So, you have decided that studying in graduate school is absolutely necessary for your future career, and probably you have even started gathering all necessary documents. If it is so, then let us discuss one of the crucial application steps – writing a graduate program essay.
 
Let us not waste your time talking about the significance of essays for graduate programs. We can sum it up in a few words: no essay – no graduate school.
 
Instead, let us explain you what makes a good graduate program essay, what admission officers pay or do not pay attention to, and finally, how to write a graduate program essay that will get you into the grad school of your dream.
 
What will not work in graduate program essays
 
There are plenty of things that can spoil your graduate program essay, and it is just impossible to list all of them. Thus, let us present the essentials you should keep in mind and things to avoid in your graduate program essay:

• introductions that sound like clichés, e.g. “I have always wanted…”, “… is my calling”.
• lack of motivation and good reasons for your application to grad school;
• lack of research experience;
• bad explanations of some weak sides of yours.

What will work in graduate program essays
 
So, what will be highly appreciated in your graduate program essay? What will make admission officers pay attention to you and choose you as the right candidate?
 
You need to ensure that your graduate program essay highlights the following:

• your strong intention to study in this grad school and reasons why;
• your career goals;
• your research interests;
• relevant research experience and qualifications.

Here, you can also read about a career objectives essay or learn more about admission essay requirements if necessary.