Applying to A Graduate School Program
Applying to A Graduate School Program
When applying to a graduate school program, most universities require applicants to submit a personal statement describing their educational history, career aspirations, and the intended focus of the graduate degree.
Writing a graduate school application essay can be a difficult task. Despite all that, the admissions process often requires applicants to present their educational and professional background concisely yet in a compelling way. As with any written assignment, the key to crafting a quality grad school application essay is to begin early and take the time necessary to write a clear and informative masterpiece.
Research on the School and Program
The first step to writing a successful application essay is to research the school and program to which you are applying. Use the school’s website, academic materials, and student blogs to understand your prospective program comprehensively. By learning more about the school, you may gain insight into the type of essay that will be most successful and create an essay that will appeal to the admissions board.
Write about the Motivation for Applying to That School
Once you are familiar with the school, begin drafting your essay. Focus on writing your essay in a clear and organized fashion, using a structure with an introduction, body, and conclusion. Use the introduction paragraph to give a brief overview of the motivations and goals driving your desire to pursue a graduate degree.
Describe Your Core Experiences and Qualifications
The body should communicate your core experiences, qualifications, and accomplishments that will add value to the program. Keep your tone professional and academic, reserving overly enthusiastic or casual expressive stylings. Finally, use your conclusion to express the professional goals that you hope to achieve by obtaining a graduate degree.
Have an Expert Read the Application Essay
Before submitting your essay, seek feedback from others. Request feedback from professors or mentors who can provide objective advice on the content and structure of the essay. Additionally, please have a friend or family member review the essay to ensure that it accurately reflects your experience and goals.
If possible, submit a rough draft of your essay to your prospective program for review. This can indicate what the admissions board is likely to be looking for in a quality application essay.
By following these steps, you can craft an application essay that will make an impression on the admissions board. Take your time and commit to creating an effective and persuasive essay that accurately depicts who you are and why you are a good fit for the school’s program.
The Bottom Line
This article provides an overview of applying to a graduate school program, including tips on preparing for the application process, what to expect during the admissions process, and how to make the most of your graduate school experience.