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Key Tips for Writing a Graduate School Essay

1. Read the application instructions carefully. Follow the instruction precisely. If it only requests one or two paragraphs do not write three or more.

2. Personal statements or essays should discuss your ideas and goals. Your goals and ideas should be clearly stated explaining your passion for the field of study.

3. While expressing your personal statement or essay remember the graduate school will also be examining your writing abilities.

4. Brainstorm before you write. Consider who your reader is and what they are looking for. Admissions might be looking for:

• Motivation and commitment to the field of study.
• Expectations with regard to the program and career opportunities.
• Writing abilities.
• Research or work experience.
• Educational background.
• Short and long-term goals.
• Reasons for deciding to pursue graduate education.
• Personal uniqueness – what would you add to the diversity of the entering class.

5. Consider what type of essay you would like to write. An inspirational essay is written differently than a well-organized essay. An inspirational approach follows writing spontaneously; whereas, well-organized approach follows an outlined form.

6. How to deal with negative factors: poor grades or low admission test score. It is not recommended to discuss these factors in your essay unless you are prompt to. It’s better to stay positive in your essay.

7. Addressing negative factors on your application. On a separate sheet of paper you can write an Addendum explain negative factors that might hinder your application. This should be short and to the point. Avoid long explanations.

Source: Peterson’s Guide to Graduate and Professional School

Accepted - Accepted is a personal statement site that provides writing tips and samples for graduate and professional schools.