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.
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?
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.
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.
