I have to write an essay about why I want to go to a particular school, and I can’t seem to make it sound anything other than generic. I’m very enthusiastic about going there (if I get in, I’ll probably go), but that’s because it has an excellent reputation, excellent programs, good financial aid, and a nice campus, not because of anything inspired or special. Is it okay for the essay to sound a bit generic?
I found professors whose work intrigued me at the schools I wrote on, also expounded on key components of the schools’ mantras (I.e. Interdisciplinary study at Northwestern engineering)
If you really want that school the essay shouldn’t sound generic. AdComms read hundreds of the ‘why us’ essays. The ones that stand out link the school in the student in non-generic ways. There are hundreds of colleges with all the features you named- why is this one your first choice? Line up 3 or 4 equivalent to slightly fancier schools, and think through what exactly why you want A more than B or C or D. Take those things and scour the website for things that will help make them more concrete.