How to Write an Entrance Essay for Grad School
Preparing a strong application that shows you can meet the expectations and demands of graduate school is critical during the admissions process. Whether you are coming straight from a bachelor's degree or are an experienced professional who has found that advancing in your field requires returning to school, the entrance essay is a key part of that application.
What a graduate application includes
There are multiple components to a graduate school application, and schools vary in the information and documents they require. Most colleges and universities request personal identification information, transcripts from all schools attended, a resume or curriculum vitae, a personal statement and standardized test scores.
Applicants may also be invited to an interview with faculty members. This is an opportunity to show how their qualifications match the school's offerings and to clarify any questions they have.
What the essay should cover
The essay is often a response to a specific question, or a general statement about a prospective student's interest in the program, what makes them qualified to succeed in graduate school and their future career goals. When discussing career goals, applicants should explain how the program's curriculum will help them achieve those goals.
You may reflect on how your bachelor's degree program helped you weigh the benefits and drawbacks of continuing at the graduate level. The essay can then expand on the additional knowledge and experience you hope to gain through a graduate degree.
How to prepare and write it
Before writing the entrance essay, it is essential to research the academic programs that interest you at a particular school. Then highlight how your individual strengths, motivation and accomplishments make you an ideal candidate for that school.
Make sure your essay answers the question posed by the application. Admissions committees use the essay to learn more about each applicant, and how it is written demonstrates the writing ability and critical thinking skills required to excel in graduate school. Any examples you include should be specific and, if possible, tailored to the objectives of the particular program and college you are applying to.
For more help with the writing itself, see our guide to writing essays.