This is a college essay of how to answer the question, “Why Northwestern?”. Hopefully from reading this essay, you will be able to gain a better idea of what Northwestern is looking for. As you read this Why Northwestern college essay example, think about what you know about the school that really makes it resonate with you. In this student’s case, it was the Cognitive Science and Psychology department.

During my career at Walter Payton College Preparatory, Northwestern University has been the school I have wanted to attend.

Upon entering Walter Payton College Prep, I became very involved with music at St. Eugene Church, which is my family parish.  Dr. James Bergman, who received his doctorate from Northwestern, was my music instructor. He highly suggested that Northwestern become one of my serious considerations for post-secondary education.

Although I will enter my first year of Post-secondary education, no other schools reached the caliber of Northwestern. In my opinion, my ideal university must match all the qualities that I want in a university such as programs (areas of study), recommendations of people who have experienced Northwestern, and prestige. Thus far, I have spent countless hours thinking about what my ideal university should be, and Northwestern has satisfied all my criteria.

The magnitude of Northwestern is easily seen through its many schools. The school I wish to attend is the Weinberg School of Arts and Sciences. Even though I have a strong passion for music now, my brain and heart are directing me to become a doctor. I hope to double major from Weinberg in Cognitive Science and Psychology. A minor in music theory or in music education from the Bienen School of music is an additional aspiration.

The fact that Northwestern does not specifically have pre-med majors is appealing. It is comforting to know that I will not need to remain in the pre-med major if later I select another field of study. Other areas of study offered at Northwestern have further influenced my decision to attend.

Faculty as well as alumni from Walter Payton College Prep can not begin to express how great the Northwestern experience was for them. My drama teacher, Ms. Kerry Catlin was a Drama major from Northwestern. Ms. Catlin is very proud of the fact that she attended Northwestern. She is very encouraging. As stated previously, the music director from St. Eugene Parish in Chicago has been the main driving force and my inspiration to attend Northwestern. Narissa Diaz an alumna of Walter Payton is currently a freshman at Northwestern. She continuously tells me how great her experience is. I have received further encouragement from Narissa.

The name Northwestern University is synonymous with prestige. To me the name and prestige of a school is very important.

During a campus visit, the beauty and grandeur of Northwestern affected me. Additionally, the atmosphere produced by the students and faculty members I encountered was friendly.

An important point that attracts me to Northwestern is that the institution is committed to paying 100% of tuition for need based students. Since I was a freshman, I have always been looking for different scholarships and financial aid opportunities that would enable me to pay for the great educational opportunity that is Northwestern.

I recently learned from Western Golf Association that I am a recipient of the Evans Scholarship to Northwestern. I could not be more ecstatic because now I can afford to attend Northwestern. I will only have to pay for the books and supplies needed.

At the completion of the preparation of this essay, I further convinced myself that Northwestern is the school for me. From the education and prestige to the recommendations and location, Northwestern is my ideal school. Coming from a single-parent home, financial obligations are hard to meet, and after receiving the Chick Evans Caddy Scholarship I could not ask for any more of a blessing.

After reading this essay I hope you will see that Northwestern University is my dream school. I would appreciate the opportunity to be part of the class of 2013.

Check out our first example of how to answer Why Northwestern here.

We also have another example for Why NU here.

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