essay without being like "You're my #1 school plz pick me" lol.

No worries! I also read somewhere (I think it was on TLS) but if you're already doing Early Decision at the law school, mentioning that the school is your top choice could sound redundant since ED already implies that it's your first choice. That being said though, I still think it would be helpful to write a Why X essay in favor of why that school appeals to you since it could tip the scales in your favor if your numbers are on the margin.

[irving80]

Hey guys,

I have another question regarding Why X Essays. I'm already planning on sending one for the ones that ask for it and for those that Rigo above mentioned are YP schools and appreciate them. But I'm wondering how wise it is to write one in an addendum for those T14 schools that don't? Such as Cornell, Northwestern, Georgetown? Also, is it generally not worth writing one for T6 schools? Thanks for all your help, guys!

[guynourmin]

Such as Cornell, Northwestern, Georgetown? Also, is it generally not worth writing one for T6 schools? Thanks for all your help, guys!

I don't think you need to write one for NU because everyone has the option to interview, and you will talk about Why then. Just seems repetitive.

Conventional wisdom says you don't have to write one for the t6. At least, you definitely don't have to for HYS. If you're a reach for CCN, then know why you want to go, so I don't see a Why being helpful. If you're probably going to HYS, CCN still knows they can be competitive with money probably (I don't think any YP). Others may have more complete thoughts on the matter, but I'd guess they'll all say they are unnecessary.

[irving80]

Such as Cornell, Northwestern, Georgetown? Also, is it generally not worth writing one for T6 schools? Thanks for all your help, guys!

I don't think you need to write one for NU because everyone has the option to interview, and you will talk about Why then. Just seems repetitive.

Conventional wisdom says you don't have to write one for the t6. At least, you definitely don't have to for HYS. If you're a reach for CCN, then know why you want to go, so I don't see a Why being helpful. If you're probably going to HYS, CCN still knows they can be competitive with money probably (I don't think any YP). Others may have more complete thoughts on the matter, but I'd guess they'll all say they are unnecessary.

Hey Guybourdin, thanks for your advice! I totally forgot about NU's interview option so that's a good thing you brought that up! What if CCN is slightly a reach for me (sad splitter life), would it still not be helpful?

[guynourmin]

Such as Cornell, Northwestern, Georgetown? Also, is it generally not worth writing one for T6 schools? Thanks for all your help, guys!

I don't think you need to write one for NU because everyone has the option to interview, and you will talk about Why then. Just seems repetitive.

Conventional wisdom says you don't have to write one for the t6. At least, you definitely don't have to for HYS. If you're a reach for CCN, then know why you want to go, so I don't see a Why being helpful. If you're probably going to HYS, CCN still knows they can be competitive with money probably (I don't think any YP). Others may have more complete thoughts on the matter, but I'd guess they'll all say they are unnecessary.

Hey Guybourdin, thanks for your advice! I totally forgot about NU's interview option so that's a good thing you brought that up! What if CCN is slightly a reach for me (sad splitter life), would it still not be helpful?

I'm not sure how it would unless you have something significant to say. I am a pretty extreme splitter (mylsn puts me at a 60-70% chance at Columbia/NYU). I want to go into public service. NYU and Columbia are very obviously the best possible schools I could go to. What is a Why NYU essay going to tell them? they know I want to go there. I can't imagine you saying anything that would be helpful. It's possible, but I'm hesitant. (0L advise, take it with a grain of salt!)

[irving80]

Such as Cornell, Northwestern, Georgetown? Also, is it generally not worth writing one for T6 schools? Thanks for all your help, guys!

I don't think you need to write one for NU because everyone has the option to interview, and you will talk about Why then. Just seems repetitive.

Conventional wisdom says you don't have to write one for the t6. At least, you definitely don't have to for HYS. If you're a reach for CCN, then know why you want to go, so I don't see a Why being helpful. If you're probably going to HYS, CCN still knows they can be competitive with money probably (I don't think any YP). Others may have more complete thoughts on the matter, but I'd guess they'll all say they are unnecessary.

Hey Guybourdin, thanks for your advice! I totally forgot about NU's interview option so that's a good thing you brought that up! What if CCN is slightly a reach for me (sad splitter life), would it still not be helpful?

I'm not sure how it would unless you have something significant to say. I am a pretty extreme splitter (mylsn puts me at a 60-70% chance at Columbia/NYU). I want to go into public service. NYU and Columbia are very obviously the best possible schools I could go to. What is a Why NYU essay going to tell them? they know I want to go there. I can't imagine you saying anything that would be helpful. It's possible, but I'm hesitant. (0L advise, take it with a grain of salt!)

That's true and something I hadn't considered! I guess Why X has more value for when you don't wanna get YP'd and I certainly don't have a chance of getting YP'd at CCN lol! Thank you so much for your advice

[irving80]

Hey guys,

Sorry to keep resurrecting this thread but I seem to be struggling a lot with the Why X essays lol

I just realized Cornell does ask in Section 10 of their app why you're interested in it. It only gives me 1000 characters though, so is it better to cram everything in that box or should I write a longer Why X in the addendum and just write "see addendum" in the box? I know law schools don't like it when you say "see resume" but I'm wondering what to do if they give you so little space..

Also, Section 11 asks who, if anyone, influenced my decision to apply to Cornell. What if no one influenced me lol Can someone help explain to me what exactly the purpose of this question is?

[finaciardi]

Hey guys,

Sorry to keep resurrecting this thread but I seem to be struggling a lot with the Why X essays lol

I just realized Cornell does ask in Section 10 of their app why you're interested in it. It only gives me 1000 characters though, so is it better to cram everything in that box or should I write a longer Why X in the addendum and just write "see addendum" in the box? I know law schools don't like it when you say "see resume" but I'm wondering what to do if they give you so little space..

Also, Section 11 asks who, if anyone, influenced my decision to apply to Cornell. What if no one influenced me lol Can someone help explain to me what exactly the purpose of this question is?

Someone in the Cornell class of 2020 thread called the admission office to ask and was apparently told to use the field for Why Cornell instead of adding an addendum. I've also read that it's fine to leave the influence question N/A.

[irving80]

Hey guys,

Sorry to keep resurrecting this thread but I seem to be struggling a lot with the Why X essays lol

I just realized Cornell does ask in Section 10 of their app why you're interested in it. It only gives me 1000 characters though, so is it better to cram everything in that box or should I write a longer Why X in the addendum and just write "see addendum" in the box? I know law schools don't like it when you say "see resume" but I'm wondering what to do if they give you so little space..

Also, Section 11 asks who, if anyone, influenced my decision to apply to Cornell. What if no one influenced me lol Can someone help explain to me what exactly the purpose of this question is?

Someone in the Cornell class of 2020 thread called the admission office to ask and was apparently told to use the field for Why Cornell instead of adding an addendum. I've also read that it's fine to leave the influence question N/A.

Hey Finaciardi, thank you for your helpful info on both questions!! I guess I'm gonna have to write a super short Why X for Cornell then. Also, that's great to hear we can leave it blank since I didn't want to make something up or idiotically put myself down lol

[studyingeveryday]

Hey guys,

Sorry to keep resurrecting this thread but I seem to be struggling a lot with the Why X essays lol

I just realized Cornell does ask in Section 10 of their app why you're interested in it. It only gives me 1000 characters though, so is it better to cram everything in that box or should I write a longer Why X in the addendum and just write "see addendum" in the box? I know law schools don't like it when you say "see resume" but I'm wondering what to do if they give you so little space..

Also, Section 11 asks who, if anyone, influenced my decision to apply to Cornell. What if no one influenced me lol Can someone help explain to me what exactly the purpose of this question is?

Someone in the Cornell class of 2020 thread called the admission office to ask and was apparently told to use the field for Why Cornell instead of adding an addendum. I've also read that it's fine to leave the influence question N/A.

Wait..but I remember reading in the thread that it's also okay to add an addendum. I already wrote one

[irving80]

Hey guys,

Sorry to keep resurrecting this thread but I seem to be struggling a lot with the Why X essays lol

I just realized Cornell does ask in Section 10 of their app why you're interested in it. It only gives me 1000 characters though, so is it better to cram everything in that box or should I write a longer Why X in the addendum and just write "see addendum" in the box? I know law schools don't like it when you say "see resume" but I'm wondering what to do if they give you so little space..

Also, Section 11 asks who, if anyone, influenced my decision to apply to Cornell. What if no one influenced me lol Can someone help explain to me what exactly the purpose of this question is?

Someone in the Cornell class of 2020 thread called the admission office to ask and was apparently told to use the field for Why Cornell instead of adding an addendum. I've also read that it's fine to leave the influence question N/A.

Wait..but I remember reading in the thread that it's also okay to add an addendum. I already wrote one

What did you put on Section 10 where they asked for Why X? Idk what to do with this conflicting info lol

[studyingeveryday]

Hey guys,

Sorry to keep resurrecting this thread but I seem to be struggling a lot with the Why X essays lol

I just realized Cornell does ask in Section 10 of their app why you're interested in it. It only gives me 1000 characters though, so is it better to cram everything in that box or should I write a longer Why X in the addendum and just write "see addendum" in the box? I know law schools don't like it when you say "see resume" but I'm wondering what to do if they give you so little space..

Also, Section 11 asks who, if anyone, influenced my decision to apply to Cornell. What if no one influenced me lol Can someone help explain to me what exactly the purpose of this question is?

Someone in the Cornell class of 2020 thread called the admission office to ask and was apparently told to use the field for Why Cornell instead of adding an addendum. I've also read that it's fine to leave the influence question N/A.

Wait..but I remember reading in the thread that it's also okay to add an addendum. I already wrote one

What did you put on Section 10 where they asked for Why X? Idk what to do with this conflicting info lol

I was just going to write a few sentences summing up my reasons...I think I'll go ask again in the Cornell thread to make sure then. I don't want to annoy admissions, even if I did already spend time writing one.

[finaciardi]

Hey guys,

Sorry to keep resurrecting this thread but I seem to be struggling a lot with the Why X essays lol

I just realized Cornell does ask in Section 10 of their app why you're interested in it. It only gives me 1000 characters though, so is it better to cram everything in that box or should I write a longer Why X in the addendum and just write "see addendum" in the box? I know law schools don't like it when you say "see resume" but I'm wondering what to do if they give you so little space..

Also, Section 11 asks who, if anyone, influenced my decision to apply to Cornell. What if no one influenced me lol Can someone help explain to me what exactly the purpose of this question is?

Someone in the Cornell class of 2020 thread called the admission office to ask and was apparently told to use the field for Why Cornell instead of adding an addendum. I've also read that it's fine to leave the influence question N/A.

Wait..but I remember reading in the thread that it's also okay to add an addendum. I already wrote one

What did you put on Section 10 where they asked for Why X? Idk what to do with this conflicting info lol

I was just going to write a few sentences summing up my reasons...I think I'll go ask again in the Cornell thread to make sure then. I don't want to annoy admissions, even if I did already spend time writing one.

oops sorry didn't mean to confuse anyone or provide conflicting info. that's just what i saw on the thread and im sure you'll find it there! But I *have* also read about others adding an addendum and that not being a problem. i don't think this is an issue that's going to determine your admission either way. i personally just used the field but you should ask the admission office if you want to be sure!

[irving80]

Hey guys,

Sorry to keep resurrecting this thread but I seem to be struggling a lot with the Why X essays lol

I just realized Cornell does ask in Section 10 of their app why you're interested in it. It only gives me 1000 characters though, so is it better to cram everything in that box or should I write a longer Why X in the addendum and just write "see addendum" in the box? I know law schools don't like it when you say "see resume" but I'm wondering what to do if they give you so little space..

Also, Section 11 asks who, if anyone, influenced my decision to apply to Cornell. What if no one influenced me lol Can someone help explain to me what exactly the purpose of this question is?

Someone in the Cornell class of 2020 thread called the admission office to ask and was apparently told to use the field for Why Cornell instead of adding an addendum. I've also read that it's fine to leave the influence question N/A.

Wait..but I remember reading in the thread that it's also okay to add an addendum. I already wrote one

What did you put on Section 10 where they asked for Why X? Idk what to do with this conflicting info lol

I was just going to write a few sentences summing up my reasons...I think I'll go ask again in the Cornell thread to make sure then. I don't want to annoy admissions, even if I did already spend time writing one.

oops sorry didn't mean to confuse anyone or provide conflicting info. that's just what i saw on the thread and im sure you'll find it there! But I *have* also read about others adding an addendum and that not being a problem. i don't think this is an issue that's going to determine your admission either way. i personally just used the field but you should ask the admission office if you want to be sure!

Thank you studyingeveryday and finaciardi! I guess I'll just contact the admissions office to be sure and I'll post an update!

[Ambersmith]

deleted

[Lexaholik]

I completely disagree with the advice above. If you're a splitter the biggest knock on you is that you're lazy. Rightly or wrongly this is the perception. Write ALL optional essays. It shouldn't be hard--if you can't come up with a good reason why you want to go to CLS or NU or whatever, you probably don't deserve to get in. It's true that the essay won't itself tell them anything they don't already know. But what's the downside here, really?