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Essays > FAQ's |
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What kind of topics will I need to write an essay on?What kind of essays will I have to write for Undergraduate admissions?What kind of questions will I have to write for an MS/ Ph.D. program?What kind of questions will I have to write for the MBA program?How long should my essay be?What is the Admissions committee looking for in an essay?How can I make my essay look organized?Must I write my essay in the space provided?Should I refer to professional books when writing an essay as I may have little knowledge on the topic/s given?Can I get guidance from any of my teachers?Will the admissions committee cross-question or double-check what I have written in the essay?If I have worked with a friend on my essays, and we are applying to the same universities, will that affect my chances of being accepted?I have heard writing quotes in an essay make it more attractive. Should I do this?I have tried writing an essay, but to no avail. Can you give me some guidelines on how to write an essay?What are business-related fields? What are the essays required for these fields?What is a Statement of Purpose or a Mission Statement?What is so special about the top 50 MBA programs’ essays?What should I concentrate on if I am applying to the top competitive undergraduate programs?
What kind of topics will I need to write an essay on? When applying to colleges in the US a student is faced with writing one to several essays. Almost every school is keen to know about you, your reasons for pursuing further education at their University, your short and long term career goals.
What kind of essays will I have to write for Undergraduate admissions? a. Statement of Purpose b. A Significant Event (could be a national/social or general issue) c. A Person you admire/ A book you have read: that have created a significant impact in your life
What kind of questions will I have to write for an MS/ Ph.D.
program?
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Motivation and commitment to a field of study |
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Expectations with regard to the program and career opportunities |
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Writing ability |
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Major areas of interest |
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Research and/ or work experience |
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Educational background |
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Immediate and long-term goals |
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Reasons for deciding to pursue graduate education in a particular field and at a particular institution |
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Maturity |
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Personal contribution – what you would add to the diversity of the entering class. |
In conclusion your essay should reflect your writing abilities and more importantly, it should reveal the clarity, the focus and the depth of your thinking.
How can I make my essay look organized?
Before you begin writing your essay, make an outline of what you will be writing in an essay. Once you have your outline, you will then be able to organize your thoughts in a more systematic manner and your essay will flow in a logical manner. Your essay must be neatly typed and printed on good quality paper. Ensure that your name, your proposed degree and major and the term that you are applying for are clearly mentioned on every sheet. Insert a typical heading here.
Must I write my essay in the space provided?
No. You may staple your answer to the provided sheet in the application package. But while doing this, it would be a good thing to notify the admissions committee in the provided space: ‘Please see essay enclosed’.
Should I refer to professional books when writing an essay as I may have little knowledge on the topic/s given?
Yes, you may refer to some books before you begin writing. But remember to use these books only as references. Do not continually quote statements that were written in the book. The objective of writing an essay is to provide the admissions committee a glimpse of you, your goals and clarity of thought.
Can I get guidance from any of my teachers?
Please remember that no one can write about yourself better than you (for topics on self-analysis). Apart from that, your essays must be original and innovative. You should know exactly what you have put in your essay, should you be asked about your essay during your interview. The committee looks for signs of replication from students of the same institution.
Will the admissions committee cross-question or double-check what I have written in the essay?
The likelihood of the admissions committee asking you questions based on your essays is strongest in the case of an MBA candidate only. Most top MBA schools would schedule an interview with you either in person or over the phone, where they will ask you questions related to the essays you have written.
If I have worked with a friend on my essays, and we are applying to the same universities, will that affect my chances of being accepted?
YES. Please remember that your essays are a reflection of who you are, what you have experienced and your future career goals. Writing on such points is always a tough task, as these points are unique for each individual. By copying, or sharing ideas you portray an image, which is not primarily you and thus this may harm you in the application process. Besides, this is unethical.
I have heard writing quotes in an essay make it more attractive. Should I do this?
Quotes can make an essay attractive if they fit in with your content and flow. But you must not insert a quote only because you have heard of its attractiveness.
I have tried writing an essay, but to no avail. Can you give me some guidelines on how to write an essay?
( Tips in our Madhavi Desai Recommends Section )
What are business-related fields? What are the essays required for these fields?
Business-related fields would include Marketing, Finance, International Business, Management Information Systems, E-Commerce, Organization Behavior, Public Relations Management and others. Doing a Masters degree in this is realistically speaking a specialized MBA. Hence the essays required would, depending on the University, be more detailed and explanatory. One cannot generalize which essays would be required, they would differ from one school to another.
What is a Statement of Purpose or a Mission Statement?
The Statement of Purpose or the Mission Statement are essays where you will discuss the following topics:
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What subject or major are you looking to pursue for your degree?
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Why do you want to pursue this major?
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After you finish your Bachelors degree what are your goals? What are your long and short-term career objectives?
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Talk about all your interests and accomplishments, leadership skills, community service and anything else that comes to your mind which you would want to include in your essay.
What is so special about the top 50 MBA programs’ essays?
When applying to the top 50 MBA programs, you are competing with the best of the best. Essays are one of the only avenues for the students to say something for themselves. These essays can pivot the admission’s committee in your favor or disfavor. The basic assumption being that most students who apply to the top schools are of a certain academic standing, hence the Essays stand as the only factor distinguishing one student from another.
What should I concentrate on if I am applying to the top competitive undergraduate programs?
If you are applying to some of the tops schools, you can be certain that you are competing with some of the most competitive applicants. Hence, your essay must be carefully written. Essays are one of the only avenues for the students to say something for themselves. These essays can pivot the admission’s committee in your favor or disfavor. The basic assumption being that most students who apply to the top schools are of a certain academic standing, hence the Essays stand as the only factor distinguishing one student from another.
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