Pick Me, Choose Me, Admit Me.

Meghan Carter
Alpha Omicron Pi

I'm having a severe case of writer's block. Not just in terms of essays for class, Odyssey articles, or blog posts. I've narrowed down my Law School apps to 28, but that's still way too many. Each of which require a personal statement. And you would think that the LSAT and the grades are the most important pieces of my applications, but you'd be surprised at just how much weight the admissions offices of various schools place on two or three pages. The questions vary from school to school, but more or less want to know why they should admit you. Why do you stand out? Why is this law school the place for you? What is a significant hardship you've overcome? (And no, Economics 201 does not count as a hardship. I've tried spinning that story.)

I'm attempting to avoid sob stories. I don't like making excuses for myself or using things as a crutch. I'm doing some major soul searching to find the right topic or right quote to shape my essays around Instead, I want to write the following:

Pick me; I've spent the late nights at the library, countless hours studying, memorizing flashcards and editing the essays. I've gone three days without sleep over one exam. 

Choose me; I've chosen books over boys, Constitutional law over cocktails and flashcards over formals far too many times for it to not pay off eventually.

Admit me; I swear I'll work hard, study hard, and support your sports team(s), even if I don't understand what's happening on the field or court. I'm determined and argumentative and don't care that I'll be the youngest one in your ConLaw Class.

Another fun little part of these apps are the letters of recommendation. I've never used All MSU to help pick classes and professors. But now that I'm approaching my second semester of my senior year (terrifying), I sort of wonder if that was a good idea. I'm now mid applications and realizing very few of my profs know who I am. I should probably clarify here that I am that girl that sits quietly in the back or middle of the lecture hall, and never says a single word all semester long.

My JMC profs are probably the only ones who actually know me by name, simply because the classes are smaller. However, I don't typically engage in any sort of debate in class, and usually look like a deer in the headlights when they decide to call on me. How on earth am I supposed to have them vouch for me? They can probably write that I take great notes, and usually am not on my phone during class (no service in parts of Case), but they really don't know much else. Honestly, I think the baristas at Starbucks could write me a better letter of rec. I'm consistent and dependable. I always get the same drink, without fail, and I'm there at least twice a week.

I'm going on my first law school visit this weekend. Part of me is terrified, part of me can't wait to be on campus.  Mostly, I just feel like Peter Pan and don't want to leave MSU. It's become home, and I don't know if I can pull off a cap and gown just yet. Good thing I have until May to pick out the right pair of heels to go with the Spartan Green gown. In the meantime, I'll be at my computer, writing and rewriting these statements, hoping at least one admissions officer finds the humor in my oh so (not really, actually) glamorous life.

Meghan Carter is a senior studying political theory & Constitutional Democracy and history. You may contact her at carte174@msu.edu.