What’s a ‘Why X University’ essay, if not an opportunity for you to declare your all-consuming love for a given school? Now, the trick is to not be “hide a ring in the cake” cheesy while you do that. Be a bit old-fashioned instead!

You’re writing a love letter, what does your subject want you to say? They want you to talk about all the things you admire about them. And while occasional references to physical features are well received, you don’t want to limit yourself to the green lawns and the mighty corridors. You need something more, something that reflects your appreciation from a human and personal standpoint. How do you do that?

Each university, like a significant other, has a set of core values and ideals that are specific to them. Through your activities, you must showcase how you relate to these ideals and practice them on an everyday basis. Once you’ve established trust at this fundamental level, the next step is to clarify how this relationship can be mutually beneficial.