“Why Here?” How to Answer This Tricky Question by Colleges

The “Why do you want to go to our school?” question is a mainstay of supplemental college essays on admission applications – and for good reason.

Colleges want to see if you’re truly interested in their institution before they offer you a spot, especially now that more students than ever all seem to be vying for the same openings. Universities don’t want to hold openings for students who are using them as their “backup” choice when there are other, equally qualified candidates just dying to get admitted.

Crafting a compelling answer to this question can seem tough, but with the right approach will showcase your enthusiasm for a school and elevate your application to the “accepted” pile.

Do Your Research

Before you can explain why you want to attend a particular school, you need to know what makes that school unique. This means doing thorough research. Visit the college’s website and attend virtual or in-person tours. Read up on its programs, campus culture, values and any special opportunities that catch your eye. Look at things like the:

• Academic Programs: Is there a specific course, professor or research opportunity that excites you? Focus on some aspect of the curriculum that directly appeals to your goals and identify what makes that major, minor or program unique from other schools.
• Campus Culture: What is student life like at this institution of higher learning? Are there clubs, organizations, or communities you’re eager to join? How do you see yourself fitting in and contributing to the culture? What do you bring to the equation?
• Values and Mission: Does the school have a mission statement or set of values that resonate with you? Perhaps they emphasize service, sustainability or innovation. Figure out what matches your inner compass and focus on that.
• Location: Consider the campus environment and surrounding community. Is the location something that draws you in? Consider what you can gain from the opportunities outside of the academic halls.

Make It Personal

All of the above is just the prep work you need to do so you can start forming your thoughts. Now is where the work comes in. You want your essay to get personal. Generic statements that just aim to flatter aren’t going to impress anybody, so put your heart and soul into the actual essay and don’t be afraid to reveal something about yourself that sets you apart. For example:

• Talk About Your Interests: If you’re passionate about environmental science and the college has a renowned sustainability program, explain how this aligns with your goals. If you’re dying to work with a specific professor, explain why.
• Share Your Experiences: Did you stay on campus for a weekend? Did you attend a virtual visitation? Talk about why these experiences deepened your interest and resolve to attend that school.
• Give Specific Examples: Reference specific aspects of the school that are important. For instance, if a college has a special internship program that’s in your area of study, talk about how that’s your dream opportunity and a goal.
• Emphasize Community Involvement: Discuss how you plan to get involved on campus. Whether it’s through student government, volunteer work or sports, make it clear that you’re eager to be more than just a student – you want to add to the vibrant campus culture where you already feel at home.

Be Honest and Authentic

Again, vague flattery and over-the-top praise will sound equally false – so don’t fall into that trap. Admissions officers don’t want to hear generic platitudes. If you’re sincere about why you want to attend that particular school, the authenticity will shine through. With that in mind:

• Write in Your Voice: Don’t try to use overly formal language or impress with big words. Write as you speak and let your personality shine through.
• Be Specific: General statements like “I’ve always wanted to go here” don’t provide enough insight. Use concrete examples to back up everything you say.
• Use the Word Count Wisely: You have limited space, so make sure that every sentence serves a purpose. There’s no room for “filler” or “fluff.”

Edit and Refine

Finally, once you’ve written your essay, take the time to revise it – and consider getting some professional help as you refine your thoughts. Check for clarity, coherence and conciseness – you want your “voice” to be distinctive but polished.

Make sure your essay answers the question directly and remains focused on your genuine reasons for wanting to attend the school. Ask for feedback from a few people you trust, such as teachers, academic counselors and even trusted friends. A second (or third) set of eyes can often catch small errors you may have missed or offer valuable insights.