Why Us Essay: Why I Chose This College Essay Examples
Why Us Essay: Why I Chose This College Essay Examples. It’s likely that some of the colleges you’re applying to require one or more supplemental essays. A very common supplemental essays is the “Why Us” essay. “Why This College?”. These essays are looking to see whether you’re a good fit for the campus community, and whether the college is a good fit for you and your goals.
A supplemental essay is a school-specific writing prompt and can range drastically in word count and content, depending on the institution and the prompt.
Most popular US colleges having a “Why This College?” supplements essay
- Cornell University.
- Duke University.
- University of Michigan
- University of Pennsylvania
- New York University (NYU).
- Northwestern University.
- Oberlin College
- Bowdoin College.
- Brown University.
- Colorado College
- Columbia University.
- University of Southern California.
- Swarthmore College.
- Tufts University.
What are colleges looking for in the “Why Us” essay?
Colleges want to admit students who will not only enroll (to protect their yield), but also thrive on their campus. They ask this question to see whether you’re truly interested in the school and whether it’s the right place for you. You can write a strong response by citing specific ways the college can support your goals, as well as demonstrating your enthusiasm.
Why I Chose This College Essay Examples – why us” essay examples
#1. Northwestern University “why us” 300 words essay example:
Other parts of your application give us a sense for how you might contribute to Northwestern. But we also want to consider how Northwestern will contribute to your interests and goals. Help us understand what aspects of Northwestern appeal most to you, and how you’ll make use of specific resources and opportunities here. (300 words)
#2. Yale University “why Choose us” 125 words essay example
What is it about Yale that has led you to apply? (Maximum 125 words)
While you aim to create an impactful supplemental essay, you’re working with a minimum word count. The key here is to focus on a few specific details and that reveal how your interests align with Yale specifically. Here are a few suggestions:
Focus on specific opportunities that would not be available elsewhere; this could include a specialized course offering, club, or research opportunity.
Should I mention professors in a why us essay?
Also consider your impact carefully before name dropping specific professors. This may be appropriate to include if the professor’s research covers a specific academic interest of yours or if you’ve read a book they’ve published. However, steer away from browsing the school’s website just to drop in a professor’s name.
#3. Tufts University “why us” 150 words essay examples:
Which aspects of the Tufts undergraduate experience prompt your application? In short, ‘Why Tufts?’ (150 words)
#4. Tulane University Why I Choose This College Essay example
Please describe why you are interested in attending Tulane University (optional; 50 word-800 words.)
Here are a few questions that may immediately come to your mind:
How long should my essay be?
50-800 words feels like a really wide range. That’s right—it is a pretty wide range. My suggestion is always to aim for somewhere in between these two extremes. A 50-word essay is very short and doesn’t allow you to fully express yourself, while an 800-word essay is pretty lengthy for this type of prompt, and you may risk restating the same content.
Is this Essay prompt really “optional?”
Yes and no. While your application would technically be complete without a written response to this question, students are highly advise to thoughtfully respond to all supplemental essay prompts, even the optional ones. Not responding is throwing away a great opportunity to showcase your interests and why you’d be a great fit on that particular college campus.
Can I mention how much I love the city of New Orleans?
“The geographic location is one of the reasons I want to attend”. While the geographic location may feel important to you in the college search process, we recommend you o be cautious about how you incorporate this aspect of interest into your essay, especially if you are applying in an urban area. You want the admissions committee to fully recognize your interest in the university itself, not just in the surrounding areas, so this probably isn’t the best time to mention
How to Write a “Why This College?” Essay
Contact the admissions office and, if possible, talk to your local rep.
Most colleges have particular representatives for particular regions of the country (and the world). You can talk to them. And they’re really nice! A few reasons why this is a good idea:
- It’s a fantastic way to find out about a school. In fact, there are people who get paid to answer your questions. (My best friend was one of them.) Don’t be afraid. They won’t be mad at you; they’ll be happy you asked.
- At some schools, the person you speak to on the phone may be the one who reads your application. And how cool will it be when they’re reading your app and they think, “Oh, I remember this student! They were so nice.”
- Your conversation may help you write your essay. If you learn something meaningful on the call, you may be able to write in your essay, “When I spoke to so-and-so in the Admissions Office, she told me…”
Assess word count.
If it’s only 150 words, you can’t fit in every reason you’re applying. But if it’s well over 600, you’re going to need to do some research – and some soul-searching – to make sure your response is chock-full of evidence.
Show evidence.
Maybe they’re one of the only colleges with a curriculum that allows you to major in graphic design and business, or their active clubs on campus and recent events show a commitment to social justice that matches your own. If you bring in details, make sure they match the priorities you mentioned (otherwise, you’re just dropping professors’ names, buildings on campus, or class titles for no reason).
Lead with your priorities.
Maybe it’s a community of fun-loving nerds, access to aerospace engineering coursework, or a sense of community. Whatever it is, make sure you articulate what you’ve realized about what you need in a campus first, and then lead them into how those priorities match up with what they offer.
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