How do you approach writing the 'Why Us' essay for college applications?

The 'Why Us' essay can feel repetitive, but the key is to show genuine connection and insight about why you and the school are a good fit for each other. Admissions officers want to see that you've done your homework and can clearly articulate what excites you about their community that you couldn't find anywhere else.

A good structure is a mix of specifics (programs, classes, faculty) and personal connection (your interests or experiences that make those specifics meaningful).

Start with a hook that highlights something about the school that genuinely excites you. For example, if the school has a solar panel research initiative or a student-run green consulting club, and you're passionate about environmental science, talk about how these align with your past research projects. Rather than just listing clubs or majors, describe how you see yourself contributing or growing from those opportunities. For example, "After launching a composting program at my high school, I'd love to join the university's EcoAction team and work on expanding their campus-wide sustainability challenge."

Research classes that are unique, professors whose work you admire, or upcoming projects related to your major. Mention specifics, like a seminar on urban sustainability or interdisciplinary research grants, and explain how these directly tie into your goals. Instead of broadly saying "great research opportunities," name a specific lab or outreach project and connect it to your background or future plans.

Don't forget campus culture. If you visited, mention a conversation with a student or professor, or talk about something you learned from their social media channels, student blogs, or newspaper. For example: "Reading about the annual Green Week on the campus blog gave me insight into how energized the student body is about environmental advocacy."

To avoid sounding generic, always go back to: "Why do I want this and why is this the only place I can get it?" If two sentences could be copied into another college's essay, try to get more specific. The goal isn't to flatter the school, but to show a thoughtful match.

A sample focus might be: “During my high school independent study on wetland restoration, I found Professor X's work on urban ecosystems fascinating. At [School’s] Center for Environmental Research, participating in hands-on city clean-up with other passionate students will help me grow my skills in community-based science.”

Unique, specific, personal details make a difference. Try to write your essay so that only you could have written it, and only for that particular college.