Six Common Mistakes in Composing the 'Why This College' Essay
Crafting a Compelling 'Why This College' Essay: Avoiding Common Pitfalls
What are the key mistakes to avoid when writing a "Why This College" essay, and why are these pitfalls important to steer clear of?
How can students effectively convey their genuine interest and compatibility with a college or university while making their application essays stand out from the crowd?
In the competitive world of college admissions, crafting a compelling "Why This College" essay can be your ticket to standing out in a sea of applicants. However, it's all too easy to fall into common traps and clichés that leave your essay blending in rather than shining bright. In this blog post, we'll explore the six most common mistakes students make in their "Why This College" essays and how to avoid them. Whether you're striving for a professional or personal touch, we've got you covered with tips that will help you make a lasting impression on the admissions committee. So, let's dive into the do's and don'ts of creating a captivating college application essay!
Mistake #1: Focusing on the school's size, location, reputation, weather, or ranking.
Why is this a mistake? It's because countless other students are likely treading the same well-worn path, and you certainly don't want to get lost in the crowd. Take a page from Emory University, which used to pose the question, "Why us?" in their application prompt this way:
Many students decide to apply to Emory University based on our size, location, reputation, and yes, the weather. Besides these valid reasons as a possible college choice, why is Emory University a particularly good match for you?
Or check out Georgia Tech’s old prompt:
Beyond rankings, location, and athletics, why are you interested in attending Georgia Tech?
Clearly, their admissions readers are tired of reading about those things.
Mistake #2: Relying solely on emotional language to convey your fit with the institution.
Simply stating that you strolled onto campus and "it just felt right" not only echoes what many others are saying but also fails to explain how you are an ideal match for the school. Moreover, saying something like, "I can see myself cheering for the Wildcats at MetLife Stadium on Sundays," doesn't really convey your unique compatibility either.
Mistake #3: Botching the mascot, stadium, team colors, or the names of key figures or places on campus.
Why should you avoid this blunder? It's the fastest way to demonstrate that your research was careless. In the example above, the Wildcats don't play at MetLife Stadium, and their games aren't on Sundays. Additionally, phrases like, "I can see myself in [insert school colors here]" are clichés in the "Why this College" essay that you should steer clear of.
Mistake #4: Replicating the language from brochures or the school's website.
There's a chance that the person evaluating your essay and application might be the same individual who wrote the words you're copying and pasting. Brian Liechti of Warren Wilson College explains, "On one hand, it shows that a student has indeed done their homework, and I appreciate that. On the other hand, as one of the people who authored those words, I'd rather see evidence of how our message resonated with you. Do we share values? What captured your attention in that brochure or on our website? That's what I'm truly interested in."
Mistake #5: Describing well-known traditions of the school.
The smart approach is to discover the school's customary traditions (like the tradition of throwing toast on the field at Penn, for instance, or the tradition of painting the rock at Northwestern) and then avoid discussing those things. Why, you ask? It's because everybody and their cousin has already covered them. How can you learn about these traditions? Just type the school's name and the word "traditions" into Google.
Mistake #6: Treating this as a one-sided "Why them" essay.
The school already knows it's impressive. "You probably don't need to inform us about the stunning Nott Memorial," says Nicole Buenzli of Union College. "I pass by the Nott every day, it graces every brochure we produce, and we're all aware that it has 16 sides!"
Instead, consider this as a "Why we are a perfect match" essay.
Imagine you're on a date, and the person sitting across from you leans in to ask, "So, why do you like me?" Don't just reply with, "Because you're attractive," or "My aunt says being with you will boost my career prospects." When dealing with the "us" in "Why us?" approach it this way:
Demonstrate that you and the school are a match made in heaven, and draw connections between the two of you.
In the quest for securing a spot at your dream college, your "Why This College" essay can be your greatest ally. By sidestepping these common pitfalls and learning to connect authentically with your chosen institution, you can transform your application from ordinary to extraordinary. Remember, this essay is not just about why they should choose you but also about why you and the college are the perfect match. So, with these insights in your toolkit, you're now better equipped to tell your unique story, showcase your passion, and make that indelible mark on the admissions committee. May your application journey be filled with inspiration and success.
Need more help writing your admissions essay, check out some of my other posts here:
Enhancing Your Essay by Showing Off Your Values
How To Write A Personal Statement (Tips + Samples)
Mastering Your Admissions Essay with a Powerful Writing Tool
Crafting Your Ticket to College Using Your Admissions Essay
I hope you’ve found this helpful, and I wish you the best of luck in the application process. If you are looking for more information, please visit my website- Higher & Hire. If I can be of assistance to you, please reach out to me here.
Many Thanks!
Valerie Palmer
