Smart Ways To Nail The ‘Why Us’ Question In Your Interviews And Essays?

Whether it's part of your college application process or a scholarship opportunity, the “Why Us” question can play a pivotal role in determining your acceptance into your dream institution. Mastering the art of responding to the "Why Us" prompt is essential to make your application stand out among the sea of candidates. In this blog, we will guide you through the dos and don'ts of acing the "Why Us" prompt, helping you create compelling and authentic responses that showcase your passion and suitability for your chosen college or university.

How The College Asks You ‘Why Us’

Students applying to universities abroad must know that an admissions office may quiz you in different ways to understand your interest in their programme and university. Below are some examples of how those questions and inquiries may look like.

Example 1: How will you explore your intellectual and academic interests at the University of Pennsylvania? Please answer this question given the specific undergraduate school to which you are applying (650 words). - University of Pennsylvania

Example 2: While other parts of your application give us a sense of who you are, we are also excited to hear more about how you see yourself engaging with the larger Northwestern community. In 300 words or less, help us understand how you might engage specific resources, opportunities, and/or communities here. We are curious about what these specifics are, as well as how they may enrich your time at Northwestern and beyond. - Northwestern University

Example 3: We would like to know more about your interest in NYU. What motivated you to apply to NYU? Why have you applied or expressed interest in a particular campus, school, college, program, and or area of study? If you have applied to more than one, please also tell us why you are interested in these additional areas of study or campuses. We want to understand – Why NYU? (400 words) - New York University

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How to Ace the ‘Why Us’ Question

Through Research

Before diving into writing your response, you must conduct thorough research on the institution you're applying to. This step is crucial, as it forms the backbone of your answer. Start by exploring the college's official website, brochures, and social media platforms to gain insights into their academic programs, campus culture, extracurricular opportunities, and any specific initiatives they are known for.

Take note of the unique features, values, and strengths of the college. Look into their faculty members and their research contributions, as well as notable alumni who have made significant achievements in your intended field of study. By gathering this information, you can tailor your response to reflect a genuine interest in the institution and demonstrate your dedication to being a part of their community. Make your research as comprehensive and as specific as possible. Ensure that both your profile and the university’s/degree’s specificities are as evidently reflected as possible. Feel free to talk about non-academic elements including the University culture, traditions, and so on. Try to speak about existing/former students, their research projects, summer experiences etc. that are relevant to you. The objective is to ensure that the university has no doubt about your enthusiasm to take up undergraduate studies on their campus.

Emphasise Your Fit

When answering the "Why Us" prompt, it's essential to highlight why you believe the college is a perfect fit for you. Mention specific academic programs, courses, or faculty members that align with your academic and career interests. Explain how these offerings will help you achieve your goals and aspirations.

Additionally, discuss the extracurricular activities and clubs that interest you. Whether it's a particular sports team, a cultural club, or a community service organisation, showcasing your enthusiasm to engage in these activities can demonstrate that you'll be an active and contributing member of the campus community.

Connect with the College's Values

Colleges often have specific core values and missions that they seek to promote among their students. As an applicant, you should identify and connect with these values in your response. Express how your personal values align with those of the college and how you can contribute to upholding them.

For instance, if the college emphasises innovation and social impact, share instances from your own life where you've demonstrated a commitment to innovation or community service. By doing so, you're proving that you not only understand the institution's values but also actively embody them.

Be Specific and Avoid Generic Responses

One of the most common mistakes students make in responding to the "Why Us" prompt is being too vague or generic. Admissions officers read countless applications, and they can quickly spot a generic response that could be used for any other college. To stand out, provide specific examples and details that are unique to the college you're applying to.

Avoid general statements like "I want to attend this college because it has a great reputation." Instead, delve into the college's reputation and explain precisely what aspects of it appeal to you. Specificity shows that you've done your homework and are genuinely interested in the institution.

Personalise Your Response

Admissions officers are not only interested in your academic achievements but also in getting to know you as an individual. Inject a sense of personality into your response and tell your own story. Share personal anecdotes, experiences, or challenges that have shaped your aspirations and motivated you to apply to this particular college.

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Being authentic and genuine in your response can leave a lasting impression on the readers, making you more memorable among the applicants. Remember, you are more than just a list of accomplishments – your uniqueness is what sets you apart.

Showcase Your Long-Term Goals

Colleges want to know that you have a clear vision of what you want to achieve in the future. Share your long-term goals and explain how attending this particular college will play a pivotal role in helping you achieve them. Discuss how the college's resources, programs, and opportunities will contribute to your growth and success. Describe internship/research opportunities offered by the university and how they directly link with your career. Whilst these essays seek to evaluate how well a student fits into a university, the essay should be approached with a lens of how the university is a perfect fit for a student’s life objectives.

The "Why Us" prompt or question in interviews and essays can be intimidating, but with the right approach, it becomes a fantastic opportunity to showcase your passion and dedication. Remember to conduct thorough research, emphasise your fit with the institution, connect with its values, and provide specific and personalised responses. By doing so, you'll craft compelling answers that set you apart from other applicants and demonstrate your potential to thrive at the undergraduate level in your dream college abroad.

Remember, be true to yourself, and let your authentic voice shine through.

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