Using appropriate tone and style when creating an application essay
Why is it important to create a good impression with an application essay?
An application or admission essay has for a long time been one of the most important parts of the application process and it is a usual requirement by applying to different institutions, programmes, projects. Imagine you receive hundreds of applications with a lot of experience, perfect grades and recommendation. Your job will be to choose from the pile of documents the people who will suit the position better. In this case demanding an admission essay on a set or free topic seems like a good solution. You can check the academic writing skills but also have an impression of the person, his abilities and motivation to enter the university or the program. This is why creating a successful or failing application essay can influence all your future life and determine your career.
What shall I include in my admission essay?
Some programs and universities send the possible candidates set requirements or topic the essay shall be about. In this case you have to, of course, stick to the given instructions, but also be as creative as possible. Try to find a new approach to the topic, surprise the reader! If the topic is not assigned, try to talk about what you like and what is important to you. Think about who the person selecting the participants might be, according to the project details and what qualities they might need to see in you.
Which style shall I select for the essay?
The type and style of the essay will, of course, depend on the purpose of the application and what do you apply for. However, there are some basic rules you can follow to succeed with the application process.
- Reveal yourself. The person, who reads your essay does not know you personally and has most likely never seen you. You have 1 or 2 pages to show yourself as fully as possible.
- Make sure you find the write approach to the tone of the essay. If you are supposed to present yourself, do not spent the whole essay only bragging about how good you are. If you are asked, why you are the right person for the position, do not try to seem pitiful and describe excuses for not being better.
- Add a bit of humor. Even if this is an official application letter, it is not obligatory to make it “heavy. An essay with something interesting and funny will be remembered and help you to stand out among the hundreds of applications.