I’ve always read that good schools tend to have good math programs because it’s more of a “traditional” subject and that the education you get is pretty much down to you, so I’m struggling to find things to write about in my college essays that aren’t too generic.
I can find other qualities of the schools that I like but I can’t find much that’s unique with regards to my intended major because the undergraduate courses seem similar, so I’m wondering if there’s anywhere else I should be looking when doing my research or any other advice you have so I can find more interesting things to say.
Why X college isn’t the same as why X major. You can include details of the math program, sure. But top colleges are looking for more than your interest in a major and your future professional goals.
I’ve seen a few of the prompts inegrate them together. For example,
Cornell:
“Describe two or three of your current intellectual interests and why they are exciting to you. Why will Cornell’s College of Arts and Sciences be the right environment in which to pursue your interests?”
UPenn:
How will you explore your intellectual and academic interests at the University of Pennsylvania? Please answer this question given the specific undergraduate school to which you are applying.
Those are Why Us questions designed to see what you know about the school and how you matched yourself…and how this U facilitates your intellectual curiosity, not just how you love math and more math.
Note they asked about CAS or “the specific undergraduate school,” not the specific major.
If you’re applying to Ivy level, you’ll need to master this question.
Actually, math departments and their offerings can vary considerably from one good college to another, so some may be better or worse for you and your post-graduation goals.
But a “why [this college]?” essay does not necessarily have to be exclusively about your major and academic interests and how that college fits it. After all, many colleges may fit your major and academic interest, but the college asking for that essay wants to know why you are particularly interested in that particular college over others.
I know it shouldn’t just be academic and I can find things to write about to do with extracurriculars and college life etc. I’m just struggling to find anything good to say for why studying math at one school would be any better than other schools
Essays are an opportunity to show them the real you. With competitive school admissions, so many excellent students look the same when using GPA, test scores, etc. The essay is your opportunity to paint a picture and differentiate yourself. Be mindful that they are building a class based on lots of things. Whatever topic you choose, be compelling and succinct ( a challenging combination), and show them how you can contribute to their world. The more they feel you will be an interesting character on their campus, the better your chances.
The easiest way to approach these questions is to scour the websites, course catalogs, college newspaper, etc and identify something that is going to be specific to that school and highlight that on top of the obvious things.
And show some personality, make it real.
They aren’t looking for why math is better there.
They want to know you thought about this college and want it. Otherwise, they can feel you can go somewhere else and be happy.
That’s what’s coming through here, that any number of colleges would do it for you.