Occidental offers one optional short answer of up to 250 words for Fall 2027: why you are applying to Occidental and why it is the right place to pursue your interests.
Occidental describes it as a way to highlight why you and Oxy are a good match. Optional or not, it is your only Oxy-specific writing, so it is worth doing well.
Occidental's questions at a glance
| Question | Limit | Who answers it | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Why Occidental | 250 words | Optional | Why this college |
How to plan the Occidental supplement
- 1Research before writing: what Occidental offers for your specific interests.
- 2Answer both halves: why you are applying, and why it fits your interests.
Optional short answer statement (maximum 250 words).
1. Why Occidental
Occidental's wording · 250 words · Optional“Why are you applying to Occidental? Why do you think Occidental is the right place for you to pursue your interests?”
What it is really asking. Why you are applying to Occidental and why it is the right place for your interests.
How to approach it
- 1Name your interests first, through something you have done.
- 2Name specific Oxy opportunities that fit them; check them on its site.
- 3End on what you would do there.
Mistakes to avoid
- Los Angeles weather as a reason.
- Praise that fits any liberal arts college.
Full guide: How to Write the "Why Occidental" Essay
What our grader checks in your Occidental answers
Every answer is judged against a checklist for its kind of question plus one check written for Occidental's own wording. Each area comes back Met, Partly or Missing, and those verdicts (with the word limit) set the answer's readiness: Ready, Nearly there or Needs work. There is no score out of 100.
| Question | Occidental's own check |
|---|---|
| Why Occidental | Says why Occidental is the right place to pursue the applicant's interests, with specifics. |
The type checklists are on the supplemental essay grader page.
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