Mention family in "why ___?" for top schools?

[blueharbor]

I know this has been discussed before, but I couldn't find it. I will include family ties on secondaries for lower/mid tier schools, but for the top schools I'm applying to, does it help or hurt to mention family living nearby? On one secondary for a top 20 school, this is what I'm considering adding at the end of my reasons essay:

"Finally, my parents live only minutes away from ___ in ___. As they are 70 years old and have health problems, being close to them is important to me."

I was worried this might make the school think I'm applying there to be close to my parents rather than because I like the school, although my essay gives some very good reasons specific to the school. Thoughts? Helps or hurts?

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[snowys435]

I know this has been discussed before, but I couldn't find it. I will include family ties on secondaries for lower/mid tier schools, but for the top schools I'm applying to, does it help or hurt to mention family living nearby? On one secondary for a top 20 school, this is what I'm considering adding at the end of my reasons essay:

"Finally, my parents live only minutes away from ___ in ___. As they are 70 years old and have health problems, being close to them is important to me."

I was worried this might make the school think I'm applying there to be close to my parents rather than because I like the school, although my essay gives some very good reasons specific to the school. Thoughts? Helps or hurts?

I dont think theres a problem with it . But I would phrase it more as family is really valuable and important to you and explain why. I think it's something to respect as long as you also have some clear reasons for going to the school

 

[DoctorWhoo]

I know this has been discussed before, but I couldn't find it. I will include family ties on secondaries for lower/mid tier schools, but for the top schools I'm applying to, does it help or hurt to mention family living nearby? On one secondary for a top 20 school, this is what I'm considering adding at the end of my reasons essay:

"Finally, my parents live only minutes away from ___ in ___. As they are 70 years old and have health problems, being close to them is important to me."

I was worried this might make the school think I'm applying there to be close to my parents rather than because I like the school, although my essay gives some very good reasons specific to the school. Thoughts? Helps or hurts?

I would word it differently, but it is definitely worth mentioning. Family is the biggest factor in where I have chosen to matriculated next year, and I'm sure that was felt in my application/interview.

 

[Goro]

It's not going to help, and may actually hurt in that some Adcom members will think you won't be able to cope with your family's ill-health.

I know this has been discussed before, but I couldn't find it. I will include family ties on secondaries for lower/mid tier schools, but for the top schools I'm applying to, does it help or hurt to mention family living nearby? On one secondary for a top 20 school, this is what I'm considering adding at the end of my reasons essay:

"Finally, my parents live only minutes away from ___ in ___. As they are 70 years old and have health problems, being close to them is important to me."

I was worried this might make the school think I'm applying there to be close to my parents rather than because I like the school, although my essay gives some very good reasons specific to the school. Thoughts? Helps or hurts?

 

[blueharbor]

It's not going to help, and may actually hurt in that some Adcom members will think you won't be able to cope with your family's ill-health.

Ah, that hadn't occurred to me. I'll take that part out, at least.

 

[blueharbor]

I don't have many words left to expand on the topic, and I didn't want to make it central to my essay. Just a short and sweet extra benefit of going there. What about:

[Edited for anonymity, sorry]

@Goro, do you think this could help, or are you of the opinion that family living nearby has no benefit when applying to top schools? What do you think, @LizzyM?

 

[Goro]

That's fine.

I don't have many words left to expand on the topic, and I didn't want to make it central to my essay. Just a short and sweet extra benefit of going there. What about:

"Finally, my parents live only minutes away from __ in ___. After six years of living many states away from them, it would be wonderful to be close to them again."

@Goro, do you think this could help, or are you of the opinion that family living nearby has no benefit when applying to top schools? What do you think, @LizzyM?

 

[ndafife]

I dont think the geography is a good enough reason to list alone... Id say that your family relative proximity to campus made you look into the school. But mention something about the focus of the school (in the mission statement) or some of the programs that the school offers that really drew you in