Writing a bespoke and persuasive graduate school essay is no joke. Although, it could be challenging, graduate school of different universities and admissions experts offer hints.
Getting into a top graduate program is no easy feat. With applications often including standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, and a lengthy application form, the graduate school essay is a critical component that allows you to truly differentiate yourself. This essay is your chance to showcase your unique background, experiences, passions, and goals – and convince the admissions committee that you are the perfect fit for their program.
Statement of Purpose Vs Personal Statement
Generally, your graduate school requirements would include one or both of the statement of purpose and personal statement. Many often mixup these essays.
Personal statements gives a prospective student the opportunity to be introduced to the faculty. Admission committee would be interested in the background and personal experiences of the students and how they have shaped them. While the essay may be personal, it ends up at a compelling reason for applying for the graduate school and the programme.
Cliché and local vernacular will be inappropriate for a personal statement. Students are expected to take the reader on an emotional journey to show why they merit a place in the graduate school. Personal statement reveal that the pursuit of a graduate admission is part of the applicant’s long term goals.
On the other hand, statement of purpose focuses more on the proposed thesis if admitted. It can be sometimes called research statement or research proposal. To write this, identify a key research theme of the faculty/department. For most PhD applications, it would have been necessary to be in communication with a faculty member. A thorough understanding and review of a potential Principal Investigator PI would be the strength of the statement of purpose.
Both personal statement and statement of purpose overlap in few items. Also, some universities have unique templates so be sure to read through and follow suit.
Steps to Writing a Graduate School Essay
1. Reflect Deeply on Your “Why”
Before you start writing, take some time for self-reflection. What has led you to this point, and why are you pursuing graduate study? Think deeply about your motivations, your academic and professional interests, and your long-term goals. Understanding your “why” will help you communicate a clear, compelling, and authentic story throughout your essay.
For example, perhaps you’ve always been fascinated by the human mind and have spent years volunteering at a mental health clinic. This transformative experience may have inspired you to apply to clinical psychology programs, where you hope to develop new treatments to improve patients’ quality of life. Reflecting on this personal “why” will enable you to craft an essay that resonates with the reader.
2. Brainstorm Unique Topics and Angles
Once you’ve reflected on your background and aspirations, start brainstorming potential essay topics and angles. Admissions committees read thousands of essays, so you’ll want to find a way to make your story stand out. Consider highlighting a formative experience, an important intellectual interest, or a meaningful contribution you’ve made.
![Brainstorming ideas for a graduate school essay image
The key is to choose a topic that reveals something personal and meaningful about you. For instance, you could write about how your passion for sustainable energy led you to develop a solar-powered water purification system for your community. This unique angle would allow you to showcase your problem-solving skills, your commitment to making a difference, and your intellectual curiosity – all of which are highly valued in graduate programs.
3. Begin with a Captivating Introduction
Your essay’s opening lines are crucial – they need to grab the reader’s attention and make them want to keep reading. Consider starting with an anecdote, a vivid description, or a thought-provoking question. Avoid clichés and generic statements. Instead, aim to craft an introduction that is engaging, authentic, and sets the stage for the rest of your essay.
For example, you could begin your essay with a vivid description of a pivotal moment, such as: “As I stood in the middle of the rainforest, surrounded by the buzzing of insects and the vibrant green foliage, I knew my life would never be the same.” This type of opening would immediately immerse the reader in your story and pique their curiosity about what led you to that transformative experience.
4. Organize Your Essay with a Clear Structure
A strong graduate school essay has a clear arc, with an introduction, body, and conclusion. In the body, you’ll want to develop your key points and provide specific examples and anecdotes to support your assertions. Use smooth transitions to guide the reader through your essay. And in your conclusion, reflect back on the main themes you’ve explored and leave the reader with a lasting impression.![Diagram of essay structure][]
For instance, you could structure your essay by first introducing your passion for public health, then using specific examples from your internship at a local clinic to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and commitment to making a difference. In your conclusion, you could reflect on how this experience has solidified your desire to pursue a graduate degree in epidemiology, where you hope to contribute to the development of more effective disease prevention strategies.
5. Show Rather Than Tell
Rather than simply stating your qualities, experiences, and goals, use vivid details and examples to demonstrate them. Share specific stories that illustrate your intellectual vitality, your problem-solving skills, your ability to overcome challenges, or your commitment to your field. The more you can “show” the reader who you are, the more compelling and memorable your essay will be.
For example, instead of saying, “I am a natural leader,” you could describe a time when you spearheaded a team project, outlining the challenges you faced, the strategies you employed, and the ultimate success you achieved. This type of specific, narrative-driven example will be far more impactful than a generic statement.
6. Review, Rephrase and Refine
Once you’ve completed your first draft, be sure to review, edit, and refine your essay. Check for clarity, flow, grammar, and spelling errors. You may also want to have a friend, mentor, or writing tutor review your essay and provide feedback. Admissions committees will be looking for polished, well-written essays, so take the time to ensure your final product is your absolute best work.
Sample Essays as Guide
1. Accepted.com
2. Gograd.com
In Closing
Crafting a standout graduate school essay takes time and effort, but it’s a crucial step in the application process. By following these six steps – reflecting on your “why,” brainstorming unique topics, developing a captivating introduction, organizing with a clear structure, showing rather than telling, and polishing your final product – you can create an essay that will grab the admissions committee’s attention and make a lasting impression. Good luck!