Hi!
I’m currently finishing up the last few supplements, and I recently got a request to write an optional 100-word “Why College X?” supplement at my top choice. Is it worth mentioning that the reason I didn’t apply ED there was to compare aid offers, or will they assume I’m pandering? It really is the school I’d choose above the rest on my list, but I don’t want it to come off like I’m working an angle. Has anyone ever told a school that they were the top choice? How did that work out?
They will understand that affordability is an issue. Mentioning that you need to compare fin aid offers would be a waste of word count. It’s only 100 words. What does the prompt ask? “Why College X?” It’s not: “Is College X your first choice?” It should be clear in your response that the school is high on your list because you admire x/y/z features of the school. Prove that you love it. Don’t just state the fact. It’s tough with only 100 words, but you should be able to highlight something unique about the school and why it’s important to you.
If the college considers level of interest, definitely write that essay, highlighting why it is your first choice, preferably based on a characteristic unique to the school and not shared by more selective schools that may be somewhat similar. This is especially necessary if you are “overqualified” relative to the school’s admission selectivity.
@Dunboyne That makes sense! Thank you!
@ucbalumnus Will do! Thank you!