College and Lear

The "Why Us" Essay has become the most dreaded part of applications for many students. After going through the application process and researching how to write a successful "Why Us" essay, I have found three common types of essays.

1. The Goneril: If you are applying early decision, you already look good because the admissions office will see your application first. You can use your "Why Us" essay to talk about how committed you are to [insert school name here]. It is the only school for you. You've bled [insert school colors here] since you were young. You were born to be a [insert school mascot here].

2. The Regan: If you are applying early action, you still look pretty good. However, you have to prove to the admissions office that you love [insert school name here] more than all of the Gonerils. Make it seem like [insert school name here] is your top choice. Say that the Gonerils are unworthy. Profess yourself an enemy to all other schools.

3. The Cordelia: If you are applying regular decision, you have the hardest job. After seeing the Gonerils and Regans apply before you, it is normal to feel worried about how you can compare to them. It might appear to the admissions office that you are the least dedicated, but you can still really love [insert school name here] and apply regular decision. Be honest. Promise to be fully committed to [insert school name here] if you are admitted.

To conclude, here are some thoughts on what to do when decisions come back. If you are admitted, do not do anything to make the admissions office question their decision and rescind your application. The admissions offices will not allow any "betrayals". If you are deferred, the admissions office might see how deserving you are and accept you later. It happens more often than you would expect. If you are rejected, you can still be important to the school later on. Consider continuing your education there at a later time. They may never realize that they previously rejected you.