How to Write an Admission Essay
What is an Admission Essay?
An Admission Essay is a type of academic writing that students must submit to an educational institution (such as a college or university) as a part of their application. It is a “personal statement” that gives information about the applicant’s educational background, work experience (if any), personal characteristics/uniqueness, and ambitions/goals/targets. The key objective of an Admission Essay is to persuade the admissions committee that the applicant is a good fit for the institution and the program they are applying.
As an applicant, you should understand that an Admission Essay plays a significant role in the application process since it showcase your characteristics, inspiration, and potential for success. You should also remember to include your interests, principles, and beliefs and explain how they relate to the field you are applying for. Admissions committees also use these essays to assess applicants on various criteria, including their writing and critical thinking abilities. Hence, writing a good admission essay that will stand out among hundreds or thousands of applicants is essential.
Now that we have understood what an Admission Essay is let us explore the tips for writing a perfect one, which will undoubtedly win an application.
Tips on how to write a strong admission essay
- Understand the Prompt
Before you start writing your essay, it is essential first to understand the prompt. Read the instructions carefully and understand what the admissions committee is looking for. Instructions might differ from institution to institution, so don’t just start writing what you think you should. Write what you have been instructed. For instance, ask yourself the following questions: “Are they asking me to reflect on particular experiences?” “Are they asking me to focus on my academic achievements?” “Do they want to know why I am interested in this institution?” etc. Remember that understanding the prompt will help you focus your essay and ensure you address the questions well.
- Brainstorm and Plan
After you have understood the prompt, now is the time to start brainstorming your ideas. Reflect on what makes you unique (this includes your personal characteristics, traits, and qualities) and the experiences and events that have shaped you. Remember, the goal is to write an essay that will stand out and win an application; thus, as much as you want to remain honest, do not be afraid to be creative and think outside the box. Once you have the ideas, create a plan to organize them and structure your essay. A plan will ensure that you stay on track and present your ideas clearly and comprehensibly.
- Show, Don’t Tell
When writing an Admission Essay, you must “show” rather than “tell.” What do I mean by this? Instead of telling the admission committee you are honest, kind, etc., give specific examples demonstrating these features. For instance, which honest deeds have you done? Did you return a mistakenly given item? Did you admit your mistakes? Showing rather than telling allows the admission committee to get a sense of who you are as a person and if you qualify to be enrolled in that institution.
- Be Honest and Genuine
As earlier said, be honest and creative. It is good to present yourself in the best possible way, but remember to be honest and genuine throughout. Do not overstate your experiences or accomplishments or try to be someone you are not. Instead, as much as you want to be creative, be true to yourself and show your uniqueness and experiences. Note that the admission committee values your honesty and wants to get to know the real you.
- Be Concise, but Make Sure to Meet the Required Word Count.
Some institutions require that you meet a specified word count, so consider that, or your application will be automatically disqualified. However, ensure that your essay is clear and to the point. Thousands of applicants have also sent their applications to the same institution, which the same committee will read. Therefore, it is essential to avoid pointless information and repetition. In other words, make every word count.
- Be Positive
It is crucial to stay positive in your essay. Do not dwell or keep on complaining about negative experiences. Instead, focus on what you have learned from the negative experiences and how you strategize to avoid them. A positive attitude will certainly make a good impression!
- Proofread, edit, and revise
Lastly, after you have written your essay, proofread it carefully. Ensure that it is free from grammatical errors and formatted correctly in adherence to the instructions. Pay close attention to tiny details such as spacing, font, and font size. Make sure your essay looks professional. If you were an admission committee member, would this essay impress you? It is also wise to have someone else read your essay and ask them to provide their feedback.
Sample Pharmaceutical Degree Admission Essay
This sample might not be accurate according to your institution’s requirements or instructions, but it sure covers what’s mostly required.
I grew up in a family of medical professionals, and from a young age, I have been fascinated by medicine. After completing high school, I joined ABC College, where I pursued a degree in chemistry.
During my college time, I had the opportunity to work as a pharmacy technician at a local neighborhood pharmacy. This opportunity allowed me to gain experience in the pharmacy field and develop a deep gratitude for the vital role played by pharmacists in patient care. Through my interactions and connections with patients, I learned that pharmacists are often the first point of contact for patients looking for medical advice. I also discovered that pharmacists’ depth of knowledge and ability to provide personalized care was remarkable.
After I graduated from ABC College, I got a job as a research assistant at XXX Pharmaceutical Company. Here, I was involved in developing a novel drug for treating Diabetes’ disease. Through this experience, I developed a deep interest in the research aspect of the pharmaceutical industry. I saw the potential to influence patient outcomes through innovative research.
My academic background and work experience have given me a strong foundation in pharmaceuticals. However, my passion for pharmaceuticals goes beyond my education and work experience. As a non-native English speaker, I have a unique perspective on the medical industry and underserved communities’ challenges in assessing quality healthcare services. I believe that my language skills and cultural background give me a unique advantage in providing patient care and improving access to essential medications in underserved communities.
In pursuit of my career goals, I am delighted to apply to join the pharmaceutical program at YYY University. I believe that YYY’s program will offer me the chance to further improve my skills and knowledge in the field and learn from leading experts in the industry. I am confident that this program will help me achieve my career goals and make a meaningful impact in pharmaceuticals.
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