<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 too generic, or would it actually raise your chances of being accepted?</p>
<p>You could certainly mention it, but only as long as it fits with the rest of your essay and doesn’t seem forced. If you really push it, it can come off as “sucking up” to the admission officers. I’m not sure if it’ll raise your chances significantly, but there’s no reason to omit it if, like I said, it fits into the essay overall.</p>
<p>If you want to suck up properly (seems like an oxymoron) , then mention how a specific professor from that certain university you’re applying to has inspired you. For example: A chemistry professor’s works have inspired me to go above and beyond in science research (specify what he/she did in the field) or talk about how a law professor really speaks the truth in one way or another.
I’d recommend you don’t say that the school is your dream college, but rather talk about a professor in that school that inspires you. It seems less cliche and more powerful, since college IS where you specialize your skills to a major.</p>
<p>I also agree. You should mention it only if it fits in with your essay. If you do say this college is your first choice, talk about the colleges legacy and goals. Specifically, how does that college compliment you and what it teaches you. Then, you can go into things the college will teach you but more importantly how you are going to use those skills. Trust me, most people will talk about what they have done in high school and why they wish to be admitted. The smart move is to talk about what you will do if your admitted. How can you improve their organizations/clubs? Do you want to invent a club? I hope that helps.</p>