How to write the “Why Us?” essay

With the new college application season upon us, students have started writing the supplemental essays required by many schools. These essays cover a wider variety of topics–with thought-provoking prompts to consider. Perhaps the most familiar essay required by a number of schools is the “Why Us?” essay. (A few well-known institutions that use this prompt are Northwestern, Brown, Duke, NYU, University of Pennsylvania, Cornell, USC, and Michigan. But there are many more.) Although the question may be worded differently between schools, this essay is used for one main reason: to help colleges see if you’re truly interested in their school and whether it’s the right fit for you. In this essay, you have the opportunity to demonstrate why you are a great match for a specific school.

Before writing your essay, you should learn all you can about the school. Because a good essay starts with quality research, you need to check out more than one source for information. Here are some ideas for How to Research a School:

1. School Websites

Most students find that a school’s website is a great place to start learning about a school. There you can find information about majors, specific courses, activities, and opportunities that set the school apart.

2. Campus tours

Whether done in person or virtually, campus tours can help students see exactly what a campus looks like and what it has to offer.

3. Read expert reviews

There are some good resources for reviewing colleges. Some of the more popular ones are: The Fiske Guide to Colleges (Edward B. Fiske), College Confidential, Niche, The Best 376 Colleges (Princeton Review)

4. Talk/listen to current students

You can learn a lot about a school by talking to students who are currently in attendance there. Student reviews are also helpful. Expert opinions are great, but students sometimes say things that experts don’t or won’t say.

5. Admissions offices

One of the best ways to learn about a school is to talk with an admissions officer.

Avoid these mistakes in your “Why Us” essay

While there are many great things to say in a “Why Us?” essay, there are equally as many Mistakes You Can Make. Here are a few:

Including too much “generic” information

Perhaps the biggest mistake you can make is listing generic information that could be applied to any school. Talking about a beautiful campus, proximity to a large city, a good student-to-instructor ratio, or an excellent math program may seem like good choices. However, these things could be said about numerous other schools. In a limited-word essay, you need to focus on specifics: What makes the school in question unique? This is where the importance of doing research comes into play.

Covering overused subjects

You’ll learn a lot about a school by doing research. That doesn’t mean that all of it should go into your essay. Landmarks, traditions, and sporting events may seem like good topics to cover, but those aren’t the main reasons you should choose a school. Besides, they have been overused, and focusing on them tells the school nothing about you.

Regurgitating information

While you may find some valuable information on a website or from a brochure, you should avoid simply repeating or copying it. Instead, talk about how what you learned resonates with you. What exactly is it that caught your attention? Make it personal, so that it represents how you as an individual feel.

Focusing too little on yourself

While it is important to focus on what a school has to offer, make sure you are covering why you and the school are a good fit. In other words, what do you bring to the table that would be attractive to the school? Why should they choose to admit you?

What to include in a “Why Us” essay:

1. Talk about a major

If you don’t yet know what you want to major in, that’s ok. You can name 2-3 areas of interest and focus on why you believe you’ll be exposed to an education that will prepare you to decide on a major.

2. Focus on core values

If you don’t know what the school’s mission statement or core values are, research and find out. Then discuss how the school’s values align with your own.

3. Discuss your goals and interests

Tell the school how you believe they can help you reach your goals and facilitate your interests. What specific classes, resources, and extracurricular activities will benefit you?

4. Show your personality

While it may be difficult to show someone who you are in 250 words (It’s actually much easier to write this essay if you have a greater word limit,) you still want the admissions committee to see you as a unique individual. Make sure you are focusing enough on yourself to let the real you shine through.

5. Be creative!

You would think this goes without saying, but it is surprising how many “Why Us” essays are similar. Make yours unique. Include examples of relatable experiences that haven’t already been discussed in detail on your Common App. (e.g. If you developed an interest in medicine after volunteering at a hospital, this might be worth mentioning. If you decided on the school after a tour, give specifics as to what helped you make up your mind.)

The “Why Us?” essay is an excellent way to market yourself and make colleges want to get to know you better. Spend time on this essay and make and make every word count.

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