<p>I don't mean to rain on the parade for Aries, but I respectfully disagree with her advice. My understanding is that Yale does NOT want a 250 word essay that is filled with items that should have been covered in your personal statement. In fact, the ONE piece of advice I'd give is to avoid including anything that COULD be put in a PS.</p>
<p>My understanding is that the personal statement (or at least this is what my pre-law advisor says) should NOT include things like why you want that school, what you can add to the community, or why you want to go to law school - things which, fwiw, Northwestern asked for in its 250ish word essay.</p>
<p>What do you think they are looking for?</p>
<p>I have to go with Jonri here -from I have gathered, as well. From the same research, Yale will mean "Academic Anarchy." So, having said that, if you need to be told what to write or do...well, enough said.</p>
<p>wf</p>
<p>p.s. not sure my post will make much sense to many of you, but figure it out;)</p>
<p>No one here is asking for a precise topic to write their Yale 250 statement on. I was just wondering if anyone who has gone through the process before or who happens to have special information on Yale's interests could shed some light on the kind of thing they are looking for. Ariesathena's point and ideas seem very reasonable, but of course, if other people have other opinions or ideas on what Yale is intersted in - be my guest and post.</p>
<p>How about your diplomatic disposition? ;)</p>
<p>yeah well, you know, budding interest in politics and all...
You can be diplomatic and still be perfectly honest</p>
<p>Also, there are too many obnoxious lawyers/soon-to-be lawyers who take such dogmatic stands - man, EVERY ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE SUCKS WITHOUT QUALIFICATION...</p>
<p>I don't claim to know what Yale is looking for. However, I think this link's advice might be worth reading:</p>
<p>Additionally, since Karla says that she (?) graduated from a top 10 university, I suggest she ask some friends/classmates who got in what they wrote about.</p>
<p>I'm not suggesting that everyone does what Ms. Barnett suggests--in fact, I know they don't--but still, I tend to think she's probably in a better position to give advice than anyone on this board, including me.</p>
<p>Thanks jonri! I had never seen that article.</p>
<p>I would ask classmates of mine but unfortunately (or, I guess fortunately perhaps) none of them are applying to law school. Interesting article though</p>
<p>I think any essay that demonstrates:
(1) an ability to structure an insightful argument and
(2) a serious intellectual interest in international affairs, history, philosophy, etc </p>
<p>would work well for the 250 word essay. 250 words is enough space to introduce a topic, make clear you know something about it, and explain why the reader should also care about what you've chosen to write about.</p>
<p>When I applied to Yale Law back in 1984, I wrote my 250 word essay on the interaction between legal rules and society. As I recall, I discussed two examples -- one historical, and one contemporary. And I was admitted, although I recognize that I might not be so successful today, given how much more competitive the process has gotten.</p>
<p>Hey, I'm just glad that we're having a discussion about this - carry on!</p>
<p>Karla - your pre-law advisor might be able to steer you towards Yale admittees who could help you out - maybe someone just finished up 1L year there.</p>
<p>What about your thesis topic - i.e. why you chose it, esp. if it ties into law? Or something along those lines.</p>
<p>I'll be doing a thesis topic in a year. Do you have any suggestions for topics that would help admissions chances? of course, I'll pick something that I'm interested in too.</p>
<p>
[quote]
I'll be doing a thesis topic in a year. Do you have any suggestions for topics that would help admissions chances? of course, I'll pick something that I'm interested in too.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Please do not choose a topic because it will increase your chances; a thesis is an accomplishment that demonstrates dedication to a specific field of interest. Work for your thesis because you love doing it, not because you want to impress someone by doing so.</p>
<p>Edit: Sorry, I did not read the last sentence. I will leave this message up for others.</p>
<p>I honestly don't think that your thesis topic will have any effect on law school admissions, unless you are debating between the history of polka dots and ancient Roman jurisprudence.</p>
<p>My suggestion was that 250 would be good for discussing the WHY of a thesis - not that one should structure her thesis around this.</p>