Is writing a "Why X" essay worth it (for T6 only) Forum

[LSATManiac2.0]

Dear TLS,

I've read at various places (here included) that "Why X" essays become less and less valuable as one travels up the T14. By the time you get to the T6, does this value reach critical mass (no value whatsoever)? Would CCN be more likely to look positively (positive effect on application) for a "Why CCN" as opposed to HYS? The theory goes that they know you are extremely committed to going to their law school because they are the best of the best. And since HYS are best-of-the-best it would make sense to me if they didn't really care about these.

That been said, assuming that there is SOME benefit to "Why X", is there MORE of a benefit if you have actually visited the law school in question and write about sitting in on a class or meeting an admissions officer or a dean, etc?

I plan to visit law schools before making an admissions choice, but I'd rather focus on the December LSAT than travel to visit now. If there is no benefit to going to the T6 law schools/writing about it in a "Why X" then I'd rather go in February or March. If it would improve my chances, I'll suck it up and go in December right after sitting for the test.

Any thoughts or ideas? Anything (constructive) would be greatly appreciated.

[cavalier1138]

The benefits from everything you listed (the essay, the traveling, the general sucking up) are minimal. If you're the type of person who will endlessly freak out about a lost opportunity (no idea where I got that idea about your personality), then go ahead and write a "Why X" essay. But focus on your LSAT, because that's the thing that actually matters.

The only school that I would say actually requires a "Why X" statement is Michigan, because of their general tendency towards YP.

[01panm]

Also UVA + Penn + Duke(ish) are known for being pretty YP heavy.