In essays, choosing school because major, or major because school?

College Essays
1

<p>I am a community college student that will soon be transferring. I am considering three schools as reaches and am working on the essays right now. This question isn't about a specific prompt, but rather about the tone that I should carry in the essays.</p>

<p>When talking about why I have chosen to apply to a school, should I imply that I have chosen the school because they offer my major and are known for a strong program in that field, or should I explain why first and foremost I want to be at THAT university and secondly why I have chosen this major among the ones offered.</p>

<p>Basically, from an adcom's point of view, is it better to explain why I want to attend that university above all else, or, why I want to study this above all else and that their program is strong.</p>

<p>I feel both can lead to problems. I don't want to sound like I'm using the university as a means to an end (studying what I want) and I also don't want to sound like I'm just picking a school without considering the strength of their majors.</p>

<p>I am sure a hybrid approach to this is best, but I am curious to hear opinions. BTW, the three reaches I'm considering are Emory, Northwestern, and Virginia.</p>

2

<p>Presumably, there are a number of schools that offer strong programs in your major.</p>

<p>Therefore, if X, Y, A, B, and C universities all offer strong programs in your major, focusing on that major doesn’t explain why you want to be at X, rather than Y, Z, A, B, or C.</p>

3

<p>I would say you want to include the strength of the program you have an interest in as one of the reasons you feel you are a good fit for the school. Obviously, there should be other reasons as well, though, that are also specific for the school. Hope that helps…</p>

4

<p>Okay, so based on the two responses that have been posted, the opinion is that it is much better to highlight why the school as a whole is a good fit, and secondly to go on to explain how my academic interests are in line with the strengths of their department in question.</p>