Can someone show a sample 'Why are you interested in this college?' essay?

As a Yale graduate and college admissions advisor with over 8 years of experience helping students gain admission to top universities like Harvard, Stanford, and MIT, I’ve found that the key to a strong “Why are you interested in this college?” essay is blending personal experiences and motivations with specific opportunities the school offers. Instead of listing programs or repeating website facts, choose a couple of aspects that genuinely excite you and connect them to your own goals or interests.

Here’s a sample outline and excerpt:

Suppose you’re interested in Northwestern University because of its strong journalism program and collaborative environment. You’ve been running a neighborhood newsletter and want to take your reporting skills to the next level.

Sample excerpt:

“During my sophomore year, I launched my town’s first youth-run newsletter—what started as a one-phone camera operation soon connected dozens of teens sharing local stories. When I discovered Northwestern’s Medill Cherubs program, I realized how transformative professional mentorship can be. That’s why I’m drawn to the Medill School’s emphasis on experiential learning. Opportunities like the Journalism Residency, where students work in real newsrooms, feel like the perfect next step for me. I’m also excited about the Knight Lab, where storytellers and coders collaborate to reimagine media—combining my love of reporting with my interest in web design. Beyond academics, the inclusive residential college system stands out; I can already picture continuing late-night debates over the Chicago Cubs with future friends.”

This works because it grounds your interest in your personal journey and creates a clear link to what the college offers, without becoming an exhaustive list. Mentioning programs (Cherubs, Journalism Residency, Knight Lab) and aspects of campus culture (residential system, community feel) shows you’ve researched deeply.

Tips:

1. Instead of saying “renowned faculty,” name a professor and explain why their work intrigues you.

2. If you talk about campus culture, explain how it matches your personality or goals.

3. Aim for two or three aspects explored in depth rather than listing eight surface-level ones.

4. Tie everything to a personal anecdote or challenge that motivates your interest—admissions officers value specificity and authenticity.

To sum up: be detailed, be personal, and show how you’ll fit in and contribute—rather than just what you’ll take from the school. That way, your essay will feel authentic and specific.

Over the past 8 years, I’ve helped thousands of students craft compelling “Why this school?” essays that connect their unique stories to the opportunities that excite them most. I’m currently offering free consultations for new Sundial families, where we can review your goals, brainstorm essay ideas, and outline a clear application strategy. You can book one directly through my profile—spots this month are limited.