Big Issue Forum

[UnicornHunter]

Another note, since now I've got to get real personal with all of the adcoms, should I maybe address this more overtly in my app next cycle? Like I'm a total adversity candidate or something...idk.

It's such an awful variable added to my app.

I don't think any of this reflects poorly on you at all. I get not wanting to put a crappy childhood on display and wanting to put it behind you, but talking about it certainly isn't going to make you look bad, if that's what you were suggesting.

If I were OP, I would start my personal statement with this story and then go on to talk about how I overcame it and it informed my sense of justice/desire to pursue law/etc... Seems like the makings of a great PS.

[sd5289]

Another note, since now I've got to get real personal with all of the adcoms, should I maybe address this more overtly in my app next cycle? Like I'm a total adversity candidate or something...idk.

It's such an awful variable added to my app.

I don't think any of this reflects poorly on you at all. I get not wanting to put a crappy childhood on display and wanting to put it behind you, but talking about it certainly isn't going to make you look bad, if that's what you were suggesting.

If I were OP, I would start my personal statement with this story and then go on to talk about how I overcame it and it informed my sense of justice/desire to pursue law/etc... Seems like the makings of a great PS.

Except his post makes it pretty clear that this is exactly what he doesn't want to do. His question struck me more as a concern about disclosure requirements rather than whether or not this would make a "great" PS.

[rinkrat19]

this is just GOD AWFUL advice. Seriously don't listen to this. go ahead and amend, but this is not the kind of thing that any adcomm would EVER ding you over, and it's no reason for you to withdraw an app.

Read the fucking post you idiot. He's withdrawing his app from all of the schools and re-applying next year.

Oh ok, I guess I misunderstood the situation. So I'm confused then, if you're going to be re-doing all of your apps, can't you just disclose whatever you need to next year? Disclosing along with your withdrawal seems pretty pointless since it's not like they're going to save your file from this year and merge it into your next app.

Apps are saved and checked for the character and fitness portion of the bar application process. If something doesn't match, there could be trouble.

Perhaps you should refrain from giving advice on parts of the process that you clearly don't understand, hm?

[Mroberts3]

OP: Sorry to hear about your situation -- that sounds super shitty.

I think most people here are right to say you should amend now even if you apply next cycle. Getting caught being dishonest is way worse than what is in your record. Honestly, this event might even make for an interesting personal/diversity statement.

I'm genuinely curious to hear what the police department says when you call. As others have said, the cops can only hold you for so long without taking you to court. Since it was a holiday weekend, perhaps they didn't break this rule. Not sure if you have any remedy this long after if they did keep you in too long, but it might be worth looking into just for kicks. Revenge is a dish best served cold, after all.

[Anonymousme]

Another note, since now I've got to get real personal with all of the adcoms, should I maybe address this more overtly in my app next cycle? Like I'm a total adversity candidate or something...idk.

It's such an awful variable added to my app.

I don't think any of this reflects poorly on you at all. I get not wanting to put a crappy childhood on display and wanting to put it behind you, but talking about it certainly isn't going to make you look bad, if that's what you were suggesting.

If I were OP, I would start my personal statement with this story and then go on to talk about how I overcame it and it informed my sense of justice/desire to pursue law/etc... Seems like the makings of a great PS.

Except his post makes it pretty clear that this is exactly what he doesn't want to do. His question struck me more as a concern about disclosure requirements rather than whether or not this would make a "great" PS.

I mean disclosure was what I was really asking about. That being said if it would make for a strong personal statement I guess it's worth a shot. It's just so...ugh...whatever.

[A. Nony Mouse]

I don't at all think you have to write your PS about this, but the disclosure's not going to reflect badly on you, either. You were a minor and your parents drove you to the police station and told the police to teach you a lesson for getting in a fight with your brother? If my in-laws had done that my husband would have been a convicted felon by the time he was 12.

[Anonymousme]

Btw thank you everyone for your input. I think I've figured out my plan of action from now on: call county police department to get more info and then full disclosure amendment to each of the schools I applied to this cycle (including rejections) before withdrawing. As it's now going to be plastered across my application (along with the whole abuse thing that's intimately tied to it) I guess I'm going to consider adding it to my PS (I mean it definitely altered my perception of the justice system). I'm not really happy to be defaming my parents all over my law school apps even considering our past but so it is I guess.

[A. Nony Mouse]

It's not defamation if it's true.

(Not trying to be flip; I'm sorry that you had to deal with this and that applying to law schools drags it all out again.)

[hichvichwoh]

Btw thank you everyone for your input. I think I've figured out my plan of action from now on: call county police department to get more info and then full disclosure amendment to each of the schools I applied to this cycle (including rejections) before withdrawing. As it's now going to be plastered across my application (along with the whole abuse thing that's intimately tied to it) I guess I'm going to consider adding it to my PS (I mean it definitely altered my perception of the justice system). I'm not really happy to be defaming my parents all over my law school apps even considering our past but so it is I guess.

This seems like a smart course of action. However, if you do end up trying to incorporate it into your PS, make sure the ultimate message is a positive one.

[Anonymousme]

It's gonna be so awesome (not) having people review my PS/other elements of my app.

[worldtraveler]

Don't add this to your PS if you don't feel comfortable with it. If you are concerned, add an addendum that is very brief and just factual.



I think there is a misguided belief that if you have any adversity in your background, you need to milk it on your PS. That really isn't true. Write on what you want.

[rinkrat19]

Don't add this to your PS if you don't feel comfortable with it. If you are concerned, add an addendum that is very brief and just factual.



I think there is a misguided belief that if you have any adversity in your background, you need to milk it on your PS. That really isn't true. Write on what you want.

Agreed.
"this would make a good PS topic" =/= "you MUST write your PS about this"
especially if you're not comfortable doing it. Good writing can make any topic compelling; intense personal drama is not necessary.