Writing a graduate school essay is not like writing any other essay. The graduate school essay, which is also known as, “Letter of intent ” or “Statement of Purpose ” is a mandatory document that needs to be submitted with the application. Thousands of students just like you would be applying for graduate school with essays so yours will have to be unique, interesting and well written, if you wish to get selected.
The graduate school essay is all about you. You will have to write about yourself, your dreams, goals, interests and aspirations. You will have to explain to the college as to why you are interested in pursuing the program that you have applied for. Though the essay is about yourself, your tone should be balanced, not too formal or too personal.
For example, here is a Statement of Purpose for an engineering program –
On my fifth birthday, my cousin gifted me a lego set. I remember making almost everything that the manual had recommended and more. My parents, sensing my fascination to build bought me many other lego sets, building blocks and construction sets.
In the next paragraph, you can write about, why you wish to join a graduate program. Explain, why you are interested in the specific program that you have applied for. Elaborate on the area of study and explain what prompted you to take up that particular area of study. You can also write about your dreams and your future plans and your choice of profession.
Next, you must write about the preparations that you have undertaken to realize your dreams. You can write about your scores in academics and extracurricular activities that you have excelled in. Correlate them with the program that you have applied for. You can also mention any additional course, training or work experience that you have undergone in relation to the graduate program.
For example –
I am particularly interested in researching the ties between the structural engineering, geomechanics, and applied mechanics. I hope to be involved in some structurally related research at First Choice U. I am particularly interested in two research facilities: The Structures and Composites Laboratory and the Earthquake Engineering Center.
Lastly, you will have to basically answer the question “Why do you wish to attend this college?” This will require a bit of research. Do not go overboard and praise the college sky high. Be very frank and sincere and describe why you feel that this particular school would help you realize your dreams?
The essay can be written in first person but that does not mean that you can submit an autobiography to them. Be objective in your approach but do not get too personal. Remember the objective of the essay and give information that is relevant. Do not adopt a conciliatory tone and try to lecture the reader. This will not go down well with the College Board. Instead be respectful and diplomatic.
If you have scored low marks in a semester or GRE exams, you can make a mention of it in the essay and provide an explanation for the same. Do not blame your faculty or the school for your non-performance. Your explanations should be excusable and at the same time understandable.
Good Luck!