Appropriate "why us" answer?

[Z_C]

Something that is very important to me and has deeply influenced the set of schools I have applied to is the political landscape of the state they are in, and how that affects my personal civil rights.

Is this appropriate to include as a side point (not the main point) of answers to why us prompts? Thanks all for the help : )

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[DarkBluMage]

Something that is very important to me and has deeply influenced the set of schools I have applied to is the political landscape of the state they are in, and how that affects my personal civil rights.

Is this appropriate to include as a side point (not the main point) of answers to why us prompts? Thanks all for the help : )

I would think they would want something in the realm of a school specific response. Your focus doesn’t speak to why you’re applying to that school specifically. It’s similar to an applicant saying I’ve always wanted to be a doctor and am applying broadly to a “why us” question or saying I want to stay in the southern region for the weather. It’s not really answering what they’re asking you. I wouldn’t put in extra side points to a straight forward question, but that’s also my personality. Straight and to the point of what they’re asking seems the best route to me. They have so many apps to get through I wouldn’t want them to be annoyed by throwing in tangents that doesn’t really answer the question specifically. The goal of those questions is for a school to know why they should pick you and why you want to attend their institution specifically by applying there.

 

[lioneljohn]

Something that is very important to me and has deeply influenced the set of schools I have applied to is the political landscape of the state they are in, and how that affects my personal civil rights.

Is this appropriate to include as a side point (not the main point) of answers to why us prompts? Thanks all for the help : )

Hey! Yeah, that's a totally valid consideration. Including it as a side point in your "why us" answers can actually show that you've done your research and care about the community you'll be a part of. Just be sure to tie it back to how the school aligns with your values and goals. Go for it!

 

[Dr.S at Princeton Review]

I would have to agree with a previous user that they are looking for something in the realm of why that school in particular rather than that state. Often times, there are many medical schools within a single state (take for example New York, Texas, California, Pennsylvania) so that approach doesn't lead to answering their question. A way to incorporate your passion for civil rights is to look up student organizations or free clinics that are relevant to those populations (in terms of civil rights) at those schools and use that as a reasoning for wanting to attend. It's better to be able to use specific examples than speak in generalities when it comes to "why us" essays.

 

[Moko]

Something that is very important to me and has deeply influenced the set of schools I have applied to is the political landscape of the state they are in, and how that affects my personal civil rights.

Is this appropriate to include as a side point (not the main point) of answers to why us prompts? Thanks all for the help : )

Better to focus on what attracts you to their school rather than why you don't want to apply to others. There can be a fine line separating the two.

For example, focusing on location is fine, e.g., wanting to stay in/near NYC because your family / significant other is there (and latter of whom may not be able to uproot their lives within the next few years due to school, work, etc.). This will signal that the 10-20 schools in this area are 'strong contenders', and provide rationale for why you will consider them more highly over similar peer institutions.

However, saying that you want to attend a school in a blue state (of which there are 100+) doesn't provide much information to the schools about why you may choose them over a more highly ranked or cheaper school elsewhere. Just my thoughts.

 

[Z_C]

Thanks all I think I have a clear answer, it is a bit more sub-specific than just "blue state" but the point is well taken that it would be appropriate if it is phrased so that it makes clear that this puts a smaller group of universities in a particularly high position of interest from my perspective but be largely pointless if it is not clear how it makes the particular school at any advantage. : )

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Something that is very important to me and has deeply influenced the set of schools I have applied to is the political landscape of the state they are in, and how that affects my personal civil rights.

Is this appropriate to include as a side point (not the main point) of answers to why us prompts? Thanks all for the help : )

"Political landscape" can completely change in November.

I get it. Many people are choosing where to attend undergrad for such reasons, especially when the political powers decide to intervene in curriculum, tenure, student affairs, and health. In some cases though, there are no real choices since cost of education (and in-state tuition) still plays a role.

 

[Nontrad_FL_LGBT]

Something that is very important to me and has deeply influenced the set of schools I have applied to is the political landscape of the state they are in, and how that affects my personal civil rights.

Is this appropriate to include as a side point (not the main point) of answers to why us prompts? Thanks all for the help : )

I made this a strong side point as a queer trans man married to a queer trans Jew. I also have significant LGBTQIA+ volunteer and professional work on my record and want to do gender affirming care.

 

[Z_C]

I made this a strong side point as a queer trans man married to a queer trans Jew. I also have significant LGBTQIA+ volunteer and professional work on my record and want to do gender affirming care.

you are a remarkably similar person to myself.

Good to know others found this a major point of consideration : )

 

[LizzyM]

It is likely that a friendly state will house a friendly school and you could look into things that the school might offer that would be welcoming to you such as affinity groups, clubs, etc. That would be what to highlight in that regard.