As summer rolls in and senior year is only a couple months ahead, it’s the perfect time to start writing one of the most important parts of your college application: the “Why School” essay. In this blog, we’ll break down how to research your chosen school, explore academic programs and departments, and reflect on how a university’s offerings align with your goals. You’ll learn how to write with purpose, connect your passions to specific opportunities, and avoid the clichés that hold applicants back. Let’s begin.
🧠 Before you start a “Why School” essay, you will need to flesh out your ideas:
Know what you will be majoring at this particular institution
All departments and schools have specialties (concentrations, honors) and various programs that you can pursue.
Make sure you are eligible to enter the program (Reputation of the school aside, certain programs have immensely high requirements)
Know the Department
Usually, each department has a philosophy about the way they teach its field of expertise (This is usually outlined on the department page)
Look at how coursework is organized at your department (You may want to mention certain courses that work well with what you are personally interested in)
Departments might have semesterly/annual events that highlight your interests OR help you in your way of learning.
Other Factors (University related)
What kinds of non-academic opportunities does this particular school have?
What is the surrounding environment like?
Is the environment conducive to your learning OR offer opportunities for the future?
✍️ Organization of Essay
Your Academic Interests (50-100 words)
This is where you will bring in ideas from your “Why Major” Essay
If the “Why Major” is more dynamic, this essay will be a more like a snapshot of a recent event or realization that highlights your interest in your major
Try not to talk about your childhood here (Lego to Engineering Syndrome)
It is very important to talk about what you hope to achieve through the pursuit of your major. Otherwise the “Why School” component of this essay will become very general.
Why School? (100-150 words)
What aspects of the program (2-3) do you hope to use for the accomplishment of your goal (occupational, intellectual, research-based)
NOTE: Please do not talk about everything. You are NOT writing this essay to demonstrate your knowledge of the school.
Rather, think to yourself “I am this, this is what I can offer you, and how I hope to use your program to accomplish my goals”
Other factors (50-100)
How will you fit into the school? (There is no point in going to a school if you are not going get along with the other students there)
This is where you can talk about future professional goals and how the location of the school can help you reach your goals.
Intramural sports, community service, restaurants, etc….
