<p>I'm not sure if this is the right place to be posting this, but how should the "Why X College?" essays be written? Should you just state flat-out why you want to go there, or should it be creative (a la your personal statement)?</p>
<p>It depends on how much space they give you. If they only give two lines for a response, then you'll have to be straightforward (though not crass; don't say you love it because it's a party school, or offers low in-state tuition rates, or because of the weather, or because you can save rent there by sharing a room with your sister, or because you think Stanford is going to reject you). </p>
<p>If they give you twelve lines for the response, though, it means that they expect something more substantial. Your response should both express what you want to get out of college and how much you know about their school beyond what is obvious from reading their informational brochure.</p>
<p>Thank you for the reply! For colleges that leave space for at least two paragraphs, I understand that I should be specific. However, in terms of writing style...</p>
<p>Well, this is something I came across on another random forum. I lost the link, so I cannot credit the author, but I DID NOT WRITE THIS:</p>
<p>(Someone posted this essay as one that she used for a transfer application- she got accepted...)</p>
<p>"Why Bates"</p>
<p>The girl in the mirror opposite me glows like a child when she argues about the war in Iraq or the tax-cut policy. I love public speaking, for the pure joy of it. At Bates, I would gladly roll up my sleeves with the schools national-recognized debaters to confront some perky eyes, shoot back a quick tongue, or just to swap ideas.</p>
<p>Such simple skills set the basis for my career choice as an international business lawyer for foreign companies in Vietnam. I would like to major in Economics, with secondary concentrations in Chemistry and either French or Rhetoric. Bipolar as they seem, Economics and Chemistry complement each other for the task as Vietnam is attempting to morph its traditional Eastern identity into Western free market. The economy is hungry for private investment, while overused historic sights and beautiful resorts cry out for protection and awareness. At Bates renowned economics department, I plan to get to the bottom of this fascinating era of East-West crossroad by building social insights on a scientific foundation of nature, the uniting force of our identity.</p>
<p>Vietnam is on the other side of the world, thus college is home. Only here can I plow through the vast library network, research in top-notch facilities, explore American democratic enterprise and then set off to Japan to learn about the only first-world economy in the Asiatic rim. Later on, abundant research and internship opportunities like the seniors thesis and the Ladd program will weave those experiences into solid, real life solutions. Besides the brain factors, I am also looking for a liberal and engaging students body, with the rigorous Debate Council, the active Multicultural Center, even something as bizarre as Zenstruck Juggling. My Daoist subconscious specifically lobbies for the sapphire oceans and golden leaves of coastal Maine (a perfect setting for Buddhist contemplation). </p>
<p>Bates is it. Glancing at the mirror, I see a jaw-dropping, all-for-it version of the same girl, glowing at the possibilities ahead. Still intrigued, but now spunky like New Orleans jazz and crisp like the Midwestern air, she wants to bring it over to your place for the next wild time.</p>
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<p>Once again, I did NOT write this; I am only posting it here to clarify my question, and because the author did post it on another forum, pretty much consenting it for it to be seen by anyone and everyone...</p>
<p>Yeah, I'm not sure hoew to write mine either. I'm doing all my apps online, so I have a LOT of space... I'm thinking no more than 3 paragraphs: Me, the college, how we go together.</p>