General essay tense question!

Applying to College
1

<p>In answering essay prompts like "Why College X?" is it better to write in the tense that calls for would/could or the other which uses will/can?</p>

<p>Ex. I am fully confident that College X will allow for any interest of mine to be explored. Its copious amount of majors means that I can study a broad range of topics. </p>

<p>vs.</p>

<p>I am fully confident that the College of Arts and Sciences would allow for any interest of mine to be explored. Its copious amount of majors means that I could study a broad range of topics. </p>

<p>Does the former sound to forward? As though one has already been accepted? Or does it just help the Admissions officer to picture you being there?</p>

2

<p>I used the would/could tense in my essays. I think it’s more realistic? Because if they’re asking “Why do you like this school?”, it’s because of what it WOULD give you if you went, you know? Not what it will… cause you might not. I don’t think they’d penalize you for using the “will” tense though.</p>

3

<p>That makes sense. Thank you!</p>