I’m applying to several schools (Choate, Hotchkiss, etc) and a common question on these essays are “Why are you applying to ____ (school name)?”
I haven’t visited a single school yet, and if we’re being honest, all of these schools such as Choate and Hotchkiss have an amazing program for almost anything.
How to make my essay stand out?
While the various schools are wonderful, they are different and have unique opportunities. I think these essays are used to ascertain how much you have specifically researched the school and why you find it to be a particularly good match for you. Review the course offerings and graduation requirements. Research available EC’s. Look at how class days are scheduled and how the terms are structured. Consider the size and location of the school. Also the dress code and the role of tradition. Are there any unique teaching methodologies (Harkness for everything at Exeter is an obvious example)? Off campus programs that you like? There is also a lot to be learned about a school from reading the school newspaper.