Graduate School Admission Applications and Writing the

Personal Essay

Rosemarie Sena Center Career Development Services

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

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

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.

Personal Statements and Admission EssaysAsk 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?

Guidelines and Hints for the Personal Essay 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

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.

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/applicatio

n/essayBook3.asp Attributes of a Great Personal Statement for Law

School: www.princetonreview.com/law/apply/articles/applicatio

n/essayBook1.asp Tips to Get Started on the Medical School Essay:

www.princetonreview.com/medical/apply/articles/essays/tips.asp