Writing Essays for Applications

for Post-Baccalaureate Study and Scholarships

This handout is addressed to upperclass students who are seriously thinking about attending medical or law school, or who have decided to apply to graduate school. It can also be helpful to students applying for scholarships related to post-baccalaureate studies. This handout focuses on the essays applicants are usually asked to submit as part of the application process.

For reasons we'll address in a moment, students have a tendency to put off writing such essays until the last minute. While such procrastination is understandable, it is not very wise. A poorly conceived or slapdash essay can directly work against your chances of being accepted at the institutions of your choice. Conversely, a strong essay will greatly enhance the odds of your being admitted to the school you want to attend. So our primary message to you is

• read over this handout NOW to get a better sense of a positive way to approach these essays;
• plan to do the kind of preliminary work we recommend for these essays NOW; there is lots you can and should do even before you receive application forms.

The rest of this handout is designed to address those issues that encourage you to procrastinate, and it provides concrete, specific strategies for gathering the information you need to write a powerful essay, as well as strategies for drafting such essays.

Use the buttons on the left to look at the whole essay, or specific parts.