I want to ED a school. The college’s why essay prompt goes like this: “…what aspects of the College’s program, community, or campus environment attract your interest?” within 100 words.
I understand some basic tips like “find what’s fit”, “write why the school attracts you, and what you can bring to the school”. I’ve seen many seniors writing a program offered by the school that they love, and what they’ve done (research etc.) in their application angle that would match the program. Mostly academics.
What I feel uneasy about is that I can’t say that much in 100 words persuasively. Also, although the school’s academics is amazing, I am not really drawn to a particular program. That’s not a primary reason. So what I really wonder is, is it considered a common practice to emphasize programs and not so much about community and environment? If so, why is that? And, does it depend on the type of school you’re applying to?
Thank you so much!
The best way to answer an essay prompt like this is to jam pack the essay with turn by turn action showing that you really have researched the school. Pretend you are in a 30 second commercial for the program, what would you say? This is your chance to be spontaneous and youthful yet focused. Something like this; the ivy covered walls of Smith Hall mask the super active labs of the number one biology department in the nation which sits across the street from Stern Pavilion where I can squash-ball away my frustrations between classes… - Admissions Track
Thx Nice analogy to commercial! Let me just do more research and think it over.
I don’t think the “Why X” essay has to be gimmicky. My kids talked about profs they had met on campus tours or classes they had attended, specific classes that looked interesting in the course catalog, research facilities associated with the school, and ECs/clubs/activities they wanted to try out. One of my kids wanted a school with high rigor after attending a very rigorous summer program for a couple of summers – for schools with that particular reputation, she talked about that as a fit element.
For this particular essay, your goal isn’t really to be totally unique. The main reasons they ask the question are (1) to judge fit – do you understand the school? And (2) to see if you really researched the school, or if you are just tossing in an app and don’t know much about them. They are concerned about yield – a student who has a solid answer to the “Why X?” is more likely to decide tonstrend if accepted. A direct, sincere essay works fine in this case.
I agree that schools set “why X” questions to test if applicants are really attracted, sincere, fit and did their research. And for this less-than-100-word question, I don’t think it’s a good to describe a particular program or site/activities on campus. Instead, write something thematic, some values/qualities of the school: cooperation, sustainability (environmental friendly, close to nature), service the community, etc. Maybe write about how details (facts and news )about the school SHOW these values. This abstract question really tests if the student did his/her research.
That’s what I realised after a few days.
You certainly can hit on something you see in the school’s mission statement or some aspect of the school’s reputation. But if it sounds too generic, they’ll just figure you didn’t do your homework and are re-using from other schools. And I think they can sniff out insincerity a mile away.
I found a thread on CC that focused on discussion of “Why X essay” that includes many helpful comments. Though 100 words is quite tight and not all ideas could apply here, I still repost it.
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-essays/431328-why-insert-school-essay.html
If you are applying ED, you have visited. Mention something from your visit. "Three students offered me directions when I visited. I want to be in an environment where people matter to each other and where people make the effort within their community. " “I sat in on an English class and loved that everyone in the class was engaged and that the discussion was not competitive but instead built on and developed from everyone’s contributions.” In each case, tie it to what you’re looking for.
For ED, they know you’re interested. Show thst something about the school resonates with who you are.