Deep Dive: How to Answer the “Why This School?” Interview Question

Since many students have found our Ultimate Guide to College Interviews helpful, we’re diving deeper with a series on the most common interview questions. If you’re looking for general tips, feel free to check out our guide—but if you want to tackle specific questions, you’re in the right place.

One of the most common and deceptively tricky questions you’ll encounter is about why you’re interested in a particular school. At first, it might seem like you can simply repurpose your “Why Us?” essay, but an interview gives you a unique opportunity to go beyond your written application. You want to keep in mind that college interviews are a chance not only for schools to understand your personality, but also to get more information about you. Remember how frustrating it was to contain everything you wanted to say within the short allotted word count on your application? You don’t have that restriction here—take advantage of that. 

Admissions officers want to see that you’ve done your research and have a strong, genuine reason for applying. A vague answer like “It’s a great school” won’t cut it. Instead, you need to craft a compelling, personalized response that demonstrates fit, enthusiasm, and a clear connection between your goals and what the university offers.

Step 1: Research the School Thoroughly

Before your interview, immerse yourself in everything about the university: its academic programs, research opportunities, student organizations, campus culture, and even recent news. Look beyond the generic accolades and rankings—what makes this school the perfect place for you?

Here’s where to start:

• Department websites: Find courses, professors, and research opportunities that excite you.

• Student organizations: Identify clubs or extracurriculars that align with your passions.

• University news & faculty research: Read about recent breakthroughs or projects that interest you.

• Mission statement & values: Understand the school’s philosophy and how it connects with your own.

Step 2: Identify Your Unique Connection

Your response should go beyond surface-level praise. Instead, link the university’s offerings to your personal experiences, goals, and values.

Example 1: STEM Student Interested in AI

I’m excited about Carnegie Mellon’s Artificial Intelligence program because of its interdisciplinary approach. I’ve been developing an AI tool that improves accessibility for people with disabilities, and the chance to collaborate with faculty in the Human-Computer Interaction Institute would allow me to refine my project. The AI Alignment and Society initiative also resonates with me, as I’m passionate about ethical AI development.

Example 2: Humanities Student Interested in Journalism

As an aspiring journalist, I was drawn to Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism because of its emphasis on real-world experience. I’ve spent the past two years reporting for my local paper, covering underreported community stories. Medill’s Investigative Journalism program and the Global Journalism Residency align perfectly with my goal of using storytelling to drive social change.

Step 3: Demonstrate Enthusiasm and Fit

Colleges want students who will actively contribute to their community. Show them that you’re not just excited about what they offer—you’re eager to engage.

Example:

At Brown, I’m excited not just by the Open Curriculum but by the culture of intellectual curiosity it fosters. I love exploring connections between philosophy and computer science, and I can see myself contributing to the Brown Debating Union while also participating in hackathons at the Center for Computational Molecular Biology.

What to Avoid:

• Generic statements: “It’s a great school with amazing professors.”

• Over-reliance on prestige: “It’s a top-ranked university.”

• Vague or impersonal responses: “I just love the campus.”

Final Thoughts:

The best answers to “Why X University?” tell a story—one that connects your past experiences, present interests, and future goals with what the school uniquely offers. By grounding your response in specific details and demonstrating sincere enthusiasm, you’ll show the interviewer why you’re an excellent fit for their institution.