Cracking the “Why” Essay: A Key to Standing Out in US University Applications

US universities are keen to hear your voice from reading your application and common application essay. But let me tell you, it does not end there. While your common application essay is reviewed by all the universities you apply to, each of these universities may also have their own set of unique supplemental essays that you would need to prepare and submit. Though the word supplemental might give the impression it is not as important as the main common essay, on the contrary it usually proves to be a make or break for the applicant. For me as a college counsellor, it has been quite an experience reading through common app essays and supplemental essays – especially the “Why” essays- written by students. The two main things that I have observed are:

• Students who write an impressive common app essay may not necessarily produce noteworthy “why “essays

• Students who have the knack to write can still struggle to craft engaging “why “essays

  
  

Why is the “Why” essay challenging

When students need to answer a prompt on why they want to join the university, many tend to be generic by praising the university and giving vague information on how good the college or course is. Little do they realise is that the university is not eager to know how good it is, as much as knowing how good the student would be for them. For that the university needs to be convinced on how the student will fit into their ecosystem, thrive, and contribute to their community.

A grave error students make is not visualising themselves in the universities they have decided to apply to. Many fail to express how the university is best suited for them. This results in them making one standard template for the “why” essay which they inevitably copy and paste for all the universities they apply to. Therefore, even if a student’s writing style is sophisticated, universities can easily detect the shallow content being presented. I have even come across applicants who want to include many reasons in their writeup. Due to the word count limit, the essay ends up looking like a laundry list, with students not giving any in depth information. My students have often heard me say “Focus on few quality reasons and show evidence rather than only state them.”

What to focus on

Writing the “Why” essay is not as complex as many might think. Unlike a common app essay which requires you to reflect on life happenings and connect it with who you are and what you are striving for, “Why” essays require you to reflect on the university and course you are specifically applying to. It is more direct and to develop the right content, you need to research the university and ask yourself the following questions:

1. How does your current portfolio make you a suitable candidate for both the university and the course you are applying to?

2. What stands out in the course that you are taking and how do you see yourself benefiting from it?

3. Why does the ecosystem of the university appeal to you and how do you see yourself not only thriving in it but also contributing to their community?

Once you reflect and answer these questions for every university you are applying to, you will realise the content for all the “why” essays are unique to the university. For instance, there could be one university where there is a specific module that entices you and another university where you are excited that a professor you deeply respect will be teaching you or is doing work that you would love to be part of. By including details like these, your “why” essays will automatically reflect your genuine interest and fit for the universities you are applying to. Please link what the university has to offer to your personality, calibre and interests by giving the required evidence.

Importance of “Why” essays only set to grow

Over the years, increased volume of applications, shifting admission criteria and stiffer competition has led to admission officers being more stringent in evaluating applicants. The “Why “essay is a perfect communication outlet to convince admission officers as to why you will be a best fit for them. So, make sure you come out alive in these essays for admission officers to feel they can benefit from having you on campus!