i got it down to like 720..... y'all please let me know if i can cut anything out/improvements.

The paramount reason I would like to attend Cornell Law regards the aspect of community that is so unique to the school. The collegial and competitive atmosphere of the school is complimented by the genuine nature of the students who attend. Students admitted to Cornell Law are genuine in the sense that they want to be the best lawyer possible to benefit society. At Cornell Law, the inherently competitive atmosphere of law school does not translate to resentment towards fellow classmates, which allows students to encourage and support each other. This mindset helps to facilitate rich intellectual dialogue that assists in the comprehension and application of the course material.  The sentiment among students at Cornell Law is that legal education is a team effort towards a common goal: positive social change. Having played on a number of different athletic teams for most of my life, I place great importance on my ability as an effective team member, and always hope for the same from my teammates.  

Additionally, I appreciate that Cornell Law places a strong emphasis on inclusivity and diversity. I want to make sure that I am studying alongside those from all walks of life, as such an environment will broaden my understanding of many different classes and ideologies. In my undergraduate studies, I’ve enjoyed having every-day conversations with people who not only vary in ethnicity, but have also had uncommon experiences and possess different world views. Becoming a part of Cornell’s diverse student body would allow me to expand on a perspective that will assist in connecting with potential clients and effectively serving their interests. The value of the small class size at Cornell Law is heightened when you consider the potential for close personal relationships with esteemed faculty members. At Cornell law, students are taught by great minds who have worked at the pinnacle of the legal profession. It does wonders for the learning process when you have access to the firsthand knowledge and experience of professors such as John Blume, who’s argued 8 cases for the Supreme Court of the U.S., or Lynn Stout, who served on the Financial Research Advisory Committee. Access to faculty that have worked within the confines of the Federal Government is crucial, as my career interests are primarily in Law Reform and Policy, specifically with regards to Civil Rights and Liberties. In the same vein, graduating from Cornell Law presents many professional opportunities in the city I aspire to work, the heart of the U.S. Government, Washington D.C. Given my affinity for Public Interest law, I have a strong desire to serve the community around me as early into my legal education as possible. Service programs such as the International Human Rights clinic, Criminal Law clinic, Child Advocacy clinic, and the Cornell Prison Education Program would allow me to do so. Moreover, groundbreaking public interest projects, such as the Cornell Center on Death Penalty Worldwide and Amicus Brief On Women’s Reproductive Rights allow me to conduct research on issues that extend past the immediate community; these are issues that affect the world as a whole. Personally, I feel that Ithaca would be the perfect setting for a legal education. I hail from Austin, Texas and I believe that Ithaca has a fantastic balance of the things I love about Austin, and the things that were missing from Austin. Ithaca is a beautiful, rural college town, where as Austin is a more of a major metropolitan city. Austin may present many avenues to quench the thirst for outdoor exploration, but does not have the majestic gorges, waterfalls, and rolling green hills that Ithaca does. Coming from the live music capital of the world, a strong local music scene is extremely attractive; Ithaca has just that with Porchfest and the GrassRoots Music Festival. Ithaca also possesses that same enchanting local culture that is so great about Austin, and that is apparent in its fresh farmer’s markets, eclectic coffee shops, and niche small local businesses. Lastly, I would like to thank the admissions committee for giving my application such thorough consideration and allowing me to interview with Dean Monica Ingram. It was an absolute pleasure to talk to such a respected individual and gain invaluable insight. Her candidness and intellectual perspective was indicative of the type of people associated with Cornell Law. Undoubtedly, Cornell Law will remain my top choice throughout the admissions process.