Starting your Entrance Essay(s)

To begin your entrance essay, consider the following questions:

• What are the experiences that have brought you to this point in your life? When did you become interested in the field and what have you learned about it (and about yourself) that has further stimulated your interest and made you well-suited for this field?
• What is special, unique, distinctive, and/or impressive about you or your life story? What sets you apart from other applicants?
• Have you been inspired by any people, classes, readings, research, experiences, etc. related to your field?
• Do you have any special skills or experiences that could increase your likelihood of success?
• What personal characteristics do you possess that would improve your prospects for success in the field or the profession?
• Are there any problems or inconsistencies in your application materials (test scores, grades, etc.) that you should explain?
• Why do you want to attend graduate school?
• What are your career goals? What do you hope to contribute to your field?
• Does the program offer specialized training, course sequences, research opportunities, or opportunities for practical experience related to your goals?
• What makes you a stronger candidate for graduate school than other applicants?

How should my essay be structured?

Adhere strictly to all content or format guidelines of each school. If no specific guidelines for format or content are offered, be brief and make your points clear as outlined on the previous page.  Put your name on each page and double space your essay content. Each essay may have similar content, there should be a paragraph addressing why you are interested in that particular school.

 Introduction

• Avoid flowery introductions. You do want to engage your reader, though, so be interesting and offer an opening paragraph to help the reader understand why you are applying to this type of graduate program.

Supporting Paragraphs

• Subsequent paragraphs should address any specific questions from the application, which could address the strengths of the program, your own qualifications, your compatibility with the program, and your long-term goals or some combination thereof. Each paragraph should be focused and should have a topic sentence that informs the reader of the paragraph’s emphasis. You need to remember, however, that the examples from your experience must be relevant and should support your argument about your qualifications.

Conclusion

• Tie together the various items that you have raised in the essay, and reiterate your interest in this specific program. You might also mention how this degree is a step towards your long-term goal in a closing paragraph.

Your Essay is a Writing Sample

• Consider your audience and remember your essay showcases your writing skills. Be logical in your presentation of items for consideration. Use perfect grammar. Ask other people to read your essay and then ask them specific questions, such as “What am I presenting as my strengths?”  Mentors are great for this. Proofread your essay and then take it to the Writing Center (Belk Library, room 108) once someone in Career Services has checked it for content.