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Codey Bates

355

Bold Points

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Finalist

Education

Austin Peay State University

Bachelor's degree program
2019 - 2023
  • Majors:
    • Legal Professions and Studies, Other
    • Physical Sciences, Other

Austin Peay State University

Master's degree program
2019 - 2023
  • Majors:
    • Criminology

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Law Practice

    • Dream career goals:

      Sports

      Basketball

      Varsity
      2019 – 20234 years

      Awards

      • team captian apsu mens basketball

      Public services

      • Public Service (Politics)

        Kappa Alpha Psi — Vice president
        2022 – 2023

      Future Interests

      Advocacy

      Politics

      Volunteering

      Philanthropy

      Justice Adolpho A. Birch Jr. Scholarship
      I am writing to express my deep commitment to pursuing a master's degree in Criminal Justice and to outline the reasons why I believe I am a deserving candidate for this scholarship opportunity. First and foremost, my academic track record and dedication to my studies make me a strong candidate. Throughout my undergraduate studies, I consistently demonstrated exceptional academic performance, maintaining a high GPA and receiving accolades for my scholastic achievements. I have a solid foundation in the principles of criminal justice, and my passion for the subject is evident through my active participation in being the team captian on APSU men’s basketball teams alongside being the vice president of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity inc. As I embark on the journey to attain my master's degree in Criminal Justice, I am driven by a deep-rooted belief that everyone deserves fairness, equality, and the opportunity to have their voice heard. This fundamental principle has shaped my personal and professional aspirations, fueling my desire to become an attorney and advocate for those who have been marginalized or wronged. One core value that matters most to me is the preservation of individual rights and liberties. Throughout history, we have witnessed countless instances where these rights have been trampled upon, leading to systemic inequalities and societal divisions. It is essential to protect the rights of all individuals, regardless of their race, gender, socioeconomic status, or background. I can effectively contribute to the safeguarding of these rights, ensuring a more just and equitable society. The current criminal justice system often focuses solely on punishment rather than seeking to understand the underlying causes of criminal behavior. By pursuing a master's degree in Criminal Justice, I aim to learn about evidence-based approaches that address the root causes of crime, promote rehabilitation, and provide opportunities for individuals to reintegrate into society. I firmly believe that a system rooted in empathy, rehabilitation, and support has the potential to foster positive change and reduce recidivism rates. The power of education and awareness cannot be underestimated in the pursuit of justice. As an attorney, I hope to be an agent of change by using my legal expertise to educate individuals about their rights and empower them to actively participate in shaping a just society. Through community outreach programs and pro bono work, I aspire to bridge the gap between legal knowledge and the communities most affected by injustice. By empowering individuals with the necessary tools and knowledge, we can create a society that values justice and equality. In conclusion, what matters most to me is the pursuit of justice, equality, and fairness. The opportunity to obtain a master's degree in Criminal Justice will equip me with the knowledge needed to become an attorney and advocate for a more just society. Preserving individual rights, promoting rehabilitation, combating inequality within the system, and fostering education and awareness are the pillars on which I wish to build my career. By dedicating my efforts to these endeavors, I aspire to make a tangible difference in the lives of those who have been marginalized, creating a world where justice prevails and every individual is treated with dignity and respect. The law school application process is a transformative journey that imparts valuable insights to aspiring law students. Through my personal experience and observations, I have gained several key lessons that I believe will greatly benefit my transition to law school. The application process encourages deep introspection about personal motivations, goals, and values. It requires articulating one's passion for the law and demonstrating a genuine commitment to justice. This process helped me solidify my purpose, ensuring that my decision to pursue law is driven by a genuine desire to make a positive impact and contribute to a more just society. This clarity of purpose will serve as a guiding force in navigating the challenges of law school. The law school application process can be demanding and competitive. It requires resilience to face rejection, setbacks, and the inevitable pressures that arise. Going through this process has taught me to persist in the face of adversity, to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and to develop the mental fortitude needed to succeed in a rigorous academic environment. This resilience will be crucial as I tackle the demanding workload and competitive nature of law school. Juggling various application components, studying for standardized tests, gathering recommendation letters, and maintaining academic responsibilities can be overwhelming. The experience has taught me the importance of prioritizing tasks, setting deadlines, and maintaining a structured schedule. These skills will be invaluable in managing the demanding workload and competing obligations of law. The law school application process emphasizes the significance of attention to detail and professionalism. From crafting a compelling personal statement to submitting error-free applications, every aspect requires careful review and precision. Engaging with admissions officers and other professionals during the process has underscored the importance of professionalism in all interactions. These skills will be critical as I engage in legal writing, analysis, and advocacy during my law school studies. Throughout the application process, seeking guidance and advice from mentors, professors, and professionals is crucial. These individuals can provide valuable insights, help refine application materials, and offer advice on choosing the right law school. I have learned the significance of networking and building relationships within the legal community, as these connections can provide support, mentorship, and future opportunities. I will continue to cultivate these relationships in law school to expand my knowledge, gain practical insights, and establish a strong professional network. In summary, the law school application process has taught me self-reflection, resilience, effective time management, attention to detail, professionalism, and the value of seeking guidance and building networks. These insights will serve as a solid foundation for my transition to law school, enabling me to navigate the challenges and excel in my studies. I am confident that the lessons learned will contribute to my growth as a future attorney and equip me with the necessary skills to make a meaningful impact in the field of law.