How do I write a strong 'Why Major' essay using advice from College Essay Guy?
I'm currently working on my supplemental essays and I'm a bit nervous about the 'Why Major' prompts. I've been reading a bunch of advice from College Essay Guy, but I'm still not sure how personal I'm supposed to get, or whether it's better to focus on what I want to do in the future with this major or what has inspired me so far.
For anyone who's used College Essay Guy's resources, how did you approach telling your story in these essays? Did you use the 'be specific' advice by focusing on classes and professors, or did you talk more about your own journey and interests?
I've loved chemistry since middle school, but I'm worried that might sound too generic if I just talk about a class or early interest. At the same time, writing about a random personal experience seems off-topic. Would love to hear how you balanced personal storytelling with academic reasons and if you think College Essay Guy's templates are actually helpful for these types of questions.
For anyone who's used College Essay Guy's resources, how did you approach telling your story in these essays? Did you use the 'be specific' advice by focusing on classes and professors, or did you talk more about your own journey and interests?
I've loved chemistry since middle school, but I'm worried that might sound too generic if I just talk about a class or early interest. At the same time, writing about a random personal experience seems off-topic. Would love to hear how you balanced personal storytelling with academic reasons and if you think College Essay Guy's templates are actually helpful for these types of questions.
1 week ago
•
3 views
Camille L.
• 1 week ago
Advisor
Balancing personal storytelling with academic reasons is exactly what makes a strong 'Why Major' essay. College Essay Guy’s advice often emphasizes connecting your personal experiences and genuine interests with the specific offerings of the college and the field of study.
For the 'Why Major' prompt, it's best to go beyond just the origin story of your interest (for example, 'I've loved chemistry since middle school') and dig deeper into the 'why' and 'how.' Think about moments where your interest became real, specific, or actionable. Did you set up experiments at home, tutor classmates, or join a summer program that made you see chemistry in a new light? These are small, vivid stories that are unique to you and avoid the cliché of just mentioning a favorite class.
College Essay Guy suggests using the 'be specific' tactic in two ways: first, in describing what excites you about the major (maybe it's a love for problem-solving through molecular interactions or a fascination with how chemistry shapes medicine), and second, in connecting this to what the school actually offers (courses, research labs, student orgs, or professors whose work inspires you). For instance, you could mention that your interest in green chemistry led you to read Dr. Anaya’s research on biodegradable plastics and now you hope to join her lab group at that college.
Here’s an example of mixing the personal with the academic: 'My interest in chemistry sparked in eighth grade, but took shape during high school when I started a composting project at my community garden. I became obsessed with breaking down the chemical processes at work and started researching biodegradable materials. At [School], the opportunity to take 'Sustainable Materials Engineering' and work with Dr. Lee’s team on bioplastics would let me turn this curiosity into real solutions.'
So, don’t feel you have to choose between your story and the academic fit; the strongest essays blend both. Use your unique experiences as the foundation and build on them by showing how this college’s resources are the next logical step. College Essay Guy’s templates are helpful for brainstorming structure, but personal details and tailored connections make your essay memorable.
For the 'Why Major' prompt, it's best to go beyond just the origin story of your interest (for example, 'I've loved chemistry since middle school') and dig deeper into the 'why' and 'how.' Think about moments where your interest became real, specific, or actionable. Did you set up experiments at home, tutor classmates, or join a summer program that made you see chemistry in a new light? These are small, vivid stories that are unique to you and avoid the cliché of just mentioning a favorite class.
College Essay Guy suggests using the 'be specific' tactic in two ways: first, in describing what excites you about the major (maybe it's a love for problem-solving through molecular interactions or a fascination with how chemistry shapes medicine), and second, in connecting this to what the school actually offers (courses, research labs, student orgs, or professors whose work inspires you). For instance, you could mention that your interest in green chemistry led you to read Dr. Anaya’s research on biodegradable plastics and now you hope to join her lab group at that college.
Here’s an example of mixing the personal with the academic: 'My interest in chemistry sparked in eighth grade, but took shape during high school when I started a composting project at my community garden. I became obsessed with breaking down the chemical processes at work and started researching biodegradable materials. At [School], the opportunity to take 'Sustainable Materials Engineering' and work with Dr. Lee’s team on bioplastics would let me turn this curiosity into real solutions.'
So, don’t feel you have to choose between your story and the academic fit; the strongest essays blend both. Use your unique experiences as the foundation and build on them by showing how this college’s resources are the next logical step. College Essay Guy’s templates are helpful for brainstorming structure, but personal details and tailored connections make your essay memorable.
Camille L.
Nomadic
Stanford University, BAH in Urban Studies
Experience
5 years
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