After all the preparations and the difficult tasks of researching about the school, what’s left for you to do is to create a personal statement that’s tailor-fit to you chosen school. Check if your personal statement adheres to the school?s standards and academic principles. Do not allow all your efforts and preparations TO be futile in the end. That is why when you start writing your essay, make sure you begin with the end in mind. With that, you’ll be more focused on the real objectives of the writing task.
The admission essay as an important part of the application process
The admission essay is a crucial part of the school application. It is considered to be the face of your application because it serves as a way for you to market yourself to the admissions panel. This a way for the admissions panel to know you better. As such, don’t merely summarize your academic achievements in the essay. The admissions panel would like to more about your points of view and character traits through your experience and the way you communicate through writing.
Tips in writing a winning essay
Pour out all your ideas and thoughts into one sheet of paper, create an outline, and make a draft. This will help you organize your thoughts well and focus on the main topic. Your goal is to give readers an easier time reading and understanding your essay. So you won’t bore your readers, establish a connection right from the start. Start with attention-grabbing intros. Write in a very relaxed tone, but don’t be lazy or sloppy with your writing. Focus on your application, instead of turning your essay into an autobiography.
Other things to keep in mind (essay deadline, word count or page limit, format, etc.)
Minor details that should not be forgotten include the deadline, word count, page limit, and format. Remember to follow the instructions carefully. With hundreds of grad school essays to read, the admissions panel won’t bother going over an essay that failed to meet the basic requirements.
Related links:
Grad school application – About becoming a graduate student
Grad school tips – About grad school application and essay tips
Grad school admission – Tips on graduate school admission
Essay writing no-nos – Tips on writing your grad school essay
Graduate school programs – Brief discussion of competitive graduate school programs
In order to craft a well-written graduate school personal statement, you must use a checklist or guide to direct you on how you should go about writing your essay. This checklist will surely help you come up with an effective personal statement that would spell A-D-M-I-S-S-I-O-N for you.
Purpose of a grammar or content checklist when writing and evaluating your essay
Develop your basic skills when you practice writing essays. According to expert writers, this is a good step to improving your writing skills and getting the desired results. Write down ideas and create an outline out of these. Make an initial draft that you will have to revise several times. Before you edit for grammar flaws and spelling errors, check first the value of the content. Are the topics well presented? Are they relevant to your application? Remember to weed out irrelevant information and focus on the most essential ideas and themes.
What should be included in your checklist
Writing your personal statement may be a difficult task when applying for graduate school. If you have no means of knowing what exactly the admissions officers are looking for, it might do you good to prepare a checklist you can consult. First and foremost, there should be honesty, an authentic voice, and a sense of being straightforward for easier reading and understanding by your readers. Also seek to establish a connection with the admissions panel. Make sure that the final draft is error-free.
Other tips when using a checklist to evaluate your essay
When revising your essay, make sure that you always check it against the criteria and guidelines set by your target school. That way, you will have a clearer picture of what revisions you need to make in your essay, should there be any. It will help you come up with a personal statement that would be a sure knock-out.
Related links:
Grad school admission – Tips on graduate school admission
Graduate school programs – Brief discussion of competitive graduate school programs
Career goals – Discussing career goals in your essay
Basic writing tips – About how to improve your writing skills
Writer’s checklist – The writer’s checklist when writing a personal statement
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.
Related links:
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
Career goals – Discussing career goals in your essay
Business schools – Discussions about business schools
MBA admissions – All about the MBA school admission
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.
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.
