Admissions Essays: What Are They

Admission evaluations for universities abroad are holistic. Admission committees try to assess a candidate as comprehensively as possible, different sections of the application are designed to test specific skills, evaluate merit, and ascertain if a student fits into a particular academic environment and program. One of the most important components of this admission process is the ‘writing’ section, through which universities demand specific admissions essays and statements of purpose.

Admissions essays are quite diverse and yet they all aim to get an understanding of the candidate in their own words. Most essays have a specific word/character limit/range and they seek student ‘responses’ to specific prompts. Several universities/programs also give students a wide variety of prompts to choose from in the process of writing essays.

Types Of Admission Essays

Admission essays vary depending on the level of program one is applying to (doctoral programs, for example, have very different writing requirements as compared to a bachelor’s programs), the desired university/country (US application essays on a whole are quite different to UK application essays), and the academic specialisation/intended degree (an MBA application would have different essays as compared to MS application).

However, there are some broad buckets under which all essays can be classified depending on the lens they use to evaluate the candidate, with each of them having a prescribed set of best practices that candidates can use to maximise output. Let us discuss the different types of admission essays.

Personal Essays/Personal Statements

The focus of these essays does not pertain to academic/extracurricular proficiencies of students as much as it does to understanding them as human beings and uncovering defining features of their personality.

The Common App prompt, which several US universities require as a part of undergraduate applications is one of the best examples of a personal essay. Students are supposed to choose one of 7 prompts to explain significant events, learnings, and people. Personal essays need not pertain to a student’s academic specialisation which gives students the leeway to express features of their personality that could have otherwise gone ignored in the highly focused admission process. Given that these essays are not very formal, students can also use language and wordplay to express creativity or draw emphasis on a point. Examples of personal statement prompt would be:-

• Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you? (Common Application, 2022)
• Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realisation that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others. (Common Application, 2022)

Statements Of Purpose

Statements of Purpose are focused essays that have a very simple goal: to understand candidates’ motivations behind pursuing a particular degree and to understand how a program links to their past experiences and future ambitions. Unlike personal essays, statements of purpose are focused on academic specialisations and programs, and the potential outcomes that they would lead to.

Students are encouraged to deep dive into their competencies and past experiences that would deem them fit to attend a particular program. Specific (but limited) details on the programs and how they link to a candidate’s interests are also appreciated by universities. Unlike CVs, statements of purpose take a more qualitative approach to explain qualifications and reflect inherent motivations and their potential. Statements of purpose are required for almost all prestigious graduate and postgraduate programs in universities abroad and are an integral part of UK undergraduate admissions as well. SOPs are formal and structured essays. Examples of SOP prompts would be:-

• You should communicate your motivation for studying this course in no more than 500 words. (University of Arts London Graduate Admissions, 2022)
• Please state as concisely as possible: your career goals, and how the graduate degree would benefit you and your country (National University of Singapore Graduate Admissions, 2022)

‘Why’ Essays

‘Why’ Essays seek to understand the motivations of a student behind pursuing a particular program in a specified university. Writing effective ‘why’ essays requires students to deep dive into programs and link their past experiences and ambitions to specific program elements- including but not limited to courses taught, faculty, research centres, and research/professional opportunities for students. A good ‘why’ essay communicates to the university very specific reasons behind a student’s interest in their program and environment, specifically how it links with their interests- academic and beyond, how it would allow them to maximise their potential, and propel them to their ambitions. Examples of ‘why’ essay prompt would be :-

• Why are you applying to HEC Paris and this program? Please include your career goals in this essay (HEC Paris Graduate Admissions, 2022)
• Please share your motivation for undertaking this programme? (Imperial College London Graduate Admissions, 2022)

Your Admission Essays Can Make Or Break Your Application

Descriptive Essays

Certain essays seek descriptions of significant activities/experiences of a particular student to better understand their accomplishments and personalities in very specific and defined contexts. Descriptive essays allow universities to get detailed descriptions of profile/CV elements and evaluate their authenticity and quality. Examples of descriptive essay prompt would be :-

• “Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes, or contributed to group efforts over time.” (University of California, 2022)
• “Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem-solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side.” (University of California, 2022)

Diversity Statements

These are specific descriptive essays through which universities try to understand crucial elements of a student’s background and profile which have not been covered in the existing application. These essays mostly pertain to racial and gender backgrounds, or to disabilities and illnesses. In light of Covid-19, students might also be asked to describe any exceptional challenges faced by them in the past couple of years. Hence, these essays are not relevant for all candidates and are not made compulsory. It should be noted that these essays should not be treated like any other optional descriptive essay and should only be answered by students if they feel the prompt genuinely applies to them. An example would be:-

Community disruptions such as Covid-19 and natural disasters can have deep and long-lasting impacts. If you need it, this space is yours to describe those impacts. Colleges care about the effects on your health and well-being, safety, family circumstances, future plans, and education, including access to reliable technology and quiet study spaces. (Common Application, 2022)

Admission essays are key parts of the selection process and applicants are advised to research, plan and start writing essays well in advance, spend thought and review drafts at least a few times, and seek the help of professionals/consultants whenever required!

Vijeeth Srinivas is a development consultant with extensive experience in the foreign education industry. With the Centre for Career Development and Essai Education he has helped hundreds of students secure positions in leading universities abroad. He is keen to make novel developments in education and skill development more accessible to students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.