College Essay: Tips for Writing a “Why College X?” Essay
Many college applications will ask you to articulate why you’ve chosen to apply to their school in particular. They may ask, “Why do you want to attend our university?” or “What makes you a good match for our college?” Here are a few tips to help you proceed:
Be honest. Don’t write what you think they want to hear. Don’t write why your parents think you should go there. Ask yourself why you want to go to that school; what makes it different from the other schools on your list? If you can’t answer this question honestly, perhaps you should reconsider your decision to apply there.
Be specific. Don’t say, “I like the campus.” Explain why you like the campus. Is it the gothic architecture? The rolling fields? The newly-renovated science center?
Be clear about why YOU are a good match. Don’t just write that you like the newly renovated science center. Write that the newly-renovated science center will help you, as a physics major, complete a course in astronomy with more hands on, technological interaction than any other college without an observatory could provide.
Be creative. Start with an anecdote, or description. It’s okay to use narrative to begin even this essay. DO NOT begin your essay with, “I want to go to college X because.” As with any other essay, find a unique hook to draw the reader in.
Show you’ve done your research….but don’t just rehash facts that anyone could find on College X’s website. If you went on a tour, you might mention some unique facts you learned from the tour guide. Again, don’t mention aspects of the college unless they’re relevant to your specific interests. It makes little sense for someone who has avoided science throughout his or her high school career to mention how much they love the newly-renovated science center.
