<p>Okay, I have been working on supplements for a few months now an this past week, every day. I realize that it forces us to research the school, show interest, and give the adcomm a feel of how we'd fit in...but come on! They have become so annoying. Ask me about my personality, who I am as a person, give me a challenging creative puzzle, anything! I love creative writing. </p>
<p>Anyone share my sentiments?</p>
<p>Yes, absolutely, but I also understand the point of them. Competitive schools want to make sure you will at least seriously consider going there if you are accepted. Forcing applicants to write an essay requiring knowledge of the school ensures this.</p>
<p>The admission officers are probably hoping that this type of essay would discourage applicants who aren’t very serious about the particular college to not apply AT ALL. That would consequently lower the number of applications they have to go through.</p>
<p>I think it’s important to still demonstrate an aspect of yourself and not just regurgitate what you read from their website or brochure. It might be that I’m one for seemingly random concepts or maybe they’re not as unique as I would like to think but it might be best to just be honest about why you like the school (and I don’t mean, it’s ranked #1 or whatever). It’s near a lake? Maybe write connect the thought about how you enjoyed swimming when you were 5 and it reminds you of that sense of familiarity and security. Or if the the college has a unique characteristic? Maybe one of their traditions that you can relate to? </p>
<p>Honestly, I’m probably going to end up using the same basic idea for each of those “Why ____?” questions and make it more intimate with specific details about whatever college. I find similar aspects in most of my schools, so I’m hoping that it works out and doesn’t sound like a template.</p>