How do you guys usually go about doing these essays. Do you try to make it creative and drop some facts about the school? I’ve been trying to write one and I really don’t like writing these. I feel like I’m just finding random classes and facts/programs from the website and including it in my essay. And sometimes I accidentally find things about the school that are for graduate students. I should not include those things right? Usually I come across those things when I’m looking at the research section of the website. Would they look down on my response if I say I want to work in a lab or participate in a class that is only available to graduate students?
Got accepted so I’d assume my “Why” essay must have been pretty decent. I’d suggest you organize it as such:
- Briefly elaborate upon an interest of yours
- Describe how the school can accommodate these interests via classes, research opportunities, strong professors, inquisitive student body, etc.
- Convey how these accommodations will prompt you to realize your interest of choice and subsequently contribute to the school in some way
Do the above, but touch on these interests in a unique way (glimpse into “a day in the life” style response, etc.). Admissions officers see the whole Interest A + College Having Interest A = You Should Admit Me kind of thing all the time. Make sure it says something about you as a person, too.
My kids were pretty straightforward on these – this isn’t the prompt for creativity. Use the website, your areas of academic and EC interests, and any info you gathered if you visited. Talk about why you think it is a good fit for you to attend, and possibly what you bring to the college as well. Try to get past the generic “small class sizes” and “world class research” tropes. Find specific facilities, or even class offerings that you find interesting.
most importantly don’t just tell the school that it’s awesome (the school knows that), show them again why YOU are awesome and they just have to accept you
Should I reference any professors? I see some of these responses reference professors sometimes and state how they would love to study under ___ because he does ___ which is something their interested in. It seems kinda ridiculous but it works for most of these why essays that I see. So when I look for a professor in the school, should they have to be renowned or can I find a class that interests me and then reference the professor of that class even if he is not well known?
My kids did do this a couple of times when someone’s research really intrigued them, or when they met a prof while on campus.