Michigan optionals Forum

[rachelac]

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[strawberrieee]

Any advantage to writing both possible Michigan optional essays if you aren't writing a diversity statement? I'm sure I could write something about my educational background or what skills I think a good lawyer should have, but I doubt it'll be particularly personal. I'm writing a Why Michigan and am genuinely very interested in the school as I'd like to practice in the Midwest, so I'm inclined not to write another one but was wondering others' thoughts.

The bolded one is not what you should write. Instead, write about what skills you have that would make you a good lawyer; now it becomes personal.

How many should you write? If you can write two good essays, submit two. If one is good and the other one is bad, submit the good one. Optional essays are entirely optional; you won't be dinged for not submitting one; you just lose a chance to promote yourself. However, if optional essay is done badly, it hurts you. In short, use your judgment.

I wrote both and got in with $50k/year.