How do you approach the 'Why This College' essay?

Getting past generic statements in the "Why This College" essay really does make all the difference. The admissions team can spot copy-paste phrases about "beautiful campuses" or "top-ranked programs" instantly, so the essay works best when it clearly comes from you and couldn't be swapped out for another school's name.

Start by thinking about what matters most to you academically, socially, and even personally—then dig into what that college offers that truly connects with those goals. For example, instead of saying "I'm excited about your neuroscience major," research unique courses, special labs, programs, or opportunities you can't find elsewhere. Maybe you find out the department offers a "Neuroethics in the Modern World" seminar led by Dr. Smith, whose work on brain-computer interfaces fascinates you because of a neuroscience podcast you started while recovering from an injury. Mentioning that level of detail demonstrates a real connection.

You can also talk about specific campus traditions, clubs that align with your hobbies, or research centers tied to your interests. For example, "As someone who has organized high school hackathons, I love that the college’s Innovation Hub funds student-run tech startups every semester—it makes me feel like my entrepreneurial streak would not just be supported, but pushed further."

One helpful tactic: imagine somebody swapped the college name in your draft with another school’s. If the rest of your essay could still apply, it’s not specific enough yet. It's also fine to focus on just a few features and go into detail, rather than listing a ton of things superficially.

Just be careful not to force connections if they aren't true. If you never plan to do undergrad research, don’t pretend you do. And when you drop names of professors or programs, show why they matter to you personally—avoid simply saying, "I want to work with Dr. Jones because they teach Chemistry."

Finally, ask yourself: does this essay sound like only you could have written it, and only about this school? If so, you’re on the right track!

Example: "Last summer, I built a biodegradable water sensor for local ponds. Learning that your Environmental Engineering program partners with the City to improve water systems made me realize I could work on real-world projects that truly matter to me. Joining the Engineers for Change club would let me connect with peers who share my commitment to sustainable design."

That type of concrete, personal example shows authentic interest. Good luck!