BY Christopher T. Hank

Today, the process of admissions for graduate programs is highly competitive. In addition to the quantitative data (tests scores and academic transcripts) and other materials that you will be asked to submit to a school's admissions committee, a piece of writing -- variously called a "statement of purpose," "personal essay," or "statement of background and goals" -- will probably be required as well.

The overall application package will represent who "you" are to people whom you will most likely not know personally. The written expression of your qualities as an applicant will often be a very important way for committee members to get to know why you are an acceptable candidate for their program. Thus, it is essential to take great care in preparing this part of your application. Because graduate schools make important selection decisions that are partly based on what you say in this essay, the writing of it can be an intimidating prospect.

Start Early! Be Thorough!
If you have begun your application process early, take the time to investigate thoroughly each institution to which you are applying.

• Go to the library and locate/browse-through/read texts or abstracts by the school's faculty members who work in your field or area of interest.
• Study and re-study the application materials sent to you very carefully; in particular, read through the school catalog and required course offerings.
  
• Find out if the school and program have web sites where you can learn more about them.

Taking these steps will familiarize you with the department, and allow you to weigh its specific strengths and weaknesses in comparison to those of other schools. While conducting your inquiry, take notes so that you will have something to base your essay on. Additionally, if you happen to know anyone -- a friend, family member, colleague, or teacher -- who has graduated from a school that you are considering, ask her or him for information as well. Although such people may be very helpful, be careful not to let their advice sway you too much, unless you are quite sure that they are particularly familiar with the department in question, and that their knowledge of it is up to date.

Whatever the particular form of the essay asked of you, there are a number of basic areas committees are interested in. When evaluating...