How to write university application essay

Some U.S. universities or colleges call this document an “application essay,” while others call it a “personal statement.” Often, like the example that follows, you’d write an application essay in response to one or more specific questions. In contrast, a personal statement may involve writing about yourself without responding to a specific question. To view completed documents, see Sample university application essay and Sample personal statement for university application.

Let’s say you’re applying to a U.S. university in order to obtain your undergraduate or graduate degree. The application essay question is, “What experience or person has influenced you the most?” How will you write a standout essay? Let The Fast Track Way guide you:

Step 1-Analyze Your Situation: By doing your homework, including searching online and talking with people who attend this school, you’ve assessed the perspective of the admissions committee. They’re looking to diversify their student body by accepting international students who have solid academic credentials as well as real-world experience. Consequently, your purpose is to show the Admissions Committee that you have both.

Step 2-State Your Main Point, Message, or Theme: “Since I’m interested in a career in medicine, I’ve focused on excelling in science and mathematics. But, because doctors, regardless of their knowledge and expertise, must know how to relate to their patients, I initiated and completed an internship with a doctor in rural China. Even though I wasn’t paid, working with this remarkable individual was an experience I will always cherish.”

Step 3-Know Your Logic Flow:

• Hard and soft skills that doctors need

• My experience with a rural physician

• How I hope to use my education and experience to pursue a medical career.

Step 4-Integrate Your Information: You next develop an outline you’d use to write your essay. Here’s how your outline might look:

• Hard and soft skills that doctors need:

  • coursework in mathematics and science

  • ability to analyze information and solve problems

  • able to listen and reply to patients’ questions and concerns

  • able to balance empathy with objectivity

• My experience with a rural physician:

  • wanting real-world experience, met with Dr. Wu, a rural doctor, and initiated free internship

  • saw how this physician analyzed his patients’ symptoms and tailored his recommendations

  • observed how he cared for his patients

• How I hope to use my education and experience to pursue a medical career:

  • blend Western medicine with Dr. Wu’s humanity

  • major in biology in college

  • during college, work at local clinics

  • attend a U.S. medical school

  • establish a medical practice in a local community in the U.S.