Graduate School Admission Applications and Writing the Personal Essay

1. Graduate School Admission Applications and Writing the Personal Essay Rosemarie Sena Center Career Development Services

2. The Application Process • Applicants will usually be required to submit some combination of the following: • Graduate Admission Test Scores (GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, etc.) • Application Form with a Personal Essay • 3-5 Letters of Recommendation • Academic Transcripts • Portfolio • Financial Aid Forms • Application Fee • And may be asked to interview

3. Hints for Filling Out Application Forms • Make a copy of the form • Read each question carefully • Make notes on copy about what is being asked and about what you don’t understand • Call university/program with your questions • Have some one else proofread application for you • Word process application • Consider applying online

4. What is a Personal Statement or Admission Essay? • The personal statement paints a picture with words of who you are. • It should NOT be a repeat of the information found elsewhere on your application. • It is an opportunity to tell the university of your choice why they should grant you admission. • It is important to convey enthusiasm, commitment, motivation, and determination in your essay.

5. Personal Statements and Admission Essays Ask yourself • What’s special, unique, distinctive, or impressive about me? • What are the origins of my career interests? How did they develop? • What are my career goals? • Are there any discrepancies in my academic record that should be addressed (e.g., great grades but low admission test scores)? • What skills and personal characteristics enhance my chances of success in my chosen field? • What makes me competitive? • What have I learned about my field through internships and/or research?

6. What’s important is what you say and how you say it. Be sure to answer the admission committee’s questions. When appropriate, use a theme for your personal story. Maintain a positive and upbeat tone. Be honest. Grab the reader’s attention in your opening paragraph. Avoid potentially controversial subjects. Remember the 3 C’s: clear, concise, and correct. Proofread, proofread, proofread! Guidelines and Hints for the Personal Essay

7. Read instructions carefully — different schools want different items. Be sure that you follow any guidelines for length and margins. If no guidelines are given, go with the standard—no more than 2 pages double-spaced with one inch margins all around. Try not to be too perfect or too idealistic. Use real life experiences to illustrate a point—put yourself in the essay. Guidelines and Hints for the Personal Essay

8. Resources for More Info & Help With Personal Essays • For more tips, a tutorial, & editing services for all types of graduate school essays: • www.essayedge.com • Common Business School Essay Questions: • www.princetonreview.com/mba/apply/articles/application/essayBook3.asp • Attributes of a Great Personal Statement for Law School: • www.princetonreview.com/law/apply/articles/application/essayBook1.asp • Tips to Get Started on the Medical School Essay: • www.princetonreview.com/medical/apply/articles/essays/tips.asp