How to Write an Awesome "Why This College?" Essay

[@gmh471]

The problem is that for most kids, they decide that they like particular college precisely because of things like the location, the campus, the size, ranking, athletics, the town, majors offered, etc. This is why I think the "why College X" essay is perhaps the worst supplemental essay topic used by colleges as it invites students to write the phoniest of all the phony essays they are forced to write. "I am excited to study thermodynamics with Professor Cohen after reading his article Thermodynamics In The 21st Century in New England Science Journal" even though the essay reader will never know that I found this information via a Google search and the reader has no idea one way or the other whether I actually read the article (I didn't). Essentially, the students who are able to be the most effective BS artists will win the admissions game. And it IS a game.

[@Collegeessayguy]

Thanks for chiming in!

[@davidohaegbulam9988]

It really is a game... And I'm going to win.

[@gustavolopezsanchez3249]

@@davidohaegbulam9988 I hope you won lmao

[@LoremidChaliphate]

@@gustavolopezsanchez3249 dude it's been only 4 days since he commented

[@СамандарАбдурахимов-е1ш]

@@LoremidChaliphate😂😂

[@mariamawhai369]

You are a life saver when it comes to these topics relating to colleges. How amazing,at least we still have a number of choices that allow for time. Thank you very very much for putting these kids through the right methods of doing things.

[@Collegeessayguy]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@dawnbeles3245]

@@Collegeessayguy which speech by Elon Musk?

[@jon62314]

Your sample essays are the best! Thank you Ethan!

[@Collegeessayguy]

You're so welcome!

[@AmyTrinnaman]

I'm so grateful for your generosity in sharing your amazing tips!

[@Collegeessayguy]

Happy to help! Thanks for watching. :)

[@profbolt9462]

A video on, "Why you need a scholarship essay" from a particular would very much be helpful...Could you share some tips on how to go about such an essay?

[@Collegeessayguy]

Check out this guide: www.collegeessayguy.com/blog/how-to-write-a-scholarship-essay

[@evilgriffing1825]

Your videos are so awesome because they immediately get my brain churning with ideas for my essays unlike any other tips channel. For someone with only 20k subscribers you put out more useful content that anyone else, thank you and keep making these wonderful videos!!

[@Collegeessayguy]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@WendyBeatoVarsityAbroad]

This is so good. Your mistake examples are so literal and funny! The students are definitely going to get this! :) Thanks for sharing!

[@Collegeessayguy]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@diegoschlussel]

God, you're amazing! In two months I have to start my applications for universities across The Netherlands and I'm more than thrilled to use and thrive with these tips when applying to my universities! Wish me luck everyone 🙏

[@Collegeessayguy]

You got this!

[@pretentiousdelinquent]

This man is carrying every graduating American student on his back. He deserves more love.

[@Collegeessayguy]

Thanks for watching :)

[@Banana-Joanne]

damn seeing all these sample essays makes me wonder if mine are good enough haha. I've got work to do.

[@Collegeessayguy]

You got this!

[@shadrackboakye8002]

I really can't imagine how many people have gotten into their dreams schools because if this guy

[@Collegeessayguy]

I hope it's a lot! Thanks for watching. :)

[@annerewey4023]

I am so grateful for your generosity as well. these are fantastic. thank you so much.

[@Collegeessayguy]

You're so welcome. :)

[@moneyhearts]

I found this video through your website it’s super helpful thank you so much for sharing your knowledge

[@marcelamorais577]

This video is perfect! Thank you so much!

[@Collegeessayguy]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@amanueldaniel6431]

I low key loved this video 😂

[@Collegeessayguy]

Thanks for watching!

[@taviishbothra2320]

Thanks, college essay guy! You helped me streamline the college process a lot!!

[@Collegeessayguy]

You're welcome!

[@nourrr5910]

Thank youu so much you inspired me to write my essay and it turned out ✨perfect✨

[@Collegeessayguy]

Awesome!

[@anivaldosambo7394]

Hey Ethan, Thanks for the video. if you don't mind I would like to ask you a question: for the essays that we don't have much room ( 150 to 250 words) How can we get that detailed information there?

[@Collegeessayguy]

It's possible. I recommend taking a no-fluff approach. Maybe you'll only mention 1 or 2 school-specific qualities in your essay compared to the usual 3-7. For more help, take a look at my guide to the "Why us" essay here: www.collegeessayguy.com/blog/why-this-college-essay

[@anivaldosambo7394]

@@Collegeessayguy Thank you very much

[@ramapandey9579]

Great one 😅.. Loved it. Also the editing was legit

[@DrBStepsToTheFutureLLC]

Thank you Ethan for helping me help students!

[@Collegeessayguy]

You're so welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@chitrasubbu7397]

i have watched all your videos. very informative. Thanks so much

[@Collegeessayguy]

You are welcome! Thanks for watching. :)

[@catherinexie4376]

Thank you Ethan! This video is so helpful for me ! !! I have a question that bothers me for a long time, which is: can I mention institutes, programs or labs that aren't in the specific college (such as the arts and science college) I am applying to? The essay requirement is "Considering the specific undergraduate school you have selected, describe how you intend to explore your academic and intellectual interests at the University of Pennsylvania".

[@Collegeessayguy]

That should be OK! Here's a free guide to the UPenn essays: www.collegeessayguy.com/blog/upenn-university-pennsylvania-supplemental-essay

[@catherinexie4376]

@@Collegeessayguy Thank you！Your advice has been so helpful in my application season!

[@viviencheng_]

Thanks, Ethan! I love your videos so much :)

[@Collegeessayguy]

Thanks for watching!

[@SubhaRaj-ri3xv]

Can you make a video on how to write a essay on "why this major?".

[@Collegeessayguy]

Noted! Thank you

[@spongeyamon]

Every single time I watch your video, I learn so much and I'm taking notes like crazy. You are so informative, engaging and totally entertaining! My daughter and I are vegetarians... LOVE YOUR MEAT & POTATOES "edit"! Ha Ha. We are half-way thru your paid webinar series and it's soooo worth the money! Love the flexibility and access to materials! Thanks so much for easing us into this nail-biting process. ~Mommy of a senior in Texas!

[@Collegeessayguy]

Wow, thank you! Glad you're here. :)

[@christinas8720]

You are brilliant. Thank you.

[@Collegeessayguy]

Thank you!

[@HydraulicBeanbag]

You aren’t too old to say low-key 🌝. My calc teacher used to say it all the time

[@Collegeessayguy]

LOL. Thank you!

[@mandymtl]

Texas A&M only allows 50 words for the "Why us?" prompt. What is the best strategy with such a limited word count? Thanks in advance, and so grateful for all your resources!

[@Collegeessayguy]

Not sure where you're seeing the 50-word limit. Common App isn't showing that! We have a guide to writing the Texas A&M supplemental essays here: www.collegeessayguy.com/blog/texas-am-supplemental-essays The prompts are the same from last year, so the guidance in the blog post should still apply! We'll be updating it soon for 24/25.

[@mandymtl]

@@Collegeessayguy Sorry I wasn't clear. The 50-word limit is under the Questions/Scholarships section for Texas A&M in the Common App. That section states that, "If you do not complete the scholarship questions before submission, you WILL NOT be able to return at a later time." :( So any tips on how to answer this prompt with such a tiny word count? Thank you!!

[@ifeanyianyoku8650]

Great guide

[@Collegeessayguy]

Glad you think so! Thanks for watching. :)

[@juliesisk2132]

Great example essays. Can not find the chart anywhere...or anywhere that it is printable!

[@Collegeessayguy]

Thanks! The chart is linked in the blog post in the description. Here is a direct link to the chart which you can download/copy for your own use. docs.google.com/document/d/1SC43Y8HgsPlnlVmrzJkjmwFPKMiNnt07uix8m_p7zBw/edit?usp=sharing

[@thebosstex1172]

I have a strength of writing pretty well. I’m no author though, nor in any profession I could use it for. I also feel like I could hone it more. What degree/major in college should I go for that could potentially lead to that pays thrivable income?

[@iambehryz3421]

I don't know what is low key, but I am sure ur low key is great

[@Collegeessayguy]

LOL thank you!

[@giulianaayleenfernandez1610]

Thank you for everything Ethan! I cannot find the chart´s link. Can you leave it here in the comments? I would love to use that chart to organize my why us essays.

[@Collegeessayguy]

Hey! Thanks for bringing this to our attention. The link to the chart is now included at the blog post linked in the description. Here is the direct link to the chart as well: docs.google.com/document/d/1SC43Y8HgsPlnlVmrzJkjmwFPKMiNnt07uix8m_p7zBw/edit?usp=sharing Hope this helps!

[@adewaleadenle2022]

hello Ethan, do you have any videos or points for international students who can't write essays in general.

[@Collegeessayguy]

Hi there! My upcoming online courses will help you write your college essays. More info on them here: www.collegeessayguy.com/college-essay-courses (Note: they're pay-what-you-can, and we'll approve your request no matter how much!)

[@quinmreecorey8663]

I believe you used "low key" correctly, not too old

[@Collegeessayguy]

LOL thanks for that!

[@SP-em6fq]

When you said to "highlight in bold the reasons you want to attend"... should I keep the bolded reasons when I submit the essay or was this just for my analysis of my essay?

[@Collegeessayguy]

Up to you! If your application portal (like Common App, Scoir, etc.) lets you format the text, you can bold those sentences. Otherwise, submitting without formatting is totally fine and won't work against you.

[@clawd_not_cloud]

My school is only giving me 100 words or fewer for this question ='(

[@Collegeessayguy]

We might have a free guide for the school's prompt you're asking about. Check here: www.collegeessayguy.com/supplemental-essays

[@allenfrederick675]

Please can you deal with statement of purpose for graduates?

[@Collegeessayguy]

Noted. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@alyssanestingen5073]

what do i do if i already wrote my main essay on how i fell in love with law? I plan on majoring in political science, but having discussed that in my personal essay already I feel like it would be repetitive? Should I talk about my other interests outside of Law and what the school offers for that? Or dive deeper into my law passion?

[@Collegeessayguy]

It might be a good idea to round yourself out in other parts of your application and mention other things besides your passion for law. :)

[@dc4067]

it was great tonight

[@Collegeessayguy]

Thanks for watching!

[@shujayethossain6554]

When submitting essays to schools, should I highlight specific word/senetneces to draw the reader’s attention? Thank you!

[@Collegeessayguy]

Nope! Most applications tend to not allow text formatting anyway. Hope this helps!

[@taijariley5753]

What if you're interested in applying to a school that is located outside of the US? Would it be okay to bring up location then?

[@Collegeessayguy]

Maybe. It's ultimately up to you! The more specific you can get, the better. :)

[@beamlakfekadu1421]

Ethan this is a great video🙏 Please help me! I am an Ethiopian and I am really passionate to get into a US college. But last year I got rejected from 20 schools. I have alot of problems. Is there anyway I can get help from you

[@Collegeessayguy]

Hi there! Thanks for reaching out. My next round of online courses is starting in September; I'd love to have you join in. The courses are pay-what-you-can (and no one is turned away for lack of funds). In the courses there are opportunities to receive live feedback from me on your essays and to find a writing/accountability partner in our Discord community. Here's a link where you can learn more: www.collegeessayguy.com/college-essay-courses

[@Collegeessayguy]

Also, I recommend trying to get in contact with your local Education USA center: educationusa.state.gov/find-advising-center

[@ennaa2577]

does anyone know tips for shor 250-300 essays, can't seem to find it😭

[@Collegeessayguy]

We might have a free guide for the school's prompt you're asking about. Check here: www.collegeessayguy.com/supplemental-essays

[@ennaa2577]

@@Collegeessayguy thanks!

[@vanshithbhandari1696]

Hey Ethan! So I assume that you've read Geronimo Stilton(GS). I actually I know what I'll study but I've always been interested in exploring and I still am because I feel that there's a LOT o stuff I don't know about. So I am planning to write my essay - just like Geronimo Stilton goes on adventures exploring different worlds(I mean parts of the world) I wish to explore the areas of study/culture etc etc in their college. Also I want to study CS which makes me relatable to GS as that dude is a journalist and he still explores different stuff and integrates it into his work in the form of publishing articles, as I want to integrate the different fields if study I'll be exploring into CS - which in my case this essay will be for Cornell and Princeton. And so I wanna write my essay this way. What do you think about this? Would greatly appreciate an answer from you. And your advice has helped me a lot with writing my personal statement. Thanks PS: You can be a great beat boxer haha

[@Collegeessayguy]

Overall it could work! Just make sure you're relating the essay back to you rather than GS. Try outlining this topic to get a better idea if it'll work for you. :) Love the creativity!

[@vanshithbhandari1696]

Thank you so much Ethan for the response! Greatly appreciate it. And love you and your content

[@wonjang8615]

What would be some other good, impressive facts to get out of my school research?

[@Collegeessayguy]

Anything that is specific/unique to the school-- that way, whoever reads your essay knows you did some quality research. :)

[@rasikav.5955]

hi - from the webstream for the giveaway!!

[@Collegeessayguy]

Thanks for being here. :)

[@نور-ب1ظ4ش]

حلو 🌹😍

[@Collegeessayguy]

Thanks for watching!

[@dawnbeles3245]

I can’t remember what was Elon musk‘s speech you recommended to listen to?

[@Collegeessayguy]

It is his "Tesla Powerwall" talk. :)

[@enyioma8]

He needs to apologize... I don't eat vegetables 😁

[@Collegeessayguy]

LOL, I hope you can forgive me. Thanks for watching!

[@madhushriiyengar7156]

I usually stress a lot about my college applications but when I watch your videos, that stress fades into thin air. Thank you for helping me with my essays and interviews, Ethan!

[@Collegeessayguy]

Thanks for sharing! :) You got this.

[@counselorqfs3911]

I consider you my teacher. Learning so much from your books and online content. You are really a good soul. God bless you. Thanks

[@Collegeessayguy]

Wow, thank you!

[@machikr]

I love your cheerfulness and great spirit almost as much as the wonderful insights and tips! Thank you for helping out all those who are writing their hearts out to craft the essays in their final stretch moments!

[@Collegeessayguy]

You are so welcome!

[@hihi-og6nm]

You are such a lifesaver!! Every single video of yours is so helpful and detailed. Thank you so much.

[@Collegeessayguy]

You are so welcome! Thanks for chiming in.

[@Michael-lb3hh]

I'm grinding through so much of your content on your KZbin and your website because it has provided so much structure to this entire college application process. As a result, I'm less likely to feel overwhelmed. Thank you so much Ethan !

[@Collegeessayguy]

Great to hear!

[@Hermonyyy]

I just finished my personal essay for my common application and started with my supplemental essay and using your methods and tips I am going really fast. If I got accepted by the Universities I choose, I promise you are the only person that I will mention and thank i.e. after my parents😊. Thank you very very very much Mr. Ethan you have made my life easier.(not a lie)

[@Collegeessayguy]

You got this!

[@derickfigueroa8526]

did you get accepted?

[@heroryan7859]

Did u

[@nirelleksenasitchoa7652]

😂 The comparison to a date really puts it in perspective for me! Thank you! This was incredibly helpful.

[@Collegeessayguy]

Thanks for watching!

[@miltonvento1822]

Great content, and very applicable too! Keep up the amazing work (And the sense of humor😅)!!!

[@Collegeessayguy]

Thanks!

[@kalkidanyibeltal4360]

true your value is JOY and its contagious. I feel a relief whenever I see your courses because the process is scary and intimdatin for me and I'm like "you got all these resources don't give up on your dream." I seriously don't know what I would do without you. I mean it!

[@Collegeessayguy]

Thanks for being here.

[@magicthegatheringlover4277]

I love how a great deal of this video is: it is called a "why this college essay" but don't write down the reasons you are most likely to want that college. Why have I (and I assume most people) chosen the schools I did? The ranking and location with consideration to the weather

[@Collegeessayguy]

Thanks for watching!

[@sthv777]

The uni I am applying to has 5 different options to choose from for these supplemental essays. "Why us ?" is one of them but there is also another option to write about my strategy to solve an issue and i think i can do better on later but i don't have much idea on HOW to write that whereas for the "why us" essay, well your vid is so helpful. So, I am confused. Which one do you think is a better choice ? Plus, do uni prefer "why us" essay to other essays ?

[@Collegeessayguy]

The "Why us" essay is likely a good choice if there are multiple prompt options. Of course the choice is yours!

[@annaheloise9838]

Hi Ethan! Thanks so much for your step by step analyzing the WHY US ESSAY, it really helps me a lot. By the way, I just bought The Best 386 Colleges from The Princeton Review, which is the 2021 version. Can I still use that as a guide for students applied this year? Will it mislead me somehow?

[@Collegeessayguy]

Your 2021 version should work great! :)

[@marcthompson5442]

Hi Ethan, great content as always. Will you please clarify your 2nd point at the end during the "3 ways to make sure..." segment? You mention that students should bold their reasons but you never state that they should remove these bolded points before submitting their final versions on their applications. On your CEG website's guide to the "Why Us" essays, you specifically state not to leave the bolded words in the final draft and that you only did that in the examples to highlight the context. I've had students argue that "Ethan told me to bold my reasons in his video!" and so I'm just requesting a definitive answer right here, please. :)

[@Collegeessayguy]

Hi there! Thanks for asking. My definitive answer: Unbold before submitting!

[@kalisanath4833]

Thank you so much for this amazing video and webinars you share! Looking forward to learning more helpful tips from you!

[@Collegeessayguy]

More to come!

[@chloe-kq3gq]

6:40

[@HelloHello-hv1kd]

5:43

[@Collegeessayguy]

Thanks for watching!

[@foxywaxy4279]

I lvoe your jokes

[@Collegeessayguy]

LOL thank you!

[@ermi6880]

Who did dislike this. Ah people are😿

[@Collegeessayguy]

No big deal :) Thanks for watching!

[@markus_park]

Hello, sir! Excuse me, I think your website does not work in Kazakhstan. I tried logging in but that didn't work. That's why I had to use VPN

[@Collegeessayguy]

Hi Markus. Thanks for writing in. We've heard from other folks in Kazakhstan who have the same issue. So sorry about that. Please email us at [e-mail] if you continue to have trouble accessing our website.

[@arjunarun9174]

These videos are really helpful. Is it possible to go into depth with a specific university's essay prompt, e.g. UMichigan's Ross Admissions portfolio.

[@Collegeessayguy]

Thanks! We have crash courses for over 70 schools on the website here: www.collegeessayguy.com/supplemental-essays Check it out!

[@johndylens9297]

I have a question. If I am a basketball player, in addition of the specific course I will attend, can't a talk about the basketball team of the university that I'll integrate without forgetting to state my admiration for the coach and some players? And also can't I talk about specific character please???

[@Collegeessayguy]

It's your essay/application, so it's ultimately up to you. My advice to you is-answer the question(s) the prompt is asking. It's not always necessary to tie all your essays back to a sport or activity you engage in regularly. There are plenty of opportunities elsewhere in your application to make your point about those areas of your life. Try to keep your essays essential so that you're displaying what is important to you AND what the admissions officers are asking for.

[@victorchidera4966]

First I want to start by saying your videos are really helpful to me, thank you now my question is as an international student (Nigeria) Is it OK to include some of my traditional experiences in my essay?

[@Collegeessayguy]

Yes, that is OK!

[@cicilblinkz4204]

Can I type my name at the portion of the common app general demanding for ED signature??

[@Collegeessayguy]

Yep, you'll have the option to do that when applying ED/EA/REA, depending on the school in Common App.

[@christopherboehm6438]

Low key or Loki?

[@stylernola]

I really like how down to earth you are! I just watched the webinar you did today, 8-4-22.

[@Collegeessayguy]

Thanks so much!

[@ceilingfloor6797]

Thank you so much!

[@Collegeessayguy]

You're welcome!

[@nanomacaron232]

I’m not applying for a college, but instead this really good high school that offers majors I’m interested in. Although, this still really helps, thanks!

[@Collegeessayguy]

Awesome! Thanks for watching.

[@nanomacaron232]

@@Collegeessayguy If you don’t mind I have a question. Do you think it’s appropriate to directly mention their mission statement if you explain why it’s important to you? Or should it not be mentioned at all?

[@mahasaleh]

I feel so lucky I found such an informative video. Thank you so much, Mr. Ethan!

[@Collegeessayguy]

You're very welcome!

[@edenislive]

2:00 what a great effort on lip syncing 🤣🤣

[@Collegeessayguy]

Thanks for watching!

[@leomunguba5939]

Your content is just amazing!

[@Collegeessayguy]

I appreciate that! Thanks for watching.

[@nataliemcfadden8643]

This was so helpful, thank you

[@Collegeessayguy]

You're welcome!

[@klfeiyeen]

Thank you for these valuable guides, super helpful

[@Collegeessayguy]

Glad you like them!

[@ndirangujames2028]

Awesome tips. Please make one on why major.

[@Collegeessayguy]

Thanks for the tip. We have a guide for the "Why Major" essay here: www.collegeessayguy.com/blog/why-major-college-essay

[@ndirangujames2028]

@@Collegeessayguy Thanks

[@uygunpolatov551]

Rlly awesome

[@Collegeessayguy]

Thanks for watching!

[@berosta7337]

After watched couple dozens of videos just realized something. Doesn't Ethan looks like Steve? If you instead of asking who is Steve and you just thought of Steve Jobs I believe he really does.

[@Collegeessayguy]

LOL that is a first!

[@johnyeap7133]

Great video! but lowkey too old

[@Collegeessayguy]

Thanks for watching. Could you share more about it being old? :)

[@johnyeap7133]

@@Collegeessayguy Not the video xD your video is really relevant and useful ! I was talking about 11:06

[@adiso7613]

Yup, this guy rocks!

[@Collegeessayguy]

Thanks! :)

[@hawimegersa9560]

Thank you!! '

[@Collegeessayguy]

You're welcome!

[@reneebushey1251]

Question - if you are applying to a college that your parents went to or that you have a family connection to, how do you recommend incorporating that?

[@Collegeessayguy]

You'll have an chance to answer questions about this in the school's application itself, so you don't need to write about it in your essays.

[@Jayvyn-sz1sx]

Honestly, you've given me so much great advice that I give you permission to use the work "lowkey" more

[@Collegeessayguy]

LOL thank you!

[@revlordmusic4440]

this video actually got me into NYU without even giving them my friggin SAT lmao

[@Collegeessayguy]

Awesome! Congrats to you!

[@sheepish7815]

im writing an artist statement essay, and there are like 3 resources max, I pray for future students you will find a way in the future to help us with it!

[@Collegeessayguy]

Thanks for the suggestion! We'll make a note of it.

[@juliagu6165]

“lowkey” was absolutely used correctly. hats off to the coolest college guy on the internet

[@Collegeessayguy]

Thanks for the validation. :)

[@duongothuy8649]

tysm

[@tevian9404]

I think you are my favourite American out of the Americans I haven't met!

[@Collegeessayguy]

LOL. Thanks!

[@lifewithrobert2]

Thanks a lot; just finished the why us for Warren Wilson College. Your tips were really helpful!

[@Collegeessayguy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@felipemendonca9451]

Came from the Webinar

[@Collegeessayguy]

Thanks for being here. :)

[@lilianatawoi741]

This was so insightful thank you, you're a life saver🤲☺️

[@Collegeessayguy]

You're so welcome!

[@nuariamen6356]

definitely not too old to say lowkey

[@Collegeessayguy]

LOL thank you!

[@rafidchowdhury1036]

This was really good!

[@Collegeessayguy]

Thanks for watching!