For essays specific to a college, can I talk about my back-up plan if they ask for my plans there?

Unless there’s another specific question, (or maybe even if there is one,) that qualifies as a Why Us?

So one important point is knowing why. And not just “a well-reputable degree.” Lots of colleges can offer that and IUB adcoms know it.

And when you want to sound positive, don’t imply you could lose interest. It’s not central to the prompt. Read the prompt until you get what it IS asking. Any special interests, eg? That’s not career goals- they state, “…as an undergraduate.”