I am currently applying to many schools out of state. However, I have lived and worked in California my whole life. I noticed that some admission officers hesitate when that is the case, fearing an applicant would not consider moving. What would be best the way to show the schools that I will seriously consider attending if admitted?
I know the standard reasonable response is to use the optional "Why X" Essay. But is there any other tips or areas in the application that I could express this interest. Or is there a specific way I should address this in the "Why X" Essay beyond referencing programs or faculty?
I am considering putting only regional or other out-of-state competitors in the "What other law schools are you applying to" section. Could this potentially help?
4 comments
The Why X essay is the main lever, but the trick is to make it about the place and the career, not just the school's resources.
1) Give a reason you'd want to practice there. Schools worry less about whether you'll move for three years and more about whether you'll leave right after. If you can tie the region to your career plan (a practice area that's strong in that market, a type of employer, a policy issue specific to that state, family or community ties if you have them), say so plainly. One concrete sentence like "I want to practice ___ law in ___, and here's why that market" does more than a paragraph about clinics.
2) Show you've actually engaged. Mention a conversation with a current student, an info session, a visit, or a specific clinic or journal you'd join, and why it fits what you've already done in California. Specific beats flattering.
3) Address the California question head-on, briefly. One line acknowledging you've been in California your whole life and that you're ready to build a career elsewhere (and why) is fine. It reads as self-aware, not defensive.
4) Other places it can show up: an optional "anything else" or interest question if the school has one, a short note to admissions after attending an event, and later a letter of continued interest if you're waitlisted.
5) On the "other schools" list, I'd answer honestly and not try to game it. If you're applying to California schools too, leaving them off is risky if it's ever inconsistent with something else in your file, and most schools read that question for yield data rather than as a test of loyalty.
@SYAwriter Thank you so much! This was the perfect answer I was looking for.
@SYAwriter
It really comes down to this - you have to tell me why you'd want to come to my school and it has to sound believable. It could be any number of things (personal ties, professional goals, specific programming that my school has that's perfect for you, etc) but it's gotta be something.
Wondering the same thing