Self-paced
are there any drawbacks to writing the optional essay that some schools offer?
my main personal statement is about a unique life event that has progressed throughout my life and inspired me to pursue law; i slightly mention my identity/culture (like 2 sentences that tie into the event etc.) i want to write an optional essay more about my identity, cultural upbringing, and family household which also influences my decision to go to law school.
are there any drawbacks to this?
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3 comments
Writ large, there's rarely a drawback to submitting an optional statement! The only times would be things like:
1) You don't actually say anything of substance on the optional doc.
2) The optional doc is repetitive of information we find elsewhere in the app.
But what I think you're actually asking is "is it ok to still do a diversity statement / statement of perspective if I briefly mention my identity/culture in my personal statement?" If that's the case, the answer is "yes!" Think of it in this way - your identity/culture was a minor or supporting character of your PS but is now going to be the star of the DS. That's not repetitive, that's illuminative and it adds to my understanding of who you are.
@JacobBaska Thank you!!
Are you referring to the diversity statement? If your optional essay answers the prompt, is written well, adds rather than repeats info, helps the admissions officer get to know you in a positive light, and doesn’t bring up any red flags (controversial info) then I personally don’t anticipate any drawbacks.