<p>I am doing pretty well with my personal statement essays, but a lot of the optional essays are questions asking why I want to go to that particular school. I don't really know how to approach this topic - does it simply take a lot of researching? Should I try to be original and find out details about these schools or just be real and say I just want a good education? And most importantly I guess, how do I make these essays original so that they stand out from the crowd? If it helps, I am applying to top schools, including most of the ivy leagues. Thanks</p>
<p>Look for unique programs, facilities, and resources that that college offers (research it in books, on the website, etc) that would benefit your education. Talk SPECIFICALLY about how these things will help you to advance your education, personal development, etc. Don’t talk about something that everybody will (i.e. Brown’s Open Curriculum).
As for being original, just make sure that you insert yourself into these essays - don’t just rave about the school, talk about how it relates to you!</p>
<p>Ok, that makes sense. I guess that means I have to write several different essays to colleges asking the same question, haha 
Is it ok if I mention that I don’t really know what I want to major in?</p>
<p>Basically if you say, “I want to go to __________school because of this, this, and that” and you can replace the blank with a multitude of schools, you need to be more specific. WAY more specific. Everyone wants to go to a top school. But all the top schools are different, and you need to figure out where you would work best as a student and as an individual and explain that to them.</p>