This got long, but hopefully its helpful.
There isn’t a single format for all (and there are differences per major as well), but here’s some of the do’s/don’ts we received talking to folks in Admissions and from various online forums. Obviously you can’t do all of these, but use them to help steer your info.
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Don’t reiterate information you already put in your existing essays, write this one “fresh”. This is an extra opportunity to give them information, so don’t rehash old things. Your stats were good enough to keep you in consideration, so don’t spend time on them
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Don’t spend any time on talking about the ranking of the university, or why Purdue is a great school. “I want to join Purdue AAE because it is #3” isn’t meaningful. They know their own information
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Do make the essay very personal for why you want to be there (this shouldn’t be ChatGPT output). Do you like more rural settings? Is there something unique about the campus or activities you really think aligns with your personality? Did you visit and something made you feel very comfortable/at-home?
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If you have specific ways you think you’ll contribute to the campus community, put those in. Want to be a part of AAMB? Plan to apply to a particular learning community because of its focus?
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If Purdue really is your top school, say it boldly! Let them know that Purdue is your #1 (assuming it is).
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Add any significant awards/achievements you’ve received since the end of October. Don’t just rattle off a new list, but if something is big, let them know. State champion in a fall sport? Made an Honor Band/Choir? Started a new job/volunteer/research position?
(Edit: We were also able to attach an additional document last year, so included a Letter of Recommendation from someone outside our son’s high school, to discuss more of his community engagement and personality)