How truthful should I be on this essay question?

[Cafeda]

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I'd like to ask for an opinion. Nova sent me the supplemental essay topics today, one of which is asking for specific reasons why I am applying to Nova.

Quite honestly, 99% of the reason why I am applying is because there is a masters program there that my SO is interested in. Nova is the only school that has both optometry and the program he is trying to get into. If he doesn't get accepted, Nova automatically becomes my last choice. There are other schools I would rather attend. However, if he does get accepted and so do I, I will probably end up making Nova my top choice.

I feel like this probably isn't a response they want to hear, but it's the truth. Any opinions? Should I tell them this or come up with other reasons?

 

[tbair200]

yea.. that doesn't sound too great. How about researching the school and their clinics and say something like that ? 🙂 There are so many students on this board that go to nova that I am sure could tell u the great things about the school. Are you from the area? You could also say that you want to stay close to family etc..

 

[happymango]

I love honesty and fully think people should employ it more. However, 9/10 times, honesty - especially your truth Cafeda - is not a good idea for an admissions essay. Sure, one time out of ten, admissions officers like the plucky raw essay written by a gifted writer, but you probably fall into the 90%.

Think about it, if you were a NOVA admissions officer, what would you think if you read an essay like that? I, personally, would put a big fat reject on that application. Come up with something else, even if it is bs. Make the bs somewhat valid. For example, you said you would be willing to go to NOVA. That must mean it's not horrible. I mean, the weather is tolerable, right? Then you could say in your essay that NOVA is located in a great place to live! They make their students go to classes? Say they hold their students to a high standard. It's just the way the admissions game goes. And life to an extent.

 

[Cafeda]

Thank you both for the good advice. Mango, you make a very good point and that is what I was afraid of happening. At first I was tempted to just tell the truth. I would say my stats are relatively competitive, but I wouldn't want my answer to the essay lead to an instant rejection. I can see how Nova is a desirable school to attend, so I will focus my essay on those reasons. Thanks again.

 

[Rain Clouds]

Think of the question this way - they really want to know if you've researched the school and actually know about what goes on there. If you can specifically point to any particular programs or cultural aspects that might be unique to NOVA that appeal to you. They don't care about your personal relationships, they want to know if they let you in if you'll be a good match for the school. When writing this application, it shouldn't matter that you like other schools better, write about what you like about NOVA specifically - every application you send out might be the only one that ends up accepting you at all (don't bank on your stats all the time), so make sure you're really serious about each one you send out.

 

[PinkCupcake]

One of my LOR writers told me that schools do appreciate honesty. He had a med school student he wrote a letter for that got into several schools by telling them he was going into medicine for the money and that he'd be the best doctor ever because of his motivation to get rich. It all depends on the school. Haha.

 

[tkuhug]

I agree, it is better to be safe and sound interested in the school and specifics of the program, rather than a personal interest which may or may not be taken the wrong way by an admissions reader.