<p>I think that you all are looking at this in the wrong way: (not that I'm an expert, but)
I think it should look like this:
1. figure out what you want
2. find the places that have this
3. discover what these schools NEED
4. emphasize anything that fills this need on your application</p>
<p>e.g. --> 1. I want to study CS, 2. CMU has the best CS program in the US, 3. CMU has almost NO girls studying CS, 4. I will write an essay based on the fact that I'm the only girl in my CS class ...</p>