Colleges and scholarship providers often hold interviews to determine an applicant's suitability for the school, eligibility for a specific program, or to establish whether the student deserves a scholarship to help them pursue the program. Even if the application process does not include a face-to-face interview, many admin college essays and mainstay questions in writing supplements pursue the same goals.
Continuing our series on popular scholarship questions is the ever-challenging "Why did you choose this school/program/course?" Why is it challenging? Because it's a kind of trick question. Students usually know exactly why they have chosen a specific college or course to apply to. Yet they want to give "the right" answer that the interviewer wants to hear. In this post, we will try to find the golden medium between the "truth, the whole truth, nothing but the truth" and the outright PR copy. You will learn how to answer this question truthfully in a way that benefits your application the most.
Things to cover in your answer
In essence, the scholarship committee wants to learn four things from your answer, so here is what it must convey:
- You will dedicate the time in this school/program to quality study and the development of your skills
How do you demonstrate that? For example, by emphasizing your academic interest and referring to the work you have already done in this direction – projects, hobbies, competitions. Talk about the specific research and educational opportunities of this school or program that appeal to you. Expand on this point by tying this opportunity to your future goals. Knowing your major and demonstrating your continuing interest in this field will add you even more points. Be positive and enthusiastic. The committee members want to know that your decision comes from a genuine passion for your subject, not because your parents forced you into it or because this field of study is in vogue.
- You have considered your choice carefully and have genuine reasons to study here
To communicate this, you will need to do your homework. Research the school online, learn more about the faculty, talk to alums, and consult school representatives or college advisors. Review the course description and curriculum. The more factual details you give, the more compelling your answer will be. You can mention that you are looking forward to participating in the course because you have read the professor's book and find it very thought-provoking, and you cannot wait to ask them all the questions you have. You can highlight your interest in the school because of the research facilities, extracurricular opportunities, community involvement, or even values the school promotes that resonate with you – being green, celebrating diversity, etc.
- You are an organized and committed student
To show this, consider your strengths that will help you succeed in this school or the course. What qualifications do you already have that align with the program's demands? For example, you are applying to a program in education, and you have spent this entire summer tutoring underprivileged youngsters in your community how to become a better essay writer free to improve their chances of graduating from high school. Show that your skills will help you thrive in this school/program.
- You will contribute positively to the school, community, and your chosen field
To convey this message, consider your short-term and long-term goals. Discuss how the university or program will help you achieve these goals. Be specific: what role do you plan to fill after graduating, where would you like to work, how do you see your work contributing to your community, etc. Even if you haven't decided on a career yet, you can demonstrate to the interviewer that you are driven and passionate by pointing out how the chosen course will help you broaden the range of your skills and prepare you for joining the workforce, no matter the role.
Overall, be positive, enthusiastic, and specific. Don't simply gush about the school or program you apply to, but show that you have done your homework and that your skills and aspirations will find their best application there. In short, prove that you and the school/program are a perfect match.
Things to avoid
Now, here are a few don'ts that generally tend to hurt your chances of getting into the program, if not outright get your application rejected:
- Canned answers for all schools
Avoid having one cookie-cutter answer you paste into all forms. This question might have many forms, for example: "Why do you think you are a good fit for the program?" "Why do you think you will thrive in our school?" "How will this program benefit you?" and even "What will you bring to the table as a student?" Although the essence is the same, you must still address this specific question with your answer, so take time to frame your response to fit the prompt.
- Mentioning the potential financial benefits
There is nothing wrong with your desire to choose a high-paying career, but it's not a good enough reason on its own. You want to be compelling and unique, so instead, try focusing on your genuine excitement about the things you will be able to do and the potential to have a successful, rewarding career. For example, if you choose a career in finance, stress that you love analyzing data, monitoring trends, and helping others make good money decisions.
- Superficial reasons
Don't cite famous frat parties, great dorm, cool cafeteria, or location particularly close to the beach. These are not very academic-centered reasons, and they show that you do not take this decision seriously enough. You can say that you like the campus and its particular aspects, but only in passing, among other things. Better still, tie it to something more substantial. For example, say that you like how green it is and that you can imagine yourself reading on the lawn between classes or that you appreciate how close everything is – dorms, libraries, and auditoria – which creates an atmosphere conducive to studying, leaving enough time for socializing and pursuing your hobbies.
- Anything that gives away your lack of interest
Don't say that you apply just because you don't have qualifications for other programs or that this is your safety school. Of course, applying to several schools is wise; you don't want to put all your eggs in one basket. However, it would be best to create the impression that this school/program is your first choice. Admission officers are people too, and they appreciate when their place of work is praised and the work they do is valued.
Digging for positive reasons for joining a particular program or enrolling in a specific school can be eye-opening and might even make you reconsider your decision. However, the good news is that it will probably give you a better idea about what you actually need and will help you to make a better choice. Trust your heart, and good luck!
