Colleges with a “Why Major?” Supplemental Essay
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Colleges with a “Why Major?” Supplemental Essay

Many colleges and universities require applicants to submit a “Why Major?” supplemental essay as part of their application package. This essay gives you an opportunity to explain why you are interested in your chosen major and how it aligns with your goals and aspirations.

Why is Gwinnett Tech a Good School for Radiology?

Writing a strong “Why Major?” essay is crucial for demonstrating your passion for your field of study and making a compelling case for your admission. Here are some tips for writing an effective essay:

1. Research Your Major

Before you start writing, take some time to research your major and the specific program you are applying to. This will help you understand the coursework, faculty, and career opportunities associated with your major.

2. Identify Your Interests and Goals

Reflect on your interests, passions, and career goals. What drives you to pursue your chosen major? How does it align with your values and ambitions?

colleges with a why major supplemental essay

3. Be Specific and Provide Examples

Avoid generalizations and vague statements. Instead, provide specific examples of your academic, extracurricular, or work experience that demonstrate your interest in your major. Use these examples to showcase your skills, knowledge, and enthusiasm for the subject.

4. Explain How Your Major Will Help You Achieve Your Goals

Connect your major to your future aspirations. Explain how the knowledge and skills you will gain from your major will help you achieve your career and personal goals.

5. Be Unique and Personal

Your “Why Major?” essay should be unique to you and reflect your voice and perspective. Avoid using boilerplate language or repeating what is already stated in your application.

Colleges with a "Why Major?" Supplemental Essay

6. Proofread Carefully

Before submitting your essay, proofread it carefully for any errors in grammar, spelling, or style. Ask a teacher, counselor, or friend to review your essay and provide feedback.

Top Colleges with “Why Major?” Supplemental Essays

Table 1: Tier 1 Research Universities

University Major
Harvard University All majors
Stanford University All majors
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) All majors
University of California, Berkeley Select majors
University of Pennsylvania Select majors

Table 2: Tier 2 Research Universities

University Major
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Select majors
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Select majors
University of Texas at Austin Select majors
University of Wisconsin-Madison Select majors
University of Washington Select majors

Table 3: Liberal Arts Colleges

College Major
Amherst College All majors
Williams College All majors
Swarthmore College All majors
Middlebury College Select majors
Haverford College Select majors

Table 4: Specialized Institutions

Institution Major
Juilliard School Music
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Art and design
California Institute of Technology (Caltech) Science and engineering
Berklee College of Music Music
New York University (NYU) Tisch School of the Arts Film, television, and theater

Generating Creative Ideas for New Applications

  • Cross-pollinate ideas: Combine different fields of study to create new applications. For example, combining music and computer science could lead to the development of innovative music software.
  • Invert assumptions: Challenge accepted beliefs and explore alternative perspectives. For example, rethinking the concept of a car could lead to innovative transportation solutions.
  • Think like a child: Approach problems with a childlike curiosity and willingness to question everything. Children often have the most creative and unconventional ideas.
  • Collaborate with others: Bring together diverse perspectives and expertise to generate new ideas. Collaboration fosters a cross-fertilization of ideas and can spark innovative solutions.
  • Use technology as a tool: Leverage artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and other technologies to generate and refine ideas. AI can help you sift through vast amounts of data and identify patterns or insights that may not be obvious to the human eye.