2. Basic Advice
Follow directions!
Take enough time to:
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Brainstorm
Outline
Share a draft
Revise
Proofread
Write an essay with a beginning,
middle, and end; thesis and support;
a point.
Write in a voice that expresses your
personality.
Visit the Writing Center
3. Brainstorming . . .
What’s special, distinctive, or
impressive about you or your life
story?
What important experiences have you
had, educational or otherwise, that
have shaped you as a person?
What is a specific story about yourself
that you might tell?
What people have influenced you
strongly and led you to the place
4. More brainstorming . . .
How and when did you become
interested in the field?
What do you know about the field, the
university, the department, the
program, the professors?
What do you hope to gain from the
experience?
What will you bring to the university,
the department, the program?
5. Last brainstorming . . .
How do you plan to use the
degree?
What are your career goals?
What are your dreams?
How will you change the
world, and how will the
education you hope to get make
it all possible?
