The “Why” college essay is stupid, especially now. Students this year are expected to write about a 200-600 (depending on the school) word essay about why they want to attend that school, or why they want to study their intended major specifically at that school. Except, most students who are applying to colleges this year did not have the chance to tour, let alone visit, the school because of Covid. The next and most logical way of writing this essay would be to do extensive research on the college. The only issue is that the school’s websites absolutely suck. I was writing why I want to study my major at a specific school and their website was horrible; when I tried finding research projects going on, they simply just gave me the title of the project. How am I supposed to write a detailed essay if they don't give me any details to write about? Then when I tried looking for internships they offer, they sent me to the advisors. What school does not show any of their pre-med internship programs on their website?
Another reason why these essays are the worst is because for most of these schools I don't have a concrete answer to why I want to go there. Except for the school, I am ED too, most of the other schools on my list are just on my list because they are good schools in great locations. Now, I know that sounds naive, but it's true; I know enough of the basics about the school that I know it would be a good fit for me.
In my opinion, these essays should not be one of the mandatory supplements. I understand that the school wants to see if we as students would be good fits for their school, but I think we could show much better if we would be a good fit though talking about our hopes and dreams, if that makes sense.
I agree it's very hard to ask ourselves why if we don't have any experience with the school because of corona.
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