"Why are you applying here" essays

<p>This might make me sound dumb, but I'm not totally sure how to approach essays that are very broad about why you wanted to apply to a certain school. Do I talk about my impressions of the campus, what I'm excited to study, city life... Not sure where to start. I know why I fell in love with campuses, but I'm not sure that's what admission reps want to hear. SOS</p>

<p>I would suggest talking about aspects of the university/campus that are very specific. For example, a lot of people applying to Brown would like the open curriculum, but that wouldn’t be a good reason because it would be a common answer. Try to think of something unique about the university that you like (and that not too many people would put as their answers).</p>

<p>You’re right, they don’t really want to hear why you fell in love with the campus. Your entire application is supposed to tell them why they should accept you and not someone else, right? So you should write about yourself primarily. Why would you fit on their campus? What would you contribute? What activities and courses would you take advantage of and why? Things like that…</p>