how to write an essay for a graduate program

How to Write a Grad School Application Essay

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Writing a graduate school admission essay can seem daunting. However, students can make the process easier by taking time to develop and organize their ideas before writing their personal statement.

Students can apply several practices to write a compelling grad school personal statement that gets readers to take notice. These steps include developing a solid outline, conveying a strong and memorable thesis, presenting specific points relevant to the topic, and taking sufficient time to edit and proofread the essay before submitting it.

What Is a Grad School Application Essay?

Graduate school admission or application essays allow graduate programs to get to know applicants better as people. Although an applicant’s grade point average (GPA), transcripts, and test scores tell part of their story, grad school essays allow students to show how their personalities, achievements, and past experiences inform their career interests and potential for academic success.

Graduate schools often ask for personal statements or letters of intent from applicants. Prospective graduate students should know what distinguishes these documents.

• A personal statement allows students some freedom to discuss how their past experiences, career goals, and interest in a prospective program have shaped their likelihood of success in and fit for graduate study.
• A statement of purpose describes a student’s reasons for applying to a program. The student typically explains how their career goals, qualifications, and research interests will affect their future beyond graduate school.
• A letter of intent is a brief essay describing a student’s skills, accomplishments, and goals that pertain to the field of study they aspire to pursue while in graduate school.

What Are Admissions Officers Looking for in a Grad School Essay?

In general, admissions personnel review these essays to determine how well students might fit in with a graduate program and succeed academically. Reviewers also look for a sense of how well prospective students handle stress, overcome challenges, and stand up to the demands of a rigorous program.

Grad school essays should shed light on how well students respond to criticism of their work. Also, graduate school provides a setting where individuals can explore diverse theories and perspectives. To this end, admissions personnel look for clues about students’ openness to different viewpoints and their ability to express their ideas in written form.

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What to Know Before You Start Writing

Review the prompt.

The prompt for the application essay gives students a sense of how to focus their writing. Before starting to write, students should read the instructions within the prompt carefully. These directions shed light on readers’ expectations.

Prompts for grad school application essays vary greatly, with some offering little detail on what the statement should cover. Applicants should pay close attention to the requirements, including word count, format, and submission method.

Brainstorm Ideas

Some graduate essay prompts offer few instructions or requirements, leaving applicants a lot of room for choosing a topic. To determine the most appropriate topic, focus, and personal examples to include, students should devote considerable time to brainstorming before they start writing.

Students should give themselves time to reflect on their strengths, accomplishments, and research interests. They should also consider the qualities they want in a graduate program and pick out benefits provided by the program so they can speak to the specific reasons they’re applying.

Create An Outline

Outlining is a crucial step in creating a compelling and memorable grad school personal statement. Just as architects need a blueprint to design and build a skyscraper, grad school applicants need a roadmap to organize and write their essays.

The most effective application essays include an attention-grabbing introduction, a body with solid and concise points, and a memorable conclusion. An outline will likely change somewhat during the writing process, but it still allows the writer to stay on top of the essay’s construction.

Know the Point You’re Trying to Get Across

A grad school personal statement should present a clear point or thesis to help it stand out. An overall thesis statement or claim answers the question, “What is this essay about?” A reader should not have to work hard to understand the thesis. If the point of an essay is unclear or confusing, an admissions officer might stop reading.

Applicants should place their thesis in the introduction so that the reader clearly understands what the following essay will address. Students can insert their thesis immediately after an anecdote, quotation, or other attention-getter to provide a smooth transition into the main topic.

Be Aware of Topics to Avoid

Brainstorming allows an applicant to consider a variety of topics and ways of writing about them. However, some subjects may be inappropriate for a grad school application essay because they could alienate certain readers or make them lose interest.

Topics that writers should consider omitting from an admission essay include the following:

• Traumatic personal experiences
• Subjects that make the writer appear overly negative or cynical
• An exhaustive list of accomplishments

Students should also avoid using well-known phrases or expressions. For example, common cliches offer virtually no advantage because they suggest little to no originality of thought. Also, students should not use words or terms (e.g., vulgar language) that detract from their professionalism.

What to Consider While You’re Writing

Grab the reader’s attention.

A strong grad school personal statement starts with writing a concise introduction that gains the reader’s attention. The writer can make the essay more memorable by using a brief anecdote, quotation, compelling statistic, or rhetorical question.

The introduction should also provide a clear preview or roadmap for the rest of the essay. After the attention-getter, the essay should quickly transition into the thesis statement or main idea, followed by a preview of the upcoming points.

Writers should revisit the introduction once their essay is complete to double-check that it accurately reflects the main points of the essay.

Be Authentic

Students should not just focus on what they think admissions personnel will want to read. Instead, they should use their voice to present their ideas in meaningful ways that reflect their true selves. In other words, write with authenticity. While the essay should reflect a polished draft, it should also show applicants as they are.

Graduate school applicants shouldn’t lie or misrepresent themselves in the grad school essay. In addition to strengths and accomplishments, admissions departments want to read what applicants say about their shortcomings and how they have worked to overcome them.

Be Relevant and Specific

While students can use creative anecdotes and personal examples, they need to make their points relevant to the prompt or question. Admissions personnel generally want to learn why students wish to enroll in the program and what makes them qualified. These elements can serve as the foundation when writing the main body of an essay .

Also, the main points should be specific. For example, in expressing why they are applying to a particular program, applicants can use a brief anecdote to explain their desire to work with a faculty member who shares their research interests. While stories and examples add a personal touch, they should not distract from essential information that grad schools want to know about an applicant.

Have a Strong Ending

When writing the conclusion of a graduate school admission essay, writers should restate the thesis and reiterate the main points. Rather than presenting new information, the ending should remind the reader of the statement’s main ideas. Furthermore, it should refer back to those points while giving the reader something to think about after they have finished reading.

A conclusion can also end by tying back to the attention-getting statement in the introduction. This stylistic device brings the whole essay full circle, provides a sense of closure, and strengthens the emotional connection with the reader.

What to Do When You’ve Finished Writing

Finishing the draft of a graduate school admission essay does not signal the end of the writing process. Rather, polishing the draft requires re-reading, editing, and getting feedback before submitting it.

Reread Your Draft

A grad school essay containing errors or reflecting poor writing does not leave a favorable impression. Re-reading the essay allows for catching mistakes, clearing up confusing sentences, and strengthening the main points.

Unfortunately, writers can gloss over errors after reading the essay just once. As a rule of thumb, when students believe their draft has gone through enough editing and proofreading, they might take a little more time and read the document one more time.

Edit Your Draft

Students should not confuse editing with proofreading — a step that involves checking for grammar, punctuation, and stylistic errors. Editing is a more substantive process that includes checking for conciseness and ensuring that ideas flow well. Proper editing also allows writers to determine whether each paragraph or section expresses a single thought and make sure that sentences are concise and clear.

Students should allow enough time to edit their essays. Also, reading the essay aloud can provide another way to catch mistakes or confusing phrases.

Get Feedback

Students should find individuals they trust to check their personal statement for clarity, errors, and other stylistic inconsistencies. Also, having others review the essay can give the applicant a sense of how others perceive its tone, organization, and potential to engage the reader.

Trusted peers, instructors, family members, friends, and students who have recently gone through the grad school application process often provide excellent feedback. Students can also seek out others who are applying to graduate school to share their personal statements and exchange constructive criticism.

Sample Grad School Application Essay

Prompt: Why do you wish to pursue a graduate degree in communication studies at the University of Oklahoma and how does it relate to your career goals?

Three years ago, I underwent a breast biopsy after two mammograms failed to rule out a suspicious lump. I met with my oncological surgeon before she was to perform the procedure. Although her technical skills were superior, her bedside manner left me feeling scared, uncertain, and lacking confidence in my capacity to handle a possible cancer diagnosis. Moreover, my doctor’s inability to relate to me personally left me feeling powerless in meeting my health needs as a patient.

In poor health, many people feel robbed of their dignity. One of the most critical settings where patients can maintain dignity is during a doctor’s visit. I wish to conduct research and teach courses in an academic setting to explore how doctor-patient interactions can help patients gain more confidence and improve their health outcomes. To this end, I am applying to the Communication Department at the University of Oklahoma to pursue a master’s degree specializing in health communication. This master’s will then allow me to continue my studies and earn a doctorate in this area.

I first learned a great deal about doctor-patient interactions while taking an undergraduate health communication class from Dr. Edith McNulty at the University of Nebraska. Dr. McNulty’s class informed the way I view my breast biopsy experience. After completing her class, I enrolled in an independent study with Dr. McNulty transcribing qualitative interviews she conducted with patients. Through this independent study, I also learned how to perform constant comparative coding of those transcripts.

My independent study has fueled my interest in researching health communication and teaching classes on the subject. My interest in the communication studies program at Oklahoma stems partly from my interest in Dr. Dan O’Malley’s studies of patients’ expressions of ethnicity when they encounter healthcare workers. Working with Dr. O’Malley could expand my healthcare interest to include ethnicity as a factor in these settings.

I also am familiar with Dr. Wendy Wasser’s research on communication efficacy during online video appointments. Given that increasing numbers of patients rely on telemedicine to receive their healthcare, studying with Dr. Wasser can help me understand the role of new communication technologies in doctor’s visits.

Although my breast biopsy from three years ago was benign, I know that other patients are not as fortunate in their health outlook. All patients have the right to quality communication during doctor visits to help them gain confidence and take proactive measures toward their healthcare. My pursuit of a master’s in health communication at the University of Oklahoma can set me on a path to contributing to our understanding of the interpersonal impact of doctor-patient interactions on medical care and patient well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions About Grad School Application Essays

How long should a grad school application essay be.

Most applicants should expect to write at least 500 words for their grad school admission essay. However, length varies by graduate program. Many application materials contain specific instructions on how to write the essay, including word limits.

What should I title my application essay for grad school?

If an online application submission page includes a text box for the title, the applicant should follow the word or character limit and make the title relevant to their grad school personal statement. However, students do not need to add a title if the application does not require it.

How do I make my application essay stand out for grad school?

Prospective students should write a clear and compelling grad school essay free of errors. Also, the statement should help make the applicant stand out from their peers. It can include specific examples of unique experiences that illustrate students’ strengths and abilities.

What should you not do in an application essay for grad school?

Students should not wander off topic when answering a prompt, especially if it asks a specific question. Also, an essay should not include so many personal examples that they read as a list. Instead, the applicant can provide a brief anecdote for each main point they want to make.

How do you answer grad school application essay questions?

The best graduate school admission essays have a clear thesis statement and good organization. They also grab the reader’s attention right away and maintain it to the end. The best essays also reflect the writer’s careful attention to the application instructions by addressing the prompt thoroughly.

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How to Write a Graduate School Essay: Your Handy Guide

Writing a graduate school admission essay is an important step in your application process. Most programs ask for either a personal statement or a statement of purpose, and understanding the difference between these two is key. The personal statement focuses on your personal journey, experiences, and motivations, while the statement of purpose highlights your academic and career goals and how the program fits into your future.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the essential elements of a strong essay. From showcasing your strengths and ambitions to clearly explaining why you're a good fit for the program, we'll provide tips to help you create an essay that stands out. By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of how to craft an essay that effectively communicates your passion and qualifications.

What Is a Graduate School Essay?

A graduate school admission essay is a key part of your application for a graduate program, often required alongside your academic transcripts and letters of recommendation. It is typically one of two types: a personal statement or a statement of purpose. These essays give admissions committees a sense of who you are beyond your grades and test scores, and they help determine if you're a good fit for the program.

The personal statement focuses on your personal experiences, challenges, and motivations. It provides insight into your background, why you're pursuing further education, and how your experiences have shaped your goals. This type of grad school essay often answers questions like, "Why are you passionate about this field?" and "What personal qualities make you stand out?"

On the other hand, a statement of purpose centers on your academic and career goals. It explains your professional interests, research objectives, and how the program aligns with your aspirations. Here, you'll need to show your understanding of the field and demonstrate why this specific program will help you achieve your future goals.

Both types of essays require clarity, focus, and a deep understanding of what you bring to the table.

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What Are Admissions Officers Looking for in a Grad School Essay?

Admissions officers want to see more than just qualifications—they're looking for a clear picture of who you are. In your essay, they generally expect to see:

• Your passion for the field
• Motivation for pursuing advanced studies
• Relevance of your background to the program

They also want to assess how well you communicate your ideas and your career goals and whether you align with the values and focus of the program. Above all, they're looking for a candidate who is a good fit. So, when writing a graduate school application essay, consider demonstrating a strong commitment to success in your chosen field.

For more guidance, check out our article on writing a personal narrative , which can be incredibly helpful for your grad school essay.

How to Write a Graduate School Essay: 3 Main Stages

From preparation to polishing, every stage of the writing process is important to ensure your essay is clear, compelling, and reflective of who you are. Let's walk through each phase to help you craft an outstanding graduate school essay. If you prefer, you can also choose to pay to write a paper , ensuring a professional touch to your essay.

Stage 1: Before You Start Writing

Before putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard), it's important to invest time in preparation. This phase will help you clarify your goals, understand the expectations, and set a strong foundation for your essay.

• Understand the Requirements: Each program has specific guidelines for the essay, whether it's a personal statement or a statement of purpose. Carefully read the instructions for word limits, content, and any specific questions or prompts you need to address. Pay attention to whether the program asks for a personal reflection or a focused career goal outline. Tailoring your essay to meet these expectations is crucial.
• Why are you passionate about this field?
• What specific experiences have led you to this path?
• What are your career aspirations, and how does this program align with them?
• Research the Program: Admissions officers want to see that you've done your homework. Research the program thoroughly—what are its strengths, specializations, faculty interests, and unique opportunities? Understanding these elements will help you explain why this program is the right fit for your goals. You'll also be able to mention specific aspects of the program that interest you, showing that you've thoughtfully considered how it aligns with your future.
• Organize Your Thoughts: Once you've gathered your ideas, create an outline for your essay. This will help structure your thoughts and ensure your essay flows logically. Decide on the main points you want to cover and the examples you'll use to support them.

Stage 2: While Writing Your Graduate School Essay

Now that you've laid the groundwork, it's time to start writing. The key to a strong graduate school essay is to write clearly, be authentic, and stay focused on your goals.

• Start with a Strong Introduction: Your introduction should grab the reader's attention and make them want to keep reading. Start with an engaging opening sentence—this could be a personal anecdote, a reflection on a pivotal moment in your academic journey, or a bold statement about your career ambitions. Set the tone for the rest of the essay and provide a glimpse into what motivates you.
• Show, Don't Just Tell: Instead of simply stating facts about yourself, use specific examples to illustrate your strengths, experiences, and goals. For example, rather than saying, "I am passionate about public health," describe an experience where you actively engaged in a public health project or research that deepened your interest. This gives your essay depth and makes it more personal.
• Stay Focused and Concise: Graduate school essays usually have strict word limits, so every sentence should count. Stay focused on the main points you outlined earlier and avoid unnecessary details. Make sure each paragraph connects back to the overall theme of why you're a strong candidate for the program.
• Be Authentic: Admissions officers want to get to know the real you, so write in your natural voice. Avoid trying to sound overly formal or using jargon that doesn't come naturally to you. Instead, focus on expressing your genuine passion, goals, and personality.
• Tie Your Experiences to the Program: Throughout the essay, be sure to connect your personal and academic experiences to the program you're applying to. For example, if you're applying to a psychology program, discuss how your undergraduate research or work experience aligns with the faculty's research interests or the program's specific strengths. Show that you've thoughtfully considered how this program will help you achieve your goals.

Stage 3: Final Touches

Once you've written your first draft, it's time to revise and refine your essay. The final touches are crucial for making sure your essay is polished, professional, and ready to impress the admissions committee.

• Revise for Clarity and Flow: After finishing your draft, take a break and come back to it with fresh eyes. Read through your essay to ensure it flows smoothly from one idea to the next. Are your paragraphs well-organized? Does each point support your overall argument? Revise any sections that feel unclear or off-topic, and tighten up sentences to make your writing more concise.
• Proofread for Grammar and Style: Grammar mistakes and awkward phrasing can distract from your message. Carefully proofread your essay to catch any typos, spelling errors, or grammatical issues. It's helpful to read the essay out loud to spot awkward sentences or phrases that don't sound natural. Make sure your tone is professional but still reflective of your personality.
• Seek Feedback: Before submitting your essay, ask a mentor, professor, or trusted friend to read it and provide feedback. A fresh perspective can help catch areas that need improvement or clarify points that may not be coming across as you intended. Take their feedback seriously, but be sure to maintain your own voice and vision in the final version.
• Double-check the Requirements: Finally, review the application instructions one last time to make sure you've met all the requirements. Double-check word limits, formatting guidelines, and any specific questions you need to answer. Submit your essay confidently, knowing that you've put in the effort to make it the best it can be.

Remember, you can always use our grad school essay help if you find it challenging to write one yourself.

7 Extra Tips for Your Graduate School Application Essay

Here are 8 extra tips for writing a graduate school admission essay that go beyond the obvious and help you stand out from the crowd.

• It's tempting to use the same essay for every application, but admissions committees can tell when an essay isn't customized. So, tailor your essay to each program to show genuine interest and effort.
• Admissions officers are not just interested in your short-term goals—they want to know how this program fits into your long-term career trajectory. Paint a picture of where you see yourself five or ten years after completing the program. This forward-thinking approach shows you have a clear vision and purpose.
• Rather than listing your achievements, tell the story behind them. Did a specific challenge in your academic or professional life lead to a breakthrough? Did a mentor inspire you to change direction? These stories add depth to your experiences and make your essay memorable.
• If you have any gaps in your education or areas where your grades dipped, address them head-on—but be strategic. Instead of simply offering excuses, frame these moments as learning experiences. How did you grow from that period of struggle? What did you learn, and how have you applied those lessons since?
• Strong essays flow naturally from one idea to the next. Instead of abrupt topic changes, use transitions to subtly guide the reader. Phrases like "This experience taught me…" or "Similarly, my work in…" create a smooth connection between your experiences.
• While passion is important, schools are also looking for students who think critically about their field. Show that you understand both the challenges and opportunities in your area of study. What pressing issues are you most interested in tackling? How does your work relate to broader trends or future developments?
• While it's important to get feedback, don't overdo it. Asking too many people for their input can dilute your voice and lead to a generic essay. Instead, choose one or two trusted individuals who understand the application process or know you well.

Graduate School Essay Examples

The following essays offer two different scenarios and demonstrate how to effectively convey personal experiences, goals, and a clear fit for the program. Meanwhile, if you're also interested in graduation speech ideas , check out our dedicated blog.

In Wrapping Up

Writing a graduate school essay is no small task, but with thoughtful preparation, clear storytelling, and attention to detail, you can create an application that truly stands out. Remember, your essay is more than just a formal requirement—it's your opportunity to showcase who you are, why you're passionate about your field, and how the program aligns with your future goals.

Tailoring your essay to each program, reflecting deeply on your experiences, and using a strong narrative can set you apart from other applicants. And don't forget the final touches—proofreading, seeking feedback, and ensuring your essay meets all the requirements will make a big difference in how it's received.

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What Is a Writing Sample for Grad School?

How long should a grad school essay be, how do i make my application essay stand out for grad school.

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Writing a Graduate School Application Essay Office for Alumni Affairs & Career Advancement . (n.d.). Retrieved October 25, 2024, from https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/career-services/wp-content/uploads/sites/36/2016/06/Writing-a-Graduate-School-Application-Essay-Guide_Nov-20151.pdf  

How to Write a Stand-Out Personal Statement for Your Graduate School Application . (n.d.). USC Online. https://online.usc.edu/news/how-to-write-personal-statement-graduate-school-tips/