An essay is, generally, a piece of writing that gives the author's own argument — but the definition is vague, overlapping with those of a paper, an article, a pamphlet, and a short story. Essays have traditionally been sub-classified as formal and informal. Formal essays are characterized by "serious purpose, dignity, logical organization, length," whereas the informal essay is characterized by "the personal element (self-revelation, individual tastes and experiences, confidential manner), humor, graceful style, rambling structure, unconventionality or novelty of theme," etc.[1]
Essays are commonly used as literary criticism, political manifestos, learned arguments, observations of daily life, recollections, and reflections of the author. Almost all modern essays are written in prose, but works in verse have been dubbed essays (e.g., Alexander Pope's An Essay on Criticism and An Essay on Man). While brevity usually defines an essay, voluminous works like John Locke's An Essay Concerning Human Understanding and Thomas Malthus's An Essay on the Principle of Population are counterexamples.
In some countries (e.g., the United States and Canada), essays have become a major part of formal education. Secondary students are taught structured essay formats to improve their writing skills; admission essays are often used by universities in selecting applicants, and in the humanities and social sciences essays are often used as a way of assessing the performance of students during final exams.
The concept of an "essay" has been extended to other media beyond writing. A film essay is a movie that often incorporates documentary filmmaking styles and focuses more on the evolution of a theme or idea. A photographic essay covers a topic with a linked series of photographs that may have accompanying text or captions.
Most people fail to come out with a good admission essay not because they lack talent or brainpower but because they lack a reliable guideline. By following a few simple guidelines, you can score high marks in admission essay and thus enter your dream campus confidently. It is through the admission essay that you communicate with your school/ college authorities for the first time. This is the first occasion the authority gets to evaluate you and form an opinion about you. As the first impression is always the best, amaze them with an appealing essay. Never give them a room to under estimate you.
Remember, an admission essay is not merely a means for you to list out your past accomplishments. Who you are you is more important than who you had been. Portray you in a convincing way. Never exaggerate anything for any purpose. The tone must be sincere and realistic.
It is a risky affair to make the panel read your admission essay since yours is only one among hundreds. It must magnetize the readers from their very first glance itself. Your personal statement has to stand out among others and you have to try hard for it. While paying a quick look, the panel must be tempted to pay another look on it. For that, your admission essay must fulfill a few standard norms. A well begun piece always catches the readers’ attention. Give a captivating title. Split the essay in to three essential parts: the introduction, the body and the conclusion. Depict yourself in the outset using minimum number of words. Proceed to describe the main theme in the body. You can visit essaymap.org for detailed examples and instructions how to do this. Why you are the right one to get admission is to be explained in a few words in the conclusion.
Every endeavor needs a well thought plan. Before initiating a task, it is better to understand your intention behind it. Your objective in choosing the campus has to be well explained. Why that particular campus becomes your first preference is of supreme importance while writing an admission essay. Describe vividly your academic/ career objectives.
The admission committee/ panel are keen in knowing whether or not you are able to cope up with the new learning situation easily. Your flexibility becomes elemental. So be careful in stating your adaptability to a new environment.
Explain everything in a short and graspable way. Never be ornamental in writing the admission essay. Don’t play with words by artificially using a high language. Such a deliberate attempt will lead to the readers’ contempt. Try to impress them by saying things truthfully. You are here to prove that your personality is highly pleasing and gratifying. Your admission essay has got to declare that you are capable of doing something great. For that the essay should have a tone of absolute sincerity.
Your admission essay/ personal statement decides whether you are accepted or rejected by a school. It is a deciding factor. You may be well versed in your subject. You may have scored high marks in examinations. But such past achievements are of little important before the admission essay committee. A poor one can lead to the rejection of your candidature. Likewise, an excellent one not only makes you top-ranked but also draws the attraction of the school/ college authorities.
Your capability to create a comprehensible essay is tested here. Never break the word limit. Be economic in writing. A well structured, well balanced one paves the way for your success. Enter your dream campus with a powerful admission essay which depicts you clearly. Let your dreams come true through your essay.