Writing the Admissions Essay
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The admissions essay, personal statement, or statement of purpose is a vital part of the graduate application that most students stress over. The overall application package will represent who "you" are to people whom you will most likely not know personally. The written expression of your qualities as an applicant will often be a very important way for committee members to get to know why you are an acceptable candidate for their program. Thus, it is essential to take great care in preparing this part of your application. Here are some tips to help you gather the information needed to compose your essay.

Conduct a Personal Assessment
Begin taking notes on what drives you. Describe your hopes, dreams, and aspirations. What do you hope to gain from graduate study? Identity as much of your personal history as possible so that you can carefully sift through and sort out events and personal items that will strengthen your essay.

Do Your Research
Research the programs that interest you. Read the brochure, check the website, gather all information possible to help you determine what the admissions committee is looking for from potential students. Your research should provide enough of a knowledge base about the school to tailor your essay to it. Show that you're interested and that you've taken the time to learn about the program. Take careful notes on each program and note where your personal interests, qualities, and accomplishments coincide.

Answer Their Questions
Many applications require that students address specific questions in their admissions essays. Make sure that you're answering the question. Take time to think about the question, the central theme asked, and how it corresponds to your master list of experiences/personal qualities. Some applications offer a string of questions. Pay attention to your responses and try to avoid being redundant.

Other Resources for the Grad School Essay
http://career.berkeley.edu/Grad/GradStatement.stm
http://www.accepted.com/grad/personalstatement.aspx
http://gradschool.about.com/od/essaywriting/All_About_the_Graduate_Admissions_Essay.htm

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