how to write grad school application essay

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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Crafting a Standout Application for Graduate School

Applying to graduate school is an exciting step in advancing your education and career. But amidst the excitement, the journey from application to acceptance can sometimes feel like navigating a maze of requirements and expectations.

But here’s the good news: there isn’t a one-size-fits-all “perfect” applicant. What truly sets you apart is how well you convey your unique story, ambitions, and potential contributions to your chosen program.

Here are some strategies and insights to help you craft a graduate school application that not only meets all the requirements but also stands out in a competitive applicant pool.

Understanding the admissions process

When navigating the graduate admissions process, it can be difficult to know what is most important to the review committee. However, there is no “perfect profile” for admission. A standout application authentically reflects who you are and what you aim to achieve in your chosen program.

A typical graduate application includes key components such as:

• Statement of purpose
• Letters of recommendation
• Transcripts and GPA
• Resumé or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Writing samples or portfolios
• GRE or GMAT scores (if applicable)

While these elements are important, they are just part of what makes a strong application. Successful applicants understand that graduate admissions committees take a holistic approach, looking beyond grades and test scores to assess each candidate’s unique qualities and potential contributions to the program.

“One of the most common misconceptions is that admission decisions are based solely on metrics like GPA or test scores,” says Mary McNamara, assistant dean of graduate recruitment and admissions at D’Amore-McKim School of Business. “And while these things are important, many admissions processes are holistic.”

For instance, many institutions have adopted a test-optional policy, meaning applicants may provide a test score if it will boost their application, or applicants can demonstrate their value and achievements through the other aspects of the application.

By recognizing that the admissions process is about more than just numbers, you can craft an application that highlights your strengths, experiences, and potential contributions to the program. Here are a few tips that can help you with your application when applying to graduate school.

How to stand out as a graduate school applicant

1. write a compelling statement of purpose..

The statement of purpose offers you a chance to stand out among fellow applicants. Beyond simply listing achievements and qualifications, you can present a compelling story about who you are and what motivates you.

“We really want to get to know who you are,” McNamara says. “We don’t want your personal statement to be over-engineered. We want it to be authentic, and we want you to shine through.” Your unique voice can transform your application from a collection of documents into a narrative that resonates with the admissions committee.

A strong statement of purpose should include your achievements, goals, and professional experience, but it should also reflect your motivations and how well you align with the program’s values.

“We want to see demonstrated knowledge of our program,” McNamara explains. “If you apply to our full-time MBA program, we want to know that you’ve done the research and that you think our MBA program is a particularly good fit for you.”

Tailoring your statement to each program and institution you are applying to is key, as every program has its own criteria, values, and admissions committee. As McNamara notes, “It’s important to customize your personal statement for each program and institution to increase your chances of acceptance.”

By crafting a thoughtful and genuine statement of purpose, you showcase not just your qualifications but your passion, preparation, and potential, making a strong case for why you belong in the program.

2. Secure strong letters of recommendation.

Strong letters of recommendation offer a valuable perspective on your abilities, character, and potential from people who have closely observed your work and growth. A well-written recommendation can highlight qualities that are not easily conveyed through test scores and transcripts, which is vital in a graduate school application.

To secure strong letters of recommendation , it’s essential to build and maintain meaningful relationships with your professors, supervisors, or mentors well before you need to ask for a letter.

“Ideally, you’ve been cultivating these relationships,” McNamara says. “So you should start early and give folks plenty of time to prepare a letter of recommendation for you.”

The more time your recommenders have, the better equipped they are to write thoughtful, detailed letters that genuinely reflect your strengths and accomplishments.

When selecting who to ask, choose individuals who know you well and can speak to different aspects of your abilities and character. Don’t ask someone with an impressive title if they can’t provide a personal account of your work ethic or potential.

It’s also crucial to approach potential recommenders with consideration and respect for their time.

“Give people the space to say no. If they don’t have the time or don’t feel like they can provide you with a strong letter, take that response graciously and ask someone else,” McNamara suggests.

A hesitant recommender might not produce the compelling letter you need, so it’s better to seek out someone who is eager and able to support your application fully.

Ready to get your questions answered?

Reach out to our admissions team for personalized advice on the application process.

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3. Optimize your resumé/CV.

Resumés and curriculum vitae (CV) serve different purposes; carefully consider which document will best strengthen your graduate school application and increase your chances of standing out among your peers.

A resumé is typically used for business, management, and professional programs. It is a concise, one-page document that highlights your professional experience, skills, and achievements.

“For business programs, management programs, and some professional graduate programs, a resumé is typically what is expected,” McNamara notes.

A CV is often required for academic, scientific, or research-oriented programs. Unlike a resumé, a CV is more detailed and can be several pages long, providing a comprehensive overview of your academic and professional accomplishments.

“For CVs, admissions offices are looking for a comprehensive overview of your academic and professional accomplishments,” McNamara adds.

To optimize your resumé or CV, ensure it aligns with the program’s requirements. For resumés, use bullet points for clarity and prioritize relevant achievements. For CVs, detail your academic history and highlight research and significant contributions in your field. Tailor each document to fit the specific program, effectively showcasing your qualifications and potential.

4. Highlight diverse experiences.

Highlight diverse experiences in your graduate school application to stand out to admissions committees. Programs seek candidates who bring varied perspectives, skills, and backgrounds, which enrich classroom discussions, foster collaboration, and prepare students for professional challenges.

At Northeastern, diversity goes beyond just racial or ethnic background.

“We value diversity in all its forms, and we look for candidates who can contribute unique perspectives and experiences to our programs,” McNamara says.

It includes a broad spectrum of factors, such as:

• Professional experience
• Academic discipline
• Cultural background
• Unique life experiences

To effectively highlight your diverse experiences, consider how different aspects of your background have shaped your personal, academic, and professional journey. Did working in a multicultural team give you unique insights? Has your experience in a non-traditional field provided you with a fresh perspective on your chosen discipline?

Make sure to weave these elements into your application, illustrating not only what makes you unique but also how these experiences have prepared you for the challenges of graduate study and success thereafter.

5. Strategically select samples and portfolio items.

When applying to graduate school, the writing samples and portfolio items you submit can significantly impact your application. These elements provide a unique opportunity to showcase your skills, creativity, and depth of thought.

However, it’s not just about selecting your best work—it’s about strategically choosing pieces that complement the rest of your application and tell a cohesive story.

“Think about your application in its entirety,” McNamara advises. “For programs where you’re asked to provide supplemental writing samples, use that opportunity to fill a gap that otherwise is not addressed in your application.”

This means that each piece you submit should add a new dimension to your profile. If your resume emphasizes your research experience, your writing sample could highlight your analytical skills or your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly. By doing so, you ensure that every element of your application contributes to a fuller understanding of your capabilities and potential.

“You want each part of your application to uniquely contribute to your story,” McNamara continues. “And when your application is considered in its entirety, the admissions committee sees a full view of who you are.”

To achieve this, carefully consider what each writing sample or portfolio item says about you. Choose pieces that demonstrate your strengths in areas that other parts of your application may not cover as thoroughly. This might include a project that highlights your innovative thinking, a paper that showcases your deep understanding of a specific topic, or a portfolio piece that reflects your creative approach to problem-solving.

Start your graduate school application

Crafting a standout graduate school application requires thoughtful preparation and a deep understanding of what admissions committees seek. It’s not just about showcasing your academic achievements but also about highlighting your unique experiences, motivations, and potential contributions to the program.

If you are thinking about applying to graduate school, it is important to start this process early.

“Applicants should be thinking about their application at least six to 12 months before the deadline,” McNamara concludes. “It allows you the time you need for reflection and thorough preparation and can help reduce the stress in what can be a stressful process.”

By starting early and focusing on key elements you can create a well-rounded application that sets you apart.

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Graduate School Application Essays

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Types of Essays

Regardless of the type of school you are applying to, you will be required to submit an admissions essay as part of the application process. Graduate programs want students with clear commitment to the field. Essay prompts typically ask applicants to discuss their previous experience, future professional goals, and how the program can help them in achieving those objectives. The essay gives the applicant the chance to articulate these goals and display strong writing skills. Remember to tailor your essay to each school and the faculty committee that reviews your application. But first, take note of what kind of essay is being requested of you. Here are the two main admission essays:

Personal Statement

A personal statement is a narrative piece describing how your character and experiences have formed you into someone who will contribute positively and effectively to not only the department but the academic discipline as a whole. This is often achieved by detailing social, educational, cultural, and economic obstacles you have overcome in your journey to get to where you are today and your future objectives. A personal statement is also an opportunity to highlight what is unique about you and how you will advance diversity within the institution.

Check out Personal Statement Resources for Graduate School Applications in the Resources section of Handshake for a brainstorming activity and essay samples that can help you get started on your personal statement.

Statement of Purpose

Interchangeably called a “research statement”, a statement of purpose will prompt you to describe your research interests and professional goals, how you plan to accomplish them, and why a specific program is best suited for you to do so. Be specific about your specialized interests within your major field. Be clear about the kind of program you expect to undertake, and explain how your study plan connects with your previous training and future goals.

Use the Outlining Your Statement of Purpose guide in the Resources section of Handshake to get started on your statement outline.

How to Write a Powerful Admission Essay

Whatever required format, your essay should be thoughtful, concise, compelling, and interesting. Remember, admissions officers read hundreds of personal essays. Below are some tips for your admissions essay writing process:

Before Writing

• Read the question:  Be sure you are aware of all aspects of the prompt. Failing to pay attention to details in the prompt won’t reflect well on you as a potential candidate.
• What is distinct, special, and/or impressive about me and my life story?
• Have I overcome any particular hardships or obstacles?
• When did I become interested in this field and what have I learned about it?
• What are my career goals?
• What personal traits, values, and skill sets do I have that would make me stand out from other applicants?
• Create an outline:  You might have a lot that you want to say, but you will need to whittle down your many thoughts and experiences to a concrete thesis with a select number of examples to support it. Create an outline for your draft, not only to organize your points and examples, but to help tailor your essay for your readers.
• Know your audience:  Consider how your narrative can best meet the expectations of admissions committee members. Will faculty be reading this? Administrators? Experts in the field? Knowing your audience ahead of time will assist you in addressing the prompt appropriately.

While Writing

• Grab your reader’s attention:  Start your essay with something that will grab the reader’s attention such as a personal anecdote, questions, or engaging depiction of a scene. Avoid starting things off with common phrases such as “I was born in…” or “I have always wanted to…” Consider the experiences that have shaped you or your career decision, and delve into them with a creative hook.
• Write well:  Your essay is a sample of your writing abilities, so it’s important to convey your thoughts clearly and effectively. Be succinct—you don’t need to write out your full autobiography or resume in prose. Exclude anything that doesn’t support your thesis. Gentle humor is okay, but don’t overdo it. Also, don’t make things up! Be honest about your experiences.
• End strong:  End your essay with a conclusion that refers back to the lead and restates your thesis. This helps unify your essay as a whole, connecting your detailed experiences back to the reason you are writing this essay in the first place—to show your qualifications for your graduate program of choice.

Final Touches

• Use resources: The MIT Communication Labs have a CommKit that collects all of the Comm Lab resources relevant to the grad application process , including recommendation letters & interviews
• Revise:  Give yourself enough time to step away from your draft. Return with a fresh pair of eyes to make your edits. Be realistic with yourself, not your harshest critic. Make a few rounds of revisions if you need.
• Ask for help:  Have your essay critiqued by friends, family, educators, and the  MIT Writing and Communication Center or our Career Services staff.
• Proofread:  Read your essay out loud or even record yourself and listen to the recording, to help you catch mistakes or poor phrasing you may have missed when reading to yourself. Also, don’t rely exclusively on your computer to check your spelling.