Guide to the US College 'Why Us?' Essay

You've spent months studying for AP exams, perfecting your personal statement, and filling out application forms. Now you're staring at yet another essay prompt: "Why do you want to attend our university?"

Don't succumb to the temptation to write one generic essay and tweak a few details. Admissions officers can spot a copy-paste job from a mile away, and it could cost you your place.

We're going to show you exactly how to write a 'Why Us?' college essay that stands out. We’ll break down everything you need to know, with practical steps, clear examples, and advice specifically for AP students like you.

Key Takeaways

• The 'Why Us?' essay is a supplemental college application essay where you explain why a specific university is the right fit for you.

• Colleges use this essay to gauge your genuine interest, assess whether you've done your research, and determine if you'll thrive on their campus.

• Strong essays include specific details about academic programmes, student organisations, and campus culture that align with your goals.

• AP students can reference their coursework to demonstrate academic readiness and show how their interests connect to college offerings.

What Is a 'Why Us?' Essay?

A 'Why Us?' essay - also called a ‘Why this College?’ essay -  is a supplemental piece of writing that most US colleges ask you to write as part of your application.

The prompt asks you to explain why you want to attend that particular university. It's asking you to demonstrate that you've thought carefully about why this college is a good match for your academic interests, personal values, and future goals.

These essays typically range from 150 to 300 words, though some colleges may ask for up to 500 words. A few colleges, like Dartmouth (opens in a new tab), have a 100 words or fewer limit. 

You'll encounter a similar sort of prompt for most selective colleges and many public universities:

• "Why do you want to attend this college?"

• "What interests you about our university?"

• “How is [college name] a good fit for you?”

Essentially, they're all asking the same fundamental question.

Why Admissions Officers Ask This Question

Admissions officers use the 'Why Us?' essay to answer three important questions about you.

First, they want to know if you're genuinely interested in their college. 

• Students who are truly excited about attending are more likely to accept an offer, stay enrolled, and contribute positively to campus life.

Second, they're checking whether you've done your homework. 

• Have you taken the time to research what makes their university unique? 

• Or are you just applying because it's highly ranked?

Third, they're assessing fit. 

• Will you take advantage of what the college offers? 

• Do your academic interests align with their strengths? 

• Will you add something valuable to their community?

How to Research a College Effectively

Before you start writing, you need to dig deeper than the college's homepage tagline.

Start with the academic departments that relate to your intended major. Look at: 

• Specific courses

• Research centres

• Specialised programmes

Then explore the beyond the basics by asking these questions: 

• Can you take interdisciplinary courses? 

• Are there unique concentrations or certificates available?

• Do any courses excite you?

• What clubs, societies, or volunteer programmes match your passions? 

• Are there leadership opportunities in areas you care about?

• Does the college have a special library collection, research labs, or study abroad programmes that appeal to you?

Often overlooked is college life outside of the classroom. Research campus culture and values. Read student newspapers, watch campus tour videos, and browse student blogs. 

Here's where to find reliable information:

• The official university website (especially the academics and student life sections)

• Virtual campus tours and information sessions

• Course catalogues and department pages

• Student newspapers and blogs

• Social media accounts run by current students

• College guidebooks and reputable education websites

Don't just collect facts. Think about how each element connects to your personal interests and goals.

What to Include in Your Essay

A strong 'Why Us?' essay should include several specific components that show you've done your research.

The key is to always make it personal. Don't just list features - explain why they matter to you and how you'll engage with them.

What to Avoid in Your Essay

Some mistakes will immediately weaken your 'Why Us?' essay.

Remember, authenticity matters more than trying to say what you think they want to hear.

A Simple Structure You Can Follow

You don't need a complicated essay structure. Here's a straightforward approach that works:

Introduction (1-2 sentences). Start with a hook or brief anecdote that leads naturally into why you're applying. This could be a moment that sparked your interest in the college or a relevant personal experience.

Body paragraphs (2-3 specific reasons). Dedicate space to two or three compelling reasons the college is a good fit. Each reason should be specific, personal, and linked to your goals or interests. Connect your AP subjects or experiences to what the college offers.

Conclusion (1-2 sentences). Look ahead briefly. How will you contribute to the college community? 

This structure is flexible. 

• For shorter essays (100-200 words), you might combine everything into one or two paragraphs. 

• For longer essays (400-500 words), you can expand each section.

The most important thing is to make every sentence count. With tight word limits, there's no room for filler.

Example Paragraph: A Good 'Why Us?' Response

Here's an example of strong writing for a 'Why Us?' essay:

During my AP Chemistry course, I became fascinated by polymer science whilst studying macromolecules. When I discovered Northwestern's Materials Science programme, I knew I'd found the perfect place to explore this interest further. I'm particularly excited about Professor Shull's research on responsive polymer gels, which connects directly to my goal of developing sustainable materials.”

What makes this work:

• It opens with a personal connection (AP Chemistry experience)

• It names a specific programme and professor with relevant research

• It connects to the student's genuine goals and interests

• The student demonstrates they've done thorough research.

How AP Students Can Use Their Experience to Stand Out

The experiences you have throughout your AP classes are a genuine strength when writing 'Why Us?' essays.

AP coursework shows admissions officers that you're academically prepared for college-level work. It also demonstrates that you've already explored certain subjects in depth.

Use your AP experiences to create natural connections to college offerings. For example:

AP Biology: "My AP Biology coursework sparked my fascination with neuroscience when we studied action potentials. I'm eager to continue this exploration in your Neuroscience programme, particularly through courses like Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience."

AP US History: "After completing AP US History, I developed a particular interest in social movements of the 1960s. I'd love to work with Professor Martinez, whose research on grassroots activism during the civil rights era directly connects to the questions I explored in my AP research project."

AP experiences give you concrete examples to reference. They show you're not just interested in a subject - you've already engaged with it at a high level.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a 'Why Us?' essay be?

Most 'Why Us?' essays range from 150 to 300 words, though some colleges ask for up to 500 words and some want 100 words or fewer.

Can I reuse this essay for different colleges?

No, you shouldn't reuse the same essay for multiple colleges. Each 'Why Us?' essay must be tailored to the specific institution you're applying to. Admissions officers can immediately tell when an essay is generic or recycled. 

What should I research before writing this essay?

Research the academic department for your intended major and read about campus culture through student newspapers and blogs. Head online and:

• Visit the college's official website

• Watch virtual tours

• Browse their course catalogue

Make notes on specific details that genuinely excite you.

Can I mention professors or specific courses?

Yes, absolutely. Mentioning specific professors - especially if their research aligns with your interests - shows you've done thorough research. 

Final Thoughts

The 'Why Us?' essay matters more than many students realise. It's your opportunity to show admissions officers that you're applying because you've thoughtfully considered what makes this particular university right for you.

Put in the effort to research properly. Be specific in your writing. And, make genuine connections between your interests and what the college offers.

Remember, admissions officers want to admit students who will thrive at their institution and contribute to their community. This essay is where you show them you're that student.

References

Dartmouth Writing Supplement (opens in a new tab)