29-11-2012, 11:53 AM
Graduate Admissions Essay Dos and Don'ts
Do:
• Prepare an outline and create a draft.
• Answer all the questions being asked.
• Make sure your essay has a theme or a thesis.
• Provide evidence to support your claims.
• Make your introduction unique.
• Write clearly and make sure it is easy to read.
• Be honest, confident, and be yourself.
• Be interesting and positive.
• Make sure your essay is organized, coherent, and concise.
• Write about yourself and use examples from your own life experiences.
• Use a mixture of long and short sentences.
• Discuss your future goals.
• Mention any hobbies, past jobs, community service, or research experience.
• Speak in the first person (I…).
• Mention weaknesses without making excuses.
• Discuss why you're interested in the school and/or program.
• Show, don’t tell (Use examples to demonstrate your abilities).
• Ask for help.
• Proofread and revise your statement at least 3 times.
• Have others proofread your essay
Don’t:
• Have any grammar or spelling errors. (Proofread!)
• Be wordy or use jargon (don’t try to impress the readers by using big words).
• Swear or use slang.
• Digress or be repetitive.
• Be boring.
• Generalize.
• Include cliches.
• Use gimmicks.
• Be comical (a little humor is okay but remember it can be misconstrued).
• Be defensive or arrogant.
• Complain.
• Preach.
• Have your essay focus too much on other individuals.
• Discuss politics or religion.
• Give excuses for a low GPA.
• Make lists of accomplishments, awards, skills, or personal qualities (Show, don’t tell).
• Write a term paper or an autobiography.
• Summarize your resume.
• Include information already cited on the application.
• Forget to proofread.
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gradschool.about.com
Do:
• Prepare an outline and create a draft.
• Answer all the questions being asked.
• Make sure your essay has a theme or a thesis.
• Provide evidence to support your claims.
• Make your introduction unique.
• Write clearly and make sure it is easy to read.
• Be honest, confident, and be yourself.
• Be interesting and positive.
• Make sure your essay is organized, coherent, and concise.
• Write about yourself and use examples from your own life experiences.
• Use a mixture of long and short sentences.
• Discuss your future goals.
• Mention any hobbies, past jobs, community service, or research experience.
• Speak in the first person (I…).
• Mention weaknesses without making excuses.
• Discuss why you're interested in the school and/or program.
• Show, don’t tell (Use examples to demonstrate your abilities).
• Ask for help.
• Proofread and revise your statement at least 3 times.
• Have others proofread your essay
Don’t:
• Have any grammar or spelling errors. (Proofread!)
• Be wordy or use jargon (don’t try to impress the readers by using big words).
• Swear or use slang.
• Digress or be repetitive.
• Be boring.
• Generalize.
• Include cliches.
• Use gimmicks.
• Be comical (a little humor is okay but remember it can be misconstrued).
• Be defensive or arrogant.
• Complain.
• Preach.
• Have your essay focus too much on other individuals.
• Discuss politics or religion.
• Give excuses for a low GPA.
• Make lists of accomplishments, awards, skills, or personal qualities (Show, don’t tell).
• Write a term paper or an autobiography.
• Summarize your resume.
• Include information already cited on the application.
• Forget to proofread.
-----------
gradschool.about.com
