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 roshan07
  • Posts: 13
  • Joined: Sep 27, 2015
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#21854
I wrote a Why Duke essay, and I feel like I did a good job, but I would like some feedback if possible! Thanks! :-D

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As a student in the (school) Philosophy, Politics, and Economics Program, my professor sparked my interest in the intersection between law and business. I loved theorizing about politics and economics, but the desire to pursue a career with a more tangible impact led me to an interest in law and business. Duke offers a variety of courses in business and corporate law from some of the best professors in the world. Although my main interest is in the law, I would like to take courses at the business school to complement my knowledge. Duke allows for students to take courses at Fuqua without being a JD/MBA candidate, allowing students to learn from two world class institutions. Although Duke constantly places a large percentage of its graduating class in top law firms, showing its commitment to providing a legal education with a strong foundation in business and corporate law, there are other unique experiences that Duke provides relating to business law, unfound at other top law schools.

Duke provides hands-on opportunities for law students to work directly with new companies seeking legal advice, an incredible opportunity I would happily take advantage of. The Start-Up Ventures Clinic provides a unique opportunity for students to directly advise and assist start-up companies. As a current (school) student, I know that the Triangle is one of the most educated areas in the country, ripe for a continuous stream of new companies seeking the counsel of lawyers. The clinic offers an unmatched degree of immersion, easing the path for Duke students to serve as counsels to companies or work for a corporate law firm.

The story of Duke Law and MBA students working together with HyTower Energy to convert abandoned water towers into electrical generators shows the impact Duke Law students can make on the world, even before graduating. I know that being part of such a clinic will provide the tools necessary for me to become a successful lawyer upon graduation. I believe that my background in philosophy, political science, and economics would add a unique perspective to the school and to the clinic.

Having taken courses over academic breaks, I know the closeness that these courses offer provide an advantage to students who choose to partake in them. The Wintersession at Duke affords students such an opportunity. Being able to learn from lawyers, faculty, and alumni who are experts in their fields provides students an edge when practicing in the real world. Wintersession provides a more intimate classroom setting, a way for students to better able create a close network. This is a rare opportunity not offered at other law schools, and another way in which Duke is able to set itself apart.
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 Dave Killoran
PowerScore Staff
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#21866
roshan07 wrote:I wrote a Why Duke essay, and I feel like I did a good job, but I would like some feedback if possible! Thanks! :-D

-------------------------------------

As a student in the (school) Philosophy, Politics, and Economics Program, my professor sparked my interest in the intersection between law and business. I loved theorizing about politics and economics, but the desire to pursue a career with a more tangible impact led me to an interest in law and business. Duke offers a variety of courses in business and corporate law from some of the best professors in the world. Although my main interest is in the law, I would like to take courses at the business school to complement my knowledge. Duke allows for students to take courses at Fuqua without being a JD/MBA candidate, allowing students to learn from two world class institutions. Although Duke constantly places a large percentage of its graduating class in top law firms, showing its commitment to providing a legal education with a strong foundation in business and corporate law, there are other unique experiences that Duke provides relating to business law, unfound at other top law schools.

Duke provides hands-on opportunities for law students to work directly with new companies seeking legal advice, an incredible opportunity I would happily take advantage of. The Start-Up Ventures Clinic provides a unique opportunity for students to directly advise and assist start-up companies. As a current (school) student, I know that the Triangle is one of the most educated areas in the country, ripe for a continuous stream of new companies seeking the counsel of lawyers. The clinic offers an unmatched degree of immersion, easing the path for Duke students to serve as counsels to companies or work for a corporate law firm.

The story of Duke Law and MBA students working together with HyTower Energy to convert abandoned water towers into electrical generators shows the impact Duke Law students can make on the world, even before graduating. I know that being part of such a clinic will provide the tools necessary for me to become a successful lawyer upon graduation. I believe that my background in philosophy, political science, and economics would add a unique perspective to the school and to the clinic.

Having taken courses over academic breaks, I know the closeness that these courses offer provide an advantage to students who choose to partake in them. The Wintersession at Duke affords students such an opportunity. Being able to learn from lawyers, faculty, and alumni who are experts in their fields provides students an edge when practicing in the real world. Wintersession provides a more intimate classroom setting, a way for students to better able create a close network. This is a rare opportunity not offered at other law schools, and another way in which Duke is able to set itself apart.

Hey Roshan,

Thanks for posting this! As a Duke grad myself, I'm always happy to see UNC students coming over to the dark side :-D

My candid thought is that although this is well-written, it won't help your application very much. That is because you are basically telling the Duke adcomms why Duke is a good school, but they know that already. What they really want to know is not why Duke is a good school, but why Duke is good for you. I see you talking about programs they offer and that you think those will help you, but I'm not getting the real personal angle that would set this apart. And, as a Carolina student, it's almost obligatory for you to acknowledge that making the move down 15-501 is of some note. Basically, I feel like if I took your essay to an outside observer, they would feel Duke is a good school, but they wouldn't know much about you. That's a problem and what you want is for the outcome to be reversed, and for the reader to feel there's a really good reason for you to go to Duke (regardless of what kind of school it is).

Sorry to be the bearer of semi-bad news, but better to know this before you submit it than after :-D

Thanks!

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