<p>All of my "why college" supplements have a cute little anecdote about my personal development and truly shows how I would thrive at and give back to the colleges I'm applying to. However, they're by no means gripping emotional tales of struggle, triumph, and tragedy. My Common App main is a little more interesting (but not over the top), but do these supplements have to be at a similar level?</p>
<p>Every part of your application needs to be at the highest possible level. Think of your application as your life raft - you do not want any holes if you can avoid them. Every part must be polished and shining.</p>
<p>With a “why college” supplement, try to find something offered by that college that is compelling to you - something specific and unique to that college. If at all possible, work in an anecdote about your visit to the school (if you were able to visit it).</p>
<p>I would say that my supplements are on the same level as this one:<a href=“Top 3 Cornell Admissions Essays - Study Notes”>http://www.apstudynotes.org/cornell/cornell-supplement/</a> Is that about right or should it be more emotional and dramatic?</p>
<p>That is indeed an excellent essay. I would not aim for “emotional and dramatic”; I would aim for YOU. Be genuine and specific. What about the campus captured you? What about the program(s) offered compelled you to apply? This is not new advice by any means, of course, but I do think your essays should reflect an absolute confidence that, in this college, you have found your perfect fit - and then explain why. This is not a time to be uncertain of yourself.</p>
<p>I mean, they don’t all have to be bestselling novels. Especially the “Why College” one; it should do no more and no less than reveal <em>something</em> about you not mentioned elsewhere in your app, and show how you will utilize the resources on campus to cultivate/strengthen/bear “fruit” with that thing (read: be an asset to the university). The “thing about you” is key, though; that’s what makes these kinds of essays stand out from the rest, not flowery language or drama.</p>
<p>Sincere and specific is what you are shooting for in the “why college x?” essay. It doesn’t have to be creative or grab them. But they have to believe you DO want to attend and you HAVE figured out why you “fit” at the college.</p>
<p>As long as you’re authentic, and presenting the best version of yourself, that’s interesting enough. </p>