So many college supplements are questions like talk about a unique nickname or talk about any unique circumstances you had growing up, and not the “Why College?” essay. These are very me-specific, so I wrote exactly that. But am I supposed to address why I want to go to a college in these essays as well? Or just strictly answer the prompt?
I think it varies. Sometimes it makes sense to fit it in. For example: UIUC requested I wrote about my chosen major, and I also wrote about continuing my study at the university. Don’t force it, but sometimes it makes sense to throw in a little bit. Certainly focus on answering the prompt though.
I disagree with the above. These quirky prompts are designed to allow ad coms to get to know you. I think you should answer the prompt honestly, and not contort it to fit in a reference about why you want to go to that school. They are trying to get an insight into you. Give it to them.