How to Research and Write a “Why This College?” Essay

When applying to colleges, many institutions require applicants to submit a supplemental essay explaining their specific interest in the school. To craft a compelling response to this question, there is one crucial step you must take: thorough research.

Admissions officers seek applicants who demonstrate a deep understanding of and genuine interest in their institution. Generic responses, such as “I like the location” or “It offers my desired major and has the right size,” are unlikely to impress. 

Instead, admissions committees are far more interested in students who can cite specific details about the college, such as particular classes, and relate them to their own academic pursuits and aspirations.

To write a compelling “Why this college?” essay, follow these steps:

• Conduct extensive research on the college, delving into its unique offerings, culture, and resources.
• Reflect on how the information you’ve gathered aligns with your personal interests, goals, and values.
• Create an outline and draft your essay, clearly articulating the connections between the college’s specific features and your academic and personal aspirations.

By dedicating time and effort to researching the institution and thoughtfully linking its distinctive qualities to your interests and goals, you can develop a compelling and personalized “Why this college?” essay showcasing your genuine enthusiasm for the school.

How to research a college

Researching a college is crucial in writing a strong “Why This College?” essay. By learning more about the college, you can identify specific aspects that appeal to you and explain why they align with your interests and goals. Here are some ways to research a college:

Visit the campus

One of the best ways to learn about a college is to visit the campus in person. During your visit, take a campus tour, attend an information session, and explore the surrounding area. Pay attention to the campus atmosphere, the facilities, and the student body. Take notes on anything that stands out to you or resonates with your interests.

Many colleges offer virtual tours and online information sessions if you can’t visit the campus in person. These resources can still provide valuable insights into the college and help you determine if it fits you well.

Look for courses and professors that interest you

When researching a college, look for courses and professors that align with your academic interests. Browse the college’s course catalog and read intriguing class descriptions. Look for professors who are experts in your field of interest and have published research or received awards.

Example: Researching courses

Let’s say you’re interested in studying psychology. When researching a college, you might look for courses like “Introduction to Psychology,” “Cognitive Psychology,” or “Abnormal Psychology.” You might also look for professors who have published research on topics that fascinate you, such as memory, decision-making, or mental health.

Researching other activities

In addition to academics, research, other activities, and opportunities available at the college. Look for clubs, organizations, and extracurricular activities that align with your interests. Consider research opportunities, internships, and study abroad programs that can enhance your education and career prospects.

For example, if you’re passionate about environmental sustainability, look for colleges with active environmental clubs, research opportunities in renewable energy, or study abroad programs focused on conservation.

Plan and write the essay

Once you’ve conducted your research, it’s time to plan and write your “Why This College?” essay. Here’s how to approach the writing process:

Plan your essay

Before you start writing, take some time to plan your essay. Identify the key points you want to make and the specific examples you want to use. Create an outline that includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Example: Planning the “Why this college?”

Introduction

• Hook: A personal anecdote about your interest in psychology
• Thesis: X College is perfect for me because of its strong psychology program, research opportunities, and supportive community.

Body Paragraph 1

• Topic: X College’s psychology program
• Example: Specific courses that interest you, such as “Cognitive Psychology” and “Abnormal Psychology”
• Explanation: How these courses align with your interests and career goals

Body Paragraph 2

• Topic: Research opportunities at X College
• Example: A specific research lab or professor you’d like to work with
• Explanation: How this research experience would enhance your education and prepare you for graduate school or a career in psychology

Body Paragraph 3

• Topic: X College’s supportive community
• Example: A specific club or organization you’d like to join, such as the Psychology Student Association
• Explanation: How this community would provide a sense of belonging and support your personal and academic growth

Conclusion

• Restate your thesis: X College is the perfect fit for you because of its strong psychology program, research opportunities, and supportive community.
• Reflect on your future at X College: Envision yourself thriving academically and personally.

Connect your interests to specific examples

When writing your essay, be specific and connect your interests to concrete examples from the college. Don’t just say that you’re interested in a particular subject; explain why and how the college’s offerings align with your interests.

Example: Connecting academic interest to a course

As someone who has always been fascinated by the mysteries of the human mind, I am thrilled by the opportunity to take courses like ‘Cognitive Psychology’ and ‘Abnormal Psychology’ at X College. In ‘Cognitive Psychology,’ I would delve into the complex processes of memory, attention, and decision-making, gaining a deeper understanding of how the brain works. ‘Abnormal Psychology’ would provide insight into the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders, a field I am considering for my future career. These courses, taught by renowned professors Dr. Jane Smith and Dr. John Doe, would provide a strong foundation for my future studies and help me achieve my goal of becoming a clinical psychologist.

Mistakes to avoid in a “Why this college?” essay

When writing your “Why This College?” essay, there are some common mistakes to avoid:

Speaking in generalities

One of the biggest mistakes you can make in a “Why This College?” essay is speaking in generalities. Don’t just say that you like the college because of its “strong academic programs” or “beautiful campus.” Be specific and explain why certain aspects of the college appeal to you.

Example: Overly general reasons

I want to attend X College because it has an excellent psychology program and a beautiful campus.

This statement is too general and could apply to many colleges. Instead, be specific:

I want to attend X College because of its unique research opportunities in cognitive psychology, such as Dr. Jane Smith’s lab on memory and decision-making. Additionally, the college’s location in a vibrant, multicultural city would provide numerous opportunities for internships and community engagement related to mental health.

Overusing emotive language

While conveying your enthusiasm for the college is essential, be careful not to overuse emotive language. Phrases like “I’ve always dreamed of attending X College” or “X College is the only place for me” can be insincere or exaggerated. Instead, express your genuine interest and fit with the college through specific examples and reasoning.

Rewriting your personal essay or resume

The “Why This College?” essay is not the place to rewrite your personal essay or resume. While you may mention some of your achievements or experiences, the focus should be on explaining why the college is a good fit for you, not rehashing your entire life story. Ensure your essay focuses on the specific college and how it aligns with your interests and goals.