How to write "Why x college?" essay?

photogeek8
Tue, 13 Sep 2016 00:08:27 +0000

I have seen a few threads like this one that ask the same question, but I still am confused about how to approach this type of essay. I understand that I should explain how I can benefit from the school’s facilities, not simply list the school’s qualifications, but I don’t quite get how I should do so.

Here are some (okay, a lot of) questions that I have:

Is it okay to name-drop specific professors and their research projects/courses taught that interest me? How about mentioning clubs and on-campus organizations? Can I talk about a minor I would like to pursue, or should I focus on just my intended major? If location plays a big role in the school’s atmosphere, is it appropriate to bring that up? If I visited the school, should I describe what aspects of the visit that drew me in?

If there is anything else that I’m missing here that you are unsure of whether to include in your essay, feel free to comment with it, as I would like to know!