<p>How can I make my essay sound as if I'm interested in that school, but not begging them to admit me?</p>
<p>Here’s what I said in mine:
-this school has the major & great programs that interest me
-attracts self-driven, motivated and passionate students, whom i would want to associate with (basically)
-research environment i’ve always wanted
-i can imagine myself there</p>
<p>One good strategy is to do a “day in the life” sort of thing, in which you imagine what your life would be like at that school. If you can sell it, it’ll definitely be a plus in your application.</p>