<p>Hi everyone,
I have a question about Why essay ?
I'm not from US, and I didn't put much time on selecting school. All I have done is look for somewhere that fits my test score, that is liberal arts, and that offers much financial aid. I feel that I fit in every school; for me, every school will improve my thinking, reading, writing; and has diversity, internship, sports ... Therefore, I don't know much about schools
So how can I write the Short response: What influences your desire to attend ABCD ?
What about ideas ? Can I write "I like the school's name" or "I flip a coin and ... "</p>
<p>I would do a little more research on the schools to which you're applying so that you can write about some specific reasons you'd love to go there. I think it might be a little inappropriate to make one of those things too directly about financial aid money, although you could talk about the school's committment to a diverse student body or something to that effect.</p>
<p>But I agree that those questions are a little difficult to write in a way that isn't pandering and calculated. It seems for many schools that question is really one way they try to determine whether you'd actually come if they admit you. They don't want necessarily to admit people for whom they think their school is a back-up choice only. So the "Why ___?" is a place for you to communicate your sincere interest in the school by discussing specifics of their academics, community, opportunities, the "personality" of the place, etc.</p>
<p>I know of one school in a warmer part of the country that specifically tells the students that visit NOT to say in their essay that it's because of the weather. LOL. I don't think talking about liking the name or flipping a coin is a good idea. Learn a little more about the personality of the place, the faculty on staff, the arts or sports scene, student organizations, history and mission, etc.</p>