When I applied to Boston University, I knew there were a lot of things I loved about the university like its location, diversity, and programs. I even attended some meetings for it. But I don’t think I nailed the essay on “What about being a student at Boston University most excites you?” I talked about mainly the engineering program there. I didn’t feel very personal nor convincing, so I was just wondering how much admissions counselors take these essays into account?
This question is a way to determine level of applicant’s interest. Colleges that consider level of applicant’s interest may be more prone to rejecting or waitlisting “overqualified” applicants who do not show enough interest (beyond applying), since they may be assumed to be applying to the college as a lower choice “safety” (which the college wants to avoid being) and are less likely to matriculate if admitted (students tend to favor the more selective colleges that they are admitted to and can afford).
Many responses to that question answer it as “Why Boston?”. That is bad.
Also do not write about the value of a Jesuit education. That is Boston College. Automatic rejection.
But if you wrote about how the engineering program will benefit you, you should be okay.
They want to see that you have put at least SOME effort into understanding the school, the programs offered, the special something that they bring to the table. If you are just applying because of the name or the location…they will figure that out pretty quick.
So spend a few hours, scour the website, see what is interesting to you about them.
They want to know that you are interested in the school, and aren’t just applying because it is one of your safeties. They only want to admit students who they believe would actually go to Boston as their first choice.
It’s also another way to see how well you think and write.