Top Law Schools

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I'm not really coming up with much as far as style goes or particular pointers on how to present things, but as far as content goes I'll say this: When schools request a "Why X School" essay it's because they're trying to protect their yield (the number of students that enroll divided by the number they admit). So, what they want to see is some indicator that they have something that few others do (or don't have to the same degree, at least) and that you want. An example would be mentioning to Texas that you want to live in Texas. Obviously, hearing this would make them feel good about the chances of you enrolling if they make a decent offer. For Duke and Penn, good points might be Duke's dominance of the south or Penn's excellent numbers in NYC.

zeglo wrote:What is the proper tone to take in these? I have reasons for wanting to go to certain schools, but it is hard for me to put on paper.

For example, I like Penn a lot due to a business focus. I like Duke due to its location. Etc.

How do I say things without seeming either ignorant and/or cheesy?

Do some more research into those programs within those schools that interest you. Check their website and do some digging, get a brochure. If you can visit the campus, even better - they might even have current students that you can email about specifics (I know this is offered to admitted students, I'm not sure if it is to prospective ones). If you're going to name a specific program as part of your incentive to attend a school, you'll want to sound (and hopefully be) knowledgeable, rather than just vague. And go beyond just name-dropping - you want to demonstrate why this program is relevant to your goals, and what you've done in the past that shows you can contribute.

Come up with a list of specific reasons and turn that into an outline. Do more research if you need to. Then write a draft. These tend not to be very long essays.