sample graduate school essays

Using Sample Graduate School Essays as Guides when Applying to Schools with Graduate
Degree Options for Those Who Love Children

If you love kids, you have many career options to choose from.  One of these is FCS or Family and Child Studies.  Child Life specialization is one field you can choose if you wish to have a more specific career track.  When you graduate from a child-focused graduate program, your other career options include the following:

#  A child life specialist in many children’s hospitals
#  A teacher in various institutions
#  A research associate
#  A social worker in both publicly and privately funded organizations
#  An employee at the government health and human services

Your graduate school essay as a step toward a kid-oriented career

If you wish to join a kid-oriented graduate degree program, you would have to undergo the application process, which includes submitting an admissions essay.  As you take a peek at so many sample graduate school essays culled from libraries, websites, and even friends, you would discover that a properly done essay is one which does not pass itself off as a mini-biography.  While it is good to include one or two life experiences in the admission essay, the principal concentration has to be on one’s goals and objectives as a future child specialist or practitioner specializing in child studies.

Different schools differ in the structure and style required for an essay.  The graduate essay could be in reply to questions given by the program in the application papers, or you could just adhere to a directive on the field of particular study.

This statement allows you the chance to “market” yourself as you apply for a spot in a kid-focused graudate program.  The objective is to persuade the admissions committee that you would be a good addition to the school.  Relevant experiences acquired from your undergrad course would come into play.  This is where you can discuss your experiences such as working at a shelter for homeless kids or at an orphanage.  Your essay should be a tool for you to express your love for children without going overboard.  You can use sample graduate school essays as guides when writing your own.

Other essay writing tips

It is a good idea to put in your academic achievements and mention them in the essay vis-a-vis your education objectives.  Doing your own research regarding the school and the particular course you are applying to would prove to be helpful.  If there are inconsistencies in your records, the admission essay would be the perfect means for you to explain them in a constructive manner.  An example is if you had to quit studies for two years because you had to take care of a parent with a terminal illness.  You can
discuss this in your essay.  Please however, do not turn it into a sob story.  While admissions officers do have compassion, turning the essay into a dramatic elaboration of a personal tragedy is a bad idea.

Children-focused graduate programs are just like other graduate courses, in the sense that one would be required to submit his or her personal statement or admission essay.  Your love for children would make a good topic for your essay, especially if you have lots of experiences in working at children’s hospitals, child centers, orphanages, or other similar establishments.

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How Sample Graduate School Essays Prepare You for Your Application in Graduate School

It is a fact that an excellent graduate school essay would boost your chances of getting accepted in your school of choice, whether it be an Ivy League school such as Harvard or any high-quality learning institution.  The big question is: what exactly would a topnotch essay accomplish for you?

A strong essay would elevate your application from the multitudes of other candidates whose qualifications are about as solid as yours.  In cases wherein the admissions officers are having a hard time choosing between two equally good applications, the better admission essay might be the “deadlock breaker.”

A very good essay should have a theme, also called a “thesis statement”. This would be the central topic to which the essay would revolve around.  If the essay is compelling, original, and personal, this could only strengthen your chances of getting into your dream school.  A good essay should not have the following bad parts: elements that make the essay an angry narrative, too many attempts to make the readers laugh, or simply an essay that goes in circles.

Other tips for a more effective admission essay

#  Have the materials prepared.  Get copies of resume, transcripts, the application form, sample graduate school essays, etc.  Create a list of crucial data such as titles of jobs in the past, duties you did, and the names of former employers.  Using sample essays is very helpful, especially if you don’t have any idea on how to start writing your own.

#  Use “I” appropriately.  It is good to be a little creative in writing one’s admission essay, but this is not a piece of creative writing or fiction.  In creative writing, the use of first or second or third case all depends on the style or mood of the writer.  In the admissions essay however, using the first person is crucial, because this would enliven your writing.  A little warning though.  Beginning all sentences with “I” is overkill.

#  Do not be redundant.  If you have included certain information in the other application documents (transcript, resume, etc.), then you need not repeat those information on the admission essay.  Doing so would make your essay redundant.

#  Be conscious of your essay’s length.  How long should it be? If it is too short, the admissions board might think you didn’t put a lot of thought in it.  If it’s too long, they might get tired of reading it.  Admission essays must follow the given length range.  However, if yours is a two-paged essay and you feel that cutting it shorter would be detrimental to your chances of getting accepted, then let it be.

A strong admission essay must have a solid thesis statement.  To write a topnotch essay, the following are crucial things to consider: preparation involving the use of sample essays, properly using the first person, avoiding redundancy, and being conscious of the length.  While not a 100% guarantee on getting accepted, an exceptional admission essay would most surely raise your chances of landing a spot at your preferred school.

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How Sample Graduate School Essays Can Help You Reach Your Dreams of Becoming a Successful Corporate Executive

Understanding how sample graduate school essays can help you reach your dreams of becoming a successful corporate executive is very important.  If you’re intent on entering a graduate business course as part of your career goals, it all starts in the application process.  A significant part of the process is coming up with a winning essay.  A poorly written essay would can result into two things - being included in the waitlist or being rejected.  Here are some tips that would help you come up with a winning essay that can serve as a stepping stone to a graduate degree and a successful career as an executive.

Tip#1:  Sell yourself.

Your stories can spice up an admission essay, but the most crucial part of the essay should be about you as a prospective graduate school student and a future corporate executive.  Let us say that you gave a narration of your family’s practice of helping street children.  It may be touching, but it could make the essay fail if it doesn’t effective sell you.  If the essay does not mirror your overall personality, it won’t get the attention of the admissions panel.

Tip#2:  Focus on your strengths.

When writing your essay, focus on your strengths without sounding arrogant.  Also, avoid sounding too humble, since you would have to convince the panel that you deserve a spot at their school.  If you think the admissions officers would be impressed with your extreme humility, think again.  Remember, the admissions panel can see right through your essay, so be honest and truthful when discussing your strengths.

Tip#3:  Make it personal.

Also known as a personal statement, the admission essay should reflect who you are.Sharing anecdotes or issues that almost made you give up would create impressions on the admissions people.  Keep in mind though that you shouldn’t invent stories or anecdotes just to get the attention of the readers.  The essay is an important application document, and not a piece of creative fiction.

Tip#4:  Don’t name-drop.

A line that goes “I know this professor, he graduated from this very school, and I respect him deeply” would not impress the committee.  Name-dropping is a no-no when writing your essay.  Aside from sounding arrogant, unnecessary name dropping can make your essay look irrelevant.

Tip#5:  Discuss your weaknesses effectively.

If you plan to discuss your weaknesses or difficulties you encountered in your essay, discuss them effectively.  This means focusing on the lessons you’ve learned from such difficulties.  Never appeal for the admission panel’s pity because this will never get you that spot.  Also, make sure that when discussing difficulties and weaknesses in your essay, stick to the truth and don’t fabricate details.

Tip#6:  Discuss your goals.

Bear in mind that the admissions committee, based on your essay and other requirements, will assess if your qualities would make you a successful corporate executive in the future.  Thus, allow your admission graduate essay to reflect that you have most or all of the following: good communication skills, honesty, perseverance, maturity, creativity, and integrity.

When writing an essay, it’s important to be true to yourself and focus on your strengths and goals as a future corporate executive.  Writing a winning essay can be a challenging task, but with determination and good writing skills, you’ll be able to come up with something that’ll wow the readers.

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University of Virginia Graduate School (U.Va.)

The University of Virginia Graduate School is an educational institution where students are gifted with a view of the nearby Chesapeake Bay and Blueridge Mountains. The environment surely makes it easier for students to study and learn with much interest. U.Va. opened its doors to the first 25 students in March 1825 and has since been producing promising graduates from various programs. Offered in U.Va. are undergraduate courses as well as graduate programs including those under the arts and sciences, engineering, education, law and medicine. To learn more about offered programs, the school and the admissions, visit U.Va.’s official website.

Northeastern University Graduate Studies

The Northeastern University Graduate Studies prides of having a curriculum that enables students to receive education from renowned professors. Aside from instruction, students are able to gain exposure to the society and real-life scenarios while being required to interact with surrounding communities. While pursuing their undergraduate degrees in health sciences, engineering, the arts and professorial studies, students can use the university’s research facilities. Also, those who wish to pursue higher learning can apply to the university and take up courses under health sciences, criminal justice, engineering, business administration, etc. Read more about Northeastern University Graduate Studies and admission procedures in the official website.

Duke University Graduate School

The Duke University Graduate School is one of the most prestigious educational institutions in the United States and often finds a place in graduate school rankings. Duke University offers a curriculum that combines instruction from leading professionals and educators with hands-on training. The said curriculum is applied mostly on undergraduate and medical programs, although, students can apply to Duke University and take up graduate programs in education, the sciences, the arts, allied health services and engineering. Find out more about the university and its courses by visiting the official website.

North Carolina Central University (NCCU)

The North Carolina Central University is one of the historically black academic institutions in the United States. The university was founded in 1910 for black students, although, it how accommodates more than 9,000 students from various cultural backgrounds. What makes NCCU one of the most prestigious educational institutions in the country is the fact that NCCU’s curriculum combines both classroom instruction and hands-on training. Social and cultural exposure and knowledge are promoted in NCCU through undergraduate social interaction programs. Students who wish to pursue further studies can apply to NCCU and take up counseling, biology or other offered courses. Check out the NCCU official website to learn more on programs and application details.

Cornell University

Cornell University was built upon a government land grant and has been producing graduates with specializations in various areas of learning since 1865. Within five years of its founding, Cornell University became one of the first institutions to open its doors to intelligent and brilliant women. Today, even students from differing cultural backgrounds attend classes in Cornell University. What makes it one of the exceptional schools in the country is its partnerships with various universities in the world, including those in China, Qatar and the Philippines. Interested applicants can apply for any undergraduate, graduate or doctorate program through Cornell’s official website.

Portland State University (PSU)

Students who wish to learn further and improve in their professions can stay at Oregon where the prestigious Portland State University is located. It is a public urban academic institution founded during the 1940s and is known for a curriculum that enables students to receive expert classroom instruction and facilitated hands-on training. Through the activities hosted by PSU, students are exposed to the society around them and learn to interact and develop social skills. Among the areas of learning students can specialize in in PSU are urban public affairs, the arts and sciences, and business administration. Visit the official website of PSU to submit an online application form.

Purdue University

Purdue University was founded in 1869 and was built on one of the 1800 land grants of the United States government. Through the hefty monetary and land donations of the first Purdue Bachelor of Science degree holder, John Purdue, the university was able to grow, offering not just undergraduate courses but also graduate and doctorate degrees in more than 70 programs. Among the fields of learning students can pursue in Purdue University are the life sciences, aviation, the arts, and business administration. Check out the official website of the university to learn more on offered programs and the admissions.

Ohio State University

Ohio State University is located in Ohio and is a conducive institution for healthy social and academic development. The weather and environment in Ohio enables students to concentrate fully on their classes. Many of the courses offered in Ohio State University are related to agriculture considering the state is an agricultural hub. Graduates of the university, through the excellent instruction and training they received, are able to cultivate agricultural resources in the area, further boosting Ohio’s economy. Other than agricultural courses, undergraduate, graduate and doctorate applicants can pursue studies in the arts, education, biology, allied health services, and many others. Visit Ohio State’s official website to find out more on offered courses and application procedures.

Johns Hopkins University Graduate School (JHU)

Another option where students can pursue advanced studies is the Johns Hopkins University Graduate School. It has been accommodating students since 1876 when JHU opened as the first research-centered university in the United States. Located in Baltimore, JHU offers undergraduate, graduate and doctorate programs, particularly in engineering and other mechanical sciences that the university is famous for. If students wish to pursue studies outside engineering, however, students can enroll for a fine arts, public policy, or creative writing degrees. Check out the official website of JHU to learn more about the school, course offerings, and the admissions.

University of Maryland Graduate School

Those who wish to pursue advanced studies in the Old Line State can look to the University of Maryland Graduate School for a graduate or doctorate degree. The school has been open to students, particularly those in the collegiate level, since 1862 and provides quality education. Specializations offered in the University of Maryland Graduate School include engineering, journalism, languages, foreign studies and education. Students who also want to specialize in agriculture can enroll for the Agricultural and Resource Economics (AREC) Program. In addition, those who want to enroll for undergraduate degrees can proceed to the admissions office or visit the university’s official website to complete an online application.

Alabama State University

Advanced studies can be pursued at one of the historically black institutions established in 1867, the Alabama State University. It was founded by nine former slaves for black students, although the university is now open to anyone, regardless of his or her cultural background. Alabama State University is located near the state’s sprawling farmlands, enabling students to avoid city noise and other distractions. Offered in the university are college-level courses as well as graduate programs and degrees. Areas of specialization in Alabama State University include the sciences, the arts, engineering and business management. Check out the university’s official website to learn about application procedures.

University of Minnesota Graduate School

The Gopher State offers a venue conducive to healthy academic and social development through the University of Minnesota Graduate School. Since 1851, the university has been accepting students who wish to pursue higher learning. It currently has two campuses, one in the Twin Cities and another in Duluth and offers graduate programs in the areas of biosciences, water resource science and biomedical informatics, toxicology, and computational biology. In addition, the university is known for its contributions in the medical industry—the stem cell transplantation and the manufactured beating heart. Submit an application to the University of Minnesota through its official website.

Roger Williams University (RWU)

If you are looking for a graduate school that is in an inspiring and idyllic location, Roger Williams University is the institution to look. It is in Bristol, Rhode Island and is close to the most happening places in New York, Boston and Providence. Upon enrollment to RWU, you can choose to take up full or part-time course loads. You can also select any of the graduate degrees offered in RWU including Construction Management, Architecture, and Criminal Justice with a joint degree in Teaching, Law, Forensic Psychology, and Public Administration. Visit the school’s official website to learn more on the admission process and course offerings.

Seattle University

If you prefer to pursue a master’s degree at a Jesuit graduate school, enroll at Seattle University. Teaching students and fostering research  make up the Jesuit foundation of instruction that is promoted at the university. Currently, 31 graduate degree programs are offered in the seven schools of Seattle U and many of such programs are in the School of Theology and Ministry and the College of Education. Apply to Seattle U for a full-time or part-time program by accomplishing an online application form at the school’s official website.

University of San Diego (USD)

If a Catholic university is to your liking, the University of San Diego is one of your choices. It is located in California, close to Mission Bay, and overlooks the Pacific Ocean. Truly, USD is an institution where you can enjoy studying. Offered in USD are graduate degrees under the five schools of education as well as under the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Business Administration, the Hahn School of Nursing and Health Services, the School of Leadership and Education Sciences, and the recent Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies. On top of the graduate degrees, a post-graduate law degree is offered in USD. Find out more about the school by visiting its official website.

Adams State College of Colorado

One of the top-ranking graduate schools found within an area suitable for studying is the Adams State College of Colorado. Students have a perfect view of the Rockies that enables them to enjoy learning more. Those interested to enroll at Adams State’s can take up graduate studies in the areas of Graduate Teacher Education, Art, Counselor Education, History, Government and Philosophy, and Human Performance and Physical Education. Full-time schedules are available, but, working students can also take part-time courses. Classes can be scheduled at night, on weekends, during summer, or even online. Visit the Adams State official website to learn more about the school and its offered programs.

Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University (AAMU)

An old historically black university that made its way into the graduate school rankings in the United States is the Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University. It opened its doors to black students in 1875 as a land grand from the Alabama State, but, today, accommodates students from any culture. Anyone who wants to apply to AAMU can specialize in two major trades apart from any of several graduate degree programs. Such programs can be pursued under fields of interests that include business administration and management, urban and regional planning, social work, agriculture, and computer science. Visit the official site of AAMU to know more about the admission procedure.

Adelphi University

Adelphi University was established prior to the Second World War years as an offshoot of a Brooklyn private prep school. What gained Adelphi recognition and prestige is the fact it offered excellent instruction and training in nursing. Proof of the effectiveness of Adelphi’s nursing program is the many Adelphi-educated nurses who took care of wounded soldiers in the battlefront. Located in Long Island, Adelphi offers various graduate programs today. Among the said programs are business management and arts and sciences. To apply to Adelphi, visit its official website and complete an online applicatoin form.

Just when you think all the hardship is over as soon as you went through sample graduate school essays, passed your admissions essays and your interview – it’s actually not. Sample graduate school essays, admission essays and interviews are just a start. Beyond what you said in your admissions essay, what all the rest said in the sample graduate school essays, the real coping starts once you begin your graduate schooling.

With graduate school, you are exposed to great levels of stress. You have tons of required reading each day. You are constantly required to come out with papers and proposals. There seems to be no time to rest. When these moments come, you need to be able to manage your stress.

Here are some tips:

1. Do not wait: While the temptation to procrastinate is always there, don’t. Manage your time properly. Do not let things slide, only for you to worry about them later.

2. Know your priorities: With so many requirements, you need to plan out your strategy. Schedule those with the closest deadlines first.

3. Exercise: Exercise is probably the best stress reliever. While you expend stress by running or sweating it out in the weights room, you also increase your energy. This gives you an extra drive to complete the work that’s waiting for you.

4. Sleep regularly: While all-nighters may be inevitable for some cases, do not make a habit of it. Keep these nights to a minimum. Keep regular study and sleep hours. Your mind will function better if you get enough sleep daily.

5. Eat right: University life invites some of the most unhealthy habits – mainly because of strict schedules and stress levels. Try to eat right, even so. Do not skip meals. Start your day with a good breakfast meal, not last night’s leftover pizza.

6. Know NO: Do not overfill your calendar. Make time for only the important things. Don’t burn yourself out.

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