There are a lot of factors that contribute to the final list of schools a candidate decides to apply to. From pursuing a professional dream to exploring a developing interest, complemented by secondary factors like finance, location, extracurricular opportunities, and international rankings – the decision to apply to a certain college is rarely ever based on a singular reason.
The ‘Why This College’ may be one of the most popular supplemental questions in US applications, included in almost every college’s decision-making process. However, an equally common mistake that is made when answering this question is approaching it only in light of what the college has to offer, without bringing the candidate themselves into the conversation. It is best to understand this question as the following:
The College + The Candidate = Why This College
In other words, this question is not asking the candidate what about our college is so great – they already know what makes them stand out and what they have to offer. Rather, the focus lies on what specific aspects of our college hold particular significance for you..As a question that appears in most applications, there is a good rubric to rely on when approaching this supplemental question.
Initial Research
Although it sounds obvious, many students tend to skip this step during the essay-writing process, as they think that all the research was already done when selecting the schools. While that is true to an extent, this essay should include details specific to the candidate’s goals, skills, or curiosities. Instead of hearing about how great it is that the school is set in a metropolitan city or that it is one of the top business schools of the world – which are examples of details they already know about themselves – it is far more effective to be specific about what stands out to a candidate in particular.
When conducting research on potential colleges, candidates should conduct a comprehensive analysis that encompasses both a micro and macro exploration. This should involve starting with their desired major and thoroughly examining the structure of the program. For instance, if a student is interested in studying Economics, it is essential to compare and contrast how different institutions structure their curricula and programs. Key considerations include the first-year course offerings, available electives, and the faculty members who will be guiding them. The candidate should evaluate whether the offerings align with their academic interests and goals.
Having considered the first priority of a selected program, the candidate should then expand their research to explore how their academic interests will be supported at this school, outside of the classroom as well. Do current students have access to the college’s professional alumni network? Does the program offer internship or research opportunities? Is the faculty open to providing opportunities for extra credit or work experience? Each of these offerings should be taken seriously, especially in light of a candidate’s personal academic and career goals, to see if they intersect at any point.
Finally, the candidate should then look into the college outside of their degree, and see what other opportunities for growth and support this institution offers. This includes, but is not limited to, the student organisations, community engagements, living environment, the different demographics within the community, and the city or campus town it is based in. It is extremely important to not simply list qualities and opportunities listed on the website or social media pages, as well as making connections that may sound obvious. For example, stating that a candidate is excited about how diverse the school is but also has a large percentage of its students from their own hometown, is too obvious a connection and is rarely ever specific to one institution alone. Instead, here is where the candidate can broaden their connection to the school outside of the degree by, for example, finding a connection between their secondary music interests and the musical theatre opportunities available at the prospective school.
Writing the Essay
Most ‘Why This College’ essays have a strict word limit, thus establishing that the most effective approach is to be as straightforward as possible, as opposed to adopting a narrative tone.
Much like the research itself, this essay should also follow a micro to macro trajectory, as the essay should first tackle reasons that align directly with the program of choice. This means that it is important to also reflect on one’s own academic and professional goals, so as to make connections with the school’s offerings as well. The essay is a tango between mentioning one’s specific desire – such as wanting to improve their skills in public speaking as a budding entrepreneur – linked with a particular offering at the institution – like a professor with a great reputation in this regard. The sentences may look like this:
“As a future entrepreneur, I am equally cognizant of the soft skills I need to refine simultaneously with the development of my theoretical foundation. Therefore I am eager to pursue the elective course, Intro to Public Speaking, under Professor X. His reputation as a leader and effective communicator precedes himself, thus amplifying my excitement to avail his guidance.”
Once a few reasons from within the classroom have been explored, the essay can move onto reasons outside of the classroom as they relate to the community and the candidate’s personal development. It is helpful to consider what about a small school in a big city, or a big school in a campus town, appeals to one. How will these factors contribute towards a holistic development outside of one’s degree? These reasons could like, for example:
“As an avid sports fan, I am extremely excited for the opportunity to indulge in the fervour around the sports I have not been exposed to as much, such as American football. While I do consider myself a quick learner, I intend on attending the weekly football matches both as a fan and as a student, to educate myself on the sport further. On the weekends, I look forward to always finding a group of students playing football in the Students Sports Centre, where I hope to make friends while practising the game and refining my skills as a sportsman. Not only will this undoubtedly expand my skill set, but it will also keep me closely tied to a feeling that feels like home even while being in a foreign world miles away.”
The number of reasons one should explore, both on a micro and macro level, is relative to the word count of every essay. However, even if the essay is only 150 words, one should aim to mention at least two things related to their degree and one relating to anything outside of the classroom. In other words, maintain a healthy balance where the degree remains the first priority, but holistic development is not ignored either.
While it is a frequently asked question, it is crucial not to fall into the trap of complacency when drafting this essay. It is essential to avoid using any overused expressions and to be candid when establishing connections with the institution. The colleges are well aware of their strengths, and the essay provides a chance to demonstrate how the candidate’s qualities align with those of an outstanding institution.
How Rostrum can help:
We at Rostrum can offer valuable guidance to students who are struggling with drafting the “Why This College” supplemental essay. Rostrum’s consultants can help students to identify key factors, such as available electives, faculty members, internship or research opportunities, alumni networks, and community engagements, that align with their academic and career goals. By taking a straightforward approach and reflecting on personal and professional goals, students can create an effective essay that highlights their connection with the school, and Rostrum can guide them in this process.
