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The Why Statement

Posted: Mon Oct 02, 2017 5:57 pm
by 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?

Re: The Why Statement

Posted: Mon Oct 02, 2017 7:16 pm
by cavalier1138
It won't hurt unless it's badly written or too long, but it's absolutely pointless.

Re: The Why Statement

Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2017 4:57 am
by 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!

Re: The Why Statement

Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2017 5:42 am
by cavalier1138
EnglishApplicant2017 wrote:Is it definitely worthless to do them for Columbia and NYU?
Yes.

Re: The Why Statement

Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2017 8:20 pm
by rictheruler
cavalier1138 wrote:
EnglishApplicant2017 wrote: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?

Re: The Why Statement

Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2017 8:30 pm
by cavalier1138
rictheruler wrote:
cavalier1138 wrote:
EnglishApplicant2017 wrote: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.

Re: The Why Statement

Posted: Wed Oct 04, 2017 3:30 am
by rictheruler
cavalier1138 wrote: 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?