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I know of, and work around, a law school graduate who went to my target school. Should I mention his name somewhere in my PS or other communications with the law school (optional essays, etc.)? For instance, if I were expressing an interest in a particular career path:

"Working in congruence with John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt, I have broadened my goals for a legal career. With my political science background and work experience, I can see myself in a similar position in the future." (roughly something like that).

My thought is that it would be tacky and come off as deceptive (I don't actually work in tandem with him, but we do communicate fairly consistently). Any other thoughts?

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I agree with the above. But also, why would you ever say "working in congruence with" rather than just "working with"?

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A. Nony Mouse wrote:I agree with the above. But also, why would you ever say "working in congruence with" rather than just "working with"?

I probably wouldn't, but I would probably want to try and keep it as vague as possible so as to not imply that I actually work under him. Definitely a fair point though. Perhaps I was thinking too stagnantly about the considerations for working with someone.

slippin_jimmy wrote:
+1. In something as short as a personal statement, you should be really concise about things. Don't use vague phrasing like 'working in congruence with.' Another reason you should probably push this to a 'why ____' essay and not waste valuable personal statement space that should be about why you're a good candidate. They already admitted the alum, so you working with him probably doesn't say much about you.

True...The "PS" part was to post an attentive and not boringly long title. I likely wouldn't put it in my PS, but not for the reason you mentioned. But that is a good point, so thanks for that thought.

slippin_jimmy wrote:
Eh probably not unless they are super involved with their school - e.g. work with clinics - and you can tie that to your interest in the school - that they attract a certain caliber of practitioners to work there. But even still.

It could be appropriate in a 'Why ____' essay - you can discuss how working alongside alumni, hearing about their experiences at x university, etc. But I'm not sure if you need to name drop individuals to get that point across.

Your quality response is much appreciated. I didn't think that much into it, it was just something that popped into my head. What you're saying definitely makes sense though. Thanks.

I mentioned knowing alums in my "Why ____?" essay and was specifically asked about it at my interview. I think it shows specific interest in that school beyond just its rank, which is likely to be a good thing.

I would get an LOR from them if they donate money. Otherwise, it won't make any difference anyway.

landshoes wrote:I mentioned knowing alums in my "Why ____?" essay and was specifically asked about it at my interview. I think it shows specific interest in that school beyond just its rank, which is likely to be a good thing.

Yeah I'd keep this to why x essays