<p>At some schools I'm applying to, part of the supplemental app (in addition to an essay on one of the topics listed) asks to briefly describe, basically, "Why us?" The problem is that I have no idea how to approach this. Should I write in an essay format for this question, too, or should I just list a few sentences? I've read that it's bad to list great things about the school, because the adcoms already know everything about the school and don't need it restated. I don't know, however, how I can avoid that while still explaining how I find the school a good fit for me. Help?</p>
<p>Personally, I would just write what drew you to the school. Include some small, quirky but real stuff to add character, and be yourself. If you can’t do this, do everyone a favor (including yourself) and don’t apply.</p>
<p>I always thought that the “Why ____?” essays should be mostly about you, not the college. By that I mean, feel free to talk about the virtues of said college but they should be presented in a way that only applies to you.</p>
<p>For example, this could mean the difference between</p>
<p>“I have always wanted to attend Boston University. It has an exceptional honors program that can challenge me to excel if I am accepted. It also occupies an ideal location in the middle of culturally-rich Boston…”</p>
<p>and</p>
<p>“As I walk across Commonwealth Avenue dodging cars, buses and bicycles, a large commotion catches my attention. Hundreds of tables occupy an open area, black and white chess pieces scattered over them. All tables are empty except for one, where two men sit immobile, their minds focused…” etc etc then something like "As a tournament chess player, the prospect of participating in the BU Chess Open excites and captivates me. "</p>
<p>I mean I just whipped those up in 2 minutes so they’re both garbage, but hopefully you can identify the difference between the vague and unoriginal first one, and the specific and somewhat unusual second one.</p>
<p>Thanks to both of you, this is really helpful. =]</p>
<p>My S had two essays, one of which he used as the Personal Statement on the Common App, and one of which described an intellectual experience that was very important and exciting to him. It clearly showed what he was hoping to experience in college. When an application included the “why us” question, he used that essay and edited the ending to say that X institution was a place where he felt he could find this kind of experience, and mentioned a few characteristics of the school that fit.</p>