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Your chance of acceptance
Duke University
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UCLA
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Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

How do you craft a compelling 'Why This College' essay?

So, I'm working on my supplements and I'm stuck on the 'Why This College' prompts. Can anyone share some insights on how to make these essays genuine and specific? How much research into the school should I incorporate? Any tips on avoiding clichéd reasons would be amazing!

a year ago

Hey there! It's great that you're aiming to make your 'Why This College?' essay stand out. The key is to be as specific as possible about why the school is a good fit for you. Dive into the details: mention specific professors you admire, unique programs or classes you're excited about, and student organizations that align with your interests.

Rather than simply saying you're impressed by the school's reputation, elaborate on how its approach to learning will help you achieve your academic and career goals. For instance, if you're interested in environmental policy and the school has a stellar sustainability initiative or a special research project, talk about how you're looking forward to contributing to those efforts.

Remember, admissions officers want to see that you've done your homework and can envision yourself thriving on their campus. A little flattery can go a long way, but it needs to be backed up with a personal connection to the institution. Check out CollegeVine's article breaking down this exact topic, as it has plenty of tips and advice to help you succeed: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-why-us-college-essay/

a year ago

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.