Graduate School Application Essays

Your application essay (personal statement, statement of purpose, or letter of intent) is your chance to showcase your fit for graduate programs in engineering, business, education, medicine, or law. UC’s Bearcat Promise Career Studio, Pre-Professional Advising Center (PPAC), UC Writing Center, and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) help you craft compelling essays.

Why Essays Matter

Essays highlight your experiences, motivations, and fit, demonstrating writing skills and addressing weaknesses constructively. For pre-health/pre-law, they showcase empathy and ethics.

Resource Tip: Book a Career Studio session (TUC 310, Handshake https://www.uc.edu/campus-life/careers/handshake.html) or PPAC advising (preproadv@uc.edu) for tailored feedback.

  • Review Prompts: Check program websites for word limits (500–1,000 words) and prompts (e.g., “Why this program?” or “Why medicine/law?”).
  • Research Programs: Align essays with program missions (e.g., UC’s focus on experiential learning).
    • Resources:
    • Career Studio: Coaches interpret prompts using CareerShift/Interstride.
    • PPAC: Offers pre-health/pre-law workshops and AAMC or LSAC resources.
    • UC Library: Access Peterson’s for essay trends.
  • Reflect:
  • Non-pre-health/pre-law: Highlight UC co-op, research, or academic interests.
  • Pre-health/pre-law: Emphasize clinical or leadership experiences.
  • Key Questions: Why graduate school? Why this program? What makes you unique?
  • Outline:
    • Intro: Engaging anecdote (e.g., UC research project).
    • Body: 2–3 experiences tied to program strengths.
    • Conclusion: Summarize goals and fit.

Resource Tip: Use Writing Center brainstorming sessions (https://www.uc.edu/campus-life/writingcenter.html) or PPAC workshops.

  • Follow Guidelines: Tailor to each program’s prompt and mission.
  • Show, Don’t Tell: Use specific experiences (e.g., co-op, leadership).
  • Address Weaknesses: Highlight growth (e.g., improved grades).
  • Tone: Professional yet authentic; convey empathy for pre-health/pre-law.

PPAC Tip: Pre-health/pre-law students can get field-specific feedback at workshops.

  • Revise: Ensure clarity, conciseness, and proper grammar.
  • Feedback:
    • Career Studio: Coaches provide feedback on structure, tone, and alignment with career goals. Use Big Interview to analyze your essay for clarity and structure. Book via Handshake.
    •  PPAC: Pre-health/pre-law advisors ensure field alignment.
    • Writing Center: Tutors polish drafts (https://www.uc.edu/campus-life/writingcenter.html).
    • Trusted Reviewers: Ask professors or peers.
  • Proofread: Use Grammarly or read aloud.
  • Submit: Upload to portals (e.g., AMCAS, LSAC). Check formatting.
  • Keep Copies: Save drafts for interviews.
  • Deadlines: Submit 2–4 weeks early (December–February; May–June for pre-health/pre-law).

Resource Tip: Order UC transcripts via the Registrar’s Office. Book a Career Studio headshot (https://www.uc.edu/campus-life/careers/handshake.html).

  • Interviews: Practice with Big Interview or Career Studio booths.
  • Supplemental Essays: Use PPAC/Writing Center for quick feedback.
  • Thank Reviewers: Send thank-you notes.