Application Essays

Introduction

Writing an application essay for a scholarship or admission into a university or college is something most students will have to do at some point. These essays often differ significantly from a typical English essay, and with so much riding on them, writers should aim for their best. Although each individual essay will be as unique as its writer, there are a few basic strategies for an effective application essay.

What Are the Readers Asking For?

The first step in writing an application essay is to figure out what the essay prompt is asking. As with most writing, look for key words and phrases. Is the prompt asking you to demonstrate your personal qualities, your academic experience, or both? How do your readers expect you to illustrate these qualities? Sometimes an essay prompt will ask you to talk about a singular experience that illuminates your knowledge or capabilities. Others may be broader, asking you to discuss why you would be a good fit for a particular program or how a scholarship would help you pursue your career dreams. In any case, start with determining what the essay needs to contain before you begin writing, and pay close attention to the details.

Format

It is also important to look carefully at any format requirements. Most application essays require a shorter length, some as short as 500 words or less, so the length should be taken into consideration as you plan your essay. Also, check for any font or other style requirements. Be as certain as possible that your writing conforms to your readers’ expectations because most documents of this sort are one-chance opportunities. Inattention to detail may not help you make a great first impression and could cost you the opportunity.

Writing the Essay

Because most writing of this sort will be limited in length, use every word to your advantage. Regardless of the prompt, as you draft, keep in mind the purpose of the text. Every single word or character counts, so staying on topic is vital. Deviations from the prompt or unnecessary information can take away from the main points, so think carefully about what you include.

Keep in mind that you are likely sending your essay to a committee that will read hundreds, if not thousands, of similar letters. Make sure yours stands out and grabs their attention, in addition to covering the topic/s. One way to do this is to avoid any broad, sweeping statements or cliché language (e.g., “I’ve always wanted to change the world” and similar expressions), and instead stick to specifics.

Letters of Intent and Purpose Statements

In a letter of intent or purpose statement, often written as part of an application to a university program, you will likely be asked some form of the following question: How will your previous experience enable you to succeed in this program and/or what do you hope to gain professionally? When drafting such a letter, especially if it can only be a certain number of words, answer these questions as fully as possible without shifting topics. To do this, focus on specifics, and only include details that contribute to your message. As you draft, take breaks to read over your work and ask, “Does this sentence say something about who I am as student and who I want to be? Am I still answering the prompt question/s?”

Scholarship Applications

Essays for scholarship applications will require the same attention to detail as letters of intent, but the prompt may differ, depending on the scholarship. Some scholarships are for a particular program or subject, while others are designed to assist first-generation, underserved, and other student populations. Some essay prompts may ask you more personal, less academic questions. As with academic applications, though, stay on topic for better clarity.

For example, some scholarship applications may ask you to describe a time in your life when you overcame adversity or another broad, personal question. In such a case, choose your response carefully to make an impression and, more importantly, showcase your best qualities. Most people have overcome some sort of adversity in different ways throughout their lives, but the example you write about needs to say something impactful about who you are and show your unique qualities as an individual.

Cover Letters and Other Application Essays

Applications and cover letters for employment or other career endeavors may ask you to provide even more unique and specialized information, but as you’ve likely noticed, the majority of these essays and letters can be approached in similar ways. When writing cover letters for job applications, treat the job description the same as a prompt for a scholarship or other essay, reviewing it carefully and looking for key phrases and words. For instance, if a job’s qualifications include proficiency in mathematics and effective communication skills, it may be wise to focus on specific examples that demonstrate how your academic and work experience has equipped you with these abilities.

Make Each Word Count

Because your essay will likely have a shorter length requirement, remember to make every word count. The following comparison of two short examples shows how to say more in a certain amount of space. The prompt for these examples requires writers to discuss their academic achievements and explain how these achievements will benefit the program.

My degree from Del Mar College will help me succeed in and complete this program. I completed numerous classes on topics closely related to the field, and I am familiar with the basics of engineering. I made As in most of my classes and was a member of the Engineering Club. With the skills I have learned through my degree, I am well-equipped to enter this program.

My Associate’s in Electrical Engineering from Del Mar College taught me the terminology and mathematical requirements needed to succeed in UT’s Bachelor of Engineering program. Completing courses like High-Reliability Soldering and serving in the extracurricular Engineering Club gave me the technical knowledge necessary to thrive in this program.

The first example is vague; it does not mention the degree attained, the program being applied for, classes taken, or any specific skills, but the second example mentions all of these.

While the second example makes every word count, the first contains wordy phrases and unnecessary information (i.e., course grades because a transcript is part of the application).

Last, with this writer limited by word count, the second example succeeds again. By being specific, the second example says more in 49 words than the first example does in 67. The key is conciseness, or saying as much as possible using only as many words as necessary.

Note: For more on making every word count, check out our handout on Conciseness.

Last Thoughts

Whatever sort of application essay or letter you may need to write, there are several basic strategies to tailor for your use: Read the instructions carefully, identify the goal, be specific, and make every word count. Applying these strategies will help you write more competitive application materials, increasing your chance of getting the scholarship, university acceptance letter, or job interview you seek. As with any other writing, the Stone Writing Center can always provide guidance on these essays as well.