Do people actually name-drop university programs/classes/professors in their supplemental essays?

ECCA2026
Fri, 31 Oct 2025 21:03:31 +0000

Lindagaf:

I didn’t think the point of @ECCA2026 ‘s post was to be political. I think the point being made was that MIT is an individualistic institution with its own rock-solid ideals and goals. The student could find a way to express themselves to show their own mindset aligns.

100% this was my point. I was not suggesting that any student necessarily talk about that letter. I was using the letter as an example in the public domain that I, who has done zero looking into MIT, was aware of that shows MIT has to be a pretty unique place with lots to talk about that could make one want to specifically go there other than particular professors or classes in their engineering program or whatever. A student who might think they could study engineering at lots of places that have impressive professors and interesting classes, may have compelling why MIT answers that go beyond the academic program which often is not that different between peer schools. I was making a point with that letter as support, not advising anyone on what they should write about.