How to create a basic application essay
Writing an application essay, just like any other kind of writing project, requires a particular approach. If essays and reports, reviews and dissertations have particular features, so do application essays, and missing one or more vital elements can reduce your chances of success. Below is a list of several things to bear in mind when composing your essay.
- Institution
- Subject
- Your Successes
- Your Ambitions
- What You Can Offer
Remember that you are applying to an institution that prides itself on its place in its field. You must demonstrate your understanding of what makes this place desirable, to you and others: if Bob lets the institution know that he respects them professionally, and demonstrates why, and you do not, then Bob is likely to get the right attention: ‘I am applying to study X with you, because as Y demonstrates, you have a proven track record in this field’.
You are applying to study. That is the fundamental aspect of your application, and the single reason that you are applying to X at all. It is essential that you demonstrate your knowledge of the subject: ‘History might be considered as …., viewed in this way ….’ Show how you see something, and how your view is, while not extreme, interesting and unique.
Without bragging, you can refer to your own previous success in the field. Draw the reader’s attention to the things in your C.V. that should appeal to the institution, and which evidence your ability to achieve in this area.
Don’t be afraid to have a paragraph about the future: ‘I want to study here so that I can go on to …’ It is good to show ambition, and to demonstrate your commitment to the area. You can demonstrate the fact that you see this as a valuable, important step in a greater project. Do not imply that it is merely a stepping stone, but look forward.
Finish with a statement about what you can bring to the institution; they are not a charity, they are not there to give you something for nothing. Every place is an opportunity for the institution to demonstrate its excellence, because every place is for a future ambassador, a future graduate and representative of the school.
Follow these steps, as a general guide, and you will be sure to address all the areas that an admissions tutor expects!