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"Why have you chosen to apply to this college?"
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College of the Atlantic in Maine - so much more than just a beautiful campus
If you have begun working on your college applications, this question may sound very familiar. Many colleges ask applicants to tell them what it is about their school that has made that student decide to invest the time and money it takes to apply there. Some students mistakenly assume that this is an unimportant question, dash off a vague answer about good teachers, a nice campus, and a great location, and move on to the next question. But, in fact, what you say – or don’t say - could have a greater impact on your admissions decision than you may think.
When answering this type of question, it is very important to show that you’ve done your homework. Sure, maybe one of the factors in choosing a school is because it’s in a warmer climate, but I certainly hope that’s not the only reason; so will the person who’s reading your application! You need to let that person know that you know about the school and what it has to offer besides sunny days. Be specific about the programs that sound interesting to you. If you’ve visited the campus, be sure to mention people, circumstances and/or events that stood out to you. If you’re applying because someone you know is already a student there, make sure you share what it was about that student’s description that caught your attention.
I’m not telling you this so you can “fake out” the admissions rep who is reviewing your application. They’re not that easily fooled. No, I’m telling you this because you need to know these things. You need to know whether the school offers undergraduate research opportunities in your intended major or if they’re part of a college consortium (A group of colleges that allows cross-registration.) You need to find out how large classes are, as well as how accessible those "good" professors are. Is graduating in four years a priority for you? You’d better check out the school’s graduation rates. If you’re planning to study abroad, it might be a good idea to find out if your financial aid will go with you. Well, you get the drift. If it’s important to your success now, and in the future, then you need to know about it before you plunk down your money and hit “submit”.
The truth is that there are plenty of schools out there with sunny skies, beautiful campuses, and good professors. The most important thing is to find out which one is the right one for you. Being able to knowledgeably answer the question “Why have you chosen to apply to this college?” will help both you and that admissions rep who’s reading your answer to know why that college is the perfect fit for you.
Other articles you may find helpful:
Writing your college application essay: 5 simple tips
Visiting campuses: You’ve got to see it for yourself
Budget cuts necessitate asking new questions when considering a college
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