I will fit right into Mudd's tightly knit community

What influenced you to apply to Harvey Mudd College? What about the HMC curriculum and community appeals to you? (500 word limit)

Harvey Mudd College has many qualities of a great school. After perusing the website for a while, I discovered that Harvey Mudd was a relatively small school, which allows students to get to know each other well. Because I grew up in a small town that many people have never heard of, let alone know how to pronounce, I believe that I will fit right into Mudd's tightly knit community. With a small student body to faculty ratio of nine to one, students can learn to work collaboratively and receive individual attention from each professor. Having a close relationship with my professors and teachers is an important factor for me. I also noticed that Harvey Mudd College relied on the Honor Code system, which makes for a unique atmosphere of trust within the community. I value the Honor Code with high regard, partially because I attended a Christian based school for two years. They taught me the values of honesty and integrity in everyday life. As one of the nation's top liberal arts college of engineering, science and mathematics, Harvey Mudd appears to be the perfect college for students like myself who enjoy mathematics, the sciences and technology. Talk about how you have always had an interest in this.

Let me know what you think

*Bump*

I would really like some help with this... Any suggestions on how to make it better?

This is a boring, plain way to start. If you feel inspired, grab the reader's attention with something strange or intriguing... something unexpected.

Perusing is a word that suggests casualness, not seriousness... maybe you want to say "studying the website..."

This is good if you are trying to prove that you know a little about the school, but the impressive way to do it is to show how you have a specific plan and that this school is perfect for your plan. It is great if you admire a particular professor or want to get involved with a particular student organization. It is great if the school philosophy is a perfect match for your personal philosophy. The important thing is to explain not only about the school but also about your specific plan.

Don't tell them about the small size of the school, or anything else they obviously know.

I see a little note to yourself at the end there, ha ha, don't forget to delete that...