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After
weighing academic performance, law schools are most
interested in assembling a class of interesting people.
In this sense, their criteria are broader than those
used by business or medical schools, whose applicants
face more clearly defined expectations. Unfortunately,
law school applicants often find this freedom
intimidating rather than encouraging.
Too
often writers resort to a safe route, and it should be
obvious why such an approach would prevent them from
achieving the goal of uniqueness. The topic itself need
not be revolutionary. Rather, the key to this and all
other types of essays is simply to be specific and
personal. Don't be afraid to give your readers a glimpse
of who you really are.
This applicant
describes his upbringing in the inner city as a way to
offer insight into his current maturity. He does not use
his disadvantaged background as an excuse for anything,
nor does he overstate its significance. Rather, he
portrays his past honestly to show how it shaped his
character and determination.
This applicant focuses
on his extensive international experience in business
and education. The details of his work often have little
to do with law, but in exploring his global travels he
demonstrates the unique perspective he has cultivated.
This applicant offers
an in-depth account of a boot-camp experience. Note how
his focus on a single experience can nevertheless convey
a great deal about his character, because he has the
space to offer concrete details. Depth is almost always
preferable to breadth.
Finally,
this applicant achieves
uniqueness through his writing style. What makes the
essay effective is not the specific topics with which he
engages the reader, but the playful and inventive
thought process he demonstrates.
The
above four examples are meant to show you the boundless
ways in which you can offer a unique portrait. You don't
need to come from a very diverse background or to have
accomplished something extraordinary. These essays are
effective because they offer honest portrayals and are
grounded in specific, personal details. Law, although
mentioned, is not the focus of any of these essays. In
your own essay, you should stay focused on the topic you
choose and explore it fully, making a connection back to
law only if that seems natural.
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