| University admission officers may read literally | | | | your needs and goals - and theirs. Discuss the |
| thousands of application essays each semester. Only | | | | university, the program, and what attracts you to it. |
| a small percentage of these make the cut, and you | | | | Demonstrate a knowledge of the program, the |
| want your application to be one of them. In order to | | | | course offerings and the university's reputation. |
| increase your chances of getting into the university | | | | Convince them that you would be an asset - both |
| of your dreams, your essay has to stand out from | | | | while attending and as an alumni. |
| the crowd and captivate the reader - from the very | | | | Throughout, be upbeat, convincing and persuasive. Be |
| beginning. That first paragraph has to grab their | | | | both positive and honest. It makes for a better |
| attention and make them want to read the rest of | | | | story. |
| your story. | | | | Once it's written, edit, edit, edit. Think of it as using |
| And what does your story, your essay, need to | | | | the sheet of paper (or computer screen) as a giant |
| say? You need to communicate your strengths and | | | | brain on which you can reorganize and rewrite to |
| why you are a good fit for the program you are | | | | your heart's content, until you get your essay to |
| applying for. Discuss your background, including your | | | | flow nicely from beginning to end. Read it, over and |
| education, the volunteer work you've done, the | | | | over again. Read it aloud, and read it to yourself. |
| leadership positions you've been in, the research | | | | Then, put it down for a week or so (meaning, too, |
| you've been involved in, and the work experience | | | | that you have to start this process well ahead of |
| you have. Discuss major challenges in your life and | | | | your due date to get a polished product). Read it |
| how you've met them, how you've managed them | | | | again after letting it rest. You'll see the flaws and the |
| and what you've learned from them. (Unusual | | | | places where it doesn't flow properly much more |
| obstacles can increase interest in your story.) | | | | easily with a fresh eye. |
| Demonstrate why you are unique, special, impressive. | | | | And, before you send it, double- and triple-check to |
| Explain what drives you to the program you're | | | | make sure that you've been meticulous in using |
| applying to and the field it's in. What sparked your | | | | proper punctuation and grammar, that you've |
| interest in it in the first place? What are your career | | | | answered all of the questions in the application, and |
| goals? What will you do with your degree, in the | | | | that you've thought through the answers. Doing so |
| short-term and the long-term? There can be more | | | | will make your essay easier to read and will |
| than one answer to this. Including volunteer work | | | | demonstrate your analytical and writing skills. Poorly |
| that you hope to do on the side can expand the | | | | written papers are hard to read, do not communicate |
| meaning of getting this degree to both you and the | | | | your message and give the impression that you don't |
| reader. Describe your vision for your future. | | | | care. |
| Demonstrate your enthusiasm and dedication to the | | | | Remember that the time and effort you spend on |
| field you've chosen. | | | | this is an investment in your future. |
| Explain why the program you are applying to fits | | | | |