Hi, I’m having trouble with short “why college?” essays. For instance, Georgia Tech requires you to tell them about your interest in the school in a 150 word limit. With longer “why college?” essays (250+ words) I don’t have trouble explaining my interests. However, in such a small space, I have trouble condensing my thoughts because there’s so many things I’m interested in - there’s no way I can describe my interest in my major, potential extracurriculars, and the school itself. Does anyone have tips? Thank you!
Don’t write about the school itself; write about you. Don’t write about traditions or give cliched answers about the campus facilities, diversity, or “distinguished professors.” Pick one, maybe two things about you that line up with the school’s resources or values–the top one or two most important reasons. Alternatively, any response can be condensed with enough diligence. If you can fit it into 250 words, it can be shortened to 150 (Personally, I think that an essay of any length can be shortened to any other length). Be ruthless; this is not the response in which you try to be overly creative.
@OnMyWay2013 Okay, thank you so much!! 
Do you think for “why college” essays with longer word limits I should write more about the school?
The majority of your essay should always be centered you. Use a lot of “X is important to me because… At ABC University, I’ll be able to get X / do X / learn about X.”
For example, I would say something like: “Hopkins’ breadth of community service programs is astounding. From Food as Medicine to Baltimore Robotics Institute, any student can apply their knowledge to bettering Baltimore. Personally, having years of teaching and tutoring experience, I hope to use my passion for education in one of Hopkins’ many neighboring elementary schools.”
It’s like you’re matching up what’s most important to you with what the school offers to show how it’s a perfect fit.
@OnMyWay2013 Awesome, thank you again!