<p>“Gentlemen, you should pick a school that has your major, and you should be able to see yourself studying there.” These were the words my college counselor said to my senior class back in September. So, I did what he said. By using the internet, I was able to find schools that are known to have good journalism programs. After finding these programs, I did research on them to get a better idea of what makes these programs great. When I concluded my research, one school distinguished itself from the rest: Boston University. I mean, Boston University was not the only good program I came across. There was Northwestern University, Columbia University, and University of Southern California. But, the statement my college counselor told my class came back to me: could I see myself studying there? When I thought about it, Boston University was the place for me. Ever since I was a kid, I have always loved the city of Boston. It didnt matter what I would do while I was city. From watching a ball game in Fenway Park, to taking a walk in Public Garden, I always felt welcomed when in Boston. When I visited the school during my junior year, I felt like I was home. When I found out that BU has a great Journalism program, I could not wait to apply. To live in the great city of Boston , and to study Journalism at BU, is an opportunity I want to take.</p>
<p>Agreed. Basically, you just need to remove the fluff and get to the point. The people reading your essay will read thousands of others. They want to know why you specifically love bu, not how it compares to other schools and what your counselors have told you. I would recommend focusing in on the opportunities that you mentioned. What makes their journalism program so spectacular in your eyes? What will the location offer you? You touched upon that in your essay, but that needs to be the focus. Good luck!</p>
<p>A BU admissions officer did an interview saying that for this question over the past four years nothing has ever made them cringe more than someone saying that they want to go to BU because of the city it’s located in. That really really helped me with my supplemental essay when I applied ED and I figured I might as well pass it on </p>
<p>I know it’s too late for you to make any adjustments (or at least I think it is, I’m not completely 100% on when the deadline for RD is) but for any future applicants that’s my biggest piece of advice! Good luck to all the class of 2018 RD applicants!</p>
<p>The essay itself is poorly written, to be honest – it isn’t very compelling or evocative; does not speak to who you are as a person. When a school like BU asks; “Why BU?” - they really mean; why YOU at BU - not why Boston, not why you didn’t choose Northwestern. Every school in the top 50 has a world class journalism program – choosing Boston University should be a decision that was made which transcended the fact that its in Boston and should have been grounded in the institution itself. If BU decided to move its campus to rural Vermont – would you still go? Is the Journalism program still worth it? BU is far more than a location. </p>
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