Syracuse University is a private research university in… well, Syracuse, NY. Syracuse’s acceptance rate data swings from 45% to 69% (nice), so we’re not entirely sure since they don’t publish the data themselves and don’t submit a Common Data Set. Syracuse is medium-sized, with about 15,000 undergrads, and is known for their journalism, communications, education, and architecture programs.

Their supplement remains unchanged from last year, but we dove in to give you a few new ideas on how to tackle the classic Why Syracuse essay.

Please be sure to respond to both parts of the following question:

Why are you interested in Syracuse University and how do you see yourself contributing to a diverse, inclusive, accessible and respectful campus?* (250) 

Syracuse is jumping in with a “Why” essay with a twist! This question not only lets you know that they want to hear what your values are, but also that a “diverse, inclusive, accessible, and respectful campus” is a big deal for them.

Start by picking a major, and then tell your origin story. It’s okay if you’re undecided, but for the sake of your essays and application, pick a major. They’re not going to force you to get a degree in it if you hate it. If you’re applying for Journalism, tell a story about how you came to fall in love with journalism, or what sparked your interest. Maybe you met someone, or heard a speech, or worked at the school paper. Doesn’t matter what it is, but get specific. At the end of the story, declare your major.

Next, pick one or two upper-level classes that fit into a smaller interest area you have within your major. It’s important to pick something upper-level – anyone can take intro to journalism at almost any school. You need to prove to Syracuse that their journalism program is the only one that will help you achieve your goals. If your niche is sports reporting, maybe you want to take classes like MND 454 - Sports Writing Across Platforms or BDJ 356 - Radio Sportscasting. Talk about how these classes will help you further your knowledge or set you up for your career. You also should identify a professor that you want to work with, especially if they have research or a lab or fieldwork in your selected program and niche.

Choose an that also fit into your whole pre-existing thing. Don’t pick something totally random, instead try to build off of what you already are doing. If you’re on the student paper now, try talking about an on campus publication at Syracuse.

Okay, so now you have the meat of your essay, and now you need to answer the second part: how are you contributing to a ? This needs to be sincere and not cheesy, and the best way to do that is through storytelling. You have limited space, so think of one example that fits into this, like maybe you’re president of GSA, or you have a diverse friend group, or fight for accessibility at school.

This is a short supplement, so don’t add too much fluff and flowery language. You need to get in, make your points, and get out. Your first draft will probably be long, so identify what needs to stay and shape it down. Have friends and family edit for you if possible, and you’ll be ready to go. Good luck!

If you need help with your Syracuse application, or any of your other essays, reach out to us today.