The University Application Essay

I. The essay's importance for universities:

a. To judge the depth of student's understanding of intellectual or social issues and quality and freshness of mind.
b. To show the writing style, technical correctness, and fluency (paragraph construction and unity, vocabulary, etc.)
c. An essay can tip the balance for or against you in close cases. Faculty admission readers are reluctant to admit a student with a dull or error-riddled essay.

II. Subject: The subject may be on a predetermined topic or students may have the choice of setting their own essay topic. Whichever way, read carefully the instructions and what is required of you.

III. Length: Usually, more than two thirds of a page but fewer than 4 pages to ensure being read carefully. One page is great.

IV. Format:

a. Neat, readable, typed, hand written or word processed.
b. We strongly urge you to type it, as you can use the spell check available on word processors and thus minimize spelling mistakes or major grammar troubles.

V. For those of you, who find writing essays a challenge:

a. Take real care, start early and rewrite frequently
b. Show your ideas to a teacher/a friend/someone close and ask them for their opinion. You might get some really constructive suggestions.