Undergraduate / "my diverse contribution of my background" - LAW SCHOOL ADMISSION [3]

Please provide constructive criticism... ASAP

Deadlines are looming!!

Thanks to all who answer the call!

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Although my race and gender as an African American female are the most easily distinguishable characteristics of my diversity, a further look at my background will reveal several other factors that increase my diverse contribution. My educational background, socioeconomic status, former disabilities, age, religion and geographical demographic also represent examples of the diversity my presence would contribute to a law school student body.

Though the sexism, racism and prejudice that I have faced as an African American woman is not unique, my response to adversity and injustice are noted. At the detriment of my career sometimes, I have chosen to adhere to an ethical commitment to justice and to improve the journey for future professionals. Although this ethical standard began at home, my matriculation through a historically black undergraduate institution solidified my desire to work toward equality and to positively impact society through my profession.

As a child, my family impressed the need for quality education and specifically impressed the importance of attending a historically black university to improve my chances of success as an African American professional in a sometimes racially and socioeconomically segregated society. Although my family has not historically had significant financial resources, my family story offers a rich history of overcoming adversity, even through discrimination and personal illness.

When I was personally struck by illness, my family history offered the blueprint by which I survived and, ultimately, by which my personal and professional purpose was redefined. The proximity of our family home to a chemical plant was suspected, but never proven, to have caused several personal illnesses including hypothyroidism, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, and a large benign nodule. As I fought against accepting the demographic title of 'disabled,' my experience as a patient with a life-altering illness increased my compassion for others and improved my awareness of patient issues including record privacy and legislation. My experience as a patient also resulted in an improved faith in God, improved family relationships and an increased emphasis on finding peace and joy in my life.

Although I have been presented with considerable challenges to my personal and professional goals, I continue to strive to make a positive contribution to society and to fight against the negative stigmas associated with inclusion in certain demographic groups. As a result, I am excited about my future opportunities and look forward to contributing my unique perspective and life's experiences to the practice of law and helping to advance the State of Louisiana.

Graduate / LOW LSAT SCORE AND GPA ADDENDUM [4]

Please provide feedback on the following LSAT/GPA Addendum. Both my LSAT and GPA are low and I wanted to provide plausible explanation.

THANKS!

Plz hurry! Deadlines are looming....

Since childhood, my family impressed a need to find a profession that impassioned me. Although I realized the importance of excelling in school, I immaturely narrowed my focus on practical experience. As a teen news reporter, I viewed my degree as merely a tool to start a career in broadcast journalism. I excelled in classes I thought were related to my career and coasted through those that I thought were unrelated. As my excitement for journalism grew, my interest in the practical applications became paramount. The excitement of practicing the craft overshadowed the virtue of honing the necessary tools for improved success in the field.

After college, I was hired at a television news station within six months of completing my degree. Though my GPA was unremarkable, I was the only student in my graduating class with on-air ambitions to materialize my dreams of becoming a television news reporter. My work was fulfilling and extraordinarily multi-faceted. Success in broadcast journalism demanded a diverse body of knowledge and underscored the importance of coursework that I had previously dismissed. Though demanding, I embraced the challenge. As a result of my professional experiences in journalism, I acquired a more global perspective and enhanced my research skills. In addition, my work exposed me to several facets of the legal system, including the opportunity to observe various stages of law enforcement.

This exposure helped me to reshape my professional purpose, solidify my desire to seek a career in law and pursue law school admission. Although I couldn't devote money to my LSAT preparation, I devoted time and research. After obtaining the LSAC Waiver, I was excited about studying; but once test day arrived, my excitement quickly turned to nauseous nervousness. Anxiety and impulsive changes in my test-taking strategy cost me a satisfying score that was truly reflective of my aptitude for law. I committed to taking the test again and gaining more confidence through further study.

During the period between my first and second time taking the LSAT, I started my own business and continued to manage my daily responsibilities while studying. As the second test date neared, I intensified my studies and narrowed the focus of my attention on the LSAT. After a marathon-like six weeks of study, I concluded my second attempt taking the test feeling stronger and more confident than the first. Although proud of the discipline required for self-guided study, I realize that the ability to spend money on LSAT preparation would have most likely yielded a higher score.

Neither my LSAT score nor GPA may accurately reflect my aptitude for success in law school. The best indicators of my potential success in law are found outside of the LSAT/GPA ratio. My career in journalism, demonstrated ability for research and diverse personal experiences provide a documented foundation for success in law school and, ultimately, success as a practitioner. Although I am excited about the prospect of practicing law, my experiences have reinforced the importance of academic excellence and exemplified the value of possessing a diverse body of knowledge. My fervent desire is acceptance into the 2011-12 1L Class based on my professional experiences and demonstrated ability for advanced writing and research.