sample graduate school essays

Researching about your target school can be fun and, at the same time, challenging. You might be glad to find out that you qualify with some of the standards, but feel threatened because of the immense competition going on. To get ahead, you need to secure every process of application. Aside from passing the entrance exam and meeting the GPA requirements, it is important for you to research about the criteria for admission, standards, and programs of the school you want to go to so you may tailor-fit them to the kind of essay you will have to write. A well-written admission essay can spell a big difference in the success of your application.

Benefits of doing a research on your dream school

One great benefit of doing research on your dream or target school is that you get to give your essay the right treatment, tailored to the standards and principles of the school you are aspiring to go to. The admissions officers will see you as a candidate who knows what he or she wants. That in itself will make your essay stand out. You can choose experiences and topics that will be most appealing to your readers and ones that can strengthen your qualification.

Discussing your dream school’s strengths in relation to your goals

When you write your personal statement, make it a point to relate the strengths of your dream school with your personal goals and ambitions. When you do this successfully, you are sure to connect with your admissions panel because you are talking about what they cherish most.

Discussing what you can offer to your dream school

Write about what you can contribute as a student who qualifies for the school program. Highlight your well-planned objectives and future career moves that will manifest your leadership qualities if ever admitted to your target school. Tackle how you would contribute as a member of their community and succeed in the industry.

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Essay writing no-nos – Tips on writing your grad school essay
Essay help – How grad school essay samples can help you in writing your own
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Business schools – Discussions about business schools
MBA admissions – All about the MBA school admission

Your graduate school essay is an integral part of your graduate school application. The essay can make or break your admission success. This is why you must come up with a very good essay, and in order to do so, you shouldn?t miss out an important stage in the entire essay writing process, which is getting feedback.

Importance of getting feedback for your essay

You have struggled writing up to the very last word of your essay. You have spent hours, perhaps even days, just to finish your masterpiece. Because of the effort you put into completing your essay, it?s normal for you to love your work and think that it?s already good enough, ready for submission. The truth is, there can still be room for improvement. Other people might see some flaws you might have overlooked. All writers, even professionals, need feedback.

Reliable sources of feedback

Some people are afraid of getting feedback, thinking that they are all negative. Some are also troubled about criticisms as these might hurt their ego. But if you get past this stage, you will realize how getting feedback would be very helpful for your essay, and you getting into graduate school for that matter.

For your graduate school essay, you can get helpful feedback regarding the content, organization, flow of ideas, grammar, and even small errors like misspelled words and typo errors. You don?t need to consider every word of suggestion and comment though. Take note of the trend in their comments or look for a pattern. For example, if most of the comments pertain to your style, then that might be the area you need to work on.

Possible sources of feedback would include your classmates, professors, friends, family members, and even the writing centers and assistance centers of the graduate school you are applying for. They can identify problems in your essay and give out pointers and constructive criticisms.

Using the services of a professional essay editing company

Some resort to professional editing services offered by some companies. While this is also a good option, especially if you are willing to spend a few dollars, research first about the different companies and choose which could deliver the best results.

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Graduate Essay Samples – Using graduate essay samples as guides
Readers of Essays – What readers don?t want to hear in your essay
Graduate Schooling – All about importance of graduate school
Winning Essays – About good essays and writing guidelines
Graduate School Essay – About qualities of excellent essays

Graduate Admission Essays – All about admission essays and tips
Professional Essay Help – About getting professional help for your essay
Personal Essays – Do?s and don?ts in graduate essays
Great College Essay – Steps to help someone write good essays
College Admission Essay – More on essay writing tips

One of the biggest mistakes when writing grad school admission essays is not thinking about your audience, or thinking about them in a wrong way.  Since the admissions panel are composed of esteemed members of the academe, your essay may be fashioned toward writing for the experts or the intellectuals.  But this can get you into more trouble than earn you more points.

Give the admissions panel some credit.  They’ve skimmed thousands of applications by now and would know instantly if you’re faking it.  So you can urge them to finish reading the whole thing, avoid trite expressions and know the things they’ve probably grown tired of seeing in every essay.  Here are some of them:

Unrealistic expectations

Graduate studies offer a lot of benefits not only to your career but even to your personal well-being.  Even so, you cannot tell the admissions panel that the degree will help you “change the world” and will be used for the “betterment of the society or even mankind.”  Avoid stating vague reasons or those that sound nearly impossible.  Instead, focus on your passion and the developments in your chosen career field.

Be honest.  Some people go to graduate school to advance their career.  But instead on focusing on this topic alone, you can mention skills you wish to improve so you’ll adapt to the changing times.  That would sound more sincere than trying to sound like a missionary.  For instance, you can say that with more advanced skills, you can initiate better policies in your department or improve the research system of your office.

Improbable goals

There’s nothing wrong with being optimistic or enthusiastic.  However, it’s best to state goals that are achievable.  When setting goals, make sure that they’re S-M-A-R-T (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, timely).  Don’t be just another dreamer.  Make an impression that you’re actually heading somewhere.  For instance, you may say that IT skills can help you improve the company’s management system or compete in an Internet-based business world.

When presenting goals, go into details.  Don’t just tell your readers what you want to do, but how they should be done.

Entering grad school for the wrong reasons

While graduate studies present numerous advantages, they’re not golden tickets to sure success.  Not all people with graduate degrees get higher salaries instantly, as much as not all graduate students may qualify for promotion.

Grad school will create a big dent on your savings or monthly budget.  You may even have to take out a loan just to pursue your studies.  After you earn your degree, there’s no sure guarantee that the job market will be favorable to you.  Your degree can only give you an advantage or the competitive edge.

Reading sample graduate school essays won’t just help you get started in crafting your own personal statement.  Based on other people’s stories and accomplishments, you can see more clearly if you’re cut out for grad school.  Only when you do believe it yourself can you convince the admissions panel about your qualifications.

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.

Photo Credit : kenjimori

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.