Hey fellow juniors, I've been researching college essay writing tips, and I came across the 'Why Us' essay. I'm struggling to figure out what to write for this type of essay. Can anyone share some advice on how to approach it and what colleges are looking for in these essays? Thanks!
Hello! The 'Why Us' essay is an opportunity to display your knowledge of the school and demonstrate why you and the college are a good fit for each other. This type of essay requires you to research the school and incorporate specific examples. Here are some tips on how to approach it:
1. Research the university: Start by researching the academic programs, extracurricular activities, campus culture, and special resources offered by the college. Look for unique aspects that align with your interests and goals.
2. Be specific about your reasons: Rather than making general statements like "I love the campus" or "it's a prestigious school," dive deeper and mention particular aspects that appeal to you. For example, talk about a specific course, lab, or study abroad program that aligns with your intended major or career goals. You should also connect the school's offerings to your passions, by not just explaining what you're interested in, but also why.
3. Show how you'll contribute: Colleges want to know not only why the school is a good fit for you but also what you can offer in return. Discuss how your skills, experiences, or passions will help you contribute to the college community. For example, if you have a background in community service, mention plans to join a specific service organization on campus and how you could bring new ideas or projects to that group.
4. Make it personal and genuine: Don't just list impressive facts about the college. Instead, focus on what genuinely interests you and WHY it does. Tell a story or provide examples that show your authentic enthusiasm for the school.
5. Edit and proofread: As with any essay, having a polished 'Why Us' essay is crucial. Ensure you have proper grammar, spelling, organization, and flow. You should also have someone else read your essay to provide feedback and ensure it captures your intended message. If you aren't sure who to ask for feedback, consider utilizing CollegeVine's Free Peer Essay Review service, or submitting your essay for a paid review by an expert college admissions advisor through CollegeVine's marketplace.
Overall, the 'Why Us' essay gives the admissions committee a glimpse into how well you know the college and how invested you are in attending. They're looking for evidence that you understand what makes the school unique and that you have a genuine interest in being part of their community. For further guidance on how to tackle this common prompt, consider checking out CollegeVine's blog post breaking it down: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-why-us-college-essay/.
Good luck!
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