- How do you see yourself adding to the vibrant academic and campus community at Vassar? (350 words or less) *
One site says its a “why” essay, but I don’t see how it is. Isn’t it just asking what contributions you would make to the school?
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No question is “just.” You show your match or not. This is one of several versions that will look to see if you’re their type.
To me, it’s a “Why” should they want you? What contributions will you make that will make them want to accept you…Why should they accept you?
I think you are over thinking this. It really shouldn’t matter. Just answer the question. Do not answer the question the way you “think” they want you to answer it. Since you are up and not in school today. Take the next 15 minutes and do a rough outline for this question.
As an example to a similar question my son started a group/club at school since he didn’t like what was offered in high school. He also was part of two varsity sports and did math tutoring. He wrote about how he would do this on campus and a small blurb on his major and wrapped it together.
In actuality, he started a tech club/group on college campus, he is taking part in intermural sports and is lecturing /teaching about this technology to others… So not that far off from his involvement in high school. His group is putting on a conference in the spring on this technology.
Colleges want their students to be an active force in their communities. That is what makes college campuses so great. Colleges know that people that were active in high school stand a chance to be active in college also.
Yes, you do need to explore why they ask that question. Few questions are asked based on idle curiosity. They’re reading your app for a possible admit. Different colleges can want different sorts of answers. And how it’s written can matter. In general, not, “I’ll add to the academic vibrance by raising my hand in class.”
If you know the college well enough, it’s not a tough answer. D2 had a similar question and because she understood how she aligned with what the college hoped to find, it wasn’t hard.
But today’s the deadline for so many colleges. Wishing OP the best.
They are building a class of people they feel will contribute to the community. What do you contribute? Why should they pick you over someone else? Its not just about if the schools is a fit for you, its about if you are a fit for the school. You need to make yourself a desired candidate.
That is how EVERY ‘Why this College?’ essay should be answered. They all want to know what YOU bring to the table, what you offer the classroom discussion, the late night dorm talks, the campus social fabric, the…By wording it the way they did, they are making it very easy.
(Hint: they already know that they are great and what THEY offer…)
Protip: Show, not tell.
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Exactly right @bluebayou. The issue isn’t why you want Them – they already know that you want them. The issue is why should they want you.
I would think of it as how would you fit in this school
Why you and why Vassar. As a quick and off the cuff example…
I love to work hard and play hard. So much so that I need to vent when stressed. That’s why the tradition of primal scream night at Vassar suggests a perfect fit. I will embrace the rigorous demands of finals week with both seriousness and humour. I vow to be the loudest voice among my fellow stressed out Brewers and be part of a collective vent.
Look at the schools traditions and environment and juxtapose your answer against who you are. Why Vassar and why you…
Good luck
It’s not some random idea of what you think you’ll contribute. It’s how you show you’re what they look for. You need to have an idea of what that is. It’s a chance to show your match.
Many possible answers to the question, but try for one that resounds with those readers. And that suggests you did your due research, not the 5 minute race through the web site.
Are you a match with Vassar?
Moot point now. The application deadline has passed.