Unconventional Approach to "Why NU" Essay?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Northwestern University
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<p>For my "Why NU" essay, I tried to take a different approach from the traditional "Why this college" essays but I'm worried that this idea might backfire. Would anyone mind taking a look at it and give his/her impressions on it? Requesting non-'09ers though; I don't want to do anything to compromise my chances at admission ED.</p>

<p>Another question, how long is everyone's essay? I remember that years ago, NU recommended around 300 words but I didn't see anything like that this year. Mine clocks around 500 words.</p>

<p>Thanks for any input!</p>

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<p>im in similar situation as you. i actually tried a very unconventional way of doing it, and my college counselor didnt agree with the idea necessarily..
well, i guess it depends on what urs looks like, but i heard too gimmicky stuff isnt great.
they say it's a risk-reward deal. it may be risky but if it works, ur rewarded. if it doesn't work, well.... you're screwed</p>

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<p>I'm willing to look at it if you still want someone to give it a once over. :)</p>

<p>Just send me a pm with it.</p>

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<p>Apply</a> Yourself, Fall 2005, Northwestern Magazine</p>

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<p>I'll read & critique it if you want an adult college parent's opinion.</p>

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<p>

Hmm, actually thats something like how I wrote my essay. Guess it wasnt as "unconventional" as I thought it might be. ><</p>

<p>Thanks RhapsodyinPink and ColdWind for offering to read over my essay. =)</p>

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<p>Thanks ColdWind for your suggestions and advice.</p>

<p>I made several major corrections and edits to my essay. Anyone (non-09ers please) willing to give it a quick once over for me?</p>

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<p>Um, does it count against you if your essay is written like a normal essay? Mine's not original at all, but it gets my point across really well. I talk about how I've loved the school since I first came there for a summer camp in seventh grade, and then I talk about all the specific clubs and groups they have that I plan on participating in, and the fact that their journalism program is the best in the nation and I'm looking for the best education I can get (I'll be a journalism major), and all sorts of stuff.</p>

<p>I mean, I think I answered the exact question they asked.</p>

<p>So is it bad if it's not original?</p>

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<p>That sample essay was meant to show that you can be creative about it. It's not meant to be the standard. That was one of the best essays they received that year. So don't feel insecure if you think your essay isn't as creative/good as that one.</p>

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<p>Ah, thanks, that's a relief to know. :-)</p>

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<p>Goshdarn it, that's how I wrote my Yale essay!</p>

<p>Won't be doing that for NWestern</p>

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<p><a href="mailto:j4jesus90@hotmail.com">j4jesus90@hotmail.com</a></p>

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<p>from what I've heard the short essays are a way to weed people out more than an outlet for students to gain a competitive edge.. I'd just go with a safe essay and instead let your personality come through with the other extended essay</p>

<p>i got in with mediocre stats, literally no extracurriculars and a fairly generic "why nu" essay, but I put effort in my personal essay (I wrote about the Kurosawa film Rashomon)</p>

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<p>I find there's always a way to put a creative "spin" on conventional reasons. In the same style that that aspiring journalism student put her essay in the form of a news story, you can highlight common attraction points of Northwestern but include a little bit of your own flair in the wording, the structure, etc!</p>

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<p>I wrote an extended metaphor that weaved in all my reasons for applying. I'm an English major. I guess we'll see pretty soon if that paid off.</p>