The “Why Us?” College Essay Response We’d Really Love to See

By: Marybeth Bock

It’s crunch time in America.

All across our great land there are high school seniors feverishly working on their college applications. They are nervously asking for letters of recommendations. They are attempting to make their extracurricular activities seem profound and important. They are spinning their stories, wanting desperately to stand out in a unique way. And they are stressed.

Because they are being asked to prove that they are worthy; that they bring something special to the table. They feel undue pressure to provide concrete evidence that they are fully formed, well-rounded and extraordinary. That they’ve figured out life and are self-aware enough to demonstrate this to adult strangers who have never met them.

And this all needs to be wrapped up neatly and beautifully in a perfect little package at the tender age of 17.

It’s crunch time in America with college admissions deadlines looming. (Twenty20 @mylove4art)

Common App Question: “Why Us?”

And besides providing all their grades, activities, letters of recommendation, test scores, and a Common App essay response, many are also subjected to supplemental essays. “Fun” questions like, “Who is your role model?” “What couldn’t you live without?” and the ever-popular “Why us?” query.

Because it isn’t enough that these selective schools obtain proof that a student can succeed in college, they want their applicants to contort themselves even further and prove that they are worthy of their exceptional and distinctive institution.

In other words kids, jump through those 79 hoops of varying sizes and heights, then come on over here and jump through one more. Because we are special, and everyone knows it.

So, here’s a response I’d really love to see. And it’s precisely what these schools need to hear.

How About a “Why Not Me?” Question, Instead?

“Dear University X,

I know you want to read about how I’m enamored of your school, and I adore its location, outstanding faculty and academic programs, amazing athletic teams and the awesome organic burrito bar you have in your dining facility.

But I’d rather flip this played-out script and inquire of you, “Why not me?”

I’m going to be completely honest with you here, and that just might be an unusual change in tone for you. I am not going to sugar-coat my life and lead you to believe I have it all figured out as a 17-year-old.

I’m realistic and have common sense. I’ve tried pretty darn hard to be successful in high school, but I decided not to buy into the crazy and stress myself out to get into a coveted “dream” school.

I’ve studied a lot – at times. I’ve slacked off a bit, too. I’ve made sleep a priority in my life. I guess you could call me balanced.

So, why not me?

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Source: https://grownandflown.com/common-app-question-why-us/

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