Hi!! I'm applying to multiple joint J.D./Ph.D programs for this next cycle. I have been advised to talk about how my desire for each degree relates to each other; in schools that do not have a separate essay to talk about the joint-degree, I've put that conversation in the personal statement. However, there are some schools (Harvard is top of mind) that do have a separate essay. In that case, should I still mention the joint-degree in the personal statement or only in that dedicated essay?
Thanks so much for any advice!
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Point of clarification - Harvard just has their statements of purpose (which is a personal statement) and perspective (which is a diversity statement). There's no other doc or separate statement to discuss matters. Just throwing that out there!
Honestly, this should be a matter for your PS and/or the addenda. Why the PS? Because the premise of the PS is to explain why you want to go to law school and be a lawyer. It should really be called the "professional statement" in that regard. I think it seems pretty logical to consider that your future PhD is also part of that professional plan!
But if a school does provide a separate space for dual degree purposes, I think you can keep your PS and consider expanding out the rationale for the dual degree. Surely you weren't able to cover all your bases in the PS, right?
I hope that helps!