Affiliation/Optional Essay Question

[jk11]

Hello,

So my long-term boyfriend is a currently a 1L at UVA Law. I'm also hoping to be able to go to UVA for law school, both because I think it is a great law school and because we would like to get married as soon as possible. I have strong numbers, a 3.94 GPA and a 170 LSAT and I believe I'm putting together a good application, but I'm not sure if I should mention our relationship anywhere in my application to UVA. I decided not to apply binding, but I am very interested in UVA. Should I mention it in the affiliation section, or somewhere else, or not at all? I don't want the admissions committee to think that I just am interested in UVA because of my boyfriend and that I'm not serious about law school, so I'm semi-afraid to mention it.

I also don't necessarily know how to talk about it if I decide to. It sounds somewhat silly to talk about my boyfriend because the term "boyfriend" doesn't indicate the seriousness of the relationship.

Anyway, I'd appreciate some advice!!

Thank you!

[Dave Killoran]

Hi JK,

Thanks for the question! In this instance, I believe your concerns are valid. You risk de-emphasizing the seriousness of your interest, and at what benefit? I'd skip mentioning the relationship and instead attempt to indicate to them in another fashion that that UVA is your top choice, and that should you be fortunate enough to be accepted, you'd be attending.

The only alternate approach I can think of is to write about it in an addendum. The risk is still the same as above, but if executed properly you could write a compelling essay that shows your commitment to the school is more than rankings oriented. If you did attempt that, this line should be included somewhere early on, and the tone should follow the idea here: "It sounds somewhat silly to talk about my boyfriend because the term "boyfriend" doesn't indicate the seriousness of the relationship." Also, and you can tell your boyfriend I said this, it would be better of you two were engaged if you were to write this kind of essay

The former approach of avoiding the topic is the safer path, but if you are a gifted communicator, it strikes me that there is a way to turn this to your advantage. It's a fine line though!