Hi all! I'm applying to Purdue, and I want to make my 'Why Purdue?' essay really stand out. What are some unique aspects of Purdue that I could mention to show my genuine interest? And how can I tie them into my background and goals? Any suggestions would be super helpful!
Hey! Congrats on deciding to apply to Purdue. When writing a 'Why Purdue?' essay, focus on specific and unique aspects of the university that resonate with your background and future goals. These things should be truly distinctive of Purdue—you shouldn't be able to just swap in another school's name and still have the essay make sense.
For example, Purdue is known for strong engineering and technology programs, so if that's something you're interested in, dig into their research initiatives or clubs to find a unique way of presenting your connection to these resources. For instance, you might discuss how the work at the Purdue Railyard would benefit you as a future Civil Engineer.
If you're not into engineering, there are plenty of other academic programs to write about, like the Honors College or the Polytechnic Institute, and how they align with your academic interests. Outside academics, you could mention Purdue's distinctive campus life, such as Boiler Gold Rush, a week-long orientation program, or the popular Grand Prix go-kart race.
Then, think about how the offerings you've identified match your personality, background, and strengths, and focus on spelling out that concrete connection between yourself and the Purdue-specific opportunities you're drawn to. The more detailed and personalized your essay is, the more it will stand out amidst other applicants.
If you're looking for even more detailed guidance, you can check out CollegeVine's breakdown of all of Purdue's supplemental essays here: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-purdue-university-essays. Also remember that CollegeVine offers both free peer essay reviews and paid reviews by expert college admissions advisors, if it would be helpful for you to get a second set of eyes on your response.
Good luck, and I hope you craft a stellar ‘Why Purdue?’ essay!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.