Education USA

Ein Essay oder Personal Statement ist ein wichtiger Teil der Bewerbung. Unterschätzen Sie es nicht!

Ein gutes Essay/Personal Statement kann eine schwache Bewerbung stärken und eine starke Bewerbung noch stärker machen. Der Admissions Officer einer Hochschule soll durch das Essay nicht nur stichhaltige Beweise bekommen, dass Sie die Fähigkeit besitzen, Ihre Ideen in einem klaren, gut strukturierten Format zu Papier zu bringen - was für ein Studium extrem wichtig ist. Er soll darüber hinaus auch etwas über Ihre Persönlichkeit, Ihre Motivationen und Interessen erfahren, was für amerikanische Universitäten von großer Bedeutung ist.

Lassen Sie sich ausreichend Zeit, um ein gutes Essay/Personal Statement zu schreiben! Sie werden Ihren Aufsatz je nach gewähltem Studienprogramm und -niveau gestalten. Manchmal werden gezielte Fragen gestellt, die zu beantworten sind, manchmal wird das Thema ganz offen gelassen.

Different Programs

Undergraduate Program: Focus on all aspects of your life, not just academics. Schools are looking for a well-rounded person both socially and academically. Mention sports, hobbies, the arts, and volunteer experience.

Graduate School: Focus on intellectual and academic interests and goals. Answer schools’ questions specifically and as accurately as possible, catering to each specific school. Questions to keep in mind:

• Why are you interested in graduate study?
• Why are you applying to this particular graduate program?
• What about you is special?
• Are there items in your application that need special explanation?
• Do you add diversity to the program?

Grants, Fellowships, Scholarships Essay should be specific to the purpose of the scholarship and the organization that the scholarship is for.

Basic Format for Essay Writing

Introduction and Thesis Statement (Say what you want to do):  The introduction or first paragraph, and especially the first sentence, of an essay should attract the reader. The introduction requires a thesis statement which is one, specific sentence explaining the main idea of the essay. 

Body (Do it): Each body paragraph should concentrate on one idea that must be supported with evidence. Avoid long paragraphs; instead break multiple points into several paragraphs. Make sure to clearly state the point of each paragraph at its beginning. Make smooth transitions between each paragraph to link ideas logically.

Conclusion (Say what you have done):  Restate the thesis and main supporting ideas. End with a strong argument.

Writing the Statement of Purpose

The statement of purpose is used to convince admissions committees to accept you to their college or university. The emphasis of this essay depends on where you are applying (applying link).

Step One: Know Yourself Think about your strengths, personal accomplishments and developments, and academic career and your reasons for wanting to attend a certain college or university.

Step Two: An Outline Make a list of main ideas for your statement. The outline should logically organize your ideas into an introduction, body, and conclusion. Make sure to:

• Explain your background
• Describe your professional goals
• Describe what you want to study in undergraduate or graduate school
• Describe what you personally can contribute to the program

Step Three: Writing the Statement Points to keep in mind:

• Grab the reader’s attention with the first sentence.
• Be concise. Do not add unnecessary details that will take away from the focus of your statement.
• Be self-confident. Do not write any negative statements. Emphasize your strengths.
• Be honest.
• Specify why you are a good fit for the college or university.

Step Four: Editing Use spell-check and have another person edit your paper, preferably a native English speaker.