Jeff Haig – One of the most important questions colleges ask in their application process is why a student is applying to their college. For example, Stanford’s prompt is, “Tell us what makes Stanford a good place for you.”
Boston University’s prompt is, “In five or six sentences, tell us how you first became interested in BU and what steps you have taken to learn more about us.” Simply, colleges want to know that prospective students have a strong understanding of what their college is all about. Below are five strategies to help you standout when addressing this prompt:
1. Know the Big Picture: Every college was founded on a set of principles that makes it distinct from other colleges. For example, Cornell University was founded on the principle that “any person can find instruction on any study.” This university advocates that their students should have the freedom to explore their interests, whatever they may be. Every college has a “big picture” mission or philosophy and it is important that prospective students understand what it is. They need to clearly articulate why they fit in with the big picture of each college they are applying to.
2. Know the Department: Departments are unique to each college. There are different course offerings, faculty interests, internship opportunities, and many other factors that set them apart. Some departments are small with fewer resources, but with easier access to faculty, while other departments are large with vast opportunities to grow. It is important that students understand why they are applying to a particular college’s department. Students should be able to identify specific areas that interest them including course offerings, faculty research projects, or internship prospects. Be able to clearly explain why the department is a good fit with your background, how you can add value to it, and how the department will help you reach your specific career goals.
3. Know the Student Life: There is a lot going on outside the classroom. Colleges have a variety of clubs and organizations as well as a multitude of other opportunities to help students grow and thrive. Colleges want their student body to be active on campus and contribute in meaningful ways. You should know the specific areas that interest you outside of the classroom and be able to articulate how you will be able to add value to the campus experience. The goal is to align your background to the college’s student life.
4. Be able to add Value to the College: College admissions officers want students that will add a lot of value to their college. This means they will contribute in meaningful ways both inside and outside of the classroom. It is important that students clearly explain how they will add value across the campus. Many students only list why they want to go to a college and all of the wonderful qualities of the college without coming full circle and explaining how they will be able to add to the campus experience. Make sure to come full circle and clearly explain how you will be able to contribute to the student body.
5. Show Passion: College admissions officers want to know that the students applying to their college are passionate about applying and, hopefully, attending in the fall. Admissions Officers are usually alumni and probably loved their college experience, so when they see prospective students excited about their college, it really does help. The mistake many students make is that they only list superficial qualities of the college they like such as excellent reputation, great faculty, and diverse student body. Making general statements like these really adds nothing to your application as it shows you did not research the college. Take the hint from Emory University’s prompt: “Many students decide to apply to Emory College based on our size, location, reputation, and yes, the weather. Besides these valid reasons for making Emory College a possible college choice, why is Emory College a particularly good match for you”? It is important that you have specific reasons why you want to attend the university that discusses qualities such as the big picture, department and student life.
Standout from the application pool when you apply to colleges. Incorporate these five strategies to the important question of why you are applying to their college, and you will make a strong impression with admissions officers.
Jeff Haig, MBA
Educational Consultant
Strategic College Consulting, LLC
“The Experts in College Planning & Student Success”
www.StrategicCollegeConsulting.com
Professional Member: IECA, NACAC, HECA, WACAC, NICCP
