Hey folks, curious junior here! What's the angle on 'Why this college?' essays? What kind of research should I be doing, and what are admissions officers really seeking in my response?
Hi curious junior! Great question! 'Why This College?' essays are your chance to show a school how you and the institution are a perfect match. Think of it kind of like a first date—you want to make a good impression by showing that you've done your homework. Admissions officers are looking for details and specifics, not just platitudes about generic things like reputation or location. Research the unique academic programs, student organizations, or traditions that align with your interests.
For example, if you're interested in marine biology, and the college has a renowned marine biology program with hands-on research opportunities, that's something you could highlight. Colleges also appreciate knowing how you envision yourself contributing to their campus. Maybe they have a community service program that fits with your passion for volunteering, or their strong engineering department complements your goal of designing sustainable infrastructure. Remember to make it personal, authentic, and specific to that college. This shows you've taken the time to know the school and that you're serious about wanting to be there.
Also be sure to check out this relevant CollegeVine article for more advice, tips, and examples: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-why-us-college-essay
Hope this helps!
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