How should I organize my entrance essay or personal statement for college or graduate school?

Question

This answer should help students get started on their entrance essays for college or graduate school.

Answer 1

Organizing your entrance essay or personal statement for college or graduate school is crucial to ensuring a coherent and compelling presentation of your experiences, goals, and qualifications. While there may be some variations depending on the specific requirements or prompts, the following structure can serve as a general guideline:

1. Introduction:

- Start with a captivating opening sentence or anecdote to grab the reader's attention.

- Clearly state your motivation for pursuing the program and express your enthusiasm for the field of study.

- Provide a brief overview of your background, experiences, and achievements that are relevant to your chosen program.

2. Academic Background and Relevant Experiences:

- Discuss your academic journey, including any specific coursework, research projects, or internships that have shaped your interest in the field.

- Highlight key skills, knowledge, or insights gained from these experiences and how they have prepared you for the program.

3. Personal and Professional Goals:

- Describe your short-term and long-term goals, both personally and professionally, and explain how the program aligns with these aspirations.

- Discuss how obtaining the degree or joining the program will contribute to your growth, help you make a positive impact, or fulfill a larger purpose.

4. Demonstrated Skills and Qualifications:

- Showcase your skills, talents, and qualities that make you a strong candidate for the program.

- Provide specific examples or stories to illustrate your strengths and accomplishments.

- Highlight any leadership roles, teamwork experiences, problem-solving abilities, or other relevant skills that are valued in your field of study.

5. Personal Values and Perspectives:

- Share your core values, beliefs, or unique perspectives that shape your approach to the field.

- Discuss any challenges, setbacks, or transformative experiences that have influenced your personal growth and shaped your character.

6. Conclusion:

- Summarize your main points and reiterate your passion for the program.

- Emphasize how your background, goals, and qualifications make you an ideal fit for the program.

- Conclude with a compelling statement that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

Remember to tailor your essay to the specific requirements and values of the institution or program you are applying to. Pay attention to word count limits, maintain a clear and concise writing style, and revise and proofread your essay thoroughly to ensure it is polished and error-free.

Good Luck & Happy Writing!

Answer 2

The outlines for these essays can vary of course, but from my experience the best of these essays typically fall into one of four categories and are persuasive pieces, with narrative or logical structures. I hope this makes the process simpler:

Aim with your essays to answer two broad questions. First, which of four typical essay types/categories makes most sense given my background and aspirations? Second, will my essay be principally a story/narrative or have a logical/expository structure?

Broadly speaking, the four categories are: One, I’ve overcome a significant difficulty, which has led to my career/academic direction. Two, I’ve overcome a significant hurdle. I don’t know exactly which specific career or academic discipline I’ll pursue, but my battle made me a better person in one or more ways.

The other two essays describe students who haven’t suffered hardships or overcome significant hurdles. Three, I know the career/academic discipline I will pursue and will describe here the events/influences that led to my decision. Or four, while I haven’t overcome a hurdle or know my career path, I’m a good candidate for your university/academic program and this is why.

With the essay “type” decision settled, you’ll look over the anecdotes, descriptions, reasons, analysis, observations, insights that will make up the grist for your essay and determine if you basically have a story or an explanation.

Having answered the two questions mentioned above, you can detail your outline and start writing.