It's that time of the year folks: graduate school applications! A time of extreme stress and pressure to make sure your application is absolutely perfect to get into your dream school/s. One major part of your graduate school application are the essays. This allows you to tell the graduate school more personal bits about yourself besides your test scores and GPAs. When it comes down to it, your essay really needs to reflect who you are as a person. Here are some tips I have found helpful for constructing the perfect graduate school essay.
1. FOLLOW THE PROMPT!!!!!
This seems pretty obvious, but it is the most important step in constructing your essay. You want to make sure you are answering the question the graduate school is asking you. If you do not answer the question or follow the prompt, this gives the graduate school the impression that you can't really follow instructions. Ehhh, not a great first impression. Whatever you choose to write about, make sure it follows the prompt or relate it back to what they are asking you.
2. Be Original
Whichever graduate school you are applying to, you want your essay to stand out and be original. It's all about the way you twist it. For example, if you want to be a physical therapist, think about all of the people who are applying because of a sports related injury that needed physical therapy. If that is what inspired you to apply, then write about it! But dig deeper. Do not write what you think hundreds of other people will write about. You want your story to be different and unique to you. Your goal is for the admissions committee to remember you in the hundreds of applications they read. What else inspired you to apply? Did you have a life changing event that changed the way you view the world? Has a shadowing experience influenced you? Make sure your story is impressive and unique.
3. Be Truthful, Be Yourself, Be Positive
When you are writing an essay, you want it to reflect you. You are essentially telling the admissions committee everything about yourself besides your test scores and GPA. Be real and be honest. The admissions committee will know if you are stretching your story or not being genuine. You also want to make your story positive. Do not make excuses for poor test scores or poor GPA. Tell your story but be positive. If you struggled with things, talk about how you have overcome your situations. You want the admissions committee to finish your essay with a good feeling and confident that you are strong individual.
4. Relax
Lastly, do not stress too hard! You have worked so hard to get to this point. You have the power to write an awesome essay that will knock the socks off the admissions committee! Go to your favorite place, put on your cozy socks, sip on a cup of coffee, or do whatever you can to relax. Be patient and be true.
Whatever program you are applying to, you will do absolutely amazing. Remember to breathe and whatever happens is meant to be. And remember to believe in yourself!!! You've made it this far, now finish it out! Good luck!!
