“What are the top five reasons you want to attend ______?” Question

College Essays
1

<p>When answering a short answer question on the application along the lines of "“What are the top five reasons you want to attend _______?”, should I stick with clear academic advantages of the college, or include any reasons I may be looking at the college. For example, academic reasons might include certain programs of study, or the college’s Co-op program. Other reasons could be things like location, or even food. </p>

<p>What sorts of things do you think I should include?</p>

<p>Thanks</p>

2

<p>Here’s a novel approach:</p>

<p>Ask yourself, honestly, why you want to attend ______. Make a list of the top five reasons.</p>

<p>Submit that.</p>

3

<p>I would stick with academic, research opportunities, clubs/activities specific to your interest, the atmosphere (where size and location is a part, but the overall college community is what you want to talk about). Co-op opportunities is a good topic, as is close ties to corporations that offer internships. Honors college opportunities, if you qualify, often give you more flexibility in your requirements for your major. Often there is a ‘tailor your own degree’. Do your homework. Make sure you are accurate and use very specific details for each example.</p>

<p>I would stay away from location (talk about college environment instead), reputation (don’t tell Harvard you’ve always had a dream to go there because it’s an awesome school. They know that. That tells them nothing concrete.), food, housing, or sports teams. These are undeniably part of college, and things students consider. You don’t want a college to think those things were in the top five reasons you choose them.</p>

4

<p>Agree with blue. My D’s actual list for her top few schools would definitely include location (within 4 hrs of home) and dorm acceptability. But she wouldn’t put those on the top-5 list you’re referring to. She’d focus on why she values a small LAC, specific programs and opportunities, grad school placement rates, core curriculum that she values, etc. </p>

<p>Stick with the substantive things the college wants to know you’re aware of, you care about, and you value in their institution.</p>