graduate admission essay

Top 5 Reasons for Not Discussing Weird Topics in Your Graduate Admission Essay

Knowing the top five reasons for not discussing weird topics in your graduate admission essay is very important.  There is really no strict requirement about what kind of topic you use, as long as you can discuss it effectively.  However, choosing weird topics may not really work for you, especially if it’s a very controversial or sensitive one.  The following are the top five reasons why you should avoid discussing weird topics in your essay.

Reason #1:  Weird topics are weird.

First off, weird topics are exactly that, weird.  The last thing you want to do is weird out your graduate school admission panel, which is almost a sure way of getting yourself that polite rejection letter that every applicant dreads of receiving.

One of the main important points to remember is to think of your audience when writing your graduate admission essay.  This audience will be composed of tenured professors, and probably younger teachers closer to your own age.  Although it is a good idea not to tailor your essay according to what you think they want to hear, it’s best to stick to a topic that will make the panel want to get to know you more.  You can do this by putting yourself in the admission officer’s shoes and trying to feel what your reaction would be with a particular topic you have in mind.  Being creative is good, but to any audience, weird is weird, and most audiences will not know how to react to a weird admission essay.

Reason #2:  Weird topics may reflect your personality in a bad way.

Weird topics make you look weird, or worse.  You may think that a weird topic is the same as a creative topic, something that most experts on admissions officers urge applicants to use.  With a weird topic, you can easily make the jump from being creative to just plain strange or worse, someone with an emotional or personality problem.  Weird topics, when discussed ineffectively, are bad topics, and can be anything from the death of a pet, recent religious epiphanies, and even parent bashing.  These topics are the last topics that can paint you in a good light so avoid these and other similar topics.

Reason #3:  Weird topics may not represent the real you.

Weird topics will not paint the real you, unless you are naturally weird.  If you really think that being a little bit off will pay off, then by all means do so.  But if you want to appear as normal and as emotionally healthy as possible, save the strange stories for Halloween night.

Reason #4:  Weird topics may seem too informal.

Weird topics can get too informal.  You can be informal but you need to look normal as well in order to avoid appearing irreverent.  Some may disagree with this, but often the only way to get on your admission panel’s good side is to tread on the middle ground arefully, and not be too stiff and prudish but not be too loose either.

Reason #5:  Weird topics may confuse the readers.

While most schools allow their applicants free reign when it comes to writing an admissions essay, you can do your self a lot of good by treading on the middle ground.  Avoid weird or strange topics if you can.  A weird topic will put your readers in a place where they may not understand you.  And in a process where getting to know you as a person is the main objective, this move will definitely have an effect on whether you get accepted or not.

Knowing what to write in a graduate school admission essay is fairly easy, especially if the school provides you with a set of questions, known as prompts as your guide.  As long as you already have the other requirements such as the right grade point average, recommendation letters, program of study and the like, you can start working on your essay.

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Effectively Discussing in Your Graduate Admission Essay Why You Deserve A Scholarship Spot

Tailoring your admission essay with the goal of getting a scholarship in mind is perhaps a common move of most grad school hopefuls.  After all, who would not want to have the chance of going to graduate school for free or for a discount? However, only a chosen few ever get to see an acceptance letter from the graduate program of their choice.  Here are a few tips to come up with a winning essay for that scholarship.

Writing a persuasive graduate admission essay

A graduate admission essay needs to be planned with care, all the more so if you are vying for a scholarship.  Not only will you be vying for entrance to a graduate program, but your application will also be facing the competition of the many who want to go to grad school on a scholarship.

Most graduate school applicants tend to know what should go into a graduate admission essay.  Being unique, creating a coherent structure, emphasizing your strengths, avoiding highly technical terms, using personal anecdotes, and the like are something most graduate school hopefuls already know about.  However, making a persuasive pitch for a scholarship in your graduate school admission essay is another thing entirely.

Add a personal touch.

Writing the essay in a personal tone is the surest way to creating an engaging essay.  However, you might be tempted to personalize your essay with a sob story in an attempt to get the admission panel to take pity on you.  This is the surest way to get the boot.  While personal stories can be engaging and will let your panel get a glimpse of who you are, some personal anecdotes can also sound suspiciously like sob stories, even if they are 100% true.  Unfortunately, admissions experts dislike sob stories and they can smell one mile away.  Avoid using very dramatic sob stories if you can, but if you must, avoid whining and instead focus on how the experience strengthened you or made a positive impact on your life. This will show your panel that you can use even the worst things to your advantage.

How a person tells a story in a graduate school essay, if he or she chooses to tell one at all, is one of the ways panels scrutinize an applicant’s personality.  Telling a sad, heartbreaking story in a positive or upbeat tone will give the panel the impression that you are a person who looks at things on a positive note.  And any graduate school could always use students with that kind of outlook.  However, always make sure that your stories are true.  Any hint of a lie will surely make you unqualified.

Cover the basics.

A successful graduate admission essay that is also angling for a scholarship should cover the basics, its parts linked together by a common topic or experience, flows smoothly from one paragraph to another, and must point out your strongest points and assets.  In order to get this result, write ahead of time to give yourself more opportunities to rewrite, to think of good anecdotes to share, and to have your essay read by a trusted friend or teacher for opinions.

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Coming up with a Graduate Admission Essay When Applying to Schools with the Most Competitive Graduate Programs in the US

Coming up with a graduate admission essay when applying to schools with the most competitive graduate programs in the US is a challenging yet exciting task.  Applying to top grad schools means that you have to come with exemplary grades, excellent recommendations from trusted professors from your old school, as well as the best admission essay that you can possibly write.

While you may no longer have control of your school records and what it says about your academic performance there, or whether or not you like the recommendation given by a favorite professor, you can still give your image a boost with a well-written graduate admission essay.  Different graduate schools for various specialties may have specific requirements for their graduate school applicants, but they more or less look for the same thing when screening prospective graduate students.

Tips for making an impressive admission essay for graduate school

Typical questions you need to address when you write a graduate school admission essay include brief points about your education, past experiences that influenced your decisions to choose  your desired field of study, and specific examples that show the skills and traits that will serve you well as you continue your studies.

Give specific examples.

Being specific with your examples is one of the most important things you can do with your admission essay.  Being specific will help you keep your essay personal and will make your piece interesting to read.  Graduate school admission panels are not looking for serious, technical essays because essays like these usually constitute the couple of other essays that they have already read in the past.  Personal experiences make you unique.  Use them to make an essay that your admission officers have not read before.

Answer the questions given.

Answering the questions put forth in the application requirements is one of the most important tasks involved in writing a graduate school admission essay.  Answering possible questions about discrepancies in your record and perhaps perceived weaknesses can also be done in the admissions essay.  Just make sure to keep it short and avoid sounding defensive by emphasizing what you have learned from your failures and other negative occurrences in your life.

Proofread and edit your work.

Most experts say that even those with previous experience in professional writing need to have their grammar and spelling checked by others.  Proofreading your essay can be made more effective if it is seen by fresh eyes, especially those of professional editors.  This is your admission essay after all, so you would want it to be as impressive as possible.  However, you should limit the number of people whom you ask for feedback on your essay.  You easily run the risk of submitting an essay that is a collaboration of many people rather than an essay that reflects who you are.

Proofreading is also the best way to look at  your formatting and do edits as necessary.  While the kind of paper used or the proper use of margins can never replace the substance of the essay, they can help make an already well-written essay look more presentable.

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North Carolina Central University

Though starting out as a historically black academic institution, the North Carolina Central University or NCCU now has over 9,000 students of various ethnicities enrolled in its programs. This institution founded in 1910 has then went on to produce graduates who have become professionals and leaders in their own industries and vocations. Undergraduates are given enough space and opportunity to develop academically and socially within NCCU and in the areas surrounding the campus through the many activities and rich culture in North Carolina. One can also undertake his or her graduate studies in the various offerings of NCCU. From biology to counseling and a host of other specializations, individuals taking ther graduate studies can surely become the best professionals that they want to be.

Portland State University

A public urban academic institution that has been providing tertiary education can be found in the heart of Oregon. Students of Portland State University or PSU, founded in the 1940s, are blessed with the quality education and hands on experiences that can be garnered in this esteemed institution. PSU encourages that tertiary education be undertaken, especially by those graduating from high school, by staging Viking 101 sessions or having middle and secondary school students to visit the campus. PSU makes sure that its undergraduates get the best kind of education through the many programs and activities aimed to develop them academically and socially. Graduate studies in PSU also equip students with the necessary knowledge to improve their specialization and profession. Business administration, the arts and sciences, and urban public affairs among others are just a few of the areas of interest where one can get a graduate degree in.

Cornell University

Cornell University in Ithaca, New York is one of those esteemed learning institutions that have been gracing the pages of history. Cornell was founded in 1865, from one of the many land grants bestowed by the government for academic use. The year 1870 saw the enrollment of women in the university and today, the student body is made up a variety of people of different ethnic backgrounds as well. Cornell is also known for perpetuating tie-ups with international academic institutions, founding centers and partnerships in Qatar, the Philippines, and China among others. Aside from undergraduate studies, graduate programs and doctorate studies can also be taken up in Cornell U. Graduate programs range from Asian studies to zoology can be found in Cornell University.

U.Va. Graduate School

In the quaint yet modern city of Charlottesville, Virginia lies the premier institution of the University of Virginia. The U.Va. opened its doors to its first 25 students in March 1825, and from then on has become one of the better known schools that provide quality education to students. With the Chesapeake Bay and the Blueridge Mountains surrounding the campus of the U.Va., students won’t have a very taxing time taking up their studies in this area. Aside from undergraduate studies, graduate studies are also offered in the U.Va.. Those who are interested can get advanced degrees in the arts and sciences, education, engineering, as well as in law and medicine.

Duke University Graduate School

In the mountains of North Carolina lies one of the most prestigious institutions in the academic community. Duke University is one exemplary academic institution that has been churning out the leading professionals in different fields and industries who have helped shape the country’s history. Fairly young when compared with its contemporaries, Duke University was established in 1924 in memory of businessman and philathropist Washington Duke. Duke University is known for the excellent training and hands-on experiences it endows to its undergraduate and medical students. Aside from medical studies, however, graduate degrees can also be obtained in the university. Duke offers graduatecourses in various studies such as education, the arts, sciences, engineering, and allied health services, just to name a few.

Northeastern University Graduate Studies

In the heart of the Ivy League area, Northeastern University’s presence has been a strong one, with students getting prime education and development in its hallowed halls. Despite having an upper-crust location, however, Northeastern prides itself in integrating classroom learning with real-life application in the surrounding communities. A research-oriented institution, Northeastern University offers comprehensive undergraduate courses in the fields of health sciences, the arts and other sciences, engineering ,and professorial studies among others. Apart from undergraduate degrees, individuals can also look into improving their knowledge and profession by taking up graduate studies. Northeastern offers graduate degree programs in business administration, health sciences, criminal justice, and engineering among others.

University of Maryland Graduate School

In the heart of the Old Line State lies an esteemed academic institution that has honed many a student to become a leader in his or her profession. The University of Maryland has been awarding degrees to students since the time of its agricultural college in 1862 until now with its several notable undergraduate degrees, certificates, and diplomas for different programs. Aside from undergraduate studies, the University of Marlyand also has its own graduate school where individuals can receive advanced learning. Graduate studies in education, engineering, journalism, languages, and foreign studies are just a few of the programs that can be undertaken by degree-holders and professionals who still want to improve their own craft or industry.

University of Minnesota Graduate School

Though Minnesota may be known as the Gopher State, one can find that burrow comfortable and enriching enough to inspire social and academic development. The University of Minnesota has been answering the needs of Minnesotans for tertiary education since 1851 when the university that spawned five campuses and numerous outreach and research centers broke ground in the Twin Cities. The University of Minnesota is also a premier research institution that has given rise to medical breakthroughs such as stem cell transplantation and a manufactured beating heart. Countless graduate studies and programs can be taken in the Twin Cities and Duluth campuses of the University of Minnesota, while an All-University category hosts graduate studies in the areas of biosciences, toxicology, water resource science and biomedical informatics, and computational biology.

Alabama State University

Though the roads to Alabama may lead one to back-country hovels and sprawling farmlands, one can eventually find a path that leads to one of the most notable academic institutions in the country. Many students have made Alabama their sweet home thanks in part to the quality education found in Alabama State University. Initially established as a school for blacks in 1867 by nine former slaves, the Alabama State University of today has grown into an institution where students of different ethnicities pursue their collegiate studies. Aside from undergraduate courses, one can also undertake graduate studies in the areas of the arts, sciences, engineering, and business management among others in Alabama State University.

Purdue University

One of the greatest academic institutions to rise up from the land grants of the US government in the 1800s is Purdue University. Founded in 1869, Purdue University was named after John Purdue, a successful businessman who donated much land and money for the institution. From the first recipient of Purdue’s Bachelor of Science degree in 1875, Purdue now is a noteworthy institution that not only awards undergraduate degrees in different courses but also graduate and doctorate degrees in over 70 programs. Those who wish to pursue higher degrees of learning in aviation, the life sciences, business administration, and the arts among others can find one of the the best faculty and programs in the US when they choose to take up their graduate degrees in Purdue University.

JHU Graduate School

Baltimore has more to offer than just the proverbial nippy nights. In the heart of this famous city, the Johns Hopkins University has been attracting legions of students looking for advanced degreessince 1876 as the first research-centered university in the country. JHU has been in the forefront of engineering and other mechanical sciences and have been able to produce the best professionals in these industries. Aside from undergraduate or collegiate courses, one can also get into graduate programs as well as doctorate courses in JHU. Currently, one can take graduate programs in public policy, fine arts, creative writing, and engineering in JHU.

Ohio State University

Far more than just being the home of a football legend, Ohio is also the perfect place for taking up one’s tertiary education. The perfect weather and the environment surrounding Ohio State University give its students the perfect setting conducive to academic and social development. Due to Ohio being an agricultural hub, Ohio State offers courses that specialize in the development of this resource. However, other areas of interest such as education, biology, allied health services and the arts are also offered in Ohio State. Aside from undergraduates studies, Ohio State also offers graduate and doctorate studies to people interested improving and developing in their chosen professions through higher learning.

Adams State College of Colorado

With a spectacular view of the Rockies in the distance and a diverse student body, the Adams State College of Colorado provides a suitable venue for students taking up their advanced degrees. For students who still want to improve their knowledge and skills, graduate studies are offered in Adams State as well. Adams State’s graduate studies are in the areas of Art, Counselor Education, Graduate Teacher Education, History, Government and Philosophy, and Human Performance and Physical Education. Students can choose from full- and part-time schedules, with part-time schedules dividing classes into night-time and weekend shifts. For the convenience of some students, Adams State also offers graduate classes through online discourses and in summer programs.

Adelphi University

What started as an offshoot from a private prep school in Brooklyn eventually became a big contributor to the country’s cause during the World War II. Though Adelphi University was then known as the first school that supplied nurses to the battlefront in those years, this school also offered high class education in other courses and fields. Graduate studies can also be taken in Adelphi, which is now located in Long Island, with a majority of programs delving in the area of education. People can also get into Adelphi’s graduate programs in nursing, the arts and sciences, and business and management.

Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University (AAMU)

One of the oldest historically black universities in the US, the AAMU has provided quality education for students of all ethnicities for the past 131 years. With a student body more diverse than when it started out in 1875 as a land grant from the state of Alabama, a variety of courses aside from its specializations in two major trades are offered in AAMU. When it comes to graduate studies, AAMU is an esteemed institution that offers graduate degrees in the fields of agriculture, computer science, social work, business administration and management, and urban and regional planning among others.

Roger Williams University

Located in idyllic and inspiring Bristol, Rhode Island, Roger Williams University is an ideal place to study in, especially for graduate studies. There are many course offerings for graduate studies in RWU and students have the option of taking up a full-time or a part-time load. New York, Boston, and Providence are all just a stone’s throw away from this institution, making RWU a very accessible institution to take up one’s graduate studies in. Currently, Robert Williams University offers graduatedegrees in the studies of Architecture, Construction Management, Criminal Justice with a joint degree in Law, Teaching, Public Administration, and Forensic Psychology.

The University of San Diego

A Catholic university chartered in 1949, the University of San Diego is the flagship university of San Diego City. Located near Mission Bay and overlooking the Pacific Ocean, students can enjoy the infamous California sunshine in USD, making it an ideal place to take up one’s studies in. For people who still want to take their education further, USD offers graduate degrees in five of its major schools of education. Master’sdegrees can be obtained in some courses in the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Leadership and Education Sciences, the School of Business Administration, Hahn School of Nursing and Health Services, and, more recently, in the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies. USD also offers post-graduate degrees in its School of Law.

Seattle University

Seattle University prides itself in its Jesuit foundations of instruction – by teaching students and fostering research. Because of this, students learn much from the seasoned and excellent faculty and staff that Seattle U employs. Seattle U currently offers 31 graduate degree programs in its seven schools. Though a majority of these graduate degrees can be found in the School of Theology and Ministry, as Seattle U is a Jesuit-run academic institution, the most number of degrees are found in the College of Education. Students who get to take their master’s degrees at Seattle U can choose from full-time and part-time programs, with classes on a daytime, night-time, and weekend basis.

The best graduate schools are very competitive. Their acceptance rates are quite low; some of these graduate schools only accept a small percentage of the applicants. However, students are still aiming to get into these highly reputable institutions to get the best possible education in their chosen field. They believe that the competitive nature of these institutions are the best training grounds for their profession.

Education

Graduate school is often directed toward a specific academic discipline. So, it is no wonder that education degree holders are keen to go for advanced degrees. People wanting to get advanced education degrees believe that they can improve their teaching techniques and pass on the love for learning to their students if they get their master’s degrees. As of 2008, the most competitive program is being offered by Teacher’s College of Columbia University. It has the toughest acceptance rate, at only 48%.

Engineering and the natural sciences

When it comes to the general sciences, the best programs are generally offered by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). It has an overall 14% acceptance rate, which ranks it as the most difficult to get into in the disciplines of engineering and the natural sciences. MIT is also looking for applicants with SAT math scores above 700. This is to ensure that the students can cope with the demands of the intense science programs.

Health

As of 2008, the University of Washington is known for its excellent nursing program. However, the University of Pennsylvania, ranked number three, is more competitive, with only a 21% acceptance rate. Washington, on the other hand, accepts about 67% of its applicants.

Social science

Social sciences is a broad field. So, for each graduate program, a different university excels in it. However, some top-ranking universities are noted for their highly discriminating student selection. For example, Stanford tops the Psychology program and is recorded with an 11% acceptance rate. Harvard presents a tougher acceptance rate, at 9%. It also offers the top-ranked political science program.

Humanities

The top humanities programs can be found in Princeton, Yale, Harvard, University of California – Berkeley, and Stanford. While Harvard tops English, Yale offers the best history program according to most people. Being accepted at Yale can be quite difficult, though. The acceptance rate is at 10%.

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