grad school essay conclusion

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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Articles & Advice > Graduate School > Articles

3 Great Grad School Application Essay Examples

The grad school personal statement is an important part of your application. Here are a few good graduate admission essay examples to inspire you.

by CollegeXpress

Last Updated: Jan 3, 2024

Originally Posted: Jun 15, 2017

Graduate school application essays, personal statements, and letters of intent can be a major hurdle to overcome in the application process. Getting just the right words on paper to convey why you want to go to grad school and the impact you intend to have using your degree is a lot to ask. To help you get some inspiration and tell your story the right way, check out these three essay examples. Every essay here comes from a successful grad school application, and after reading the essay we break down just what makes it good. And you’re going to love their stories.

Daniel Masciello, Juris Doctor

University of Connecticut Class of 2015

T ry. To get. Some. Slee—it’s no use.

It’s 3:00 am, 90 minutes before our day at work in the landfills of rural Thailand is set to begin, and the 60-watt bulb is still shining bright overhead. It is radiant.

Directly on my left is one grown man’s bare armpit; to my right is more of the same. I keep my nose pointed at the ceiling. I can’t lift my arms because I am too big, a Caucasian beetle trying to fit into this Thai ant colony.

I’ve been lying still for the better part of six hours now, unable to determine exactly why my host family insists on leaving the brightest light in the house on all night (to this day, still a mystery). It is not for a child’s sake; I, at 22 years old, am the youngest in the home. I’m also the only American. Five grown men, lined up snugly on a queen-sized mattress, are soundly sleeping while I contemplate excuses for not working in the landfill that day.

Twelve hours later, over sticky rice and “fresh” vegetables (from the landfill), I try to call out some of my bunkmates for being afraid of the dark. Nobody laughs at my jokes, but they don’t stop smiling either. Perhaps they don’t understand my infantile Thai. From what I can understand of them, they enjoy talking about how grumpy I’ve been all day. No sleep for some 60-odd hours and putting in two grueling days in the landfill, filtering through mountains of trash from the nearby city of Khon Kaen, looking for yogurt containers and car batteries in the hot Thai sun—these things can change a man’s general disposition.

But I did wake up and go to work with my host family. No, I was not prepared physically or mentally, nor was I in the best of moods that day. But the smiling way of the Thai people is infectious, and it wasn’t long before I was smiling too that night, stomach full and ready for more...

That was back in the fall of 2008. The study abroad program I was participating in revolved around studying specific issues (damning rivers, mining minerals, razing slums, etc.), staying with a village that was negatively affected by an issue, and then working to help solve the problem. It was not uncommon to have sessions lasting eight or nine hours just to prepare for a town meeting the next day. Free time after exchanges and interviews would be spent working in the fields with the villagers or perhaps working on our program’s publications. It was not your typical study abroad experience. I have yet to learn of another like it.

It was also challenging at times. Thailand changed my view on a lot of things for the better, including what it means to truly work hard. As a waiter back home, it was a routine practice to work 40 hours a week in addition to going to class and studying. Still, sometimes I wonder if I used jobs outside of class as a crutch. I always had the excuse: I have to work to support myself. But so do a lot of people. And for some of those people, like many of the villagers in Thailand, working extra hours is not temporary. It's a way of life.

At the time I'm not sure I truly appreciated the privilege I had of going to college, as my undergraduate GPA might indicate. Part of that disappointing number is that I feel as if I was afraid of putting 100% of my effort into school. If I was to put all my effort in and still get mediocre grades, I would have considered myself a failure. Apparently I couldn’t or refused to handle that. How cowardly, not to mention foolish!

But while I was in Thailand, I developed a confidence in myself that I simply hadn’t been able to locate before. On multiple occasions I tasted the failure that comes with studying complex issues in a foreign land. Each time it tasted horrible. But I worked on these failures.

For example, I nagged my homestay families to help me with my Thai and forced myself to request constructive criticism in a group setting. Through these trials I discovered the sweetest feeling of them all: perseverance. That meal next to the landfill, described above, was one of the most deliciously memorable meals of my life for that same reason. I was exhausted and maybe a little bit grumpy, but I learned to work through it—and smile too.

I am well aware that law school will probably force me to even further revise my definition of hard work and present challenges and setbacks the likes of which I may not have yet experienced. But I would like to face these challenges, and most importantly overcome them, at your school. I hope my letters of recommendation and LSAT score give the indication that I am capable of doing so. This essay, lastly, is a chance for me to convince you that I can and will. I look forward to hearing from you.

Why this essay is great

Try to stop reading this personal statement, we dare you. The introduction grabs you and doesn’t let go. But besides spinning a great yarn that also says a lot about Daniel’s values, this application essay has an important function: it thoughtfully and maturely addresses any concerns the graduate admission committee might have regarding Daniel’s undergraduate academic performance. Showing rather than telling, he depicts a person who is prepared to do the work to overcome obstacles and learn from mistakes. And since he was admitted to the grad program, clearly it worked.

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Bridget Sullivan, Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration

Boston College Class of 2017                                                                                                    

I did not know higher education existed as a field until I came to college. Despite this, it has surprisingly been the field that has had the largest impact on my college experience. It has given me direction going forward.

College has been my most important experience so far, in that it has allowed me to better understand how I interact with my environment and how others experience the world around them. Without the Student Affairs professionals I have interacted with over the past four years, I would not be where I am today. I hope that in my future as a Student Affairs professional I can give students the great experience I have been privileged to receive. I will take the lessons I have learned and those that I will learn in the future to improve the college experience for many future generations going forward. 

I have enjoyed being a Resident Advisor, a Parent Orientation Leader, and an Assistant Resident Director while attending the University of Massachusetts Lowell for the past four years. All of these jobs fall under the Office of Residence Life. These opportunities have been cornerstones of my college education. They have taught me the long-term and transferrable skills of organization, conflict management, and supervision.

I have most enjoyed being an Assistant Resident Director, as I get to work with the Resident Advisors and Resident Director in a more administrative capacity. The ARD works closely with the RD to get the work done and hold RAs accountable. I think my favorite part of being an ARD this year has been working with the RAs to make sure they have the best experience they can, while at the same time making sure they complete their work well and on time. I enjoy helping RAs and other students reach their full potential, and I feel that it is a learning process for me too. The ARD position has shown me how much I value helping others on the path I have set for myself through my experiences with the RAs I supervise.

Because of the ARD role I have been afforded, I have had the opportunity to see how this potential career may play out. I feel confident about my ability to transition to the professional side of the field because the ARD position has already forced me to take on many of these steps. I tested the waters of the potential career in my RA role last year; this year as an ARD has shown me that I know I can succeed. 

I am passionate about student affairs and higher education because it is an opportunity to work with college students and help them grow and develop. I truly believe that there isn’t a more rewarding career than one that allows you to help others. This field allows me to assist others every day at a time in their lives when many students need it most. It was my developmental path, and I want to give that support to others.

So far my academics and daily practice have not been linked nor intentional. I am excited to be able to make this so by starting a graduate program in higher education. Understanding my former responsibilities in terms of theory and learning how to turn new theories into practice is a process I cannot wait to begin. 

I know the Lynch School of Education can assist me in achieving this goal through their program in Higher Education Administration. The opportunity to study in the Boston area will give me a multitude of professional development opportunities that would be hard to find anywhere else. If I am admitted, I will work hard to maximize my time at the Lynch School and become a young professional who can innovate and improve upon current practices in the field.

This personal statement takes you on a journey, as Bridget discovers her calling as an undergrad, gets all the hands-on experience in it she can, and figures out the perfect way to make it her career: grad school. And not just any grad school—Boston College in particular! There’s no doubt in your mind that she’s going to take advantage of everything BC’s master’s program has to offer, and she has the real-world experience to back her claims up.

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Haviland Johannesson-Forgit,  Master of Arts in Arts Administration

Vermont State University , formerly Castleton University Class of 2018

While contemplating how I should approach my personal and professional goals and how earning an advanced degree will support them, I came upon my application essay for Goddard College that I wrote close to three years ago:

“Oftentimes, children who lack positive, authoritative figures and emotional support end up making unwise choices that stay with them and induce prejudice and judgment from other people who may be ignorant to what caused these children to make the choices in the first place. This cultural stigmatism that exists in our society often leads to these children being segmented into a disenfranchised group as adults. The misunderstanding and neglect that occurs in communities towards socially disenfranchised children goes against everything that I was raised to take in regard when attempting to understand a person.

I envision my studies reaching children and young adults in many different communities. It is my goal to immerse myself in rural, inner-city, and lower-income communities and meet these children before or in the midst of their time when the decisions they make can influence where their life may lead. I believe that the teachings of dance as a holistic lifestyle will provide outlets of knowledge and self-expression for these children and young adults that will lead them in positive directions.”

In this essay we were expected to write about our intentions and ambitions for our studies; to address the passions that acted as the drive for our work during our attendance at the college as well as after graduation. In returning to this essay, I was pleased to discover that my ambition and dedication to using the performing arts as a source of structure and reliability for youth in this country has not changed. When applying to Goddard College for my undergraduate degree I knew that I would want to continue on to pursue my graduate degree afterwards to enhance myself as a qualified candidate working in my field. Earning my advanced degree will enable me to go forth in the world as a confident and learned individual prepared to create the positive opportunities I envisioned years ago.

While earning my advanced degree, I intend to learn the details and structure that is needed to successfully run arts organizations. The closeness that Castleton University has with the Association for Arts Administration in developing its program for the MA in Arts Administration encourages me; it assures me that the quality and rigor of the program at Castleton is the right fit for my personal and professional aspirations. The efficacy of the program combined with the professional portfolio of projects demonstrating a mastery of skills in a range of areas in the arts and the six-credit culminating internship is exactly what I am looking for in an advanced degree program.

My background in the performing arts is broad. Not only have I have spent many years performing in productions of theater and dance, but I have also devoted my time and learning to other aspects of performance arts, whether it be technical, political, or social. My time attending Goddard College has proven to be extremely educational in training me in areas of social justice and cultural realizations of privilege, class, and human rights. With an accomplished and culturally diverse faculty and staff, the College requires its students to incorporate this training into their degrees, which makes for globally conscious citizens.

What I stand to bring to Castleton University’s campus is a vibrant love for the performing arts accompanied by acute social awareness training. My dedication to improving myself as an individual in my career is resolute; earning my advanced degree is vital to my continuing as a professional in a field so important to the foundation of our culture. I look forward to the opportunity of earning my Master of Arts in Arts Administration at Castleton University. 

Haviland draws a remarkable line from her undergraduate studies and goals to the present day . She’s been on a clear path for a long time, and grad school has always been part of the plan and the logical next step for her career. Her unwavering commitment to arts education and dance as a means for furthering social justice will serve her well professionally—and it probably impressed the graduate admission folks too. Haviland also references specific features of Castleton University’s graduate program, showing she’s genuinely interested in the school and its unique strengths.

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We hope these essay examples helped you get a better idea of where to take your grad school personal statements. The most important part of writing your essay is ensuring every word you put on the page is authentically you and true to your goals. You can write a great essay and get into a good grad school; just give yourself the time and flexibility by starting early and focusing on your story. Good luck!

Need help getting the ball rolling on your graduate essays? Check out these  Good Strategies for Writing Grad School Personal Essays from the experts at GradSchools.com.

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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.

Graduate Journey Resource Center

Discover valuable resources to assist you in your program search and decision-making process.

Essay Writing Guide for Grad School

No matter what kind of graduate degree you plan to pursue, there is one essential skill by which all applicants will be judged: writing. Although a majority of people wouldn’t consider themselves writers, it is still a skill that every graduate student should have some competency in. If you write a research report, a letter to a client or emails poorly, it will not reflect well on you as a professional.

This is, in part, why admissions committees require essays as part of the application process. After all, if you can’t express yourself in a clear, concise, grammatically correct and typo-free manner, then you may lack the skills to succeed in whatever program you are aspiring to pursue.

There are various types of essays that graduate programs require, but personal statements and statements of purpose are the most common. The purpose of these essays is for admissions committees to get to know you better and determine what kind of student you will be in the program, as well as your professional goals as a graduate.

Before you start writing

Here are some ways to plan ahead and improve the quality of your essays:

• Allow enough time. It takes time to produce a well-written final product worthy of submitting; you don’t want to write something quickly the day before the due date. 
• Look up essay examples. Search for other essays online to get a feel for format and content structures. Avoid any essay writing services that write essays for you, which could be considered unethical. Writing your own essay is a good test of the skill, integrity and hard work you’ll need once you’re in the program.
• Read and understand the assignment. One of the things that admissions committees are looking for in these essays is the ability to follow directions. Be sure to include all elements the program has required in your essay. You can write a prize-worthy essay, but if it doesn’t address the assigned question, you likely won’t receive that acceptance letter.
• Brainstorm and reflect. Think about your overall goals, why you want to attend this program and what you want to get out of it; then free write ideas that you want to include in your essay, such as life and work experiences, challenges you overcame, goals, accomplishments, and unique qualities and skills you have.
• Outline. Turn that brainstorming session into an outline so that your essay is organized and has an easy-to-read flow.
• Connect. Talk with a program advisor or faculty member. A little inside information on what they are really looking for will go a long way.

How to structure your essay

Now that you’ve done all of that planning and brainstorming, it's time to write your essay. Be sure to follow the basic structure of an essay by organizing into three main parts:

• Your first paragraph should introduce yourself, but also gain the reader’s attention. This can be something like a significant experience in your life that influenced your decision to pursue your current field; for example, a parent who suffered a serious illness led you to want to become a biomedical researcher.
• Your middle paragraphs should expound upon that introduction. Use detail from your experience and then move into how your prospective degree will be integral in finding success in those goals.
• Your final paragraph, or conclusion, should bring it all together to give the admissions committee a full picture of who you are, what your goals are and why, and how this degree is imperative to accomplishing them. Think of this as the bow on top of the package that ties everything together.

Review and revise

Make sure to read and revise your essay because your first draft is never your final draft. This includes proofreading each draft thoroughly. Give your essay to someone else to proofread as well. People tend to read their own work as it was intended in their minds, so it is easy to miss a mistake. If your essay contains typos, grammatical mistakes and spelling errors admissions officers will likely overlook the quality of the content you have written and no longer consider you as a viable candidate.

Be sure to customize

Customize each essay to the specific program to which you are applying. This is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. You may use some of the same elements and experiences, but each one should be individually crafted to a specific program. The more programs you submit applications to, the more writing you will be doing, but since writing is a universal skill required for just about every profession, remember that practice makes perfect.

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.

Don't Leave Your Grad School Application to Chance!

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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.

Annie Lambert

specializes in creating authoritative content on marketing, business, and finance, with a versatile ability to handle any essay type and dissertations. With a Master’s degree in Business Administration and a passion for social issues, her writing not only educates but also inspires action. On EssayPro blog, Annie delivers detailed guides and thought-provoking discussions on pressing economic and social topics. When not writing, she’s a guest speaker at various business seminars.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

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/