<p>This might be a stupid question, but I was wondering, is it helpful to mention in a college essay that that school is your dream school/first choice? Is that generic or cheese, or would it raise your chances of being accepted?</p>
<p><em>CHEESY</em>. I meant cheesy. not cheese.</p>
<p>Well, if you are writing in a section where it is appropriate to talk about the college at all, then I’d say first choice.</p>
<p>It is probably appropriate in a “Why College X” essay. </p>
<p>But don’t just outright tell them it’s your #1 school. Show it. For my dream school, I wrote how I had rooted for its athletic teams since my childhood, and how I had envisioned myself there for many years. I also conveyed my knowledge of the school. I don’t think I ever used the words “dream school,” but I didn’t need to.</p>