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Students are not required to prepare a “why did you choose this college” essay by colleges and universities merely to receive praise for the institution. The goal of these essays is to persuade admissions committees that you’re a suitable fit.
Essays that ask “why this college” or “why us” can also be used to promote yourself and your interests.
Admissions officers evaluate “why this college” essays based on a number of criteria. They are interested in a student’s values, interests, and aspirations. Additionally, they seek out pupils that show a sincere interest in learning.
Sample of “Why This College” Essay Prompts
Essays on “Why this college” are more complicated than just responding to the query, “Why do you want to study with us?” In order to gauge how well students follow directions and react to prompts, colleges and institutions frequently provide specific questions.
Several of these essay prompts may vary, as the list below illustrates. One question from the University of Central Florida, for instance, invites applicants to compose a personal narrative. On the other hand, New York University and the University of Michigan offer questions that inquire about the aspects of the institutions that students find intriguing.
- Columbia University: “Why are you interested in attending Columbia University? We encourage you to consider the aspect(s) that you find unique and compelling about Columbia. (150 words or fewer)”
- University of Michigan: “Describe the unique qualities that attract you to the specific undergraduate College or School (including preferred admission and dual degree programs) to which you are applying at the University of Michigan. How would that curriculum support your interests? (Required for all applicants; minimum 100 words /maximum 550 words)”
- New York University: “We would like to know more about your interest in NYU. What motivated you to apply to NYU? Why have you applied or expressed interest in a particular campus, school, college, program, and/or area of study? If you have applied to more than one, please also tell us why you are interested in these additional areas of study or campuses. We want to understand — Why NYU?”
- University of Pennsylvania: “Considering the specific undergraduate school you have selected, how will you explore your academic and intellectual interests at the University of Pennsylvania?”
Students Frequently Make Six Errors on the “Why This College” Essay
Mistake 1: Writing about the school’s ranking, reputation, size, location, or weather.
What’s the point of not doing this? Because you don’t want to blend in with the many other pupils who are writing about it. Consider Georgia Tech’s “Why us?” prompt, once said:
Beyond rankings, location, and athletics, why are you interested in attending Georgia Tech?
It’s evident that the admission officers are sick of reading about those topics.
Mistake 2: Using emotive appeal.
Telling the school that “it just felt right” when you first arrived on campus is
a) something that many students say,
And b) it doesn’t make the reader comprehend how you fit in with the institution.
The comment, “I can see myself rooting for the Wildcats at MetLife Stadium on Sundays,” also doesn’t hold much of a hold.
Mistake 3: destroying the stadium, mascot, team colors, or names of any significant individuals or locations on campus
Why not do this? It’s the easiest approach to demonstrate that you’re a careless researcher. The Wildcats don’t play on Sundays or at MetLife Stadium in the aforementioned case. Additionally, it is a cliche of the “Why this College” essay to add, “I can see myself in [insert school colors here].” Don’t do it either.
Mistake 4: Repeating the Brochures or Website language.
It’s possible that the words you’re copying and pasting on your college application were actually written by the individual who read your essay and assessed your application.
Mistake 5: Describing the customs or traditions for which the school is renowned.
Why? Everybody already has, along with their brother. How are these learned? Look up the school’s name and “traditions” on Google.
Mistake 6: Consider this to be only a “Why them” essay.
The school is aware of its greatness. According to Nicole Buenzli of Union College, “you probably don’t need to tell us about the beautiful Nott Memorial.” “Every brochure we make features the Nott, which we all know has sixteen sides, and I pass it every day!”
Consider it a “Why we are perfect for each other” essay instead.
The individual sitting across from you may even lean in to ask, “So, why do you like me?” while you’re on a date. You shouldn’t only say, “Because you’re hot,” or “My aunt says a relationship with you will improve my job prospects.”
Approaches you can follow to write, “Why this College”.
Step 1: Do your research.
Here’s how you can research the college.
- Spend serious time on the school’s Website/course schedule, course curriculam and look for not only majors and minors, but also specific programs, courses, activities, and opportunities that set this school apart from all the others you’re applying to.
You can check Colleges that change lives to evaluate the college further. - Student Reviews: Experts don’t always agree with what students say. Actual student reviews can be found on Unigo.com and Niche.com. Read widely to avoid being biased by one or two viewpoints and to gain a sense of the college atmosphere.
- Take real and virtual tours: Without visiting a campus, it’s difficult to get to know it well. And do it if you can. However, if you are unable to come in person, you can check out online resources such as YouTube, Campus Reel, Campustours.
- Read student reviews: Experts don’t always agree with what students say. Actual student reviews can be found on Unigo.com and Niche.com. Read widely to avoid being biased by one or two viewpoints and to gain a sense of the college atmosphere.
Step 2: Now that you have researched about the college you should deicide on how you are going to approach your college essays. Here are some of the approaches.
Approach 1: Basic Approach
Look into a number of opportunities at the school and make a systematic connection between each one and yourself.
Look for ten to fifteen reasons. Even though you might not list every argument in your finished draft, doing this kind of research will give you a lot of options.
Here’s how you can use this approach to answer UPenn essay questions.
Prompt: How will you explore your intellectual and academic interests at the University of Pennsylvania? Please answer this question, given the specific undergraduate school to which you are applying. (Word limit: 650)
Here is the outline you can follow to answer the prompt given above.
- Intro/Thesis (say what you want to study and why)
- An incredibly focused academic program at the university that offers your desired degree or emphasis (this should relate to you in a very precise way)
- Academic offerings that are quite particular to your desired major or emphasis at the institution (this should link to you in a fairly precise way)
- Something academic that’s not in your intended major/concentration (this keeps the focus on academics, but also brings in some variety)
- The most significant extracurricular activity that has a particularly close connection to you
- Paragraph on various extracurricular activities (2–3 items to show social/non-academic fit).
- Closing (this can be short and, in shorter “Why this College” essays, is unnecessary)
Approach 2: Identify one core value
How it works: present a story about a core principle that connects you to the school.
This strategy could work well for: schools that require that type of answer, and for schools which have shorter “Why this College Essays”
However, this approach is rather risky for the following reasons,
- You’re skipping out on stating five to fifteen reasons why you are interested in the institution (which, to be honest, some admissions officers want to see).
- As this approach depends on or hinges on a particular activity or value, and if the admission officer just skims through your essay, you may lose the chance of securing admission. Secondly, if the story is not well told or not clearly structured, it can weaken your application. Lastly, your central theme or value may not be clear from the question asked.
Here’s how you can write an essay following this approach.
1. Look for areas where you and the school have a strong alignment.
It will require some investigation. And a smaller liberal arts school with a distinct personality, like Bowdoin, might make this easier. For instance, Reed College takes pride in calling its students “Reedies”—even going so far as to refer to them as a certain species. For Reed, you may decide what it means to be a “Reedie” and then show why you are unquestionably one of them.
2. Take your time crafting the essay.
What am I saying? A strong “Why this College” essay, in my opinion, is comparable to a strong personal statement in that it should show:
- Fundamental principles (which this essay does)
- Insight (also known as “so what” moments or significant and intriguing connections)
- Craft (that is, it should be clear that the author has edited the essay multiple times and understands the meaning of every word, sentence, and paragraph)
How did you arrive at this conclusion? I believe that the subject of your writing must be something you truly adore. If I’m being completely honest, I also believe that you have to enjoy writing, or at least persuade yourself that you do.
This method requires time. However, it’s worthwhile. Why? This is the kind of writing that, in our opinion, can really have an impact, especially at a tiny liberal arts college. In certain instances, we think essays like this have swung the balance in favor of a specific kid.
3. Show vulnerability.
Approach 3: Having “3 to 5” Distinct reasons approach.
Basically, what you want to do is find three to five chances that are unique to the school, that is, not offered at any other school or to any other school you are applying to and connecting each one to you is how it works.
This is one of the most preferred methods since it gives you the opportunity to talk more about yourself and your interests by concentrating on fewer reasons (i.e., “why you”). However, writing it can be more challenging since, to be honest, it can be challenging to identify details that really make a school stand out from the competition. But it is feasible to uncover these exceptional programs, and I think it’s worth a shot, particularly for your top preference school or schools.
“Why This College?” Essay Examples
Prompt: In no more than 250 words, please tell us why BU is a good fit for you and what specifically has led you to apply for admission.
The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) at Boston University appeals to me because it offers a wide range of degrees that encourage interdisciplinary study. Indeed, a course that integrates biology, chemistry, and neuroscience is currently available at the CAS. I intend to pursue all three fields of study because I want to perform medical research on brain problems. I will be ready to do so thanks to these interdisciplinary relationships at BU.
I would be able to collaborate with a mentor, like Dr. Alice Cronin-Golomb or Dr. Robert M.G. Reinhart, on their research on neurological disorders through CAS’s undergraduate research program. I can use them to further the Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) research I have previously done. I gathered data from fMRI and PET scans and entered it into a coding application during a summer course. Then, in order to show notable activity in the brain areas impacted by DID, I made an indication map and uploaded it into AFNI, another software application. I was excited to see how our data was represented since I knew it would someday benefit those who have DID. I want to feel that way once more. My motivation to study at an institution that provides undergraduate research possibilities stems from my successful analysis of these fMRI and PET experiments and my acquisition of coding skills. I will be best prepared for a career as a neurological researcher by BU’s integrative approach to psychology and encouragement of autonomous student research.
This student explains the interdisciplinary course and undergraduate research program, which are unique resources at BU, as well as how these resources fit with their career objectives (becoming a neurological researcher). They do “name-drop” professors, but it doesn’t seem dishonest because their work obviously links to the student’s interests and demonstrates that the student has considered how well they fit with BU. The student’s interest in the undergraduate research program becomes more tangible when they also give background information about their motivations for wanting to conduct research and demonstrate their prior experience.
The only thing missing from this essay is the student’s fit with BU in terms of extracurriculars and social life. “Why This College?” essays should also cover extracurriculars, as the residential college experience is about more than just class and homework. Admissions officers are also interested in how you’ll contribute to their broader campus community.
These essays should generally have an academic bent (especially if they are under 250 words), but you should still discuss some of the college’s social features that you find interesting (we suggest roughly 70% academics, 30% social, with the amount of emphasis on social aspects varying based on word count). The student may have just provided a one-sentence synopsis of their research background and utilised the extra space to discuss a particular social component of BU that piques their interest, given they most likely already described their prior study in their Common App activities section.
6 Tips for Writing a Great “Why This College” Essay
1. Make a connection between your values and those of the school. Talk about the college’s dedication to community involvement, diversity, or any other values that you find important. Give examples of your own convictions or experiences that show how committed you are to preserving these ideals.
2. Showcase a commitment to personal growth. Highlight how the college’s unique opportunities will contribute to your personal development. Whether it’s the chance to engage in research, participate in leadership programs, or immerse yourself in a vibrant campus community, emphasise how these experiences will help you grow as an individual.
3. Talk about certain courses, programs, or instructors. Don’t just make generalisations; highlight particular courses, programs, or instructors that have piqued your interest. Show that you understand what makes this college exceptional academically, whether it’s through a cutting-edge research initiative, the work of a distinguished professor, or a distinctive interdisciplinary course.
3. Describe extracurricular activities and clubs. This is your chance to showcase which campus groups you’re eager to join. Discuss clubs, organisations, or extracurricular activities that align with your interests or values. Describe how you envision yourself getting involved and making a meaningful impact. Admissions officers value applicants who show a clear intention to contribute to the college’s vibrant campus life.
4. Be specific. Mention specific research, study abroad, or internship options. Describe how these experiences will improve your schooling and set you up for success in the future. Talk about any particular initiatives, groups, or locations that have caught your attention.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of campus resources. Discuss how access to specific libraries, research centers, or academic support services will help your studies.
How to Make a Structure for Your “Why This College?” Essay
These are some crucial pointers for structuring your college essay on “why us.”
First Paragraph
You have the chance to identify yourself, your academic objectives, and your interests at the start of your essay. Start with an intriguing tale or startling assertion to grab the reader’s attention. Next, describe yourself to the reader so they may understand why you think the school would be a good fit for you.
Body Paragraph(s)
Write about the school’s specifics and why they appeal to you in the essay’s body. Provide specifics that show you have done your homework and that you are interested in a certain field of study. Keep in mind that generalisations can come across as unpersuasive.
Closing Paragraph
Expressing your excitement for the college will help you close out the essay. Steer clear of any clichés. When expressing your desire to enroll in this college, be genuine. You can go back to the opening paragraph or close with a statement about your prospects at the institution.
“Why This College” Essay Example
I told my parents at the age of four that I was quite confident I would become Buzz Lightyear. Over the years, my love with space persisted, despite my final realization that I could never become a literary character. I’ve spent the last four years at space camp and taken rigorous scientific and math courses with the hopes of one day having a significant influence on the star-exploration effort.
For this reason, my preferred college choice is the University of Michigan. My career goals are clear, and I am sure that the Aerospace Engineering SUGS Program would be a great fit for me. In five years, I could complete both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in aeronautical engineering, which would enable me to immediately pursue my interest.
I’m also excited to benefit from the program’s various features that give students practical experience. I’m already excited about the chance to construct a whole spaceship system in my senior year capstone course. The summer research program would be a great way for me to obtain practical research experience, especially with the help of a faculty mentor. I’m already looking at language programs at U-M for my electives, so I can study engineering for a semester abroad in Berlin or Hong Kong.
It’s possible that I will never become Buzz Lightyear. However, U-M’s special opportunities would enable me to turn my lifelong love into a respectable job.
Where to Get Your “Why This College?” Essay Edited
Need help perfecting your “Why This College?” essay? Rostrum Education offers expert guidance to help your application stand out.
Our team of experienced mentors helps you:
- Tailor your essay to each college
- Highlight your strengths and goals clearly.
- Avoid common mistakes and clichés.
- Polish your writing for clarity and impact.
We’ve helped students gain admission to top universities like Harvard, Oxford, and Stanford—and we can help you too.
FAQS on How to Write “Why This College?” Essay
1. How do you answer “why do you want to attend this school”?
Be specific. Mention programs, professors, extracurriculars, or values that align with your goals. Show you’ve done your research and how the school fits you personally and academically.
2. How do you write a good “Why Us College” essay?
Make it specific and intimate. Go beyond compliments and emphasise how the college’s programs relate to your hobbies, background, and long-term goals. Steer clear of cliches and superficial justifications like rankings or geography.
3. Why do you want to attend this school?” essay examples?
Seek out essays that highlight special opportunities, such as study abroad programs, research programs, or interdisciplinary majors, then demonstrate how these fit with the student’s interests or objectives. (Refer to the BU and UMich examples above.)
4. How to answer “why are you interested in this college”?
Talk about a variety of community (clubs, culture, ideals) and academics (majors, professors, research). Connect these components to your own history, objectives, or character.
5. What are colleges looking for in the “Why Us” essay?
Admissions officers want to see that you have done your homework, know what makes the school special, and can articulate why it is a good fit for your academic and personal development.
