Mistake #6: Thinking of this as only a "Why them" essay.
What do the professors study? Are there any interdisciplinary centers on campus that you could see yourself participating in? Learn about what real students do on campus and familiarize yourself with what specific academic and extracurricular opportunities might be available to you on campus.
Thorough research is the cornerstone of writing an effective "Why This College?" essay. Let these two questions guide you in conducting laser-focused research on your chosen school.
The collaborative community is another aspect of Indiana that I truly appreciate. Dating back to the first group activities I worked on at school, I have always appreciated the helpfulness in working with my peers rather than against them. Working with others to solve problems is not only how I have accomplished so many of my goals, but also how I have made some of my closest friends. Additionally, I will utilize this emphasis of collaboration with my professors at the Kelley School as a way to enrich what I have learned in their classrooms.
What are admissions officers looking for in a Why essay?
Be creative here, and specific. Unlike the Common App essay, where reflection is key, in the Why X essay you are looking forward. Talk about what you will do if accepted. Be as specific as you can. Make your readers feel as if you’ve really done your homework and have a good reason for applying to the school.
We would like to know more about your interest in NYU. What motivated you to apply to NYU? Why have you applied or expressed interest in a particular campus, school, college, program, and or area of study? If you have applied to more than one, please also tell us why you are interested in these additional areas of study or campuses. We want to understand - Why NYU?
If the “Why Yale” supplement were a food, it would be a few tiny bites of an appetizer. So, before you go mapping out a lengthy manifesto outlining your love for this picturesque campus and the academic rigor that unfolds there, take a moment to remind yourself that a 125 -word essay is a very, very short essay. While you aim to create an impactful supplemental essay, you’re working with a minimum word count. The admissions committee is already well versed in Yale’s prestige, but they’re wondering why you would choose Yale over another highly selective institution.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can craft a compelling "why this college" essay that showcases your genuine interest, research, and fit with the institution!
Below are some examples of actual "why us?" college essay prompts:
More so than any other school, tell them why this thing is the springboard for the rest of your life. To answer this question, youâll need to tie in aspects of your own personality and goals. This will help admissions officers see how you fit into the life legacy of the college.
Here is a "Why Tufts?" essay from :
For example: Why are you applying to Occidental? What are your intellectual curiosities, and why do you think Occidental is the right place for you to pursue them?
College Essay Guy’s “Why us?” Essay Research Chart 2.0
Prompt: Describe your academic and career plans and any special interest (for example, undergraduate research, academic interests, leadership opportunities, etc.) that you are eager to pursue as an undergraduate at Indiana University. Also, if you encountered any unusual circumstances, challenges, or obstacles in pursuit of your education, share those experiences and how you overcame them.
So, how do you write a why essay?
Why are you drawn to studying the major you have selected and specifically, why do you want to pursue this major at Cornell CALS? You should share how your current interests, related experiences, and/or goals influenced your choice. (500 word limit)
Here’s an outline for a basic, solid “Why this College” essay:
All colleges and universities have specific values that guide the institution. That’s why schools have mission statements that lay out what the institution is all about.
The Why Michigan “Why this College” Essay Example
Is this prompt really “optional?” Yes and no. While your application would technically be complete without a written response to this question, I highly advise students to thoughtfully respond to all supplemental essay prompts, even the optional ones. Not responding is throwing away a great opportunity to showcase your interests and why you’d be a great fit on that particular college campus.