<ul>
<li><p>How difficult is it for int'ls to write the "why you like this school" essays??? We can't visit the schools, or stay overnight ... So how do we truly understand the college</p></li>
<li><p>How many essays do we have to actually write for about 8 applications?</p></li>
<li><p>When do we come to know of the essay topics?</p></li>
</ul>
<p>[MIT, Stanford, Dartmouth, CalTech, Princeton, Amherst, Middlebury, Dickinson, Colgate]</p>
<p>How difficult is it for int'ls to write the "why you like this school" essays??? We can't visit the schools, or stay overnight ... So how do we truly understand the college?
Since you likely won't have the benefit of being able to visit campus before applications are due, explore their website. Look to see if they offer any unique programs, or areas of study, or approaches to learning that appeal to you. Talk about not only about how the school will benefit you, but also you will contribute to the school community. Try connecting your current interests to whatever the college has to offer.</p>
<p>How many essays do we have to actually write for about 8 applications?
I would guess at least 8, although it's hard to say as you might be able to reuse or rework essays (as opposed to writing 8 completely distinct essays)</p>
<p>When do we come to know of the essay topics?
Last year the Common App released their own essay topics around July, and the school supplemental topics were released probably late July, early August. The Common App has done some changes for this application season, so I don't know if those time lines still apply.</p>