Tackling the “Why Us” and “Why Major” Essays: A Guide for Seniors
Finding a quiet space to write for kids is essential - put the phone away!
If you’re staring at your college applications thinking, “How am I supposed to make these essays stand out?” Welcome to the club. The “Why Us?” and “Why Major?” questions are hands-down the most popular supplements, and also the easiest to make generic. But trust me, you can absolutely craft something memorable without sounding like an admissions robot.
Here’s how:
First: What Are They Really Asking?
“Why Us?” wants to know why that school, out of the bazillion out there, actually catches your interest.
“Why Major?” wants to know where your passion comes from and how you’ll build on it at their school.
Admissions officers are not looking for generic flattery (“Your campus is beautiful!”). They want to see what you’ve discovered about their college, and, just as important, what you’ve discovered about yourself.
Dig Deep: Go Beyond the Brochure
Do some real research:
Find specific classes that spark your interest (not just small classes, but Environmental Justice and Policy, because of my commitment to local sustainability work).
Look into unique research opportunities or professors whose work excites you. If Dr. Smith’s robotics lab made you geek out, say so, and explain why.
Explore clubs, volunteer programs, or quirky campus traditions and connect them to your interests.
Check for the little things - do they host your favorite community events, have a podcasting club, or sponsor student-run startups?
The more you find, the easier it’ll be to write something that sounds like you actually care, and not just about “prestige” or the view from the cafeteria.
The more unique your writing, the better.
Connect the Dots: Make It Personal
Make sure your essay is about you as much as the school or the major.
Why Major? Share the story behind your academic passion. You don’t need a lightning-bolt moment. Maybe you fell in love with biology, dissecting a frog, or realized you needed to design video games after modding Minecraft for years. Use those moments to show what excites you—and how you’ll chase those sparks on campus.
Why Us?: Show how the school’s resources fit your style, goals, and vibe. Don’t just list things, connect them to your journey. (As a future physician who volunteers with hospice patients, I’m drawn to UMich’s Patient Care Initiatives program, where students lead hands-on care projects in the community.)
Quick Tips for Standing Out
Be specific. “I love NYU’s location” is flat. “NYU’s urban journalism seminars give me access to digital media internships I’ve already started pursuing locally” is gold.
Keep your voice. It’s not a thesis, write like someone who’s excited and curious, not like you swallowed a thesaurus.
Skip the clichés. Everyone “loves the school spirit.” What’s your angle? Maybe it’s their tradition of painting the campus rock, or the economics club’s stock market simulation challenge.
No copying and pasting. Every “Why Us” essay should be unique; admissions can spot “Ctrl+V” answers a mile away.
Show the fit. Admissions wants to admit people who will thrive and add to their community. Show how you’ll jump in and what you’ll bring to the table.
Final Words
These essays aren’t about being perfect - they’re about showing who you are and what lights a fire under you. Be real, do your homework, and write like you’re having an enthusiastic chat with someone who’s genuinely curious. That’s how you’ll make your “Why Us” and “Why Major?” essays pop.
