Public service / Public interest optional essays?

[jrafert]

Greetings,

I have one application left to send and haven't because I want to write the optional public service essay. The school in question has provided a very vague prompt - they basically just say "write an essay about your interest in public service" and I have scoured the internet for any sample essays or guides and haven't found one!

I have a lot to say about why I'm committed to public interest work, but I'm just not really sure what is expected in this kind of essay. Should it be anecdotal and personal like the personal essay? More like a cover letter? Basically just wondering if anyone can weigh in or point me towards a guide or some kind of information about how it should be organized. Thanks in advance.

[Dave Killoran]

Greetings,

I have one application left to send and haven't because I want to write the optional public service essay. The school in question has provided a very vague prompt - they basically just say "write an essay about your interest in public service" and I have scoured the internet for any sample essays or guides and haven't found one!

I have a lot to say about why I'm committed to public interest work, but I'm just not really sure what is expected in this kind of essay. Should it be anecdotal and personal like the personal essay? More like a cover letter? Basically just wondering if anyone can weigh in or point me towards a guide or some kind of information about how it should be organized. Thanks in advance.

Hi J,

Thanks for the question! Like any written piece of the application, this is an opportunity for you to showcase not just your interests, but also you ability to express yourself. So while there are no formal rules about these essays, I'd treat it in the style of a personal statement, which means the cover letter approach is out the window. Make it anecdotal and personal, and try to hook them with an action opening (see our personal statement webinar at https://vimeo.com/94191768 if you haven't already). You mention that you have a lot to say, so say it! Let them understand your interest and passion, and engage with them on what draws you to this field. The best essays cause the reader to forget they are reading a law school app, so that should be your goal. Use the tools described in our personal statement webinar to drive your approach.

Good luck!

[jrafert]

Hi Dave,

Thank you so much for this input! I will watch your personal statement tutorial!

Very Best,
J