College Essay Guy’s “Why us?” Essay Research Chart 2.0
In order to accomplish your goal of penning a superior “Why Us?” essay, you’ll need to merge our previous two tips—showing that you did your homework and saying more about your passions. A stand-out essay seamlessly and incisively connects the opportunities that the school offers to your unique interest and talents. Here’s an example:
Soon after this, I came out to my mom. I explained how lost I felt, how confused I was, how “I think I’m Transgender.” It was like all those years of being out of place had led to that moment, my truth, the realization of who I was. My mom cried and said she loved me. If you can’t come up with a sincere answer to any of these questions, you might want to rethink why a given school is even on your college list in the first place. You did your homework and know that Reed College offers a rigorous environment for intellectually serious, self-directed students. Instead of letter grades, students receive from their professors. All courses are taught by professors, never TAs, and research opportunities for undergraduates abound. It’s little surprise that an insanely high number of Reed graduates go on to earn PhDs in their respective fields. In addition to highlighting elements of a school that appeal to you, this essay also provides a venue to further explain what makes you tick and why this particular college is the ideal milieu in which to cultivate your unique passions. What clubs, activities, or study abroad locales appeal to you? Are there unique degree programs or undergraduate research opportunities that will enhance your learning experience? Is there something different about the school’s philosophy, commitment to undergraduate education, required coursework, or foundational courses? The following two sample essays adhere to this formula in under 250 words. Neither starts with “I love Wonderful College because…” Instead, each draws the reader in by telling a story that can be used for all Why This College? essays. All the student needs to do is to plug in the correct college name, and the names of the courses, clubs and/or professors specific to that college. Make sure you proofread your essay very carefully before submitting it! The “Why Us” supplemental essay is designed to be relatively brief, and there is no room for error. As tempting as it may be, do not copy and paste information from one college’s supplement to another. Each of these schools is unique, and your essay in response should be unique as well.
The Why Michigan “Why this College” Essay Example
Francesca Huemer Kelly, the spouse of a retired Foreign Service officer and former ambassador, has worked as a freelance writer and an editor, and is currently coaching high school students on their college application essays. She is a co-founder of Tales from a Small Planet and a former FSJ AFSA News editor.
The Why Penn “Why this College” Essay Example
You now get the idea: start with your passions, then transition to how those passions will blossom at college. Yes, it’s a formula. But it’s one you can tweak with each college to make the essay personal. And you may just find, as others have before you, that having it will be a godsend when the college application process seems overwhelming.
The Why Tufts “Why this College” Essay Example
So, use your summer wisely, researching your colleges, getting excited about all the experiences you will have in college, and then expressing that enthusiasm in your essay: “Why this college? I can’t wait to show you!”
The Why Cornell “Why this College” Essay Example
Bottom line: If you have your own personal style and approach, use it—as long as your essay (1) shows your passion for learning and shows the college who you are, usually through anecdote, and (2) demonstrates your interest in this college using specifics, not generalities.
Why Us prompts are important for both colleges and applicants.
The two-section system—showing your passions, followed by how those passions will blossom at college—is tried and true. But there are other approaches. One of the most effective essays I read recently was written by a student who fell in love with her first-choice college’s library, and then wrote about all the libraries she has loved in her life and what she hoped to accomplish in that college library were she to be accepted. Another student homed in on the university motto and made that the focus of his essay, because it closely aligned with his own moral code.
The Why Bowdoin “Why this College” Essay Example
Whether you are applying with or without test scores, applicants in 2022-23 need to shine brightly. The mission is to stand out in a sea of similarly-qualified young people. Devoting a TON of time and energy to the Why This College essay is one such way to accomplish this feat. If you are interested in working with one of College Transitions’ experienced and knowledgeable essay coaches as you craft your Why This College essays, we encourage you to today.