Writing an essay is one of the most important parts of the application process to any international program. The essay implies giving the reader something more to know than academic credentials or work experience. It is our opportunity to really differentiate ourselves from the rest by making known something unique that will make the reader understand why accepting that specific program will not only be beneficial to the candidate, but also to the institution.
The test goes beyond the GMAT or GRE results, it is one of the few pieces of the application that is in our complete control so you have to take advantage of it and make sure you have a flawless message and that this message to understand exactly what We want to transmit considering a different receiver (culturally, professionally and personally to us).
Here are some points we recommend you keep in mind when writing your essay:
- Write Clearly – Specify yourself and do not use unnecessary words to try to increase the number of words. Do not try to capture something that is not real, being “creative” in that sense can harm your application. Be honest and try to really convey what is that passion that makes you a unique candidate.
- Structure your essay before you write it – Start with a rough essay and shape it, write key words and call attention to the beginning and end. Consider what the conclusion of your essay will be before writing it. If this changes as you type, do not worry, that’s normal. But it concludes conclusively without leaving doubts about your integrity and desire to become part of this institution.
- Different schools have different values – Identity which makes the schools you have chosen unique and adapts your essay according to those different values. Having one test for all the schools you apply to is not a recommended recipe. Take time to do an in-depth analysis on each of your trials, this investment is worth it. Clearly, there are sections of the essay that will look alike, but an experienced admissions director will immediately detect how much effort you put into structuring your essay for your institution.
- Go beyond your work / educational experience – Your essay should also touch relevant topics such as values, perseverance, and character. Focus on difficult situations and how you came out of them, show personality in your actions. If there are medals, scholarships or various achievements mention them, regardless of whether they are related to the academic or work aspect. The essay speaks of you as a person and covers all aspects.
- Mention the reasons to apply to that institution – It is structured and precise in mentioning why this institution is perfect for you. Because you are interested in the school or program specifically. Be honest and try not to sound too flattering regarding school or teachers, as this might sound untrue.
- Remember that the reader is different from you: The admissions director is not an expert technician in your profession, so including very specific terms from your experience can make your essay difficult to understand. Try to limit the technical terms and focus on exposing the explained achievements with simple words to a non-expert audience.
- Take care of spelling – Spelling errors or grammatical structure of your essay can make a bad impression. Make sure you have read several rehearsals and ask experts to advise you once your essay is finished. This is a great step in your life and the essay can be decisive in the final decision so take the right time before submitting it.
If you need help with your applications or trials, do not hesitate to contact My Essay Geek!