Would it be ok/advisable to cite specific buildings and resources as specific reasons for wanting to join that particular school?
This is for the “Why ____?” essay
I would like to connect specific aspects I liked about the college, like a specific building, with the path I would like to follow in the future, my academic goals.
Is this advisable?
If so, any advice on how to make these essays work? If anyone had successful essays for this prompt, and feel fine telling me, then please PM me or something.
Yes- that is an approach that I would recommend. It would be best for you to research the school’s unique programs, facilities, classes, and resources, and discuss why they appeal to you based on your interests. You want to talk about how you would benefit from these programs, and how the school would also benefit from you being there. It is a great idea to talk about your future aspirations and connect them to the university. I think you are right on track with your ideas. I will also be applying to college in the fall so I will have to start writing these essays. Best of luck to you.
Imo, the Why Us is not the place to be bland or focus too much on your post grad aspirations. They usually want to know how you envision yourself there, during the four years, in and out of class. See if you can make this about more than career goals.
I would not just focus on your academic goals. I would research other things about the school such as unique traditions, clubs, whether you love the hills and why, how you could see yourself involved in the project/activity/fun contest that happens on the first Tuesday of the month etc. Show specifics and write about how/why they appeal to you.
That is fine. In one of her essays my D mentioned that she could see herself studying at XZY library. But mostly she focused the essays on why the school was a good fit.
Specific is good. My kids talked about profs they had met on campus, courses that looked interesting, unusual major options that appealed to them, ECs they hoped to continue or try on campus.
“I would like to connect specific aspects I liked about the college, like a specific building, with the path I would like to follow in the future, my academic goals.”
Mentioning “a specific building” is fine as long as you also discuss a specific program in that building and how that program is important for your specific goals.