<p>When answering this question, would it be appropriate for me to talk about how my high school made me realize what I want from a college? For instance, could I say (in better prose)," At my high school, people spent more time preparing for the homecoming dance than for their math final. I feel like at (first choice school) I will no longer be the only kid who takes their academics seriously." Or would this seem like I’m just complaining about my high school?</p>
<p>I think it’s good to compare high school to college, but I don’t think using the homecoming example will help. I think it’d be better to say something like (also in better prose) “At my high school, I learned only from lectures and I look forward to having more opportunities to collaborate with faculty at [said university].” You know, something like that so it doesn’t seem like you’re complaining and showing how poor your high school is. You don’t want to highlight how unchallenging high school was for you. But I definitely think it can be beneficial to compare high school to what you love about the college. Good luck!</p>
<p>It really doesn’t shed a lot of light into who you are on a more deeper level, you’re essentially showing you value academics highly but I would assume every applicant to a top college does show (and shows it in their essay and application) as well.
So different topic is better, or maybe a different way of saying what you’re trying to say. </p>
<p>Well, that was just an example of one of the things I was looking for. I’m also looking for a quiet campus (few parties), like-minded people, and more laid-back sports. Should I include those and the reasons why I want them?</p>
<p>^^ Yes, those sound like good reasons to say the college is a good fit for you.</p>
<p>Also look at the college website in the “About us” type section…see what adjectives they use to describe themselves and see what resonates with you. So let us look at Muhlenberg for example: </p>
<p>Muhlenberg aims to help students become independent critical thinkers who are intellectually agile, characterized by a zest for reasoned and civil debate, knowledgeable about the achievements and traditions of diverse civilizations and cultures, able to express ideas with clarity and grace, committed to life-long learning, equipped with ethical and civic values and prepared for lives of leadership and service.</p>
<p>So you could take what you have and relate it.</p>
<p>Having come from a High School where it appeared that some students put more effort into the Homecoming Dance than Math homework, I am looking forward to learning in an environment where I will get the chance to discuss the issues of the day. While I enjoy the comradery of homecoming, I want to be around other students in XX college who value academics…</p>
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<p>I can’t think of anything good that will come from putting down other students or anyone else, especially in a college app.</p>
<p>Thanks for pointing that out, looking back at that, it does seem rather harsh.</p>
<p>Just for future notice, try to keep everything in a more positive direction. Arrogance (which is often paired with ignorance) is never really valued at all; you want them to want YOU, and not find an excuse (especially in your character) to reject you. :)</p>
<p>To add to what CHD2013 said, I don’t think you would want to appear as belittling people who enjoy social events, but instead ,you could highlight the importance wanting to be in a heightened academic environment while still having the opportunity to be a participant in the campus community. Remember that schools are also looking for involved students too, so you wouldn’t want to come across as an “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy” type of student.</p>
<p>Nerd…</p>
<p>Make sure you write an essay specific for that school, not a generic one. For instance, point out the difference of certain program that is different from other school. If the essay can be used for any school just by changing the name of the school, it is not so convincing why you want to go to that school.</p>