Guide to Stanford Law's Optional Short Essays
If you're in the midst of applying to law schools and Stanford is on your list, you might be struggling with the decision to submit their optional essays. Stanford's acceptance rate is about five percent. You really have no choice. If you want a chance to get in, you have to do the optional essays. However, they need to be strong. Weak essays or those that regurgitate other information in your application package will not help you gain acceptance.
If you put in the effort to write strong optional essays, you increase your chances for acceptance to Stanford Law. If their admissions committee reviews two application packages, the person who completed the essays will likely get accepted over the person who did not, assuming they have similar LSAT scores, grades, and letters of recommendation.
I know it can be daunting to write yet ANOTHER essay for an application, but Stanford typically provides some fun choices. This allows you to let your personality shine and show a side of you the committee likely did not see in the rest of your application. Below I provide more information about Stanford's supplemental essays and tips to help you submit the best essay possible.
Stanford Law's Optional Short Essay Prompts
Each year Stanford Law offers about 10 prompts for their optional short essays. New applications are available in September for the following year. Once you begin your online application, you will have access to the year's application prompts. However, it's helpful for you to know the types of questions you might see.
Here are some prompts from recent application cycles:
Describe yourself in five words.
What do you like to read, watch, or listen to?
What historical moment do you wish you saw with your own eyes?
Tell us about your activities or work experience.
What if you had 25 hours in your days? How would you spend the extra time?
How did you spend your summers?
What do you want to experience at Stanford?
What important challenge does society face today?
Why do you like learning?
Tell something important about yourself.
Lastly, write a letter to your future roommate.
You will receive four optional short essay prompts and may submit two responses.
Composing Your Stanford Law Optional Short Essays
Submitting Stanford Law's optional short essay is in your best interest as long as you submit well-written pieces. Although this is more writing, having prompts makes it easier to get started on an essay, unlike writing the dreaded, open-ended personal statement. These tips will help you write strong essays—yes, I said essays with an "s". You need to write them both. Use each one as a way to add value and information to your application package.
Use the Prompts to Brainstorm Topics
Take some time to write down a few topics that fit within the prompts you receive. Depending on the question, you might not need to think too hard. Instead, answer the question in a few words. Don't overthink. Instead, write down what comes to your mind. With four prompts, you should have six to 10 potential topics to complete your essays.
Choose Your Topics
Once you have some potential topics for your optional short essays, you need to pick two. Narrowing down your choices might seem difficult, especially if you feel like you could write four great essays. If you are unsure about the two that will work best for you, use these guidelines to eliminate some of your topics.
Avoid any topic or answer to a prompt that provides information already mentioned in your personal or diversity statement. You can briefly mention your background or other things, but make sure you directly tie them to the prompt. It's best to let your personality, background, and experience inform your answer instead of being the answer.
Choose at least one topic that allows you to show your vulnerable side or a side of you that you often hide from others. Those who read your essays will connect with you on a deeper level when they feel your emotion coming through your essays. Vulnerability is the key to successful creative pursuits, including writing.
Don't choose trite or overwritten topics. It might be difficult to avoid being trite with some of the lighter questions. However, your job is to bring depth to the question with your response. Also, avoid answering questions that feed into stereotypes about diverse candidates who apply to law school, graduate school, and medical school. You can write about growing up without money or living in a rough neighborhood if that is your truth, but admissions committees read these types of essays all the time. Instead, focus on the specifics of your experience and how they inform your choices today.
Don't Try to Guess What the Admissions Committee Wants You to Write
Some law school applicants try to write their essays based on what they think the admissions committee wants to hear. Like every other place, Stanford Law's admissions committee is made up of multiple faculty with different backgrounds and experiences. You simply will not please everyone with your responses. Essays that try to cater to committees often lack conviction and do not perform well.
Be yourself when you write your essay. An authentic response that is cogent and well-written can win over committee members who do not necessarily like or agree with your specific response. Good communication skills are critical for a law career, and the optional essays give you another opportunity to showcase your writing skills.
Stay Within the Requested Word Count
Stanford Law asks for each optional short essay to be between 100 and 250 words. You definitely do not want to cut your answer off at 100 words. Find a way to use the space without adding fluff. On the other hand, do not overwrite. More is not always better. By staying within the allotted word count, you demonstrate that you can follow instructions, and you have respect for those who give their time to read your essays.
Learn More About Stanford Law's Optional Short Essays
Preparing law school applications can be overwhelming for some applicants. If you have additional questions about composing your Stanford Law optional essays or any other aspect of your law school application package, the team at Barrier Breakers® Admissions Advising is here to support you through this law school application cycle! Whether it's through discounted advising for BIPOC, first-generation, and LSAC Fee Waiver applicants, our essay review services and courses, or just downloading our free Essential Guide to Applying to Law School, we're here to help make this process easier.
As always, feel free to reach out to us at hello@barrier-breakers.org with any of your questions! You can also submit a question to be answered on our weekly Break Into Law School® Podcast, streaming wherever your favorite podcast service is.