Essay writing tips

What does the university want in a prospective candidate? Are the program’s needs the same or slightly different? Research both, and highlight the ways you fit all the qualities they want.

Search the department’s website and read recent faculty publications in your area of interest. Don’t forget Twitter! Talk about what’s top of their minds right now and how those issues relate to your interest and future goals.

Ask yourself why you are applying to this program and what impact it will have on your future. Thinking about these questions will help you write an essay that is distinctly about you and that admission officers want to read.

This step is essential for creating a standout essay. Don’t let simple grammatical errors or confusing sentences obscure a strong story. Have someone edit your essay, and there are also online tools you can utilize, like Hemingway Editor or Polishmywriting — just remember, they’re not a replacement for a trained, human eye!