| Topic Name: |
Optional Essays |
| Message Name: |
Ask Yourself What the Schools Want |
| Date Posted: |
11/06/2002 |
| In Reply To: |
As I was looking at the schools, some of them have optional second essays to go with the personal statement(specifically Duke and U Michigan). I have a 3.8 and a 168 so I not overly weak numbers wise but I don't have surefire numbers either. I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts as to what the consequences of not doing the optional essays where, esspecially since I don't consider my writing ability to be overwhelming strong. Alot of the optional essays seem to be on real bs topics as well like "why this specific school". Anyway I would appreciate any thoughts |
| Message: |
I think if you believe that topics like "why this specific school" are bs, then you're probably the exact type of person the school is trying to screen out. There are a record number of applicants this year, schools will not have a difficult time selecting people who would meet their average numbers. If they can get someone who is not only numerically qualified, but genuinely committed to their institution who do you believe they will go for?
From a practical point of view, your question depends on what you think your output will be. If you feel that both your writing skills and your enthusiasm are lacking, then you're probably best off not putting them in. Don't do it if you think it can hurt you.
In a tough year like this one, there's a good chance that someone with your numbers who would normally get in through just the gpa/lsat will end up being in the beauty contest. They might actually end up looking at the rest of the package. Make sure that package sells you. If the essays won't do that don't do them just because you feel you have to.
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