Can anyone share strong 'Why This College' essay examples for inspiration?
I'm starting to brainstorm my "Why This College" essays and honestly, I feel kind of stuck. I know I want to show that I really care about the school and its programs, but I don't want to sound generic or like I'm just copying what’s on the website.
If anyone has examples (even if it’s just snippets) of essays that worked or got positive feedback from counselors or admissions officers, I’d love to read them. I’m hoping to get a sense of how specific people are with their reasons, and how much personal detail to include.
It would be especially helpful if the examples weren't just for Ivies, since I’m applying mostly to mid-size privates and some state schools. You don’t need to share your whole essay if you’re not comfortable, but just a paragraph or the main points would be super helpful. Would really appreciate the help as I’m nervous about this part!
If anyone has examples (even if it’s just snippets) of essays that worked or got positive feedback from counselors or admissions officers, I’d love to read them. I’m hoping to get a sense of how specific people are with their reasons, and how much personal detail to include.
It would be especially helpful if the examples weren't just for Ivies, since I’m applying mostly to mid-size privates and some state schools. You don’t need to share your whole essay if you’re not comfortable, but just a paragraph or the main points would be super helpful. Would really appreciate the help as I’m nervous about this part!
3 months ago
•
35 views
Camille L.
• 3 months ago
Advisor
Absolutely, these essays can be tough to start, but getting specific and tying the college to your own interests is the trick. Here’s an example of a strong paragraph from a 'Why This College' essay (for a mid-sized private school), which got positive feedback from the student’s advisor:
"As someone passionate about environmental sustainability, I’m drawn to Wake Forest’s Center for Energy, Environment and Sustainability. When I learned that Professor Wilson’s Urban Forestry Lab partners with local communities, I could picture myself working on the reforestation project in Winston-Salem, applying what I’ve studied in AP Environmental Science to real neighborhoods. Beyond science, I love Wake’s culture of Pro Humanitate, which lines up perfectly with my experience organizing local park cleanups. Joining the student-run Sustainability Committee would let me connect my environmental interests with advocacy, something I haven’t seen highlighted at other schools."
Notice this student gets specific, naming professors, unique centers, and tying school offerings back to their real experiences and passions. Avoid phrases like, “beautiful campus,” or “great academics.” Instead, mention unique classes, special programs, or organizations that only exist at that school.
Another snippet for a state school:
"UConn’s strong Digital Media college would let me study both design and computer science—and when I read about the Digital Experience Lab’s mentorship program, I immediately thought of my summer designing apps for my town library. It’s rare to find a major that combines these fields, and the Huskies Hack club would give me a community that shares my love for building things."
The more you reflect on your real experiences—clubs you’ve joined, projects you’ve led, problems you’ve solved—the more genuine your essay will feel. Remember, admissions officers want to see you’ve done your homework and can see yourself at their college for concrete, personal reasons.
Try to start with your interests, pick two or three specific aspects of each college that excite you, and tie each of them back to something you’ve done or hope to do. That’s what makes your response stand out.
"As someone passionate about environmental sustainability, I’m drawn to Wake Forest’s Center for Energy, Environment and Sustainability. When I learned that Professor Wilson’s Urban Forestry Lab partners with local communities, I could picture myself working on the reforestation project in Winston-Salem, applying what I’ve studied in AP Environmental Science to real neighborhoods. Beyond science, I love Wake’s culture of Pro Humanitate, which lines up perfectly with my experience organizing local park cleanups. Joining the student-run Sustainability Committee would let me connect my environmental interests with advocacy, something I haven’t seen highlighted at other schools."
Notice this student gets specific, naming professors, unique centers, and tying school offerings back to their real experiences and passions. Avoid phrases like, “beautiful campus,” or “great academics.” Instead, mention unique classes, special programs, or organizations that only exist at that school.
Another snippet for a state school:
"UConn’s strong Digital Media college would let me study both design and computer science—and when I read about the Digital Experience Lab’s mentorship program, I immediately thought of my summer designing apps for my town library. It’s rare to find a major that combines these fields, and the Huskies Hack club would give me a community that shares my love for building things."
The more you reflect on your real experiences—clubs you’ve joined, projects you’ve led, problems you’ve solved—the more genuine your essay will feel. Remember, admissions officers want to see you’ve done your homework and can see yourself at their college for concrete, personal reasons.
Try to start with your interests, pick two or three specific aspects of each college that excite you, and tie each of them back to something you’ve done or hope to do. That’s what makes your response stand out.
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Camille L.
Nomadic
Stanford University, BAH in Urban Studies
Experience
5 years
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5.0 (4 reviews)