Sharon Epstein is a Writers Guild Award-winner and two-time Emmy nominee. After a twenty-year career in television, she founded First Impressions College Consulting in Redding, Connecticut, where she teaches interview skills and helps students transform their ideas, goals, and experiences into memorable college application essays.
Go to www.FirstImpressionsCollegeConsulting.com for more info.
Dear Student,
Why do you want to go to Our Great School U.?"
How do you answer this question?
Here's the most important thing you need to know:
Schools use this essay to separate students from the pack. They look to see if you know what they offer, if you understand how they're different, and if you've thought about why you'd be a good fit. In other words, they want to know if you're really interested.
So don't save this essay for last. Give it time and thought, and follow these 8 Keys to Writing a Successful "Why this College?" Essay:
1. Understand Your Goal
Your goal is to demonstrate that you understand what makes this college special and why it's a good fit for you.
2. Schools Want to Know 2 Things
That you "get them." You know what makes them different from other schools (see #3).Why you're a good match. How will you fit in? How will you contribute? How will you take advantage of what they have to offer? Tell them why their school matters to you.
3. Gather Your Material
Read the website thoroughly. This is where you'll begin to learn what the school has to offer and how they see themselves. Go to the home page. What do they showcase? Is it student life? Research programs? Study abroad? Follow the links that interest you so you can learn more. Then go to the "About" page and see what the school says about itself - that's important. Read their mission statementto learn about educational philosophy and traditions.Watch videos.Connect on Facebook and get regular updates in your newsfeed.Pay attention when you visit. When something interests you, ask questions.Think about how you'd be a good match for that school.Even if this school isn't a top choice, find something that gets you excited about attending.
Be specific: Do you want to participate in a particular research project or extracurricular activity? Say so. Do you remember the name of the dorm you'd like to live in? Tell them.The more specific you are, the more successful your essay will be.
5. If You've Talked to People, Mention It!
Making personal connections shows initiative and enthusiasm.Whether it's a tour guide, student, admissions counselor, alum, coach or professor, if you've talked to someone who's been helpful or turned you on to a program or course of study, say so.
6. It's Never Too Late to Make Connections
If your essay lacks specifics, here are three things you can do: 1. Call the admissions office and ask to speak to an admissions officer (have some questions ready). 2. Ask the admissions office to put you in touch with a student who's studying what you're interested in. 3. Google the school's local alumni association and find someone to talk to. All three are easy, quick and will transform your essay.
7. Avoid:
Vague answers. Imagine being the admissions counselor who reads, for the ten thousandth time, "Your school really inspires me"... "I like where it's located"..."The campus is amazing." Anyone can say that, so you shouldn't.Telling schools what they already know. Does the school have a great English program? Don't say, "I'm looking forward to going to your school because you have a great English program." They know that. Personalize your answer instead:"My passion is twentieth century literature. I can't wait to immerse myself in your course offerings, from William Faulkner to Patrick White, when I get to campus next fall."
8. Don't Use the Same Essay for Multiple Schools:
While some students might use the same one or two sentences as an introduction, this shouldn't be a "fill in the blank" essay where you plug in the name of a dorm or professor.