When I am reading “Why Us” and it has reused material, I can always tell. If you are saying, “I want to attend Harvard University because it is a great school with a welcoming community, and I can truly succeed there….” that is way too vague. If I can switch out Harvard for Duke, or Brown University, or Cornell University, that means you are wasting your word count. Go more specific and find reasons why you want to attend. If you are reusing material, proofread it at least before turning it in. Nothing is worse than reading a “Why Purdue” essay and it mentions Emory University. Tip 2: Don’t mention the location, weather, size, or reputation. This is a trap that many of my students fall into, and it doesn’t tell the admission officers a compelling reason why they should admit you over another student. The admission officers are tired of reading this type of essay. However, if you can come up with a compelling reason why the location is important to you. For example, if you want to s