aleyna22

I generally am pretty good at writing essays, but I'm really hung up on this supplement essay (and pretty much all similar college essays). What are they looking for you to say? Are you supposed to brag about yourself? I just don't have any idea how to approach it. If anyone has any tips, they would be much appreciated!

aigiqinf

What is it about Emory that makes you want to attend besides the obvious (e.g., Prestige, high-quality programs, location)? And how do those programs represent a particularly good fit for you? This essay is your chance to demonstrate that you've done your research on the school and that there's a fit beyond "OMGZ, it's a top 20 school."

It's really up to you to present the most compelling argument. If you're interested in psychology for instance, you might talk about specific courses or departmental concentrations that the school offers. If you're applying to Oxford, talk about how a liberal-arts-intensive environment for two years is the best fit for your long term goals.

aleyna22

Thanks. Since I'm majoring in English, I thought I might mention how I think it's awesome that the US poet laureate works in my department, (but worded better, of course) but I really want to go to Oxford because I really love tiny old towns. That's not the only reason though! That's just what drew me to it in the first place.

aluminum_boat

Showing familiarity with a specific faculty member is a good idea.

jozuko

aleyna222, go on the Emory website. Research the departments that interest you (not just the English department), get specific with the names of specific programs (ex, the Goizueta Business School). Find a professor who is doing research in something that you can relate to and name him/her ("I would love to have the opportunity to work with Professor X, whose work in the area of X closely fits my aspiration to pursue the field of X"). Talk about the eco-friendly dorms if that is important to you. Look into specific community service programs that Emory students have been involved with. In short, do your homework on the web site. It shows that you are serious. And, good luck!