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The one thing we find common among
successful applicants is that they are able to show how they think. These
applicants write about why they did what they did.
When you get down to writing your
essays keep these tips in mind that can go a long way in projecting your thought process
to the admissions committees.
Motivation behind pursuing an
activity.
Why did you make that career shift, why did you volunteer for that cause, what motivated you to pursue that hobby for that
long? Making a mention of your motivation to pursue these initiatives
would make more sense if you can show that (a) the decision was a step in
achieving a bigger objective, or (b) it benefited you in other indirect
ways like improving presentation, interpersonal or team skills.
Rationale behind an important
decision.
"My friend lost the election by a single vote - my vote - which went
to the better candidate." -- this applicant did not want personal
relations coming in the way of his commitment to bring dynamism in the
committee. He also honestly confessed to his friend without affecting
their relationship.
Such a story can convey a lot about
your values and attitudes to the admissions committee.
Process of mental transformation.
The process of changing your beliefs
can be painful. How you handled the pain can project your attitude
when the chips are down. At times the change can be sudden as when a new
logic strikes like lightening. Circumstances that led to flashing of the
idea can show your conduct in everyday situations which may have led to
your being the person you are.
How a new idea emerged.
New ideas emerge from a dynamic interplay of learning across different
disciplines. People who passionately pursue and learn from activities
at work and in personal and community involvements are likely to be more
creative than those whose involvement is confined only to things at work.
Narrating the circumstances that led to the development of a new idea
shows you as some one who understands how new ideas emerge.
Use the above tips to identify stories
for your application essays.
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