Has anyone written the supplemental essays for American University? What did you focus on and what advice would you give to someone who's just starting?
First of all, congratulations on reaching the supplemental essay stage of your application to American University!
One thing you need to keep in mind while writing you supplemental essays is to understand why the question is asked in the first place. Universities use these key questions to delve into aspects which your primary application might not cover, like your objectives, the reason you're interested in the program or how your academic and career goals align with the university culture.
American University typically asks about why you're interested in your chosen field of study, and why you want to attend American specifically. Here's how you can approach each essay:
1. For the "Why your major?" prompt, share your motivation and passion - don't just describe it. Say you're interested in International Relations - you could talk about specific incidents in your life which sparked this interest. Tie this into what you wish to accomplish in your career using this degree. Make sure your commitment to your field of study shines through.
2. For the "Why American University?" prompt, be specific about what the school provides that aligns with your goals - may it be the courses, professors, club initiatives, or the campus culture. Remember, the goal here is to demonstrate that you've done your homework on the university and are looking at it for more than just the brand.
Just keep it authentic, share your genuine interest and enthusiasm. Avoid going off-topic or sharing irrelevant details. The more specific you are, the more impactful your essay will be. This approach should help you develop engaging and persuasive supplemental essays. Good luck!
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