How to Write a “Why This Major” Essay: Your Guide [+10 Examples]

Most college applications ask you to describe why you want to pursue a specific major at that particular school. This is known as the “Why This Major” essay.

Let’s break down how to ace this essay and write it step-by-step, along with 10 essay examples to inspire you.

4 Tips on Writing a Compelling “Why This Major” Essay

What makes for a great “why this major” essay? Here are four tips on acing this part of your application.

1. Stay true to yourself

Don’t approach this essay focusing on what you think admissions officers want to read. Instead, do some soul-searching and answer truthfully why you want to pursue this or that major. Strive to be specific, too, and focus on your aspirations instead of writing generic, cliché statements.

2. Think back to your experience with the discipline

To make your essay truly authentic, describe how your interest in the discipline has emerged and evolved over time. But don’t get frustrated if your interest isn’t a life-long passion: even if you got interested in the field not so long ago, there still must be a story to be told. Think about how you’ve already dabbled in the field – and then describe it.

3. Ponder the future

What will you do with this major once you graduate? Do some more self-reflection to imagine how this major will fit in with your aspirations and life goals at large. Your essay should reflect how you expect this major to impact your future.

4. Consider the school’s key value proposition

The best “why this major” essays also highlight what makes a school stand out among others for you. In other words, why would this school be the best choice for you, considering your interests and aspirations? If you can answer this question without devolving into clichés, work the answer into your essay.

A Word on “Why Major” Essay Requirements

Every school has a specific prompt and guidelines for writing the “why this major” essay. So, while we strive to share time-tested tips on acing this type of essay, you should concentrate on meeting the school’s requirements in terms of the length and content.

That said, a typical “why this major” essay is around 250 to 300 words and focuses on your interest in the field of knowledge. Some schools ask you outright to describe what opportunities this particular school can give you in the field after graduation (case in point: Georgia Tech). Others, like UT Austin, prefer to discover how your interest in the field has developed.

So, follow the prompt above all else, and pay attention to the themes mentioned in it. Those can include:

• What your experience with the field is
• How your interest in it developed over time
• How you’re planning to use this major after you graduate
• Why you’re applying to this specific school, and which of its opportunities do you find the most appealing

You may also be advised to address your first and second major choices within the essay.

While we’ll give you a general structure for this type of essay below, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. If your prompt focuses on your history with the field of knowledge, you should focus on that in your answer, too.

Your Step-by-Step Guide for Writing a “Why This Major” Essay

A “why this major” essay typically consists of three key parts:

• Why you’re passionate about the field of knowledge
• What you want to do with the major after you graduate
• Why this school is the ideal place for you to major in this field

To write a knockout essay for a “why this major” prompt:

1. Read the prompt multiple times and identify its key areas of focus
2. Reflect on your future aspirations and how this major fits into them
3. Reflect on your past experiences with the field
4. Do your research on the school to find those specific opportunities it offers you
5. Brainstorm key essay ideas and note them down in a list or a mind map
6. Select the best ideas and choose your thesis statement
7. Write the first draft (check out our guide on essay tone to get it right on the first go)
8. Proofread, edit, and refine your draft

10 “Why This Major” Essay Examples to Inspire You

1. USC: Legal Studies Major

Prompt: Describe how you plan to pursue your academic interests and why you want to explore them at USC specifically.

At USC, I am planning to pursue my interest in law and policy by working toward a major in Legal Studies. This major will enable me to build a strong foundation in law, public policy, and the justice system that I will need to become a public defender.

My ultimate career goal is to protect every citizen’s Sixth Amendment right. I believe USC’s interdisciplinary approach will also prepare me to advocate effectively for underserved communities.

What draws me most to USC is its access to real-world experiences. Opportunities for internships at the Los Angeles Superior Court or public interest law organizations will allow me to apply and refine classroom knowledge while gaining insight into the realities of criminal defense. USC’s commitment to research, embodied by the Gould School of Law programs, will help me examine systemic inequities and propose reforms grounded in data and policy analysis.

I am especially excited to learn from USC’s distinguished faculty, whose experience in criminal law, civil rights, and public interest litigation would be invaluable for preparing me for a career in public defense. Their mentorship will be invaluable as I develop my voice and vision as a future legal advocate.

In addition to all of that, USC’s collaborative and forward-thinking environment is the ideal place for me to make connections with like-minded peers. That’s why I trust the USC to prepare me for a meaningful legal career focused on justice, equity, and service.

Why it works

This “why this major” essay successfully addresses both parts of the prompt: why the author wants to pursue a major in Legal Studies and why they want to do it at USC in particular.

The second part of the response is especially interesting: it combines concrete examples of the opportunities USC provides with the reasons why the author is excited about them in connection with their career goals. It clearly shows that the author gave enough consideration to the school’s opportunities and chose USC with those in mind.

The enthusiastic response about USC’s opportunities, together with a clear statement of the author’s career goals, paints a solid picture of an applicant enthusiastic about the selected major. It also shows that they have clear goals and plans for using that major for the benefit of society, which also helps their case.

2. MIT: Mechanical Engineering

Prompt: What field of study appeals to you the most right now? (Note: Applicants select from a drop-down list.) Tell us more about why this field of study at MIT appeals to you.

I’ve always been captivated by how things move, how systems come together, and how a simple idea can be transformed into a functioning machine. That’s why Mechanical Engineering drew me in: it’s a perfect combination of creativity, logic, and hands-on problem-solving. Tinkering with machines allows me to bring ideas to life, and I find it incredibly rewarding, especially when I see a design go from a sketch to a fully functional system.

The reason I want to major in Mechanical Engineering at MIT specifically is the way MIT’s program blends theory with application. I’m especially excited by the emphasis on design and innovation, as seen in classes like 2.007 Design and Manufacturing, where students take their concepts through every stage, from CAD modeling to testing in real-world conditions. I’m also looking forward to working in the Biomimetic Robotics Lab or the d’Arbeloff Lab, as it would give me access to cutting-edge research in robotics, where I hope to focus my career.

After graduation, I want to build a career in building intelligent robotic systems that can navigate and interact with the physical world. Whether it’s developing autonomous robots for search and rescue or designing assistive technology for people with disabilities, I want to solve meaningful problems using machines. MIT’s collaborative environment and access to groundbreaking research make it the ideal place for me to learn, experiment, and grow.

MIT is more than a top-tier engineering school for me – it’s a place where people are encouraged to tinker, explore, and solve problems that matter. That mindset aligns perfectly with how I approach engineering, and I’m excited by the idea of working alongside others who are equally driven to build a better, smarter future through technology.

Why it works

In this essay, the author describes both how they view the field of mechanical engineering and why they find it rewarding. What’s more, they also describe how their choice ties in with their professional aspirations later on in life. This perfectly encapsulates why the author selected this particular major.

As a result, the essay provides a well-rounded response to MIT’s prompt, complete with specific examples of why they decided to apply to this specific school and not another one. It emphasizes the on-campus culture of MIT as one of the key reasons why the author is applying to MIT, all while describing why it’s crucial for pursuing their academic interests.

There’s also something to be said about the author’s mentioning of the kind of problems they want to solve using their major. This kind of forward-looking mindset is always a plus among applicants.

3. Princeton University: Philosophy

Prompt: What academic areas most pique your curiosity, and how do the programs offered at Princeton suit your particular interests?

Among all academic areas, philosophy captivates me because it challenges how we think, not just what we think. I’m drawn to its spirit of inquiry – its ability to question assumptions, sharpen reasoning, and uncover deeper meaning beneath everyday beliefs. I want to study philosophy to explore how ideas shape society and how ethics, epistemology, and ontology remain as relevant today as they were centuries ago.

I’m excited by the Department of Philosophy’s rigorous approach and its openness to interdisciplinary thought. Courses like Philosophy and the Modern Mind and Ethics and Public Policy would allow me to pursue my interest in connecting classical thought with today’s most urgent societal questions. I’m particularly curious about how philosophy can illuminate issues like technology’s role in human relationships, the ethics of power, and our evolving understanding of freedom and truth.

Princeton’s emphasis on close mentorship and independent research is also appealing to me. I hope to participate in the Humanities Sequence and later pursue a senior thesis that weaves philosophy with contemporary social commentary. As someone who hopes to become a teacher and author, I see this as the perfect environment to refine my voice and ideas.

Ultimately, I’m drawn to Princeton because it values both depth and breadth. Princeton encourages philosophical study not in isolation but in conversation with the sciences, the arts, and public life. That’s what makes it the ideal place for me to think deeply, write meaningfully, and prepare to contribute to public discourse in a thoughtful, principled way.

Why it works

In this essay, the author draws a comprehensive picture of why they’re interested in pursuing a Philosophy major, all while describing how they want to use their major in the future. The author ticks off all the major checkboxes of a compelling, comprehensive response here.

What makes this essay particularly effective, though, is the way it addresses the second part of the prompt. The description of the key courses the author is interested in, along with the mentioning of the Humanities Sequence, proves that they did their research on educational opportunities available at Princeton.

Overall, the essay doesn’t beat around the bush while providing a comprehensive overview of the topics the author is interested in. Combining those with concrete educational opportunities they want to leverage if they get accepted to Princeton is a winning strategy, too.

4. California Institute of Technology: Chemistry

Prompt: If you had to choose an area of interest or two today, what would you choose? Why did you choose your proposed area of interest? (Min: 100 / Max: 200 words)

If I had to choose an area of interest today, I would choose chemistry, with a focus on biochemistry. I’ve always been astonished by the way chemistry underpins the complex systems within the human body, from how enzymes catalyze reactions to how neurotransmitters affect thought and behavior. Chemistry feels like the perfect bridge between the physical sciences and life itself, and I’m especially intrigued by the role it plays in the brain.

I chose this major because I want to pursue a career in biochemical research, particularly in neurochemistry. I aspire to explore how chemical interactions influence cognitive function, memory, and mental health. Understanding the chemical basis of neurological processes could lead to breakthroughs in treating brain-related disorders, and I want to be part of that progress.

Caltech’s emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and hands-on research makes it an ideal place for me to dive deep into both chemistry and neuroscience. The opportunity to work alongside pioneering researchers and explore real-world problems from multiple scientific angles is exactly what I’m looking for in a college experience.

Why it works

In this essay, the author sticks to specifics, especially in the second and third paragraphs. They don’t just describe why they’re interested as a whole but also the specific subfield they want to study, i.e., biochemistry. They also specify why they want to delve into biochemistry: to do research that may help treat brain-related disorders.

This essay shows that the author has a clear idea of how they want to apply themselves during their time at Caltech. At the same time, it communicates why they’re passionate about the discipline as a whole, which is also a plus since they won’t be studying exclusively organic chemistry during their stay at Caltech.

On top of all of that, the author also links their aspirations and academic interests with Caltech’s on-campus culture. It doesn’t feel like out-of-place pandering since they focus on why this culture would help them pursue their academic goals.

5. University of Pennsylvania: Urban Studies

Prompt: What are you curious about, and how would you take advantage of opportunities in the arts and sciences? (150-200 words)

I’m particularly curious about how cities evolve and how their design, infrastructure, and policies shape the lives of the people who live in them. And as the world becomes increasingly urbanized, I’m especially curious about how we can adapt cities to meet the challenges of climate change.

That’s why I plan to major in Urban Studies at Penn’s College of Arts and Sciences. This major will enable me to explore how historical patterns, environmental science, public policy, and community engagement intersect in the urban landscape.

Penn’s flexible curriculum would allow me to take courses across disciplines – like environmental studies, sociology, and political science – while grounding my work in the core principles of urban planning. I’m excited by the opportunities represented by the Penn Institute for Urban Research and community-based projects that connect academic learning with real-world impact. I hope to engage in research and internships that address issues like green infrastructure, affordable housing, and climate adaptation.

By combining theory with hands-on experience, Penn would give me the tools to become a thoughtful, solutions-driven leader in sustainable urban development. With them, I’ll be able to become someone who not only studies cities but also helps shape their future.

Why it works

The author of the essay doesn’t beat around the bush and directly responds to the central question stated in the prompt. They also use the same terms as in the prompt: they talk about being curious in particular.

The author also dedicates a significant part of the response to answering the second part of the prompt. It’s not mentioned in passing; it has equal weight with the first part of the response, as it should be.

The “why this school” portion is the strongest part of this response. It demonstrates that the author gave some thought to their future at Penn: they mention specific courses and the Penn Institute for Urban Research, for example. They also state what kinds of opportunities they want to pursue, like the ones related to affordable housing.

6. UT Austin: Finance

Prompt: Why are you interested in the major you indicated as your first-choice major?

I’m interested in majoring in Finance because I’ve always been drawn to numbers and the way they tell a story about how systems function. Finance, to me, is where mathematics meets real-world decision-making. It’s about understanding value, risk, and strategy on both a personal and global scale. I’m particularly fascinated by how international markets and global trade impact national economies, and I want to study the forces behind financial shifts, policy changes, and market behavior.

What piques my interest the most about Finance is its dynamic nature. Whether it’s analyzing the effects of a trade agreement or understanding how investment flows influence development, Finance offers a framework for making sense of an interconnected world. I want to learn how to break down complex economic interactions and use financial data to help businesses and governments make smarter, more sustainable choices.

I chose UT Austin’s McCombs School of Business for its rigorous curriculum and emphasis on global business education. Courses like International Trade and Global Financial Strategies, along with resources like the Center for Global Business, are exactly what I’m looking for. I’m also eager to gain hands-on experience through programs like the Financial Analyst Program and study abroad opportunities.

Ultimately, I want to use my skills to work in international finance or economic policy, helping to shape systems that promote stability and growth. Majoring in Finance at UT Austin is the first step in turning that vision into a reality.

Why it works

This response is written without embellished language or abstract definitions. It reads as an authentic answer from an enthusiastic young person who was asked why they chose Finance as their major. Just take the “to me” in the first paragraph or the straightforward use of “I want to learn” in the second one as examples here.

Besides describing the main draw of the discipline, the author also specifies the key aspect of finance that they’re interested in: global trade. This gives the essay an extra flare of authenticity.

On top of that, the author links their particular interest in the global trade domain with the opportunities offered by UT Austin. This communicates to the admissions officer that the applicant took their time to consider their school and assess its pros and cons – so, they’re eager to get into UT Austin specifically.

7. Cornell University: Public Policy

Prompt: Why are you drawn to studying public policy? Drawing on your experiences, tell us about why you are interested in your chosen major and how attending the Brooks School will help you achieve your life goals.

I believe public policy is one of the most powerful tools for creating a more just and equitable society. Growing up, I saw firsthand how unequal access to quality education, healthcare, and housing shaped the lives of people in my community. These disparities weren’t random – they were the result of decisions made at the policy level. I want to be part of changing that.

I’m painfully aware of how policy can either reinforce systemic inequalities or become a force for progress. That’s why I want to learn how to craft and advocate for policies that protect the interests of underserved communities, whether that means reforming the criminal justice system, expanding access to affordable housing, or improving the quality of public education. My goal is to become a policy analyst or advisor who works at the intersection of research and advocacy, helping leaders make informed decisions.

The Brooks School of Public Policy is the ideal place for me to pursue this vision. I’m excited about the school’s interdisciplinary approach, which would allow me to take courses in economics, sociology, and political science while developing practical skills in policy analysis and leadership. I’m especially interested in Brooks School’s focus on equity and evidence-based policymaking, which aligns perfectly with my goals.

Being part of a community that values service, scholarship, and social impact will challenge and inspire me to grow. I want to learn from professors whose research is shaping real-world policy and collaborate with peers who share my passion for equity. At Cornell, I know I’ll gain not only the academic foundation but also the support and inspiration I need to drive lasting change.

Why it works

The author starts the essay by describing their life goal – mitigating inequalities with sound policymaking – and every subsequent paragraph ties into that thesis statement. That makes the whole essay read like a comprehensive, smoothly flowing narrative that doesn’t let you forget the key message behind it.

The introduction is especially strong: it gets straight to the point, without any fluff or filler phrases. The first paragraph also has a callback to the author’s childhood and community. The reminder of these challenges, which should be described in more detail in other personal essays and short answers, enables the admission officer to see the person behind the test scores.

Overall, the essay feels passionate and personal, written by a determined young person looking to make a lasting change through their career. At the same time, it covers every question laid out in the prompt, including why they chose Cornell.

8. Brown University: Psychology

Prompt: Brown’s Open Curriculum allows students to explore broadly while also diving deeply into their academic pursuits. Tell us about any academic interests that excite you and how you might pursue them at Brown. (200-250 words)

I’m captivated by the intricacies of the human mind: how thoughts, emotions, and behavior are shaped by both biology and experience. This curiosity has led me to pursue a major in Psychology: I want to explore the underlying mechanisms of cognition, personality, and mental health. I aspire to understand not only how the mind works but also how psychological research can be applied to improve lives, particularly in the areas of mental health care and education.

Brown University is the perfect environment for me to explore psychology in an interdisciplinary way. I’m excited by the flexibility to pair my core studies with courses in neuroscience, sociology, and even philosophy, all of which offer unique insights into human behavior. I’m particularly interested in the research opportunities within the Department of Cognitive, Linguistic and Psychological Sciences, where I hope to get involved in lab work related to emotional development and social cognition.

At Brown, I can dive deeply into psychology while also exploring other fields that enrich my understanding of the mind. I believe this freedom to create my own path will allow me to think more critically, ask better questions, and make meaningful connections across disciplines. It’s not just about mastering a subject for me. It’s about learning how to approach problems from multiple angles, and that’s what excites me the most about studying at Brown.

Why it works

This essay provides an overview of all the subfields of psychology the author is interested in, underscoring that they want to approach the field with an interdisciplinary approach in mind. They list several other fields that they could study within Brown’s walls to enrich their understanding of psychology.

This falls in line with one of Brown University’s core values, as stated in the prompt itself: broad exploration combined with deep dives into specific fields. The author demonstrates how they would leverage this opportunity to do both – and how it would enrich their knowledge and expertise in psychology.

On top of that, this essay also mentions academic opportunities offered by this school – namely, the research opportunities. But the author doesn’t leave it at that: they also describe a couple of topics they would be interested in studying if they manage to leverage those opportunities.

9. Georgia Tech: Civil Engineering

Prompt: Why do you want to study your chosen major, and why do you want to study that major at Georgia Tech?

I am passionate about pursuing a major in Civil Engineering because it offers the opportunity to directly impact the infrastructure and systems that shape our world.

When I was a kid, I was amazed by how roads, bridges, and buildings come together to create functional and sustainable spaces. Over time, my focus shifted toward how civil engineering can address some of the most pressing challenges of our time, especially in the realm of sustainability and adaptation to climate change.

The transition to a more sustainable future requires innovative solutions in transportation, energy, and urban planning, and I want to contribute to that change. The Civil Engineering major offers the perfect platform to work on projects that promote sustainability, whether through renewable energy infrastructure, eco-friendly building designs, or sustainable water management systems.

Georgia Tech is the ideal place to pursue this major because of its reputation for combining cutting-edge research with practical application. The School of Civil and Environmental Engineering’s focus on sustainability, particularly through initiatives like the Sustainable Infrastructure and Smart Cities programs, aligns perfectly with my aspirations. Additionally, Georgia Tech’s strong emphasis on hands-on learning, including co-op opportunities and research projects, will provide invaluable experience as I work to design and implement solutions for the future.

Ultimately, Georgia Tech’s innovative environment and commitment to addressing global challenges make it the perfect place for me to gain the skills and knowledge I need to contribute to sustainable civil engineering projects and create a lasting, positive impact on the world.

Why it works

This essay demonstrates that the author has a clear idea of how they want to use their major once they graduate. They state clearly that they want to contribute to sustainable development by innovating in civil engineering. That automatically makes them stand out among other applicants who may simply describe how interested they are in it.

This kind of forward-looking focus communicates to the admission officer that this person knows how to use this major if they get accepted.

On top of that, the author answers the second part of the prompt (“Why Georgia Tech?”) in detail, as well. The two last paragraphs mention specific academic opportunities that align with the author’s career aspirations, further drilling down where their interests lie. On top of that, they address the school’s core values – commitment to innovation and focus on hands-on learning – and underscore why they matter to the author.

10. Columbia University: Sociology

Prompt: What attracts you to your preferred areas of study at Columbia College or Columbia Engineering? (150 words or fewer)

I am drawn to Sociology because it offers a deep understanding of how societies evolve, how social systems influence individual behavior, and how these changes shape the broader world. I am particularly interested in studying how social dynamics, power structures, and inequalities affect policymaking and societal development. I want to explore the complex relationships between different social groups, institutions, and political structures to understand the forces driving social change.

Columbia College’s Sociology program is particularly appealing because of its interdisciplinary approach and its emphasis on both qualitative and quantitative analysis. The opportunity to work with world-renowned professors and engage in research projects that may inform social policy will provide me with the tools to apply sociological insights to real-world issues. Columbia’s location in New York City, a diverse and dynamic metropolis, also offers a unique backdrop for studying the complexities of urban society and policymaking.

Why it works

Considering a more limiting word count restriction compared to most other prompts, this response manages to break down the key points succinctly despite being allowed to use only up to 150 words. The author describes clearly why studying sociology appeals to them and specifies how they’re planning to apply the theoretical knowledge to real-world issues – namely, policymaking and social change.

The essay is also well-structured: the first paragraph details why the author is attracted to the specific area of study, while the second one describes why they chose Columbia University to pursue it. That said, the second paragraph didn’t necessarily have to focus on Columbia-specific educational opportunities since the prompt didn’t specify that question. 

What If You’re Undecided?

If you’re not ready to throw your hat in with a specific major yet, it’s not the end of the world. After all, you must have some interests, both academically and outside of the classroom.

So, reflect on those interests. Then, list a couple of majors you’re considering and be upfront about not having made a decision yet. You can also describe why this school would be a good place to help you make a choice.

In Closing

If you’re overwhelmed by the prospect of writing a “why this major” essay, start by researching your shortlisted schools and majors. Read the prompts carefully and answer them as you would if you were talking to an admissions officer.

Of course, “why this major” essays aren’t the only ones you’ll need to deal with when putting together your college application. Check out our guide on the college essay format to bring yourself up to speed on structure and style conventions, among others.