It’s the one supplemental essay question you’ll find on nearly every college application: “Why do you want to attend this school?” Though the question is simple enough, for many high school students, it can prove the most challenging to answer. Most college counselors will tell you to choose an answer that differentiates yourself from other applicants, but it’s hard to balance writing an essay that offers original reasons for liking a school while staying true to your personal voice. To help out, I’ve compiled the top tips for writing a killer response to the toughest application question. First and foremost, it’s important to get your thoughts down on paper. Jot down a list of all the reasons you like the school, from the biggest (maybe the school has a renowned degree program that interests you) to the smallest (delicious cookies in the dining hall, or great school colors). It won’t be necessary for you to include every item on your list in your essay, but you’d be surprised how simply writing down your thoughts can help you write a more authentic and comprehensive response. This essay question is your chance to show that you’ve done some serious research on the school (on that note: if you haven’t already, you should take some time to research the school!). So, don’t just write that you admire their Global Politics program — explain why you admire the professors in the program, that you’re excited to study abroad with your classmates, and that you’re intrigued by the required undergraduate thesis. In addition to academics, show that you’re excited by specific extracurricular or sport programs that the school may offer; remember, most schools are searching for well-rounded candidates, so they’ll be expecting future students to have interests outside the classroom. For example, many schools have excellent service programs that encourage students to volunteer in the local community, or Emergency Medical Technician training classes that allow students to work as medical responders on campus. If these types of programs interest you, great: include your thoughts, in detail, in your essay. It’s important to remember that these questions are designed to give admission officers a better idea of who you are — so, consider why you think you’d fit well with the college’s approach to academics and student life. For example: instead of writing that you’re a hard worker, explain that you would thrive in the school’s small, discussion-based class setting. Remember though, “fitting in” doesn’t mean you can’t break the status quo. Explain how your own, unique background and interests would help diversify classroom discussions and campus life. No matter what, write in a way that is true to yourself. You don’t need to scour the thesaurus to show admission officers you’re smart, or write about aspects of the school that you don’t find compelling. Write a response that is true to how you feel about the college, no matter how “cliche” it may seem. If you’re honest and articulate, your essay will come across as unique.
In my last post I wrote about what schools look for in a “Why Do You Want to Attend our School?” essay. Buckle up! It’s time to start putting pen to paper. Here are 5 Steps to Writing a Great “Why This College” Essay: 1. Before You Start Writing, Understand What Makes this School Different From Other Schools. Here’s how to collect that info:
Tip: Googling is an excellent shortcut. College websites can sometimes feel overwhelming. When you’re looking deeper for news and information, Googling can often get you there faster. How to be awesome with Google: Use specific search terms. Let’s say you’re applying to the University of Illinois and you’re interested in bioengineering. Google “University of Illinois bioengineering.” But a general search will return masses of information, so use the news tab for research and other news. Similarly, if you’re interested in joining a club, such as an outdoors club, Google the school’s name and “outdoor club” or “environment” or “hikes” and see what you find. (Do a general search here, not news.) Search videos too. One of my students discovered a video from a robotics class and wrote about how he’d work as part of that team. WHEN YOU WRITE:
3. Say How You’ll Fit In
5. It’s Almost Never Too Late to Make a Personal Connection
True Story about Making A Personal Connection: Last year I worked with a student applying to Cornell Engineering. His interests had changed since he’d visited, and now he was interested in pursuing two possible engineering paths, not just one. The problem was that he didn’t know much about the second path and the website wasn’t specific. I suggested he email Cornell admissions and ask to be connected to a student in that major. When he did, they responded immediately with a contact. Then I helped him create five questions to ask. He emailed the student, introduced himself, and asked his questions. A few follow-up questions and he was done. By the time he was finished, my student had a much better grasp on the second engineering track. Now he could show the school he understood why it would be a good fit and why he was excited by what they had to offer. It was just that easy. Everyone who’s writing a “Why This School” essay should try to make at least one personal connection and then use these 5 steps to write a great essay. NEXT: Part 3—Successful writing techniques, plus examples of essays in action. Posts in this series: Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in July 2012 and has been updated to include additional information and examples.
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“Dear Student, How do you answer this question? In this series of posts we’ll tackle this question. I’ll tell you what colleges look for (part 1) and then we’ll dig deeper so you can start writing (part 2). You’ll read essay examples to learn what works and what doesn’t work (part 3). I’ll even take you step-by-step through a “Why this school” essay sample that shows you how to write a successful essay even if you don’t know much about the school. Ready? Let’s do it! First Your Goal Schools Want to Know Schools Don’t Like 2. Hearing information they already know. Here’s an example: “I’m looking forward to going to OUR GREAT SCHOOL U because it has a Division I Soccer Team.” Good right? No. They know they have a Division I soccer team. Personalize it instead: “I’ve been following Division I soccer for years and was excited when OUR GREAT SCHOOL U made it to the NCAA Soccer finals last December. I’ll be in the stands cheering when I get to campus next fall.” Here’s a similar problem I see a lot: “Your Great School U. offers xxx number of majors and over xxx number of clubs.” Again, they know how many majors and clubs they have. They care about why that matters to you. Find a way to personalize it. For example: “At Your Great School I’ll be able to explore my diverse interests knowing I’ll be able to find the major that’s right for me. Outside of class my interests range from Cricket to tutoring, and with so many clubs I’ll be able to find the ones that I enjoy.” Tip: When you state a fact about the school, that’s your cue to follow it with how it relates to you. Don’t Use the Same Essay for Different Schools Sometimes it’s possible to use the same first sentences for more than one essay (see part 3 for an example). But this isn’t a “fill in the blank” essay where you can plug in the name of a dorm or professor—the admissions committee will catch that. Remember, the more specific you are the more successful you will be. READ THE REST OF THE SERIES: Editor’s Note: This series was originally published in July 2012 and has been updated to include additional information and examples.
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Ask questions on college visits. Don’t just talk to adults — ask the students who go there. Why? Campus Tour at Cornell 1. You’re going to choose where you’ll spend the next four years of your life. It’s an important decision. Don’t choose a college because you “think you should go there” – choose it because you see yourself living – and thriving – there. 2. Many colleges require a “Why Do You Want to Go To Our School” essay when you apply. This is an important essay – one that could even determine if you get in. Ask good questions on your visit and you’ll be able to write an impressive answer when you apply. USA TODAY College just published 5 Questions to Ask Current Students on Your College Visit. Check it out. The questions include asking about the best professors, what you can do in town, who to get to know, and what things to avoid. I’m sure you can think of a few of your own. When you visit, find current students and ask questions. If you can see yourself becoming one of those students, it might just be the school for you. related links:
Need help? I work with students everywhere: in-person, over the phone, and by email. Visit my website for more info. Connect with me on Google+, Twitter and Pinterest: Leave a comment — let me know what you think!
So you have to answer the essay question, “Why Do You Want to Go To This School?” Here’s the good news (yup, there’s good news). This college essay doesn’t have to be a killer, if you know what schools are looking for and where to begin. (Part 1 and Part 2 — check them out.) Now, take a look at some essays in action. Here are sections from 3 different essays. Find out if they work or not, and why. Example #1 “I like Bowdoin College because it’s a highly acclaimed school with excellent academics. I especially like Bowdoin because it is close to the Canadian border.” Doesn’t Work. Why: The student is telling the school what it already knows. (“Highly acclaimed” “Excellent academics” “Close to the Canadian border.”) Instead, tell the school why this information is important, and how you’ll take advantage of it. New Version: “Bowdoin’s proximity to Canada is important to me because my family is French Canadian. I’m excited to be able to immerse myself in a premier liberal arts education, while being close enough to Quebec to learn more about my heritage and practice my language skills.” Works Why: The answer is specific. This student clearly states why this school is a good match for her. Example #2 “Your school really inspires me. The students were friendly and the campus is amazing. Plus, I like cold weather. I can really see myself going there.” Doesn’t Work Why: Generic – almost any campus can be inspiring, and lots of students are friendly. It’s also impersonal – there’s no feeling the student connects with this school. New Version: “I introduced myself to some of the students who were on their way to Dr. Gruber’s psych class. As we walked across the quad they told me how exciting his lectures were and how much they liked him as a teacher. My high school psych course really made me want to learn more about psychology, and if I’m admitted, the first class I’m signing up for is Dr. Gruber’s.” Works Why: The student has made her answer personal. By referencing an instructor and a course that interests her, she’s able to give the school a clear picture of how she sees herself fitting in. “During the campus tour, my guide gave me a great inside view of the University. He told me about the school culture, and I knew this was the place for me.” Doesn’t Work Why: 1. Vague. It doesn’t mean anything to say you have an “inside view” or that “this is the place for me.” You need specifics to back it up. New Version: “After I got home, I remembered my tour guide played cello in the orchestra, so I shot him an email asking what it was like. He replied right away and told me he’d definitely recommend it, especially because of the great friendships he’d made. That’s the kind of experience and camaraderie I’m looking for.” Works Why: Personal connection. This is an excellent revision. When the student realized his essay wasn’t specific enough, he remembered that his tour guide played in the orchestra, and that he had the guide’s email. So they chatted, and the end result was an essay that showed initiative, enthusiasm, and connection. The student understood why he wanted to go to this college. Your Essay Will be Longer Than These Samples The samples I gave you are sections from essays, not the entire essay. (Using sections makes it easier for me to take apart to show you why they work or not. Your essay will probably be longer, depending on word count). When you write your essay, you might be able to use all there of the ideas presented in these samples (why you like the college, how you see yourself fitting in, how you’ve made a connection), plus any other ideas you have. Just remember to answer the exact prompt. If 100 other students can say the same thing, it’s time to either dig deeper or start over. Your essay needs to be unique to you. Remember Every school wants to see two basic things: that you know something specific about what they offer and that you understand how you’ll fit in. Read the Other Posts in this Series
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