<p>I've heard that the "Why X?" essay serves two purposes: (1) to show that the student has thoroughly researched the school and might attend, and (2) to show the match between the student and the college.</p>
<p>Since the early decision applicants have pretty much covered the first purpose with their binding decision, it seems like the "Why X?" essay for early decision schools should focus on the match between the student and the college. Because of this, I am writing my "Why Brown?" essay with considerably less detail than suggested on some college-planning sites (i.e. "I'm excited to do research with ___________ on ___________ and take _____<strong><em>, _</em></strong><strong><em>, and </em></strong>____ at ___________."). </p>
<p>In my case, I have taken this essay to write about how homeschooling has given me academic independence, and how it relates to Brown's open curriculum. The essay really showcases my love of learning and fit with Brown's ethos, so I don't think that should hurt me too much.</p>
<p>OK, I'm on the fourth paragraph of this post now, and I still haven't posed a question. Here goes: is my reasoning correct, or should I add an extra focus on specific details?</p>
<p>I agree. I’m doing a similar thing for my ED school - I started out mentioning specific things, but it didn’t feel right, so I’m talking about one of there main philosophies of education and how that relates to this amazingly inspiring class I’m taking now. I started my essay off with “I could talk about a variety of unique qualities of X college that influenced my decision to apply ED - A, B, and C. In fact, I originally did exactly that.” And then I transition into the main part of my essay… That way I still get some specifics in, but I get the overall, philosophical connection, too. Good luck!</p>
<p>Obviously you need to write the essay that you feel comfortable writing. Follow your gut instinct. Since you are homeschooled, I think it is important to write something about your academic experience in your application, and the “why Brown” essay is a perfectly fine place to do that. </p>
<p>But you can still incorporate something more specific in that essay that requires demonstrating to Brown that you’ve done your research. </p>
<p>In addition, I think the issue is not that being homeschooled has “given you” academic independence, but HOW you have taken advantage of and flourished in and used that academic independence. </p>
<p>@DiscipulusBonus, as trite as it sounds, we really pushed our daughter to forget about the admissions committee and to just dig deep and write as honestly as possibly on the Brown Supplement questions and the common app essay. </p>
<p>Here is some great advice from a Brown student:</p>