College admissions essay: topic of your choice?

Question

I'm planning on writing about myself so that the college can get to know me as a person apart from my grades & test scores. However, is it appropriate to not only include personal information but add in how much I love the college I'm applying to? I don't want to sound fake or as if I'm sucking up to the admissions office, but I really do LOVE the college I'm applying to & I want to get that across. Help!

Other tips on what to add in my essay would be greatly appreciated!!

Answer 1

Sounds like a good idea to me, but if you're applying to more than one school, make sure you change the name of the school in each essay. I heard a story about a girl who wrote an essay about how much she wanted to go to the college of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA. However, in her essay she accidentally wrote about how much she was looking forward to go to school in Boston. Needless to say, her application was rejected.

Answer 2

You need to be very specific about WHY you love this college--have you been there?  Have you talked to students?  Are there programs that greatly interest you?  Do you plan to join certain activities for which the college is known?  That is what will beef up your essay, not just "I love ___ College!"

You should also consider ways you can contribute to the freshman class of the college using the achievements you've already been able to accomplish.  What can YOU offer them?  The basic sales question!