The Perfect "Why Us" Essay Checklist - NYU, USC, Columbia, Cornell, U of Mich, Northwestern, & more!

Summary

In this insightful video, Dylan Nellis, a Stanford undergraduate on a gap year, shares valuable strategies for crafting an effective 'Why Us' college essay. He critiques a generic example, emphasizing the importance of specificity and personal connection to the school. Dylan outlines essential components for a standout essay, including aligning personal values with the college's mission, detailing unique opportunities, and showcasing personal preparation and contributions. He stresses avoiding clichés and generalities, advocating for a clear structure that highlights the student’s unique voice and commitment to the institution, ultimately guiding students to present themselves as ideal candidates.

Takeaways

• 😀 Clearly articulate why you want to attend a specific college in your 'Why Us' essay.
• 📚 Avoid generic phrases and clichés; they weaken your essay's impact.
• 🔍 Be specific about the opportunities, classes, and resources offered by the school.
• 💬 Connect each opportunity back to your personal goals and interests.
• 🌐 Research the college's values and mission to align them with your own.
• 👥 Highlight any personal connections, such as campus visits or conversations with current students.
• 📝 Structure your essay into clear paragraphs to improve readability.
• ⚙️ Use the word 'would' instead of 'will' when discussing future activities at the college.
• 💡 Offer your own ideas for projects or research you’d like to pursue at the school.
• 🔗 Demonstrate mutual interest by showing how you can contribute to the college community.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The video focuses on how to write an effective 'Why Us' college essay, emphasizing the importance of specificity and personal connection.

What are some common clichés to avoid in the 'Why Us' essay?

Common clichés include phrases like 'perfect place for me,' 'diverse backgrounds,' and 'make my dreams a reality.' These phrases are overused and do not provide specific insights into the applicant's interests.

Why is it important to connect opportunities at the college to personal goals?

Colleges want to see how their specific programs and resources align with the applicant's interests and goals, demonstrating a genuine interest in what the school offers.

What are some components of a strong 'Why Us' essay?

A strong essay should include a hook, alignment of values with the school's mission, specific opportunities available, and personal connections made during the application process.

How can applicants demonstrate their preparation for their intended major?

Applicants can demonstrate preparation by mentioning relevant classes taken, extracurricular activities involved in, or any specific programs attended that relate to their intended major.

What should applicants do to personalize their essays further?

To personalize their essays, applicants can share unique ideas for projects or research they want to pursue at the college, showcasing their initiative and how they would contribute to the academic community.

What structural tips does Dylan provide for the essay?

Dylan recommends breaking the essay into separate paragraphs for clarity, typically starting with a hook, followed by academic opportunities, extracurricular interests, and a concluding paragraph.

What word choice does Dylan suggest using when discussing potential contributions to the school?

Dylan suggests using the word 'would' instead of 'will' when discussing what applicants plan to do at the school if admitted, as it conveys a more tentative and respectful approach.

What does Dylan say about showing interest in colleges?

Dylan states that demonstrating interest is crucial as it reflects the applicant's commitment and helps colleges gauge whether the student would enroll if accepted.

How should applicants research the colleges they are applying to?

Applicants should thoroughly explore the college's website, looking beyond the homepage to find specific programs, classes, and faculty that resonate with their interests.