The Application: Essays

There are two kinds of graduate school essays, the statement of purpose and the personal statement.

A statement of purpose explains motivations for graduate study and how an advanced degree will help the applicant achieve long-term goals.

A personal statement describes the applicant's background and passions, and comments on the influential life events that have motivated the applicant to attend graduate school.

Both essays should address the question that is asked; furthermore they should be written in clear, concise (two to three pages, double-spaced, ten to twelve point font, and with one-inch margins) language that is free of grammatical errors. These two types of essays are not interchangeable.

Feedback

It is essential that applicants seek feedback on their essays. Obtain advice from people who will take the time to provide honest commentary such as mentors and others, especially familiar with the graduate school application process. Applicants to doctoral programs should consult instructors in the proposed field of study and applicants to law or medical school should consult the appropriate College adviser. It is best to ask for feedback on an early draft rather than wait until the essay is more refined, because the reader may suggest substantial revisions.

Possible Approaches to an Essay

Discuss relevant experiences (BA project, research, coursework, employment, volunteerism) that shaped academic interests, reveal thought processes, explain which perspectives are brought to the discipline, and underscore dedication.

Describe how the applicant's interests fit with the philosophical approach of a particular department or match particular strengths of a program, faculty research interests, or unique facility. Note: this approach is productive when no other institution can be used to "fill in the blank."

Selection committees look for students who have the intelligence, academic background, motivation, and clarity of purpose to complete a graduate program and who have the promise of making future contributions to their professions.

Addenda and the Essay

It is appropriate to write a brief (one to two paragraph) addendum to address idiosyncrasies in the application, such as inconsistent performance or a pattern of Ws or Is (one or two is not a pattern) or failing grades (not Bs or Cs). This supplemental information does not belong in the main essay.