I have one school where my dad went and is an adjunct, this is a very big reason I feel drawn to the school. I feel like writing about this in the why this school essay could hurt me in a way, any opinions on this?
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I have one school where my dad went and is an adjunct, this is a very big reason I feel drawn to the school. I feel like writing about this in the why this school essay could hurt me in a way, any opinions on this?
4 comments
I'm in the same boat. My father is an attorney and is well-known in the field of law I specialize in. I'm applying to the law school that my father and my sister-in-law attended, and my father taught as an adjunct there for a little bit. My boss of 10+ years is an alum of the other school I'm applying to, the dean of admissions knows my father, and my mother is a professor at this university's business school. On top of that, the founding partner of my firm is on an advisory board of one of these schools.
And I'm mentioning all of these as reasons why I'm interested in the schools! I've heard people I trust and respect saying really good things about their educations at these schools, so of course I want to apply. I am not operating under the assumption that I am guaranteed admission, and I don't imply that at all in my application. But it's always nice to have a personal connection to the school instead of just "I'm applying here because, y'know, it's a law school and I want a law degree."
From seeing everything on the internet about Law school admissions and even within in the applications themselves (C&F), transparency is prudent. It can be seen as an ethical test on your part and if you lie, you failed and most likely squash your chance of being accepted. And if your dad is an adjunct prof, they're going to piece it together that you're his child. There is a demographic section to the applications. Being forthcoming and truthful are always the way to go...especially in the legal field.
Also, this won't hurt you. It looks like most law schools want to know the reason why you've chosen their school to apply to. What better reason than a deep personal connection. Good luck!!
Good question, @k13lawwwwww, and the easy answer is - yes! - it's relevant to mention this and ok to do so. My advice is that any academic, professional, and/or personal reasons you may be interested in a school are totally fine to mention in a Why School X doc. No worries!
And to your question of it could hurt you - nope! The only scenario that could happen would be if you someone taken it as a given that SURELY you'll be admitted because MY DAD is such a BIG DEAL as an ADJUNCT! But in case my sarcasm didn't translate, I'm guessing it's highly unlikely you'd take that tone :-)
@JacobBaska Thank you!!