In the essay option that usually asks you why you want college x, what should one write? Things like oh, i like this college because of its offered majors, location, internationalism etc…or do they usually want to here something more personal ?
<p>They definitely want to see something more personal. Did you visit? Was there one particular moment or comment that connected with you? If you haven't visited, go over the website with a fine-tooth comb - check webpages of the professors teaching the classes in which you are interested. Is there a livejournal community for the college? Connect with current students to find out what is special/unique about the college.</p>
<p>In other words, show the adcom that you have really done your homework; don't put them to sleep with the standard stuff.</p>
<p>good post, thanks</p>
<p>In the book "Rock Hard Apps" one of the applicants wrote a pretty good "Why Penn?" essay. One of my friends, who is Indian, applied to Penn as well. She adores American history, especially Revolutionary--so she wrote about the chances for her to explore all the sites in Philly, to attend the university Jefferson founded, her desire to join the Indian dancing scene and become further steeped in her Indian roots. Things like that.</p>
<p>ahh ok...so we can say stuff about the city it's in and such, well eventhough iv never even been to the states but that still helps
THANX</p>
<p>firefly, wow again,
good post.</p>
<p>Elodie, what college is this essay for? Just curious.</p>
<p>alot of schools want it:
chicago, macalester,marquette and a few others i think</p>
<p>The idea is to cite elements that make the college unique, and then draw parallels to your own interests. Do your homework: look at campus institutes, professors' research, clubs, seminars, etc. to see the focus of the campus' intellectual community. If something excites you, and makes you say, "I want that!" then you've found your topic. Try to avoid mentioning overall prestige or the winning sports teams - it's been done too many times, and usually without much thought.</p>
<p>Georgetown wants one as well. Last year, I wrote about Georgetown's unique location for a poli sci major; the Jesuit foundation enriching my education; etc.</p>
<p>Research the university's history, foundings, etc. and apply them to why you want to go there.</p>
<p>This is what I did: Think about the one aspect you like most about the particular school. Then brainstorm about your life, your interests and things youve done that connect with that particular aspect of the school. Then write a pithy little essay that connects those 2 ideas. Be really specific and focus on one thing. Put the reader right in your shoes. They know all about their school. Tell them something they don't know.</p>