This might be a dumb question, but if a school doesn't have a "why x" question on the application or have it listed as an optional statement, are you supposed to just include one as an addendum? Is it something they want an applicant to do, or would they view at as an unnecessary addition to all the other writing components?

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4 comments

  • JacobBaska Admissions Strategy Expert
    4 days ago

    A good general rule of thumb is not to give a school something that they didn’t ask for. If they wanted this info, they would have asked for it, right?

    But if you have a sincere interest and really want to communicate that, then the best options are either weaving it into the PS or giving a brief explanation in the addenda.

    You can also give the admissions office a call to see what they advise! Although this is general advice, every school has different preferences.

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  • 6 days ago

    I would try incorporating it into your personal statement. Maybe talk for a paragraph at the end why you think that particular school embodies what you mention in your ps.

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  • In general, I would not submit one if they did not explicitly ask for it. There may be a few exceptions --- for example, at a recent GULC event I was at, Dean Andy said that even though they do not ask for a Why GULC, they like to see it. So I may double check for a few schools that don't explicitly ask.

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  • Edited 5 days ago

    It also depends on the school! The 7Sage 'requirements & essays' tab under each school is really helpful. Not all of the schools are listed, but the top 20ish are!

    Some schools want it, some schools don't!

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