<p>So how exactly do you go about answering the "Why this college...?" or the "How will this college?" prompt? For example, Cornell asks for applicants to the College of Arts and Sciences "Why will Cornell's College of Arts and Sciences be the right environment in which to pursue your interests?" (after a discussion of two or three of your intellectual interests), and USC asks "Describe your academic interests and how you plan to pursue them at USC". Two of my problems so far:</p>
<ol>
<li>Just how do you do this in 250-300 words?</li>
<li>How much homework (aka research into the college) do I have to do, and does it have to show up in my essay (ex. Do I have to show not only an understanding of the requirements to graduate the college, but also a desire to complete these requirements because they will help me continue to pursue my interests)? Or can I just answer from a broad perspective (a very bad example would be "Arts and Sciences interest me because...", but something along that line). </li>
</ol>
<p>Your help is appreciated!</p>
<p>P.S. Please forgive me if this question has already been answered.</p>