<p>“I personally think when a student effectively communicates ‘fit’ in an application, Admissions Officers take it with a grain of salt, especially at many top schools that do not take “interest” into account in an application.”</p>
<p>I think if you’re BS-ing them they probably know it, but if your sincere they can sense that as well.<br>
For the colleges that do ask Why?, I think the generic answers can weaken an application. Just my guess - I don’t know. Regardless, I think you owe it to yourself to find ‘fit’ rather than applying to ten plus reach schools - unless, of course, your sole objective is to just get in to a top school - then, I guess, go for it - apply away.</p>