Undergraduate / "I am always misunderstood" - Northwestern Essay [5]

I think you should try and mention more than one quality of the university to show that you really researched on it. Be more specific in your essay. Mention departments, majors, programs, and extracurriculars that you hope to be a part of, and how they reflect your interests and the qualities of the school.

I don't think you answer the second part of the question about how you will take advantage of these qualities. However this can be addressed if you just add more specific details about the school.

Also, if this essay has a 250 word limit or something, then you shouldn't waste so much space on the anecdote you start with, as it does not address the question. You could just take out the first two sentences and start with "While my friends believe that..."

Undergraduate / "the nation's leading research university" - Boston University (BU)--Supplement [5]

I can imagine that it is hard to fully convey what you want in such a limited space. But honestly, I think your essay barely answers the question. The third and fourth sentences list generic descriptors that could illustrate almost any school, and don't relate to the question.

After mentioning that you studied the website, you should describe specific programs or majors that you are interested in. Remember, you want to write a unique essay that no other student could have written.