<p>Question: I have to write several essays explaining why I have chosen particular colleges on my list. I haven’t been able to visit any of these schools or attend fairs or meet college reps, and I can’t think of anything to say that would sound genuine and show that I clearly have a believable [...]</p>
<p>Thanks for the link; the info there (and in another thread that the Q&A links to) was really helpful!</p>
<p>fyi if you can't answer that question then you shouldn't be applying there in the first place.</p>
<p>I don't know if quoting CC members is the best move. I don't know if we necessairly have all that much respect among adcoms, and I'm not sur I'd want to admit somebody who's motivation for looking into a school was what some random person on the internet said.</p>
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Of course, it’s hard enough to compose these essays when you do know why you’re interested in your target schools, and harder still if your reasons for applying are as vague as yours are.
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<p>hahahahahhaa this is awesome. </p>
<p>Anyway, that paragraph said it, it's not taht why don't know why we want to, it's just hard to explain.</p>
<p>I wish that we were more supportive of th students who, for whatever reason, can't go visit, or can't afford to visit. There are many more of those out there than there are those that can. Those students find out about the school through the Princeton Review and other books such as that. They choose schools for their course offerings, reputation, propulation size, etc. And they found spots in a school, very porbably one of those that they never visited. I would say just be honest, that the school stood out among the others because of its location, size, and course offerings. Elaborate on these subjects about why you want a big city, why a small town, why an LAC, etc.</p>
<p>^I agree with what you have to say.</p>
<p>I live on the West coast and I can't just go to the East side to visit some schools. It is not as easy as it sounds.</p>
<p>Nonetheless, that's not going to stop me from applying to my first choice school. I probably won't be able to write as indepth or as much as the other people applying, but at least through my perspective, I can say what I know through what I've learned and read.</p>
<p>I don't know; but for me, the "why" essay is the hardest one for me. I have some ideas, but I don't think enough. I think it's a bit harsh to say that people who don't know how to answer shouldn't apply at all.</p>
<p>^ I'm in the same situation as you. There's no way I can go to the east coast to visit most of my schools, so the "why' essay is the hardest for me, too.</p>
<p>There must be <em>something</em> that attracted you to the school, sight unseen. Good program in your desired major, recommendation of friend's parents, maybe in your favorite city?</p>
<p>As a tip for you guys, I've found it help me if I just focus on one or two particular aspects of the school rather than all of the reasons I want to go there. When you try to mention a bunch of things like size, location, access to faculty, strong programs and reputation, your essay seems scattered and rushed. It's stronger if you just focus on one thing. For example, talk only about your love and experience with engineering and how the school's engineering program is right for you. It'll be easier to write, plus it's easier to read!</p>
<p>thanks for all the advice=)</p>
<p>hey guys,
when it comes to the "why this college" essay, i think the best place is to go to the college's website. look for what makes it unique, what makes it stand out. also, go to sites like **************.com and campusdirt.com where you can see what students OF the college say about it, it will help you get a better perspective of the college from a 3rd person's view.
moreover, i think you should write about why you think you would fit in. Is it the academics? The arts? Even the football team's prowess? Write what appeals to you, and be honest.</p>
<p>I think I've mentioned it in other threads of this kind what my son did about one of his schools. His "Why X?" essay was about an online community on Livejournal for the students, and how the values of the school and the student body came through in the way they talked about issues. The essay showed that he really understood part of what made the school unique. </p>
<p>Based on that, I'd suggest that you can use the contact you have with students online in situations like that, not just from visiting.</p>
<p>thanks for the link!</p>
<p>i always find it helpful to incorporate the college slogan such as "I would found an institution where any person can find instruction in any study." (Cornell Univ.) and write about how that appeals to you</p>
<p>thanks for all the tips =P</p>
<p>You can pull a lot of good info out of a google search like ‘you know you’re in x college when’ and every college has a facebook site for the incoming class so a search on X College class of 2012 will get a hit. Once there look at the discussions. About a 50/50 bet there will be a ‘why did you decide to come here’ thread or the like.</p>