<p>Prompt: With the understanding that the choice of academic school you indicated is not binding, explain why you are applying to that particular school of study. </p>
<p>Question: Is the prompt asking me why and how I became interested in science, or about the specific characteristics of the "academic school" (in my case, the Wiess School of Natural Sciences / Physics Department) that appeal to me and have inspired me to apply to Rice?</p>
<p>Yes.</p>
<p>But seriously, either are valid options. You can talk about what drew you to Physics and then what specifically about the physics/Wiess school you find so appealing. Definitely try to tie it back to Rice and not have it be just an essay about physics (as that could be perceived as generic).</p>
<p>the only thing to avoid is a laundry list of positives about the school. Don’t say “I want to go to the Wiess School of Natural Sciences as it has an excellent student:faculty ratio and is nationally ranked x by y”. Focus on how you play into this and how you will contribute, learn, grow and develop. </p>
<p>Is it necessary for me to touch on why I’m interested in physics, or may I just comment on what I find appealing about Wiess and the Physics Department?</p>
<p>Also, is it bad manners to say “Wiess” instead of “The Wiess School of Natural Sciences?”</p>
<p>Wiess is the name of one of the residential college, so that could be one issue. I think “Wiess school” would be easy and no one would have any issues</p>