The Why Statement Forum

[AaronCarter]

Conventional wisdom says to not write “Why Essays” for HYSCCN, Bc they aren’t necessary.

But

Assuming the essay is short (250-350), no grammatical/content errors, is it okay to submit? Specifically, will you be hurt for even including it?

[cavalier1138]

It won't hurt unless it's badly written or too long, but it's absolutely pointless.

[EnglishApplicant2017]

Wondering the same thing here. HYS I think for sure its worthless, and applicants are already doing additional essays for S and Y.

Is it definitely worthless to do them for Columbia and NYU? About to do these today!

[cavalier1138]

Is it definitely worthless to do them for Columbia and NYU?

Yes.

[rictheruler]

Is it definitely worthless to do them for Columbia and NYU?

Yes.

What are some good schools to do them for? Anywhere you're worried about YP? Targets outside of T6?

[cavalier1138]

Is it definitely worthless to do them for Columbia and NYU?

Yes.

What are some good schools to do them for? Anywhere you're worried about YP? Targets outside of T6?

Yes and yes. But as much as they're pumped up, they really aren't all that necessary when you aren't worried about YP. If it doesn't take you much time, then go for it. But your application will not live or die on a "Why [X]" statement.

[rictheruler]

Yes and yes. But as much as they're pumped up, they really aren't all that necessary when you aren't worried about YP. If it doesn't take you much time, then go for it. But your application will not live or die on a "Why [X]" statement.

That's good to know cause I'm having trouble figuring out what to write for these statements. For YP schools, outside of a few local schools that I would actually consider going to on scholarship, I'm basically writing why I want to go to a school that I don't really want to go to. Saying "I want scholarship negotiation power" doesn't seem like a very good reason. Any advice on this?