Why Are You Applying Here?
The “Why are you applying to our college?” essay prompt on many Common Application college supplements can be more challenging than the longer Personal Essay because it is tough to respond in a way that doesn’t come across as insincere and irrelevant.
This essay may be a short piece (most 100-300 words), but this essay is as important as the longer Personal Essay. Admission officers at many colleges believe the response to this question tells them how much effort a student has put into getting to know the college and whether she is a serious applicant who is likely to matriculate. A student who has researched a college and knows it’s the right place for her is also less likely to transfer or drop out, and that means a higher retention rate for the school. Some students use this essay as an opportunity to demonstrate “fake” interest in a college, but they usually end up with a generic answer that won’t enhance their application. For students who are genuinely interested in a college, the process of answering this question also helps them assess whether the college is a good fit and enables them to write a meaningful response.
When responding to the “why our college” prompt, many students tell admission officers what they already know. As an example, the college representatives are aware that their college has a reputation for educational excellence or have renowned research departments. They know about the low student-teacher ratio and the great internship opportunities. You should research the websites, but your response should not sound as if it was lifted right from a school’s website.
You need to use this essay to show that you and this college are a perfect match, and flattery is not the best way to do that. Instead, think about your interests, strengths and goals, and look for how they mesh with those of the college. If one institution’s mission statement talks about the importance of the life of the mind and another stresses its commitment to preparing students for the job market, you get a sense of the different approach each college has to education. You may realize that one institution is a much better fit for you. Taking the time to review course offerings in the catalogue and reading about professors, research opportunities, and student organizations will help you make sure you are applying to colleges that are truly good matches. Sincerity instead of trying too hard to win over admission officers will make a compelling case for admission in a matter-of-fact way that is ultimately more effective.