College Admissions Essays: How To Approach “WHY” and LEADERSHIP PROMPTS Sarah ONeill Supreme Editing Coatesville

 Sarah ONeill Coatesville PA Supreme Editing

How to Approach “WHY School” Essays

What are the “why us” essays trying to understand about you?  The “why us” essays give admissions officers a sense of whether you know and value their school, but it also gives you a chance to think about what you want to get out of your college experience.  

First, colleges want to see that you have done your research and have made sense of what makes this college different and unique.

  • Do you know the school’s mission, history, and/or values?
  • Have you thought about the school’s approach to learning?
  • Are you comfortable with the school’s traditions and student life?

Second, they want proof that you’ll be a good fit. 

  • Where do your interests lie?  Do they correspond to the school’s strengths?
  • Is there something about you that meshes well with some aspects of the school?
  • How will you contribute to college life?  How will you make your mark on campus?

Third, they want to see that their school will, in turn, be a good fit for you.

  • What do you want to get out of college?  
  • Will the school contribute to your future success?
  • What will you take advantage of on-campus (ex. Academic programs, volunteer opportunities, internships, research opportunities, clubs, etc.)
  • Will you succeed academically?

Lastly, remember to focus on your fit with the school.  Highlight elements of the school that appeal to you and discuss why the school’s a good fit for you based on these factors.  Generalizations won’t impress admissions!  Instead, refer to specific details that explain why you want to attend that particular school.

How to Approach “Leadership” Essays

Leadership can be challenging to define.  Your essay should focus on a concrete event, whatever kind of leadership you exhibit. A leadership role can mean more than a title.  It could mean being a mentor, a person in charge, or taking the lead in organizing a project. 

Think of a time when you worked hard to help a group of people.  Try to isolate a single leadership moment and bring it to life with specific and vivid details.  Describe where you were, what happened around you, and what you felt.  Avoid generalities and give enough details to paint a vivid picture without overwhelming the reader.  Discuss your goals surrounding this and how your leadership skills would apply. 

Don’t be afraid to discuss the challenges you faced or even the failures.  These experiences show character building and can demonstrate resilience and quick thinking.   Show admissions that you can persevere despite setbacks and find a way forward to realize success in your endeavors.  

The scale of the leadership isn’t as important as the heart behind it.  Spend the first half of the essay describing your leadership and the second half analyzing why or how it has impacted you.  

Reflect on your experience.  Think about what you accomplished and what you learned from the experience.  How will you use what you learned in the future?  Be sure to discuss ways in which you would like to continue to develop your personal leadership style so that you will be a more prepared and influential leader in the future.  

Ask yourself:

  • What were your responsibilities?
  • How did your experience change your perspective on leading others?
  • Did you help resolve an issue?

Some examples: 

  • Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes, or contributed to group efforts over time. (UC)
  • The mission of Harvard College is to educate our students to be citizens and leaders of society.  What would you do to contribute to the lives of your classmates in advancing this mission?  (Harvard)

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