How do you approach the 'Why College' essay in applications?

The key to a standout 'Why College' essay is to make it truly specific to both you and the school, rather than reciting features anyone could find on a brochure. Start by researching the school in depth—look for unique programs, classes, clubs, traditions, teaching philosophies, or opportunities that genuinely excite you and aren't found everywhere.

The strongest essays connect your personal interests, goals, or experiences to something only that college offers. For example, if you're interested in environmental sustainability because you grew up in a drought-prone town, and the college has a program that studies water conservation in partnership with local businesses, highlight how this intersection fits your ambitions. Even minor details, like a quirky club you can't find elsewhere or a professor whose research aligns with your interests, can make your essay memorable when you show why it matters to you.

Don't feel you have to choose just one focus like clubs or majors—often, weaving together 2-3 specific things builds a fuller picture. Let your personal experience shape your focus: maybe a math modeling project in high school drives your desire to join that school's applied math symposium, or your love of writing makes their creative writing journal stand out.

What made my essay feel genuine was that I could actually imagine myself on campus, engaging with those exact opportunities. I even described a conversation I hoped to have with a professor about a mutual academic interest. That detail showed I'd done my homework, but also that I could contribute.

To summarize: find what feels like a true match between you and the school, name specific details, and explain why they're meaningful to you personally. Avoid generic threads and instead zoom in on what sets both you—and this school—apart. That’s what admission reviewers remember.