<p>Hey guys,</p>
<p>So I have finished writing all of my essays for Stanford (i.e. roommate and intellectual vitality) as well as the common app essay, but I am stuck on this "Why Stanford" prompt. What exactly are they looking for? Faculty names, programs, Departmental accomplishments or what? Diversity? I mean all these topics just seem to be inadequate or too formal. I would like to hear what some of you other CCe'rs wrote for this one. Thanks.</p>
<p>Despite the fact that the topics your stated may be relatively formal/cliche, I think its important to talk about them.</p>
<p>If you do some research about the school, you may find some interesting stuff that you like. Put that into your essay, I think the admissions officers would like that.</p>
<p>Whenever I talk to people they say I want to go to _____ University/College "because I like it" or "because its awesome". Try to find the real reasons you want to go there, think about it and I'm sure you'll find an answer. If I can do it, anyone can.</p>
<p>what makes you like it? figure it out, and write about it.</p>
<p>I am definitely not incapable of writing this essay, however, I am a bit worried as to how to be creative in this kind of a context. The essay is supposed to be a representation of the applicant's personality, something not easily extrapolated from numbers, yet if my essay holds the same reasons as those of a thousand other applicants, how is Stanford supposed to "learn" about me?? </p>
<p>Has anyone taken a creative approach to writing this (i.e. other than the formulaic "I love Stanford because renown faculty, diversity, etc.")? </p>
<p>Come on, I know at least one of you has...</p>
<p>I wrote something a little different than that. I've actually been on a tour at Stanford, and I mentioned something that happened when I was there. It was nothing big, but I commented on the event and made a connection to my personality, interests, how I'd contribute to that aspect of Stanford, etc. It worked pretty well, IMO.</p>