essay about academic objectives

How to write a winning scholarship essay about your academic goals

Have you ever opened up a scholarship application only to find that you have to write yet ANOTHER scholarship essay, this time about your academic goals? We get it. There’s a lot of writing involved when you’re applying! Well, we’re here to guide you through your academic goals essay, with scholarship essay tips and a template. We’ve even got a surprise for you at the end that will save you time on your scholarship applications.

1) Start brainstorming and writing as early as possible.

2) understand your current goals of where you are now, and your future goals of where you want to be., 3) stay positive., 4) keep it personal., 5) spell check., 6) be proud of your academic goals essay., what are you studying right now, what do you enjoy, what are you not-so-crazy about in your current studies, what do you want to achieve in college, what things outside of pure academics, might complement your academic goals, how will your academic goals help you achieve other goals, what has inspired these goals, how will you hold yourself accountable with your academic goals, bonus: let your academic goals influence your college class planning, it’s here your academic goals essay brainstorm template, extra bonus: apply for scholarships more easily, with going merry .

6 tips for scholarship essay success

Writing any scholarship essay takes time, thought, and energy. The earlier you start, the better!

Your goals today may change tomorrow. Think about where you are now in your high school career – what are you studying that you love? What would you like to change? What do you aim to accomplish in college? Ask yourself these questions and write down those goals.

No one is perfect – we all have our hardships and our downfalls. But think positively when it comes to your academic goals. If you didn’t do so hot in one subject, try not to include that exact phrasing in the essay, but think about how you can turn that around into a positive.

Similar to personal statements , share your story – a moment that brought you to where you are today. Especially for local scholarships, the providers want to feel like they’re supporting real people to achieve their academic dreams. So make sure you share enough personal details about where you are and where you want to be.

Using a tool like Grammarly helps check your spelling and grammar as you’re writing. Ask a friend, family member, or expert to review your academic goals essay before you submit it with your scholarship application. This will help your writing for college appear polished and professional.

You did it! You wrote it! That’s your work, and now it’s up to the scholarship providers to review and accept your application.

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Points to consider while writing your academic goals scholarship essay:

Think about your current studies in high school. If you’re a high school junior, think about what classes you’re currently taking, and what you plan to take next year as a senior. If you’re a high school senior, reflect on your last two semesters of classes. What’s your curriculum look like? You might be taking an English class, Math, a focused class, such as Sociology, maybe a World Religions course, Geography, Government and an elective such as music, art, or physical education.

We all know a high school teacher who made going to class enjoyable because of their personality – OR – we just really loved the subject (No one? Just us? Okay…it was Mr. Nixon’s Law class that made research and debating against classmates fun for us).

Capitalize on the enjoyable aspects of that class in your academic goals essay. Explain how your teacher made the class engaging in a way that helped you retain information while also enjoying the class. Consider what the ideal academic class would look like in college. Would you aim to take a similar course in college where the professor promotes engaged learning? Or would you prefer to sit in a lecture hall where you can listen, digest detailed information, write down notes, and ask questions as needed? Think about your learning style as you organize your academic goals essay.

Going back to the point of staying positive, think through a subject that you’re currently not too thrilled about, and get creative with how you can turn that into an academic goal.

Ex: Statistics was one of the most challenging subjects of my junior year curriculum. However, I know I’ll need to have sufficient knowledge of the subject to major in Psychology in college. My goal is to find a study buddy – a colleague, a tutor, someone skilled in the subject, to improve my understanding of the subject so I can later help patients understand research study statistics in the future.

It might be a 3.5 GPA. Or you might want to walk across the stage on graduation day with summa cum laude cords. Maybe you want to become president of the student government association on campus.

The great thing about college is that you’re furthering your education, and you’re growing as a person! You’re learning about yourself, how you work, how you interact, and there are so many opportunities to get involved on campus. Think about how these fits in with your academic goals by naming any organizations, department clubs, and honor societies that catch your eye.

How might your near-term academic goals help you in your future (e.g. career after college)–or how might they help others (e.g. your friends, family, future customers/patients)? Think long-term: what will your current academic goals help you achieve further down the line? Whom might that impact?

Ex: Taking 18 credits helped us knock out our required wellness course during the second semester of our freshman year of college. By sophomore year, we could focus on classes related to our major and enjoy time after class. We later graduated a semester early thanks to study habits and credits. We spent time at the on-campus career center, working through mock interviews. Then, we later landed a job soon after graduation, working for a company and helping them bring on new customers.

All of this happened as a result of creating academic goals to plan classes early and work through those credits.

Everyone finds inspiration from different outlets. Whether it’s your parents, a teacher, your guidance counselor, classmates, siblings, or even an athlete, briefly describe who inspired these goals. Heck, you might have inspired yourself to make these goals! If it wasn’t someone who inspired you, discuss what inspired you to set these goals in your academic goals essay.

Writing down goals for ourselves is great. It makes our goals seem more concrete once we talk or write about them. Now, it’s time to make those goals happen! Toward the end of your academic goals essay, you might want to explicitly state your plan for holding yourself accountable to these goals — this will seem impressive to a scholarship provider who wants to make sure their award money is going to someone who’s serious about their future.

How might you stay accountable? Maybe your best friend can text you every Wednesday to check in with you mid-week on your progress. Or maybe that’s too much, and you’ll just set a reminder on your phone to check in with yourself once a week. Or maybe you’re a real planner– and you’ve created clear milestones for the next couple years, and you’ll check in regularly to make sure you’re hitting them. Whatever it is, bringing your lofty academic goal down to concrete steps is likely to make your academic goals essay stronger. 

Don’t just think of your scholarship essay on academic goals as a chore that you complete and then never look at again. Once you’ve written it, let it help serve as your beacon as you decide what majors or classes to take, or what student organizations to join.

Then you can plan your semesters accordingly. For example:

• Jot down your goals for your class schedule, what you plan to do with your time before, after, and in between classes.
• Consider what time of day you would be most effective in taking the classes necessary to meet your academic goals. Are you a night owl or a morning person? Do you need lots of time between classes to really digest the material?
• How many classes (or credits) do you plan to take? You can take a full load of classes, usually up to 18 credits per semester depending on the school, without going over your tuition limit, to help give you a lighter load your junior and senior years. Or, you can take the standard 12 – 16 credits per semester to avoid overloading your schedule and leaving room for socializing and other activities. This may also affect your graduation year. So if part of your academic goals (or your plan for reducing tuition ) requires you to graduate early — you’ll also want to plan this out!

Ready to start brainstorming to write your essay?

Print this sheet – OR – if you want to fill out this sheet digitally, make a copy to save and edit on your device by going to File > Download > Microsoft Word, OpenDocument Format, etc.

Also, check out this helpful list of the 10 most common scholarship essay topics!

Feeling more confident about your academic goals scholarship essay? Great! 

Streamline submitting your scholarship essays with Going Merry. You’ll only need to enter your information once, and we auto-fill it to all your applications. You can even save your academic goals essay to your account, so that you can easily reuse it. How convenient is that?

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Examples of Scholarship Essays for the “Career Goals” Question

Emily Wong is a writer at Scholarships360. She’s worked as a social media manager and a content writer at several different startups, where she covered various topics including business, tech, job recruitment, and education. Emily grew up and went to school in the Chicago suburbs, where she studied economics and journalism at Northwestern University.

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Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

Writing an essay is often the trickiest part of the scholarship application, not to mention the most time-consuming. However, the essay section also allows room for creativity and individuality. If you can communicate effectively, you can use the essay portion to stand out from the crowd. Let’s go over some tips for writing, as well as a couple of scholarship essay examples about career goals.

How to write a scholarship essay 

At this point, you’ve probably gained plenty of experience writing papers for school. However, it may still take a couple of tries to nail the scholarship essay. Since scholarship teams often have to get through a lot of applications, it’s important to stand out while staying concise. Here are some simple guidelines for writing scholarship essays.

See also: How to write a winning scholarship essay (with examples!)

Take five minutes to brainstorm

Before you even start your essay, take some time to gather your thoughts. Think about what you’ll want the paper to focus on. Why did you choose to pursue your career path in the first place? Where do you want to be in five years? How would this scholarship help you further your studies and work toward your goals?

Once you’ve jotted down a few ideas, choose one or two to center your essay on. Identifying the focus of your paper, it’ll make it easier to keep your thoughts organized. In turn, it’ll make it easier for the reader to follow.

Related : How to start a scholarship essay (with examples!)

Stay within the word limit

Unlike the four-page essays that you may have written in English class, scholarship essays are often only a paragraph or two. In order to respect the selection committee’s time, be wary of going too far about the specified word count. A general rule of thumb is to stay within 20 words above or below the limit. That may entail a few rounds of edits to get the wording just right.

Stay positive!

Feel free to use part of your essay to talk about your life’s challenges. After all, the selection committee often wants to give the award to a candidate who needs it. However, make sure your anecdote doesn’t devolve into a sob story. If you’re going to bring up hardships you’ve endured, try to balance it by talking about how you’ve overcome them. By demonstrating resilience, you can show readers how you would use the scholarship to succeed in your current situation.

Leave time to proofread

Especially for a short scholarship essay, proofreading can take as little as 5-10 minutes. Still, it can be tempting to just hit “submit” after your first draft. However, being too impulsive can leave your essay riddled with typos and grammatical errors.

Try to avoid unnecessary mistakes by finishing your draft at least 24 hours before the scholarship deadline. That way, you can proofread it with fresh eyes before you submit it.

If you’re struggling to close out your essay, read how to end a scholarship essay in five steps .

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How to write a 100-word “career goals” essay.

When writing a 100-word essay, you’ll have to choose your content carefully. Since space is limited, you’ll want to identify the most important details to include beforehand.

First and foremost, make sure to clearly communicate your current pursuits. Talk about your academic and extracurricular activities related to your career goals. Additionally, it’s important to be specific about what you plan to do in the future. Then, if you have extra room, you can talk about how the scholarship will help you reach your goals.

My name is Alison MacBride, and I’m a sophomore at the University of Illinois. I’m currently pursuing a major in Journalism with a minor in Natural Resource Conservation. After completing my program, I plan to combine my areas of interest to become an environmental journalist.

During high school, I volunteered at an eco-conscious farm, where I learned about how our actions affect the earth. Since then, I’ve been set on raising awareness for the environment. This scholarship would go a long way in helping me finish my degree with the skills I need to investigate and report about critical issues.

Word count: 100

How to write a 250-word “career goals” essay

For the 250-word essay, you can go into more detail. Give the readers some context by talking about how you first got interested in your chosen career. Storytelling can be especially effective in engaging your audience. Try to capture their attention by choosing one or two concrete examples and relaying them vividly.

Additionally, you can spend more time talking about the scholarship and how it’ll make a difference in your studies. Go into more detail about how and why you need the award, but remember to keep it positive! For more help, check out how to write a 250 word essay . 

I first decided that I wanted to pursue a career in environmentalism in early high school. The summer after my freshman year, I joined a volunteer program at an eco-conscious farm in my community. In addition to helping out with the operations, I learned about current environmental issues related to farming and other consumer industries.

After learning about the agricultural industry’s impact on the planet, I was inspired to make a difference. The next year, I started a monthly earth magazine at my high school in which we broke down environmental issues and offered tips on how to be more eco-friendly. When I started college, I founded an on-campus publication with the same mission.

In recent years, I’ve been troubled to see how some media outlets downplay the gravity of issues like climate change and deforestation. I’ve admired reporters who publish trustworthy and comprehensible information about environmental issues, and I aim to follow in their footsteps.

When I entered college, I was initially concerned that I wouldn’t have enough money to finish my degree. Fortunately, I’ve been able to cover most of my tuition using merit scholarships and paychecks from my part-time job on campus. Receiving this scholarship would allow me more time to focus on acing my classes and pursuing environmental advocacy work on campus.

Word count: 261

Final thoughts

Planning is essential in making your “career goals” essay clear and concise. Hopefully, these scholarship essay examples about career goals can be your guide to writing a scholarship-winning essay. Good luck!

Additional resources

Maybe you need to write a longer scholarship essay? We can help with our writing a 500 word essay guide ! Be prepared and learn how to write essays about yourself and how to craft an impressive personal statement . Learn the differences between a personal statement and a statement of purpose as the terms might come up on college websites. If you haven’t decided on a college already, check out our guide on how to choose a college . No matter where you are in your educational journey, make sure that you apply for all the scholarships you qualify for!

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9 10 Academic Goals Examples to Supercharge Your Student Success

Becoming a successful student involves more than just going to classes and remembering facts for the test. It is about establishing a mentality of learning and evolving continuously, and distinct academic goals are a key aspect of that. These are the lights that lead the way and help you stay on track as you navigate through the trials and tribulations of your studies, whether it’s the demands of testing or the stuff that life throws at you. But, just as importantly, by clearly defining and outlining your academic objectives, you give your study a sense of intention and purpose. Whether it’s achieving a particular GPA, mastering a challenging topic, or participating in enriching extracurricular, strong academic Goals are the foundation of both short- and long-term academic success.  

Establishing concrete goals and the quest of excellence are frequently linked in the academic sphere. Before delving into these Academic Goals Examples, it is important to recognize services like Scholarly Help that provide workable ways to handle several Tasks. With options like pay someone to do my online class , Scholarly Help ensures you stay on track without compromising other responsibilities. This comprehensive guide explores ten powerful academic goals examples designed to elevate your student success to unprecedented heights. Whether your academic goals are designed to improve your critical thinking habits, advance your time management skills, or explore interdisciplinary thinking to further your academic career, they should provide students with a path toward overall intellectual and personal development. Rounding up different students through carefully structured college academic goals. All must necessarily form the basis of individual reality and opportunities.

Mastering Time Management

One of the building blocks for academic achievement is the effective management of time. The ability allows students to combine studies with other activities, namely work, daily life, or personal life. To manage time effectively, learners are recommended to:

• Plan a Weekly Schedule: set certain hours and days to work, study, and engage in other activities; 
• Set Priorities: determine poses that are urgent and important, then focus on a solution; 
• Do not Get Distracted: if some activities or processes are distracting, generate disadvantages.

Enhancing Study Skills

Improving study abilities might result in better comprehension and recall of course material. Students should focus on:

• Active Learning Techniques: Engage with the material such as holding discussions, teaching others, and transforming what one learned to real-life application. 
• Effective Note-Taking: Employ methods like Cornell Note-taking System to organize and refresh notes. 
• Regular Review Sessions: Set regular study dates to refresh one’s memory and prepare for exams.

Setting Specific Academic Targets

Setting clear, specific targets helps students stay motivated and measure progress. Examples of specific academic goals include:

• Achieve Specific GPA:   Aim to reach or maintain a specific grade point average each semester.
• Improving Grades in Challenging Subjects: Identify subjects where improvement is needed and set goals accordingly.
• Completing Assignments Ahead of Deadlines: Plan to finish assignments before the due date to allow time for revisions.

Expanding Knowledge beyond the Classroom

Gaining knowledge outside the classroom can enhance academic performance and provide a broader perspective. Students can achieve this by:

• Reading Extensively: Explore Books, Journals, and articles related to their field of Study.
• Attending Seminars and Workshops: Participate in events offering additional insights and networking opportunities.
• Engaging in Research Projects: Collaborate with professors or peers on research projects to deepen understanding of specific topics.

Developing Critical Thinking Skills

Critical thinking is vital for problem-solving and making informed decisions. Students can cultivate these skills by:

• Questioning Assumptions: Always ask why and consider alternative viewpoints.
• Analyzing Arguments: Evaluate the evidence and logic in different arguments.
• Reflecting on Learning: Regularly review what has been learned and how it applies to real-world situations.

Building Effective Communication Skills

Strong communication skills are essential for academic and professional success. Students can enhance these skills by:

• Participating in Class Discussions: Engage actively in discussions to practice articulating thoughts clearly.
• Writing Regularly: Practice writing essays, reports, and articles to improve writing abilities.
• Presenting Projects: Take opportunities to present work in front of an audience to build confidence and clarity.

Fostering Collaboration and Teamwork

Collaboration with peers can lead to better understanding and innovative solutions. Students should focus on:

• Joining Study Groups: Collaborate with classmates to discuss topics and solve problems together.
• Participating in Group Projects: Develop teamwork and leadership skills by working on group assignments.
• Engaging in Extracurricular Activities: Join clubs and organizations that encourage teamwork and collective problem-solving.

Seeking Feedback and Continuous Improvement

Constructive feedback helps identify areas for improvement and guide academic growth. Students should:

• Ask for Feedback: Request feedback from professors and peers on assignments and presentations.
• Reflect on Criticism: Use feedback to identify strengths and weaknesses, developing action plans for improvement.
• Commit to Lifelong Learning: Embrace continuous learning and improvement in all aspects of life.

Utilizing Academic Resources

Taking full advantage of available academic resources can enhance learning and performance. Students should:

• Visit the Library Regularly: Utilize resources for research and study.
• Use Online Databases: Access academic journals and articles online to support studies.
• Seek Academic Support Services: Utilize tutoring, writing centers, and academic advising offered by the institution.

Preparing for Future Careers with Academic Goals

Setting academic goals with future careers in mind provides direction and motivation. Students should:

• Identify Career Goals: Determine career aspirations and align academic goals accordingly.
• Gain Relevant Experience: Pursue internships, part-time jobs, and volunteer opportunities related to the field of study.
• Develop Professional Skills: Focus on skills like resume writing, interviewing, and networking to prepare for the job market.

Setting and meeting academic goals necessitates dedication, strategic planning, and consistent effort. By focusing on these ten academic goal examples, students can improve their learning experience, and performance, and set themselves up for future success. Remember that the key to academic success is to set specific, attainable goals and work hard to meet them.

Education Copyright © by john44. All Rights Reserved.

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Writing Tips for a Career Goals Essay (2023)

Jennifer Finetti Mar 1, 2023

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For your college scholarship essay, you may be asked about your career goals. The scholarship committee wants to see how investing in your education will help your career. Do you have a definitive plan? Will a college education fit into that plan? These are the answers they want to see.

In this guide, we will provide some scholarship essay examples about career goals to jumpstart your essay writing.

Writing tips for career goals scholarship essays

Here are some quick tips for writing career goal scholarship essays:

• Write about career goals that tie into the scholarship. This doesn’t mean you have to lie about your career goals to make them fit. Find a way to relate them to the scholarship committee or other elements of the scholarship.
• Be precise about your career goals. Avoid vague statements that suggest you do not have a plan. Judges like to see determination because it shows they’re making a worthy educational investment.
• Discuss how your education will help you achieve your career goals. The scholarship will assist with your education. Show a connection between the two so they can see why you deserve this scholarship.
• If you mention multiple goals, indicate which one you feel most strongly about. Longer essays may allow you to mention a backup plan, but the committee needs to see where your focus lies.
• Avoid cliché statements. Describe how your specific talents, experiences, and degree pursuits will help you succeed.
• Point out solutions, not problems. You may mention struggles you’ve had in the past, but pinpoint how you will learn from them. Moreover, show how those struggles led to your career goals.
• Organize your thoughts in a fluid manner. This will most likely be in chronological order, starting with your degree and progressing through your career growth.
• Write, revise, rest, revise. This goes for any essay writing. Write the first draft from start to finish. Then read through it and edit any grammar or flow errors. Take a break, preferably overnight, and then re-read your content with fresh eyes.

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Example 1: Scholarship essay about career goals (100 words)

In a 100-word scholarship essay, you need to quickly make your point. There is not enough room for a lengthy intro or backstory. Use concise, comprehensive statements to deliver the most information in the fewest words.

I’m a sophomore at Texas Tech University, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Companion Animal Science. After graduation, I hope to attend Texas A&M to become a veterinarian serving rescue organizations and animal shelters. I was born and raised in the south, where it is common for people to abandon animals in rural areas. Those animals then go into a rescue – emaciated, frightened, and confused. I want to work with rescues to provide affordable veterinary medicine to the animals they save. This scholarship would help me continue my education and potentially save thousands of abandoned animals in the future.

Word count: 99

Example 2: Scholarship essay about career goals (250 words)

With a 250-word scholarship essay, you have a little more room to discuss the details of your career goals. You can explain situations from your past that inspired your career pursuits. You could use one paragraph to talk about your short-term goals and another to talk about your long-term goals. Just make sure the big picture ties into the scholarship.

My name is Patrick Holden and I am a freshman at the University of Michigan, majoring in English and minoring in linguistics. I plan to become an English teacher, but this wasn’t always what I had in mind.  When thinking about my future, I always saw myself in some sort of corporate office, perhaps as an executive assistant or a loan officer at a bank. My father works in the finance office for a car dealership and my mother works at a call center. I assumed I would follow a similar, albeit boring, path in life. In my junior year of high school, everything changed. My English teacher inspired me in ways I could have never imagined. She got me to love writing, literature, etymology, and everything about the English language. She made me want to be a better student in all of my classes, and she helped me see the value of education. I decided then that I wanted to inspire other students just as she did for me. My parents are unfortunately not able to contribute much toward my college expenses. I have earned a tuition scholarship based on my ACT score, but I still need additional funding for books and supplies. English majors have particularly high book costs because we have to purchase multiple books for each class. With the help of this scholarship, I could afford to continue my degree and become an English teacher.

Word count: 240

Example 3: Scholarship essay about career goals (500 words)

With 500 words or more to play around with, you have plenty of space to talk about your career goals. Maintain the same theme throughout the scholarship essay. Each paragraph should connect to the next, and they should all work together to describe your career plan. Avoid making disconnected statements for the sake of word count. In the end, the scholarship committee should have a clear view of your educational plans and professional aspirations.

Internet marketing has gone from an optional method of advertisement to a vital step in business outreach. Even small businesses in remote towns look to the internet to attract customers and spread the word about their services. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Marketing with an emphasis on Digital Marketing. With this training, I will be able to enter a profession that will only grow year by year. When I was younger, I found print advertisements to be fascinating. I loved reading the newspaper with my father just to see the full-page ads in between stories. When I got older though, those ads became less appealing because they were not adaptive. They seemed dated, static and ill-fit for changes in society. That’s when I discovered internet marketing. It was still in its infancy when I was in middle school, but by the time I graduated high school, it had become a staple in business development. I loved the way internet marketers had to constantly adjust to fit Google’s algorithms, new mobile devices, and new audiences. I knew this was the career for me. Originally, I planned to focus solely on business marketing because there were not many digital marketing degrees available. Over the last two years though, several schools throughout the country have developed internet marketing courses that explain fundamental methods of search engine optimization, website analytics, and more. These are the foundations I will build my career around. The best part about internet marketing is that there is always something new to learn. I can use my creative mind and exploratory nature to try new advertising methods that help businesses succeed. Every time they do well, I do well. This is the kind of job fulfillment most people can only dream of, but my educational plan and job prospects will allow me to achieve it. I have picked up some freelance jobs online to supplement my studies and help pay for my education. It is difficult to maintain a steady stream of income in freelance because I spend so much time on my school work. This scholarship could offset some of the costs and reduce my workload as a whole. While I will still work throughout the semester and full-time in the summers, having extra financial aid would greatly reduce my stress in college. I look forward to a future where I can use my marketing skills to help business owners achieve their career goals. I plan to spend the first few years after graduation working for a successful, long-standing digital marketing company. After I have enough on-the-job training to feel confident in my abilities, I will open my own internet marketing company in Chicago, where my family lives. I have a clear picture of where I will be in the next 10 years, and I know this degree is going to help me get there.

Word count: 481

• Scholarship Essay

Jennifer Finetti

As a parent who recently helped her own kids embark on their college journeys, Jennifer approaches the transition from high school to college from a unique perspective. She truly enjoys engaging with students – helping them to build the confidence, knowledge, and insight needed to pursue their educational and career goals, while also empowering them with the strategies and skills needed to access scholarships and financial aid that can help limit college costs. She understands the importance of ensuring access to the edtech tools and resources that can make this process easier and more equitable - this drive to support underserved populations is what drew her to ScholarshipOwl. Jennifer has coached students from around the world, as well as in-person with local students in her own community. Her areas of focus include career exploration, major selection, college search and selection, college application assistance, financial aid and scholarship consultation, essay review and feedback, and more. She works with students who are at the top of their class, as well as those who are struggling. She firmly believes that all students, regardless of their circumstances, can succeed if they stay focused and work hard in school. Jennifer earned her MA in Counseling Psychology from National University, and her BA in Psychology from University of California, Santa Cruz.

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Gre prep online guides and tips, 7 successful statement of purpose examples.

Not sure what graduate schools are looking for in a statement of purpose? Looking at successful graduate school statement of purpose samples can help! In this guide, we’ll orient you to what makes a great statement of purpose or letter of intent for graduate school. Then we’ll provide you with four successful statement of purpose examples from our graduate school experts. We’ll also provide analysis of what makes them successful. Finally, we’ll direct you to even more helpful examples that you can find online!

The Graduate School Statement of Purpose: An Overview

A statement of purpose (also called a letter of intent or a research statement) introduces your interests and experience to the admissions committee. For research-focused programs, like most PhDs and many master’s degrees, your statement of purpose will focus primarily on your past research experience and plans. For more professionally-focused graduate programs, your statement of purpose will primarily discuss how your pursuit of this professional program relates to your past experiences, and how you will use the skills from the program in your future career.

A statement of purpose for grad school is also where you sell the admissions committee on why you belong in their program specifically. Why do you fit there, and how does what they offer fit your interests?

What’s in a Great Grad School Statement of Purpose?

Here are the essential elements of a strong graduate school statement of purpose:

Clear Articulation of Goals and Interests

A strong statement of purpose will clearly and specifically lay out your goals in undertaking the program and what you hope to accomplish with the degree. Again, for a research-focused program, this will focus primarily on the research project(s) you want to undertake while you are there. For a more professional program, discuss what interests you within the professional field and what skills/knowledge you hope to gain through the program.

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You should be as specific as possible in discussing what interests you. Use examples of particular phenomena, tools, or situations that you find exciting. If you are vague or say that everything in the field interests you, you run the risk of seeming unfocused or not actually that passionate.

Don’t worry that being too specific will box you into a particular research area or subfield during your entire tenure in graduate school. Your program understands that interests change—they won’t be pulling out your research statement to cross-reference with your dissertation proposal!

Evidence of Past Experience and Success

A great graduate school statement of purpose will also show programs that you have already been successful. They want applicants that will be able to follow through on their research/professional plans!

To this end, you’ll need to provide evidence of how your background qualifies you to pursue this program and your specific interests in the field. You’ll probably discuss your undergraduate studies and any professional experience you have. But be sure to draw on specific, vivid examples.  You might draw on your thesis, major projects you’ve worked on, papers you have written/published, presentations you’ve given, mentors you’ve worked with, and so on. This gives admissions committees concrete evidence that you are qualified to undertake graduate study!

Interest and Fit With the Program

The third essential ingredient to a great statement of purpose is to clearly lay out why you and the program are a good fit. You should be able to identify both specific reasons why your work fits with the program and why the program suits your work/interests! Are there particular professors you’d like to work with? Does the department have a strong tradition in a certain methodology or theory you’re interested in? Is there a particular facet to the curriculum that you’d like to experience?

Showing that you and the program are a match shows that you chose the program thoughtfully and have genuine interest in it. Programs want to admit students who aren’t just passionate about the field. They want students who are genuinely enthused about their specific program and positioned to get the most out of what they have to offer.

Strong Writing

The final essential piece of a strong statement of purpose or letter of intent is strong writing. Writing skills are important for all graduate programs. You’ll need to demonstrate that you can clearly and effectively communicate your ideas in a way that flows logically. Additionally, you should show that you know how to write in a way that is descriptive but concise. A statement of purpose shouldn’t ever be longer than two pages, even without a hard word limit.

Admissions committees for humanities programs may be a little more focused on writing style than admissions officers for STEM programs. But even in quantitative and science-focused fields, written communication skills are an essential part of graduate school. So a strong statement of purpose will always be effectively written. You’ll see this in our statement of purpose for graduate school samples.

Real, Successful Statement of Purpose Samples

In this section, we’ll present four successful graduate school statement of purpose examples from our graduate school experts, along with a brief commentary on each statement. These statements come from a diverse selection of program types to show you how the core essentials of a statement of purpose can be implemented differently for different fields.

Note: identifying information for these statements have been changed—except for example four, which is my statement.

• Statement of Purpose Sample One: Japanese Studies MA

This statement of purpose is notable for its great use of space and its vivid descriptions. The author is able to cram a lot into about a page. She discusses how she came to her two primary research interests (and how they are connected). She integrates this discussion of her interests with information on her past experiences and qualifications for pursuing the course of study. Finally, she includes details on her goals in pursuing the program and components of the program that interest her. Her examples are specific and fleshed-out. There’s a lot very cleverly included in a small amount of page space!

Additionally, the language is very vivid. Phrases like “evocative and visceral” and “steadily unraveling,” are eye-catching and intriguing. They demonstrate that she has the writing skills necessary to pursue both graduate study and her interest in translation.

• Statement of Purpose Sample Two: Music MM

This sample is fairly long, although at 12 point Times New Roman it’s under two pages single-spaced. The length of this statement is partially due to the somewhat expansive nature of the prompt, which asks what role music has played in the applicant’s life “to date.” This invites applicants to speak more about experiences further in the past (in the childhood and teen years) than is typical for a statement of purpose. Given that this is for a master’s degree in music, this is logical; musical study is typically something that is undertaken at a fairly young age.

This statement does an excellent job describing the student’s past experiences with music in great detail. The descriptions of the student’s past compositions and experiences performing new music are particularly vivid and intriguing.

This statement also lays out and elaborates on specific goals the student hopes to pursue through the program, as well as features particular to the program that interest the student (like particular professors).

• Statement of Purpose Sample Three: Economics PhD

One of the first things you’ll likely notice about this statement is that it’s a little on the longer side. However, at 12 point Times New Roman font and single-spaced, it still comes in under 2 pages (excluding references). It makes sense for a PhD statement of purpose sample to be longer than a master’s degree statement of purpose—there’s more to lay out in terms of research interests!

The writing style is fairly straightforward—there’s definitely a stronger focus on delivering content than flashy writing style. As Economics is a more quantitative-focused field, this is fine. But the writing is still well-organized, clear, and error-free.

The writer also gives numerous examples of their past work and experience, and shows off their knowledge of the field through references, which is a nice touch.

• Statement of Purpose Sample Four: History of the Book MA

This is actually my statement of purpose. It was for a program that I got accepted to but did not end up attending, for a Master’s in the History of the Book. You’ll notice that the two essay prompts essentially asked us to split our statement of purpose into two parts: the first prompt asked about our research interests and goals, and the second prompt asked about our relevant experience and qualifications.

I’ll keep my comments on this graduate school statement of purpose sample brief because I’ll do a deep dive on it in the next section. But looking back at my statement of purpose, I do a good job outlining what within the field interests me and clearly laying out how my past experiences have qualified me for the program.

Obviously this statement did its job, since I was accepted to the program. However, if I were to improve this statement, I’d change the cliche beginning  (“since I was a child”) and provide more specificity in what about the program interested me.

Deep Dive Analysis of a Sample Statement of Purpose for Graduate School

Next, we’ll do a paragraph by paragraph analysis of my statement, statement of purpose sample four. I’ll analyze its strengths and suggest ways I could shore up any weaknesses to make it even stronger.

Essay 1: Academic Interests

To refresh, here’s the first prompt: Please give a short statement that describes your academic interests, purpose, objectives and motivation in undertaking this postgraduate study. (max 3500 chars – approx. 500 words)

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Paragraph 1

Since I was a child, my favorite thing has always been a book. Not just for the stories and information they contain, although that is a large part of it. Mostly, I have been fascinated by the concept of book as object—a tangible item whose purpose is to relate intangible ideas and images. Bookbindings and jackets, different editions, the marginalia in a used book—all of these things become part of the individual book and its significance, and are worth study and consideration. Books and their equivalent forms—perfect bound, scrolled, stone tablets, papyrus—have long been an essential part of material culture and are also one of our most significant sources of information about the human historical past. Through both the literal object of the book, the words contained thereon, and its relationship to other books—forms of context, text and intertext—we are able to learn and hopefully manage layers of information with which we would otherwise have no familiarity.

First, the good: this paragraph does a good job introducing my academic interest in the book-as-object, and shows off pre-existing knowledge both of the study of material culture and literary theory. Additionally, the language is engaging: the juxtaposition of “tangible” and “intangible” in the beginning and phrases like “perfect bound, scrolled, stone tablets, papyrus” lend life to the writing and keep the reader engaged.

If I were to go back and improve this paragraph, first, I would absolutely change the first sentence to something less cliche than talking about my childhood. I might try something like “My love of books is a multifaceted thing. I don’t only love them for the stories and….” Second, I would chill out on the em dashes a little bit. Three sets in one paragraph is a little excessive. Finally, I might actually cut this paragraph down slightly to make more room word-wise later in the statement to discuss what specific things about the program interest me.

Paragraph 2

Furthermore, blogs, webcomics, digital archives, e-readers, and even social media sites like tumblr and Facebook have revolutionized the concept of the book by changing how we share and transmit ideas and information, just as the Gutenberg printing press revolutionized the book all those years ago in the fifteenth century. Once again there has been an explosion both in who can send out information and who can receive it.

This paragraph briefly and effectively introduces my other main academic interest: how new technology has changed the concept of the book-as-object. The tie-back to the printing press is a nice touch; it’s a vivid example that shows that I’m aware of important historical moments in book history.

Paragraph 3

I am deeply interested in the preservation of the physical book, as I think it is an important part of human history (not to mention a satisfying sensory experience for the reader). However I am also very concerned with the digitization and organization of information for the modern world such that the book, in all of its forms, stays relevant and easy to access and use. Collections of books, archives, and information as stored in the world’s servers, libraries and museums are essential resources that need to be properly organized and administered to be fully taken advantage of by their audiences. My purpose in applying to the University of Edinburgh’s Material Culture and History of the Book is to gain the skills necessary to keep all forms of the book relevant and functional in an age when information can move more radically than ever before.

This paragraph actually has a focus problem. Since it covers two topics, I should split it into two paragraphs: one on the integration of my two interests, and one on my goals and interests in the program. I could also stand to expand on what features the program has that interest me: professors I’d like to work with, particular aspects of the curriculum, etc.

In spite of these things, however, this paragraph does a good job clearly integrating the two academic interests related to the book I introduced in the first two paragraphs. And the language is still strong —“satisfying sensory experience” is a great phrase. However, I’ve been using the word “information,” a lot; I might try to replace with appropriate synonyms (like “knowledge”) in a couple of places.

Paragraph 4

Additionally, I intend on pursuing a PhD in Library and Information Sciences upon completion of my master’s and I feel that this program while make me uniquely suited to approach library science from a highly academic and interdisciplinary perspective.

This final paragraph offers just quick touch on my future goals beyond the program. It’s typically fine for this to be relatively brief, as it is here, just so long as you can clearly identify some future goals.

Essay 2: Relevant Experience

The second prompt just asked me to describe my relevant knowledge, training, and skills.

As a folklore and mythology student, I have gained a robust understanding of material culture and how it relates to culture as a whole. I have also learned about the transmission of ideas, information, stories and pieces of lore among and between populations, which is an important component of book history. Folklore is also deeply concerned with questions of the literary vs. oral lore and the tendency for text to “canonize” folklore, and yet text can also question or invert canonized versions; along with this my studies in my focus field of religion and storytelling have been deeply concerned with intertextuality. One of my courses was specifically concerned with the Heian-period Japanese novel The Tale of Genji and questions of translation and representation in post-Heian picture scrolls and also modern translations and manga. In addition to broader cultural questions concerned with gender and spirituality both in historical Japan and now, we considered the relationships between different Genji texts and images.

This is a strong, focused paragraph. I relate my academic background in Folklore and Mythology to my interests in studying the book, as well as showing off some of my knowledge in the area. I also chose and elaborated on a strong example (my class on the Tale of Genji ) of my relevant coursework.

I also have work experience that lends itself to the study of the book. After my freshman year of college I interned at the Chicago History Museum. Though I was in the visitor services department I was exposed to the preservation and archival departments of the museum and worked closely with the education department, which sparked my interest in archival collections and how museums present collection information to the public. After my sophomore year of college and into my junior year, I worked at Harvard’s rare books library, Houghton. At Houghton I prepared curated collections for archival storage. These collections were mostly comprised of the personal papers of noteworthy individuals, categorized into alphabetical folders. This experience made me very process-oriented and helped me to understand how collections come together on a holistic basis.

This paragraph also has a clear focus: my past, relevant work experience. Discussing archival collections and presenting information to the public links the interests discussed in my first statement with my qualifications in my second statement. However, if I were to revise this paragraph, I would add some specific examples of the amazing things I worked on and handled at Houghton Library. In that job, I got to touch Oliver Cromwell’s death mask! An interesting example would make this paragraph really pop even more.

Finally, in my current capacity as an education mentor in Allston, a suburb of Boston, I have learned the value of book history and material culture from an educational perspective. As a mentor who designs curriculum for individual students and small groups, I have learned to highly value clearly organized and useful educational resources such as websites, iPad apps, and books as tools for learning. By managing and organizing collections in a way that makes sense we are making information accessible to those who need it.

This final paragraph discusses my current (at the time) work experience in education and how that ties into my interest in the history of the book. It’s an intriguing connection and also harkens back to my discussion of information availability in the paragraph three of the first statement. Again, if I were to amp up this statement even more, I might include a specific example of a book-based (or book technology-based) project I did with one of my students. I worked on things like bookbinding and making “illuminated manuscripts” with some of my students; those would be interesting examples here.

This statement is split into two parts by virtue of the two-prompt format. However, if I were to integrate all of this information into one unified statement of purpose, I would probably briefly introduce my research interests, go in-depth on my background, then circle back around to speak more about my personal interests and goals and what intrigues me about the program. There’s not really one correct way to structure a statement of purpose just so long as it flows well and paragraphs are structured in a logical way: one topic per paragraph, with a clear topic and concluding sentence.

More Statement of Purpose Examples

We’ve provided you with four great graduate school statement of purpose examples from our graduate school experts. However, if you’re looking for more, there are other sample letters of intent and statements of purpose for graduate school online. We’ve rounded up the best ones here, along with some strengths and weaknesses about each example.

Majortests Statement of Purpose Sample

This is a fairly straightforward, clearly written statement of purpose sample for a biology program. It includes useful commentary after each paragraph about what this statement of purpose is accomplishing.

• This statement of purpose sample is well-organized, with clear topic sentences and points made in each paragraph.
• The student clearly identifies what interests her about the program.
• The student proactively addresses questions about why she hasn’t gone directly to graduate school, and frames her professional research experience as a positive thing.
• She gives a tiny bit of color about her personality in a relevant way by discussing her involvement with the Natural History Society.
• In general, discussing high school interests is too far back in time unless the anecdote is very interesting or unusual. The detail about The Theory of Evolution is intriguing; the information about the high school teacher seems irrelevant. The student should have condensed this paragraph into a sentence or two.
• While this statement is cogently written and makes the candidate sound competent and well-qualified, it’s not exactly the most scintillating piece of writing out there. Some of the constructions are a little awkward or cliche. For example, the “many people have asked me” sentence followed by “the answer is” is a little bit clunky. This is probably fine for a STEM program. But just be aware that this statement is not a paragon of writing style.

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UC Berkeley History Statement of Purpose Sample

This is a graduate school statement of purpose example from the UC Berkeley History department’s PhD program, with annotations from a professor as to why it’s a successful statement.

• The author is able to very clearly and articulately lay out her research interests and link them to past work she has successfully completed, namely, her thesis.
• She is able to identify several things about the program and Berkeley that indicate why it is a good fit for her research interests.
• She addresses the time she spent away from school and frames it as a positive, emphasizing that her use of time was well-considered and productive.
• Her writing is very vivid, with excellent word choice and great imagery.

While very well-written and engaging, this sample statement of purpose for graduate school is a little bit on the long side! It’s a little over two single-spaced pages, which is definitely pushing the limits of acceptable length. Try to keep yours at 2 pages or less. Some of the information on the thesis (which comprises over half of the statement of purpose) could be condensed to bring it down to two pages.

Pharmacy Residency Letter of Intent Sample

This is not technically a sample letter of intent for graduate school because it’s actually for a pharmacy residency program. However, this example still provides illumination as to what makes a decent graduate school letter of intent sample.

• This is a serviceable letter of intent: the writer clearly lays out their own goals within the field of pharmacy, what qualifications they have and how they’ve arrived at their interests, and how the program fits their needs.
• The writing is clearly structured and well-organized.
• The main weakness is that some of the writer’s statements come across as fairly generic. For example, “The PGY-1 Residency Program at UO Hospitals will provide me with the opportunity to further develop my clinical knowledge, critical thinking, teaching, research, and leadership skills” is a generic statement that could apply to any residency program. A punchier, more program-specific conclusion would have amped up this letter.
• While the writer does a decent job providing examples of their activities, like working as a tutor and attending the APhA conference, more specificity and detail in these examples would make the statement more memorable.
• There’s a typo in the last paragraph —a “to” that doesn’t belong! This is an unprofessional blip in an otherwise solid letter. Read you own letter of intent aloud to avoid this!

NIU Bad Statement of Purpose Example

This is an ineffective graduate school statement of purpose example, with annotations on why it doesn’t work.

As you might imagine, the main strength in this document is as an example of what not to do. Otherwise, there is little to recommend it.

• The annotations quite clearly detail the weaknesses of this statement. So I won’t address them exhaustively except to point out that this statement of purpose fails at both content and style. The author includes irrelevant anecdotes and lists without offering a decisive picture of interests or any particular insight into the field. Additionally, the statement is riddled with grammatical mistakes, awkward sentence structures, and strange acronyms.
• You’ll note that the commentary advises you to “never start with a quote.” I agree that you should never start with a freestanding quote as in this example. However, I do think starting with a quote is acceptable in cases like the Berkeley history example above, where the quote is brief and then directly linked to the research interest.

Graduate School Statement of Purpose Examples: 4 Key Points

Graduate programs ask for statement of purpose to hear about your interests and goals and why you think you and the program would be a good fit.

There are four key elements to a successful statement of purpose:

• A clear articulation of your goals and interests
• Evidence of past experiences and success
• Interest and fit with the program
• Strong writing

We’ve provided you with four successful statement of purpose samples from our graduate school experts!

We also provided additional statement of purpose samples (and a sample letter of intent) for graduate school from other sources on the internet. Now you have all kinds of guidance!

What’s Next?

If you’re looking for more information on graduate school , see our guide to what makes a good GPA for grad school .

Not sure if you need to take the GRE ? See if you can get into graduate school without GRE scores .

Want more information about the GRE? We can help you figure out when to take the GRE , how to make a GRE study plan , and how to improve your GRE score .

Ready to improve your GRE score by 7 points?

Author: Ellen McCammon

Ellen is a public health graduate student and education expert. She has extensive experience mentoring students of all ages to reach their goals and in-depth knowledge on a variety of health topics. View all posts by Ellen McCammon

The writer of the academic essay aims to persuade readers of an idea based on evidence. The beginning of the essay is a crucial first step in this process. In order to engage readers and establish your authority, the beginning of your essay has to accomplish certain business. Your beginning should introduce the essay, focus it, and orient readers.

Introduce the Essay.  The beginning lets your readers know what the essay is about, the  topic . The essay's topic does not exist in a vacuum, however; part of letting readers know what your essay is about means establishing the essay's  context , the frame within which you will approach your topic. For instance, in an essay about the First Amendment guarantee of freedom of speech, the context may be a particular legal theory about the speech right; it may be historical information concerning the writing of the amendment; it may be a contemporary dispute over flag burning; or it may be a question raised by the text itself. The point here is that, in establishing the essay's context, you are also limiting your topic. That is, you are framing an approach to your topic that necessarily eliminates other approaches. Thus, when you determine your context, you simultaneously narrow your topic and take a big step toward focusing your essay. Here's an example.

The paragraph goes on. But as you can see, Chopin's novel (the topic) is introduced in the context of the critical and moral controversy its publication engendered.

Focus the Essay.  Beyond introducing your topic, your beginning must also let readers know what the central issue is. What question or problem will you be thinking about? You can pose a question that will lead to your idea (in which case, your idea will be the answer to your question), or you can make a thesis statement. Or you can do both: you can ask a question and immediately suggest the answer that your essay will argue. Here's an example from an essay about Memorial Hall.

The fullness of your idea will not emerge until your conclusion, but your beginning must clearly indicate the direction your idea will take, must set your essay on that road. And whether you focus your essay by posing a question, stating a thesis, or combining these approaches, by the end of your beginning, readers should know what you're writing about, and  why —and why they might want to read on.

Orient Readers.  Orienting readers, locating them in your discussion, means providing information and explanations wherever necessary for your readers' understanding. Orienting is important throughout your essay, but it is crucial in the beginning. Readers who don't have the information they need to follow your discussion will get lost and quit reading. (Your teachers, of course, will trudge on.) Supplying the necessary information to orient your readers may be as simple as answering the journalist's questions of who, what, where, when, how, and why. It may mean providing a brief overview of events or a summary of the text you'll be analyzing. If the source text is brief, such as the First Amendment, you might just quote it. If the text is well known, your summary, for most audiences, won't need to be more than an identifying phrase or two:

Often, however, you will want to summarize your source more fully so that readers can follow your analysis of it.

Questions of Length and Order.  How long should the beginning be? The length should be proportionate to the length and complexity of the whole essay. For instance, if you're writing a five-page essay analyzing a single text, your beginning should be brief, no more than one or two paragraphs. On the other hand, it may take a couple of pages to set up a ten-page essay.

Does the business of the beginning have to be addressed in a particular order? No, but the order should be logical. Usually, for instance, the question or statement that focuses the essay comes at the end of the beginning, where it serves as the jumping-off point for the middle, or main body, of the essay. Topic and context are often intertwined, but the context may be established before the particular topic is introduced. In other words, the order in which you accomplish the business of the beginning is flexible and should be determined by your purpose.

Opening Strategies.  There is still the further question of how to start. What makes a good opening? You can start with specific facts and information, a keynote quotation, a question, an anecdote, or an image. But whatever sort of opening you choose, it should be directly related to your focus. A snappy quotation that doesn't help establish the context for your essay or that later plays no part in your thinking will only mislead readers and blur your focus. Be as direct and specific as you can be. This means you should avoid two types of openings:

• The history-of-the-world (or long-distance) opening, which aims to establish a context for the essay by getting a long running start: "Ever since the dawn of civilized life, societies have struggled to reconcile the need for change with the need for order." What are we talking about here, political revolution or a new brand of soft drink? Get to it.
• The funnel opening (a variation on the same theme), which starts with something broad and general and "funnels" its way down to a specific topic. If your essay is an argument about state-mandated prayer in public schools, don't start by generalizing about religion; start with the specific topic at hand.

Remember.  After working your way through the whole draft, testing your thinking against the evidence, perhaps changing direction or modifying the idea you started with, go back to your beginning and make sure it still provides a clear focus for the essay. Then clarify and sharpen your focus as needed. Clear, direct beginnings rarely present themselves ready-made; they must be written, and rewritten, into the sort of sharp-eyed clarity that engages readers and establishes your authority.

Copyright 1999, Patricia Kain, for the Writing Center at Harvard University

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Stanford Online

How to write a compelling statement of purpose for graduate school.

A statement of purpose (SOP) is a critical component of most graduate school applications, and are often required for various types of graduate level programs, including Graduate Certificates and Master’s Degrees .

An SOP offers you the opportunity to showcase your motivations, qualifications, and aspirations to a school’s Office of Admissions. Crafting an effective SOP requires careful planning and attention to detail. Whether you're applying to Stanford or any other institution, here's a guide on how to write a standout statement of purpose that shows how your goals align with the program's expectations.

Understanding the Prompt

A prompt's comprehensive nature offers you the chance to provide a holistic view of your journey, motivations, and aspirations. Be sure to check the websites of any programs you’re applying to, as they often have additional information or suggested frameworks to get you started.

Stanford Master’s Degree

If you are applying to a Stanford master’s degree program , the recommended maximum length for your SOP is 1,000 words and the prompt for the statement of purpose emphasizes several key elements:

• Reasons for applying
• Preparation for the field of study
• Research interests
• Future career plans
• Relevant aspects of your background

Stanford Graduate Certificate

If you are applying to take individual graduate courses or pursue a graduate certificate through Stanford Online, the prompt contains less elements than for the master’s program. This statement of purpose should be brief, as you’re limited to 4000 characters. You should summarize:

• Specific course work on your transcript that meets the course and or certificate prerequisites
• Relevant aspects of your professional experience

Tips for Writing your Statement of Purpose

After you fully understand the prompt for the program you’re applying to, use these tips to guide your writing:

• Be Concise and Focused Most institutions have maximum lengths for words or characters. With limited space, it's important to be concise and focused. Use each word purposefully to convey your message. Ensure that every paragraph adds value and contributes to your overall narrative.
• Start Strong Your opening should be attention-grabbing. Consider sharing a personal anecdote, a relevant quote, or a thought-provoking question that sets the tone for your SOP. Engaging the reader from the beginning can make your statement more memorable.
• Address the Prompt Thoroughly Cover each aspect of the prompt thoroughly, addressing your reasons for applying, your background preparation, your research interests, and your future career plans. Use specific examples to illustrate your points. For instance, if you're applying to a computer science program, discuss projects, coursework, or experiences that highlight your passion and readiness for further study in this field.
• Showcase Fit with the Program Demonstrate a clear understanding of the program you're applying to and explain why it's an ideal fit for your academic and career goals. Highlight specific courses, professors, research opportunities, or unique features of the program that attracted you. This showcases your commitment to the program and demonstrates that you've done your research. You may consider including reasons your presence will benefit the program as your uniqueness may help set you apart from other applicants.
• Highlight Research Interests Discuss your research interests in detail. Explain how your past experiences have shaped your interests and how the program's resources can help you further develop them. Share any relevant research projects you've been a part of and explain their impact on your academic journey. If your program includes a capstone, you may want to include more actionable, compelling examples.
• Connect to Your Future Career Articulate your future career plans and explain how the program will prepare you for success. Whether you plan to pursue academia, industry, or another path, convey how the skills and knowledge gained from the program will contribute to your career trajectory.
• Weave in Personal Background Share aspects of your personal background that are relevant to your journey. This could include challenges you've overcome, experiences that have shaped your perspective, or unique qualities that set you apart. Ensure that these details contribute to your overall narrative and that adding them showcases your qualifications.
• Edit and Proofread After writing your SOP, review it meticulously for grammar, punctuation, and clarity. Typos and errors can detract from the impact of your statement. Consider seeking feedback from mentors, professors, or peers to ensure your SOP effectively conveys your message.
• Tailor for Specific Programs If you're applying to multiple programs, make sure to customize each SOP to align with the specific program's offerings and requirements. Avoid using a generic SOP for all applications, this tends to be very noticeable to admissions.
• Seek Inspiration from Examples If you’re applying to a Stanford Master’s program, the Stanford Graduate Admissions website provides specific guidance on the statement of purpose. Review your program’s recommendations and, if available, consider reading sample SOPs from successful applicants to gather inspiration and insights.

Writing a compelling statement of purpose for graduate school requires thoughtful reflection, careful planning, and clear communication. By addressing the prompt comprehensively, showcasing your fit with the program, and demonstrating your passion and readiness, you can craft an SOP that stands out and may even increase your chances of admission to your desired program. Although it’s far from the only criteria that will be considered in the admissions process, your SOP is your chance to tell your unique story and show why you are a perfect candidate for graduate study. We hope you find this guide useful as you write your statement of purpose, please know that following this guide does not guarantee your admission to any program.

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Writing your academic statement of purpose.

What is it?

Each applicant must submit an academic statement of purpose (ASOP). The ASOP is one of your primary opportunities to help the admissions committee understand your academic objectives and determine if you are a good match for the program you are applying to. The goal of this document is to impress upon the admissions committee that you have a solid background and experience in your area of interest and that you have the potential to be successful in graduate study.

Why is it important?

The ASOP is one of the most important pieces of your graduate school application because it:

• Gives the reviewers an understanding of your academic background and interests.
• Allows you to illustrate in your own words what sets you apart from other applicants.
• Helps them determine if you are a good match for the program to which you are applying.
• Shows your communication style and ability.

Information to Include

Introduce yourself and your academic interests.

• Provide simple background information on your area of interest and how it became of particular interest to you.
• Here you can also share with them how and why you decided to pursue a graduate degree in this field.

Describe your academic background, preparation, and training

• Skills you have learned from academic, lab, or research experiences (e.g., undergraduate coursework, research opportunities, scholarly writings, jobs in the field, presentations, etc.). Whenever possible, give specific examples and illustrate the points you are making, don’t just simply tell them.
• Research you conducted – project title or focus, research mentor, your specific role, what you learned and the outcome. If there were challenges, don’t be afraid to mention what you learned from them. This shows persistence and resilience in the face of adversity– these are also things they are looking for!
• Important papers or thesis project you completed, as well as anything scholarly beyond your academic degree requirements.
• Relevant work or internship experience as related to the field you are applying to.

Show them you are making an informed decision

• Indicate what you would like to study in graduate school in enough detail to convince the faculty that you understand the scope of research in the discipline and are aware of research trends.
• Show them that you have thoroughly researched the program, its faculty, and research focus areas, and why you are applying to this program specifically. This will help you write a more informed essay that is relatable to the faculty who will be reviewing your application.
• Describe why you are a good fit for the program and why the program is a good fit for you.
• If there are specific faculty you are interested in working with, check the program’s ASOP instructions and determine how best to mention this in your essay. Some programs require you to name a professor(s) with whom you would like to work.
• Are there any aspects of the program that are of particular interest to you (immersion program, opportunities for collaboration with others outside of the institution, research centers associated with the program, etc.)?
• Include information that is important to you outside of the program – supportive environment for first-year students, access to amazing literary resources, opportunities to participate in professional/career development programming, etc.
• Professional goals – you may wish to outline what you plan to do after you complete the program as a way of underscoring the importance of your choice to pursue graduate study.
• Share any extracurricular opportunities you have had that show leadership, ability to work with a diverse group of people, teaching skills, etc.
• Research degree applicants should identify specific faculty members whose research interests align with your own interests. 

Important Things to Remember

• Pay attention and follow instructions very carefully – every program is different and some have specific items/topics they want you to address.
• Unless otherwise noted, this is an academically focused essay, not necessarily a personal essay. You will likely add some personal details here and there, but be sure to keep the focus on your academic background and future potential.
• Proofread and pay close attention to details – they really matter!
• Have others from a variety of perspectives read your essay before you submit it – they should be looking at it in terms of content, style, and grammar. Remember, those outside of your field can provide you with valuable perspective and feedback.
• Keep in mind that you can continue editing your ASOP after you have submitted it to programs with earlier deadlines.

Length, Format and Tone

• Unless otherwise noted one to two pages in a standard font and size is typical.
• Include your full name and proposed program of study at the top of each page – if faculty are not reading an electronic version of your essay, pages can become separated.
• Write with confidence and in an active voice – doing this makes your sentences clear and less wordy/complicated.
• Language should be positive and focused. Since faculty are the ones reviewing your application, it is fine to use discipline-specific terminology, tone, and style in your ASOP.

Final Checklist

• Described your academic background in enough detail to show your experience and preparedness in the field?
• Shown that you are a good fit for the program you are applying to?
• Defined why you want a graduate degree in this field?
• Demonstrated that you are self-motivated, persistent, competent, and have the skills necessary to be successful in graduate school?
• Followed the ASOP instructions as defined by the program you are applying to?
• Polished, proofread, and had others review your ASOP?

Why should you consider Cornell?

Academic Essay: From Basics to Practical Tips

Has it ever occurred to you that over the span of a solitary academic term, a typical university student can produce sufficient words to compose an entire 500-page novel? To provide context, this equates to approximately 125,000 to 150,000 words, encompassing essays, research papers, and various written tasks. This content volume is truly remarkable, emphasizing the importance of honing the skill of crafting scholarly essays. Whether you're a seasoned academic or embarking on the initial stages of your educational expedition, grasping the nuances of constructing a meticulously organized and thoroughly researched essay is paramount.

Welcome to our guide on writing an academic essay! Whether you're a seasoned student or just starting your academic journey, the prospect of written homework can be exciting and overwhelming. In this guide, we'll break down the process step by step, offering tips, strategies, and examples to help you navigate the complexities of scholarly writing. By the end, you'll have the tools and confidence to tackle any essay assignment with ease. Let's dive in!

Types of Academic Writing

The process of writing an essay usually encompasses various types of papers, each serving distinct purposes and adhering to specific conventions. Here are some common types of academic writing:

• Essays: Essays are versatile expressions of ideas. Descriptive essays vividly portray subjects, narratives share personal stories, expository essays convey information, and persuasive essays aim to influence opinions.
• Research Papers: Research papers are analytical powerhouses. Analytical papers dissect data or topics, while argumentative papers assert a stance backed by evidence and logical reasoning.
• Reports: Reports serve as narratives in specialized fields. Technical reports document scientific or technical research, while business reports distill complex information into actionable insights for organizational decision-making.
• Reviews: Literature reviews provide comprehensive summaries and evaluations of existing research, while critical analyses delve into the intricacies of books or movies, dissecting themes and artistic elements.
• Dissertations and Theses: Dissertations represent extensive research endeavors, often at the doctoral level, exploring profound subjects. Theses, common in master's programs, showcase mastery over specific topics within defined scopes.
• Summaries and Abstracts: Summaries and abstracts condense larger works. Abstracts provide concise overviews, offering glimpses into key points and findings.
• Case Studies: Case studies immerse readers in detailed analyses of specific instances, bridging theoretical concepts with practical applications in real-world scenarios.
• Reflective Journals: Reflective journals serve as personal platforms for articulating thoughts and insights based on one's academic journey, fostering self-expression and intellectual growth.
• Academic Articles: Scholarly articles, published in academic journals, constitute the backbone of disseminating original research, contributing to the collective knowledge within specific fields.
• Literary Analyses: Literary analyses unravel the complexities of written works, decoding themes, linguistic nuances, and artistic elements, fostering a deeper appreciation for literature.

Our essay writer service can cater to all types of academic writings that you might encounter on your educational path. Use it to gain the upper hand in school or college and save precious free time.

Essay Writing Process Explained

The process of how to write an academic essay involves a series of important steps. To start, you'll want to do some pre-writing, where you brainstorm essay topics , gather information, and get a good grasp of your topic. This lays the groundwork for your essay.

Once you have a clear understanding, it's time to draft your essay. Begin with an introduction that grabs the reader's attention, gives some context, and states your main argument or thesis. The body of your essay follows, where each paragraph focuses on a specific point supported by examples or evidence. Make sure your ideas flow smoothly from one paragraph to the next, creating a coherent and engaging narrative.

After the drafting phase, take time to revise and refine your essay. Check for clarity, coherence, and consistency. Ensure your ideas are well-organized and that your writing effectively communicates your message. Finally, wrap up your essay with a strong conclusion that summarizes your main points and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

How to Prepare for Essay Writing 

Before you start writing an academic essay, there are a few things to sort out. First, make sure you totally get what the assignment is asking for. Break down the instructions and note any specific rules from your teacher. This sets the groundwork.

Then, do some good research. Check out books, articles, or trustworthy websites to gather solid info about your topic. Knowing your stuff makes your essay way stronger. Take a bit of time to brainstorm ideas and sketch out an outline. It helps you organize your thoughts and plan how your essay will flow. Think about the main points you want to get across.

Lastly, be super clear about your main argument or thesis. This is like the main point of your essay, so make it strong. Considering who's going to read your essay is also smart. Use language and tone that suits your academic audience. By ticking off these steps, you'll be in great shape to tackle your essay with confidence.

Academic Essay Example

In academic essays, examples act like guiding stars, showing the way to excellence. Let's check out some good examples to help you on your journey to doing well in your studies.

Academic Essay Format

The academic essay format typically follows a structured approach to convey ideas and arguments effectively. Here's an academic essay format example with a breakdown of the key elements:

Introduction

• Hook: Begin with an attention-grabbing opening to engage the reader.
• Background/Context: Provide the necessary background information to set the stage.
• Thesis Statement: Clearly state the main argument or purpose of the essay.

Body Paragraphs

• Topic Sentence: Start each paragraph with a clear topic sentence that relates to the thesis.
• Supporting Evidence: Include evidence, examples, or data to back up your points.
• Analysis: Analyze and interpret the evidence, explaining its significance in relation to your argument.
• Transition Sentences: Use these to guide the reader smoothly from one point to the next.

Counterargument (if applicable)

• Address Counterpoints: Acknowledge opposing views or potential objections.
• Rebuttal: Refute counterarguments and reinforce your position.

Conclusion:

• Restate Thesis: Summarize the main argument without introducing new points.
• Summary of Key Points: Recap the main supporting points made in the body.
• Closing Statement: End with a strong concluding thought or call to action.

References/Bibliography

• Cite Sources: Include proper citations for all external information used in the essay.
• Follow Citation Style: Use the required citation style (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.) specified by your instructor.
• Font and Size: Use a standard font (e.g., Times New Roman, Arial) and size (12-point).
• Margins and Spacing: Follow specified margin and spacing guidelines.
• Page Numbers: Include page numbers if required.

Adhering to this structure helps create a well-organized and coherent academic essay that effectively communicates your ideas and arguments.

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How to Write an Academic Essay Step by Step

Start with an introduction.

The introduction of an essay serves as the reader's initial encounter with the topic, setting the tone for the entire piece. It aims to capture attention, generate interest, and establish a clear pathway for the reader to follow. A well-crafted introduction provides a brief overview of the subject matter, hinting at the forthcoming discussion, and compels the reader to delve further into the essay. Consult our detailed guide on how to write an essay introduction for extra details.

Captivate Your Reader

Engaging the reader within the introduction is crucial for sustaining interest throughout the essay. This involves incorporating an engaging hook, such as a thought-provoking question, a compelling anecdote, or a relevant quote. By presenting an intriguing opening, the writer can entice the reader to continue exploring the essay, fostering a sense of curiosity and investment in the upcoming content. To learn more about how to write a hook for an essay , please consult our guide,

Provide Context for a Chosen Topic

In essay writing, providing context for the chosen topic is essential to ensure that readers, regardless of their prior knowledge, can comprehend the subject matter. This involves offering background information, defining key terms, and establishing the broader context within which the essay unfolds. Contextualization sets the stage, enabling readers to grasp the significance of the topic and its relevance within a particular framework. If you buy a dissertation or essay, or any other type of academic writing, our writers will produce an introduction that follows all the mentioned quality criteria.

Make a Thesis Statement

The thesis statement is the central anchor of the essay, encapsulating its main argument or purpose. It typically appears towards the end of the introduction, providing a concise and clear declaration of the writer's stance on the chosen topic. A strong thesis guides the reader on what to expect, serving as a roadmap for the essay's subsequent development.

Outline the Structure of Your Essay

Clearly outlining the structure of the essay in the introduction provides readers with a roadmap for navigating the content. This involves briefly highlighting the main points or arguments that will be explored in the body paragraphs. By offering a structural overview, the writer enhances the essay's coherence, making it easier for the reader to follow the logical progression of ideas and supporting evidence throughout the text.

Continue with the Main Body

The main body is the most important aspect of how to write an academic essay where the in-depth exploration and development of the chosen topic occur. Each paragraph within this section should focus on a specific aspect of the argument or present supporting evidence. It is essential to maintain a logical flow between paragraphs, using clear transitions to guide the reader seamlessly from one point to the next. The main body is an opportunity to delve into the nuances of the topic, providing thorough analysis and interpretation to substantiate the thesis statement.

Choose the Right Length

Determining the appropriate length for an essay is a critical aspect of effective communication. The length should align with the depth and complexity of the chosen topic, ensuring that the essay adequately explores key points without unnecessary repetition or omission of essential information. Striking a balance is key – a well-developed essay neither overextends nor underrepresents the subject matter. Adhering to any specified word count or page limit set by the assignment guidelines is crucial to meet academic requirements while maintaining clarity and coherence.

Write Compelling Paragraphs

In academic essay writing, thought-provoking paragraphs form the backbone of the main body, each contributing to the overall argument or analysis. Each paragraph should begin with a clear topic sentence that encapsulates the main point, followed by supporting evidence or examples. Thoroughly analyzing the evidence and providing insightful commentary demonstrates the depth of understanding and contributes to the overall persuasiveness of the essay. Cohesion between paragraphs is crucial, achieved through effective transitions that ensure a smooth and logical progression of ideas, enhancing the overall readability and impact of the essay.

Finish by Writing a Conclusion

The conclusion serves as the essay's final impression, providing closure and reinforcing the key insights. It involves restating the thesis without introducing new information, summarizing the main points addressed in the body, and offering a compelling closing thought. The goal is to leave a lasting impact on the reader, emphasizing the significance of the discussed topic and the validity of the thesis statement. A well-crafted conclusion brings the essay full circle, leaving the reader with a sense of resolution and understanding. Have you already seen our collection of new persuasive essay topics ? If not, we suggest you do it right after finishing this article to boost your creativity!

Proofread and Edit the Document

After completing the essay, a critical step is meticulous proofreading and editing. This process involves reviewing the document for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and punctuation issues. Additionally, assess the overall coherence and flow of ideas, ensuring that each paragraph contributes effectively to the essay's purpose. Consider the clarity of expression, the appropriateness of language, and the overall organization of the content. Taking the time to proofread and edit enhances the overall quality of the essay, presenting a polished and professional piece of writing. It is advisable to seek feedback from peers or instructors to gain additional perspectives on the essay's strengths and areas for improvement. For more insightful tips, feel free to check out our guide on how to write a descriptive essay .

Alright, let's wrap it up. Knowing how to write academic essays is a big deal. It's not just about passing assignments – it's a skill that sets you up for effective communication and deep thinking. These essays teach us to explain our ideas clearly, build strong arguments, and be part of important conversations, both in school and out in the real world. Whether you're studying or working, being able to put your thoughts into words is super valuable. So, take the time to master this skill – it's a game-changer!

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What Is An Academic Essay?

How to write an academic essay, how to write a good academic essay.

Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

My Lester B. Pearson Scholarship Essays + Tips For Yours.

Today’s post is by far the most requested one, and as you’ve read the title, you now know what it is about. Yes! Today, I’ll reveal ALL the essays I wrote for the Lester B. Pearson scholarship at the University of Toronto 🤭

I’ll do a detailed breakdown of my answers and explain what I was thinking while writing them to help you understand the expectations of the scholarship committee in a better way.

Plus, after every essay, I’ll share the mistakes I made in my essays that you should avoid and give you some tips to help you improve your Lester B. Pearson scholarship essays, so hopefully, you become the next Pearson Scholar 🎓

Why Share Essays?

My Instagram DMs and YouTube Comments have become flooded with requests to share my essays. Initially, I wasn’t comfortable sharing them as they include my personal struggles and stories, but it took me a little longer to put myself in your shoes 👞 or even the shoes of my own younger self, who struggled during the process of writing these essays as there weren’t any example essays to get an idea of how to or how not to approach the Lester B. Pearson scholarship essay prompts .

And you know what, right now, that is 26th January 2022, there is not a single essay sample of Lester B. Pearson scholarship available online, not on Google, not on YouTube, not on any social media platform.

If you want to write the Common App essay, you have both accepted Common App Essays and Rejected Common App Essays available online to figure things out, but if you want to write a Lester B. Pearson scholarship essay, you won’t find any essay sample 🤷‍♂️

However, there should be sample essays of at least one student, who applied for the Lester B. Pearson scholarship, available online. So students who have little-to-no resources and guidance from their school can become aware of one way of approaching the essay questions in the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship Student Application.

This is why I have gathered the courage to share my essays with you guys because I think that my essays would’ve helped my younger self and so many other students who lack guidance and inspiration.

Before we jump right in, if you’d like to watch me read and analyze my essays, and you are someone who prefers video and graphics over text, I recommend you check out my video on Lester B. Pearson Scholarship Essays down below 🔻

My Background

If you don’t know, the Lester B. Pearson scholarship is a fully funded scholarship for international students to pursue their undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto . 

If you’d like to learn in detail about this scholarship, its eligibility criteria, and the complete application process, you can read my Study at U of T for Free   post.

Check Here 👉  How To Get Full Scholarship at University of Toronto as an International Student

I applied for the Lester B. Pearson scholarship last year, for the fall of 2021, and the deadline for submitting the student scholarship application was 18th January 2021.

If you’ve been on the blog for a while, you’d know that I also applied to twelve other universities in the U.S., which meant that I had dozens of essays to write, and their due dates spread across the first two weeks of January 2021.

Hence, I was busy writing their essays from mid-December 2020 till the second week of January 2021. This left me with only a couple of days to complete my Lester B. Pearson scholarship essays. So, what did I do? 🤔

I rushed through the essays and even reused the essays I wrote in the Common App to complete my scholarship application by the deadline. That is why you wouldn’t be surprised if I told you that these essays first got me waitlisted for the Lester B. Pearson scholarship, but eventually, I was rejected for the scholarship.

On a side note, if are applying for this scholarship and you’d like to know more about my personal experience of going through the Lester B. Pearson scholarship application process, the mistakes I made (which you should avoid) in the process, and my advice to win this scholarship, I highly recommend you read my post on it.

Check Here 👉  Why I Got Waitlisted For The Lester B. Pearson Scholarship at University of Toronto

Looking back, I realize that my essays weren’t much thought-out. They were honestly rushed. Some did not even answer the questions properly. And there were a couple more problems in my essays that did not help me stand out and led to me being waitlisted and ultimately rejected. Therefore, please do not consider my essays as modal answers or a standard for writing your essays.

And, a big disclaimer 💀 PLEASE DO NOT COPY ANY PART OF MY ESSAYS 💀 because

• You’ll instantly get caught by the scholarship committee, and not only will your scholarship application get rejected, but you might even lose your admission to U of T on charges of Plagiarism.
• These essays did not get me accepted anyway, so plagiarizing them will not be a good idea, and you might end up on a worse route than mine.

Then why am I even sharing these essays in the first place when they did not get me accepted for the Lester B. Pearson scholarship? It is because of three main reasons.

• You’ll become aware of the mistakes you shouldn’t make by looking at my mistakes during the writing process.
• Yes, there were things I did wrong in my essays. However, not everything in the essays was problematic, so you’ll also learn some good practices that you can follow to help you write your essays.
• You’ll get an idea of how I approached these essays, and they might give you food for thought.

When I talked about sharing my essays on my Instagram Story, some of the students said that I shouldn’t do that as “the essays should be based on one’s original thoughts and ideas .”

First of all, the essay prompts for the scholarship application are subjective. They force you to think about YOUR life experiences and goals, which vary from person to person. So even if you were to copy my essays, you can’t because your interests, goals, and life experiences are entirely different from mine.

Trust me, just being yourself, the way you are, in a candid manner is the best advice I can give you for your essays. Don’t focus on what the scholarship committee wants to see you write; write what you wanna write. More on that later.

Secondly, it is one thing to copy one’s ideas outright, but it’s another to take inspiration from one’s writeup and come up with your own unique style and approach for the essays, which is what I hope you do after you see my essays.

Lastly, I think that nothing in the creative space is entirely original. We take inspiration and ideas from our lives, role models, environment, and the work of our predecessors. And whatever we come up with is influenced by a lot of these factors and more.

Austin Kleon , in his book,  Steal Like An Artist , says,

“All creative work is iterative, no idea is original and all creators and their output are a sum of inspirations and heroes from whom they appropriate.”

My essays are just one sample approach to the scholarship essay questions. There are an infinite number of ways you can approach your scholarship essays.

Therefore, look at my style and the thinking behind that style, see what I’ve done right and where I’ve gone wrong, then accordingly device YOUR unique way of approaching the essays.

With that being said, let’s get started.

Academic Objectives

After your school nominates you for the Lester B. Pearson scholarship and you apply to U of T through the OUAC, U of T will send a student scholarship application link on your email. It is in this application that you’ll find all the essay questions.

The essays I’ll be sharing are based on questions in the scholarship application for the fall of 2021. U of T did not change these questions in the scholarship application for the fall of 2022, and these questions will likely remain the same in 2023, 2024, and beyond.

Still, we never know when U of T decides to change them or include additional questions alongside the previous ones. In fact, U of T did include three new questions in the 2022 scholarship application that were not present in the 2021 scholarship application. Don’t worry, we’ll discuss them later 😉

So, if you are reading this in 2023 or 2024, do not get surprised if the questions change, but no matter what questions you are asked to answer, you’ll find lots of valuable lessons from my essays.

For every prompt, I’ll: 1. Tell you the exact question which was present in the application. 2. Show you my response to that question. 3. Do a short analysis to figure out what we can learn from it.

The first section of the 2021 scholarship application was the Academic Objectives section, which consisted of one short question of 100 words and it was …

Describe your academic objectives and indicate how these are appropriate to your long-range goals. Please include specifically how a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Toronto will contribute to your achieving your longer-range goals. (100 word maximum)

See how the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship Application Portal (Academic Objectives Section) looked like when I filled my application in 2021 😊

Here is the answer I wrote 👇

Note: the following barely describes Zohair. Zohair’s school is not a world-class school with massive resources. Despite most of his high school teachers teaching the IGCSE and IBDP Curriculum for the first time, subject teachers changing several times, and not having a Physics teacher for months, he secured grades that were never achieved by any school student before. Getting a 7 was challenging but inspiring others to get a 7 was hard: he explored online resources, corrected his teachers’ approach to Internal Assessments, organized Physics classes, interacted with IB Students around the world via Whatsapp and guided peers. In his pursuit to help others, he initiated seemingly small but transformative school changes such as displaying formulas in class walls, reading books on the school bus, and teaching students after school for free. During the Pandemic, he guided students through virtual meetings and started a free college counselling program after the school’s counsellor resigned. Zohair was a: Project Infaaq Leader (raised $17.5k; fed 700 families; recognized by IBO), Student Council Captain (organized 1st ever SC assembly; recognized as best SC in school’s history), MUN 2019 Secretary-General, Computer Skills Introduction Leader (taught computer basics to low-income students), Kerala Flood Relief Initiative Leader (raised $800 in 15 days; commended by Habitat NGO), Winter Clothes Collection Leader (donated 1000+ clothes to the homeless) etc. Zohair is a: Teacher (teaching his younger brother daily), Counselor/Mentor (guiding students in college applications), Tech. YouTuber (5+ years; 450+ videos; 5M+ views), Blogger (80+ posts; 700,000+ views globally),Video Editor (MUN and Project Infaaq video team leader), Photo Editor (social media graphic design), Animator etc. And with his breadth of viewpoints and unique background, he has massive potential to contribute to U of T’s inclusive yet diverse community while opening doors for low-income Indian students like him to pursue world-class education and become leaders in their communities.

There are a couple of good things about this essay, but there are equally bad things about it. Let’s start with the good ones again.

Firstly, the scholarship committee knows my final IB Diploma score, which was a 43/45, and they have a lot of applicants with similar if not better scores. So what I have done in the first two paragraphs is to give the context behind the score by stating my educational background, lack of resources, and the obstacles in my way.

This shows the scholarship committee where I am coming from and helps them understand my unique situation and challenges to get a score of 43 in IB. I’m showing that it was really challenging to get this score in an environment with no world-class resources or facilities.

Secondly, you can see that in the third paragraph, I’ve highlighted the quality of helping others and given a pieces of evidence and instances as a third person of when that quality shined in my personality.

The quality of helping others was one of the core values I focused on in my college applications, be it in supplemental essays or college scholarship essays, and you will see it again in the coming essay too 😁

Thirdly, I have mentioned the different roles and responsibilities I’ve taken up in high school and continued to take up in my gap year, which enriched me with different viewpoints and perspectives.

And not just that, I’ve stated the personal and collective achievements in all of the different endeavors; thus, showing that I have not only taken up a wide range of roles and participated in various projects but have made significant impacts in them.

I covered all of the roles and their achievements in the fourth and fifth paragraphs, and in the last paragraph, I explained my purpose behind mentioning all of the different roles and achievements.

It was to show the committee that I have great potential to make meaningful contributions to U of T because being successful in different endeavors has equipped me with various perspectives. In short, I’m telling them that I can take up and excel in various roles in college very easily because of my past experiences.

This essay may now seem impressive, but it won’t, in a minute. 🤨

Do you know how did I come up with this answer? If you have completed your Common App, it wouldn’t be hard for you to believe that I chose some of the achievements from my Common App activities section and added them here because, at that time, I didn’t have much time to think of a better way to answer this question.

So reusing and recycling my previous essays was the only option. What I learned from it was that whenever you are in a rush, no matter how good your answer seems to you at that moment, you will have made certain mistakes without even realizing it.

The first mistake I made here is quite obvious, but it wasn’t that obvious when I wrote this. I think you’d have spotted this mistake easily, and it is talking about way too many ideas in an unclear fashion and not elaborating on them properly.

Remember that the scholarship committee reading this wants to know the person, their struggles, and the story behind the roles and achievements, not just the numbers. It is better to have a few roles and achievements with explanation and elaboration rather than having ALL of your impressive feats listed out. 📃

Had I taken a few ideas and gone deep in them, this response would’ve turned out much better because lists of achievements aren’t as memorable and impactful as concentrating and giving context on a few key points. 

For instance, in the second paragraph, I’ve mentioned a couple of steps I had taken to improve education. It would’ve been much better if I had just taken the first sentence, “ Getting a 7 was challenging but inspiring others to get a 7 was hard,”  and given more information on HOW I   inspired others to achieve the best possible grades.

Maybe, by stating that I taught them different subjects, cleared their doubts, and assisted them with their projects. In other words, simply saying that, “I inspired others to get a 7,” isn’t that impactful because it lacks context, background, and explanation.

Therefore, focus on a few ideas and let the reader know the story and struggle associated with those ideas. 👊

By the way, if you don’t know what a 7 means? In IB you get a score from 1 to 7 in each subject based on your performance in exams and internal assessment. That’s why I said getting a 7 and inspiring others to get a 7 😁

The second mistake, and this one is quite funny. You see, the first line of my essay,  “Note: the following barely describes Zohair,”  is entirely unnecessary because the scholarship committee already knows that these essays are just a snippet from the life of the students, and they do not fully describe them. 

Therefore, avoiding using phrases like  “this barely describes the student”  or  “this essay’s limited word count isn’t allowing me to fully express myself”  as they are completely unnecessary. Plus, they eat up your valuable word count, which could be better used for other purposes.

The question I shared with you was the only question in the Self-Letter of Reference section of the scholarship application in 2021. However, in the 2022 scholarship application, the University of Toronto introduced another question, which is:

From your self letter of reference, please list your top 5 accomplishments, achievements, experiences and/or activities in descending order. These can be of any nature: extracurricular, civic, artistic, sporting, academic or other.

As you can see, this question is directly related to the letter of reference question I just shared with you. If you are familiar with the Common App, you’ll notice that it is really similar to the Common App Activities Section, where you are required to list down and share the achievements of a maximum of 10 Activities you engaged in high school, starting with the ones you consider the most important.

The Common App Activities section has a drop-down for selecting the category of the activity, and in the same manner, U of T has also mentioned the different categories of activities at the end of the question. Thus, opening more possibilities and avenues from which you can list the activities.

There is a lot more I want to tell you about these questions, but it would make this post too long. So, I’m planning to do a detailed breakdown for all of the Lester B. Pearson scholarship essay questions and will be going into great detail about how to answer them step-by-step in another post, which I’ll soon upload on this blog. Stay tuned for that 😉

The third section is the lengthiest of all the sections in terms of the words you’re required to write. It is the Essay Section , which contains one question of 800 words. And it goes like this…

Describe a personal life experience that has had particular significance for you and highlight the reason(s) it was significant, whether it had an impact on others, and any insights or understandings you gained from it. (800 word maximum)

The Essay Section of the 2021 Scholarship application right below.

The response to this question is quite personal, and this is the answer that I was especially hesitating to share, but I decided to do it anyway. It requires a little background about myself before I can share it with you.

I grew up in a joint family 👨‍👨‍👦‍👦 of around thirty people with all of my cousins, uncles, and aunts living together; however, when I entered high school, that joint family broke apart due to financial disputes and greed of some of the family members.

My immediate family, especially my father, had to bear the brunt of this breakdown both financially and emotionally. He had to work really hard to support my education and other family needs. My essay highlights the emotional and financial impacts on me. And how these hurdles changed me and my perspective on life.

Moreover, it highlights a tragic historical event that my father witnessed as an adult. It is the Bhopal Gas Tragedy which is also the worst industrial disaster in the world. In short, an American company was making pesticides with highly toxic chemicals and without proper safety measures in Bhopal, which is my hometown. 😲

The lack of safety precautions led to a mass leakage of a poisonous gas named Methyl Isocyanate, which enveloped the city, made it a gas chamber and killed thousands of people in a matter of hours.

That’s it for the background. Here is what I wrote 👇.

Upon entering high school, my life completely changed—I lost my identity: I was forced to leave a household that had nourished me for 15 years. Seeing the smiling faces turn into disgusting looks and cheerful gatherings turn into aggressive disputes developed in me one predominant feeling—Grief. I was at the most critical junction of my education, yet my family failed me when I needed them the most. I questioned the people that had raised me: Why are these difficulties imposed on me by my own blood? Shouldn’t they be the first ones to take care of me? Questions like these always preoccupied my mind. When I was at school, math problems that once fascinated me yearned for my attention. When I was at home, financial constraints only reinforced my questions. Soon, these unanswered questions turned into judgments: “People can do anything for money.” “People only care about themselves.” “People are only good for a reason.” When my benchmate shared his tiffin, I knew that he would ask me to solve a math problem for him next. When my mom met me with a smile, I knew she would ask me to dry the laundry next. From businesses to governments to relationships, everything seemed to involve some sort of gain or “profit.” Unconsciously, I saw everything and everyone from this lens. Eventually, as financial difficulties intensified, my sadness transformed into RESENTMENT—a resentment towards my parents. Why is my father not present in the School’s Award Ceremony to appreciate his son’s efforts? Why am I the only one whose parents haven’t saved for my college education? Why do I have to self-study when my peers have joined the city’s best coaching institutes? My father reached out. As a kid, my father would collect cow dung after school to support his family. There were times; few days would pass by, working, without a morsel of food or a minute of sleep. “Life was a blessing, until Bhopal Gas Tragedy (the world’s worst industrial disaster),” my father said with tears in his eyes. Note: the following barely describes what happened/ is happening. Forty tonnes of methyl isocyanate was stored without adequate safety measures (to save costs) by “educated” people, knowing it could kill the whole city. On 2nd December 1984, the toxic gas leaked, killing 4000 people immediately. Every minute, the gas diffused and moved faster and faster—shock, confusion, cries. Amid the chaos, a worker ran towards the leaking tank. In attempting to stop the leakage, he died of poisoning. “Be like that young man,” my father said with trembling lips. My father wouldn’t be alive, had the man not closed the leaking vessels. “He sacrificed his life to save others.” Suddenly, everything was put into perspective. I saw my difficulties infinitesimally small compared to the struggles of my father. I realized that the life I complained about is much better than the life my father wished he had in his youth. Thousands of humans and animals are breathing, just because a man decided to risk whatever he had to help others. I’ve tried my best to imbibe the legacy of this forgotten hero. From surveying hundreds of needy families in school holidays, replying to thousands of questions in YouTube comments, pulling all-nighters for helping my friends in their Physics Projects, to teaching juniors in the school bus, I’ve pushed myself to act beyond myself and help others. My father’s eyes reflect every impoverished individual who had to lose education—most basic right—to feed his family. And anyone having to lose this right is one too much. This is why I want to educate myself, not to get a comfortable job in Silicon Valley, but rather to build lives by giving education back to my townspeople. More importantly, I want to revive the legacy of this young man by thinking and acting beyond myself in any endeavour I step into. In fact, this value has remained a guiding light in all of my high school pursuits. All this time, I was looking at everyone from the same lens, just judging and guessing their intentions, without realizing that the intent is best known to the person, which can only be revealed when we reach out with an open heart. Thus, when I see dejected faces, I see myself in them, I respect. I approach. I talk. I help. Because I know stories and perspectives are waiting to be heard, just seeking companionship. Upon entering high school, my life completely changed—I found myself, a forgotten self. Being turned “underprivileged” by my own blood, actually privileged me with a higher appreciation of basic needs, guided me to respect individuals’ unique circumstances, and above all gave me a direction to think beyond myself.

This was my answer. Seems quite heavy, isn’t it? There is so much to talk about here. Let’s break it down, starting with the good practices.

If you look at the first paragraph, you’ll notice that I started with a shocking and ‘hooking’ statement:  Upon entering high school, my life completely changed—I lost my identity.  This makes the reader really invested in the essay with several questions popping into his mind like “what changed in his life?” “what was the identity he lost?” and “how did he lose his identity.”

The next few sentences of the paragraph are just building more curiosity and revealing the meaning behind me  ‘losing my identity.’  I think using a captivating statement that gives the reader various questions to think about is a great way to start long essays.

The next element is really interesting, and it is something I have seen in many great essays, which is  The Full Circle Strategy .  In the Full Circle Strategy, you begin with an anecdote or story at the beginning of your essay, move away from it to explain things but come back to it in the conclusion by referring to the same anecdote or story to make a full circle. ⭕

For instance, take a look at the first paragraph, which says, “ Upon entering high school, my life completely changed—I lost my identity: I was forced to leave a household that had nourished me for 15 years…I was at the most critical junction of my education, yet my family failed me when I needed them the most.” 

Now, have a look at the last paragraph, it says, “ Upon entering high school, my life completely changed—I found myself, a forgotten self. Being turned “underprivileged” by my own blood, actually privileged me with a higher appreciation of basic needs, guided me to respect individuals’ unique circumstances, and above all gave me a direction to think beyond myself.” 

So, do you see how everything is coming full circle? I began with “losing my identity” due to family disputes and concluded with “finding my identity” due to family problems and their lessons. 🔁

Also, I used the same initial statement to refer back to the beginning and show the reader that my perspective has shifted even though the problems remain the same.

Initially, I thought, “I lost myself”, but due to the events that happened after the family breakdown, I not only “found myself, my history” but learned valuable lessons like appreciation of basic needs, respecting individuals and thinking beyond myself.

In short, use the  Full Circle strategy  if you can, and it’s not that complex. Remember, when you end your essay, bring the readers back to the beginning of the essay, where you described your story or anecdote, and help them understand it through a different lens.

All right, next, let’s talk about some key features I’ve used to organize and structure my essay.

Firstly, this essay doesn’t contain big chunks of text. Rather, I’ve used  short paragraphs , sometimes even one-sentence paragraphs, as not to overwhelm the reader and make my writing more inviting and easier to read. short

Secondly, I’ve used  varied sentence structures  to convey my message. I’ve asked questions; added long sentences, short sentences, two-word sentences; and included dialogues to make my essay as effective and engaging as possible. Having the same sentence structure leads to monotony and repetition, making your writing less lively in general. 😪

Since we are talking about structure and organization, let me tell you that you won’t find any high-level words in my essay except for four – predominant, yearned, infinitesimally, and impoverished. This is because I think clarity is more important than including high-level, fancy words, and clarity often comes through simplicity in language and being natural with one’s voice.

So please do not think that if you’ve not used high-level words, your essay isn’t impressive. If it’s clear and simple, it will make a lot of impact. And even when I’ve used high-level words, I didn’t search online for them or use a dictionary; instead, they came naturally in my mind as I was writing this essay. So yeah, be natural and write as if you are talking and describing your story to a friend of yours. 🤗

Apart from all of this, another really important thing to keep in mind is to convey your values and qualities through the essay. Before I explain this, let me ask you something – What are the three qualities or values did you learn about me from my essay? Stop reading right now ✋ and let me know it in the comments and then get back to reading. Remember, you have just a few words to tell me that.

Okay, now that you have written it, let me tell you what values I wanted to convey to the reader through my essay. Overcoming obstacles, helping others, and thinking beyond myself. I have conveyed these values by showing them in practice, not simply telling them. Many students directly state that “I overcame financial difficulties” or “I am really concerned about justice in my community” without showing these values in practice in the essay.

Let me give you an example of how I showed the scholarship committee that I like math and I’m good at it without stating it directly. Have a look at the second paragraph, which says, “ When my benchmate shared his tiffin, I knew that he would ask me to solve a math problem for him next.” 

In this statement 👆, very subtly, I’ve hinted that I’m good at math as my benchmate would ask me to solve math problems for him. Alongside my good math scores, perhaps, this shows, though in a minor way, that I’m competent for my top choice program, which requires good math skills. 

This leads me to another good example of showing and not just telling. Have a look at the last fourth paragraph, which says, “ From surveying hundreds of needy families in school holidays, replying to thousands of questions in YouTube comments, pulling all-nighters for helping my friends in their Physics Projects, to teaching juniors in the school bus, I’ve pushed myself to act beyond myself and help others.”

I’ve mentioned four instances where I had acted beyond myself and helped others, and myself, and I took these instances from some of my main extracurricular activities in high school. Basically, I’ve first shown them everything in practice and then told them the meaning behind stating it through the statement  “I’ve pushed myself to act beyond myself and help others,”  which also implies, by extension, that I’ll continue to help others in college. 🏫

Now, you won’t know this, but let me tell you that there is so much more to talk about in this essay because this is basically my Common App essay. I’ve shortened it a little bit to fit the word count for this question; however, the essence and structure of the essay is the same.

Again, I had to use my Common App Essay here because of the lack of time, and that’s why if you look at the expectations of the question and my essay, you’ll find that I’ve not addressed the question as fully and deeply as it demands. Even though the scholarship committee purposely creates these application questions to be open-ended to open more possibilities for the answer, they do expect students to not deviate substantially from the different parts of the question.

For this question, students are expected to talk about ‘a particular experience,’ but in my response, although I’ve mentioned that experience in which my father tells me his story, I’ve not focused much on that ONE experience. Instead, I’ve used most of my word count to talk about my background, struggles and my father’s context. 😞

In other words, my essay doesn’t revolve around that one experience that the scholarship committee expects, but rather it is about the general struggles in my life and how I found meaning in them. 

Let me tell you, this is a big problem with this essay in regards to the question, and this is what actually happens when you try to fit one essay created for one purpose into another question with different expectations. It leads to significant deviations from the demands of the question, and you won’t even realize it like I couldn’t back then.

Another thing I didn’t realize was to change the word  “Silicon Valley”  to “Toronto.” I wrote about getting a comfortable job in Silicon Valley because through the Common App, I was applying to American Universities and most tech graduates aim to get jobs in Silicon Valley as it’s the tech hub of the US. However, when I am writing this essay for U of T, which is in Canada, I should’ve rather changed it to Toronto because that’s the tech hub of Canada. 🙄

Therefore, never fall into the trap of reusing and recycling other essays. If you have time, analyze the question, feel free to derive ideas from your essays in other college applications, but avoid copy-pasting entire or huge chunks of your already written essays for these questions.

Another big mistake with this essay is the need for background. Since the scholarship committee didn’t know my background and the context behind several situations, it would’ve been difficult for them to understand and relate to the things I was sharing in the essay. It would’ve been all right if I had shared my background with the scholarship committee. 😮

In the additional information section of the Common App, I had mentioned my family situation in detail. For that reason, it wouldn’t have been difficult for my Common App Colleges to understand this essay because they would’ve read and known that I got separated from my extended family.

But the scholarship committee for the Lester B. Pearson scholarship wouldn’t have known this as there was neither an additional information section in the scholarship application nor did I mention my family context in the essay itself.

Giving the background is something I didn’t realize back then; however, after viewing this essay as a third person, I began to see the lack of context in the essay itself. Therefore, the lesson for you here is to make sure you provide enough context and background to the situation in the write-up itself so the scholarship committee can understand your situation fully and deeply.

Do not assume that the scholarship community knows about you, your school or your family situation. These essays are the only piece of writing they have available with them. So try to explain most of the things in your essays. 📝

Apart from all of this, I think one more issue, though not a major one in my essay, but a big one in many essays is irrelevancy. If you are asked to talk about an experience, whatever you say should relate to it.

Do not go on in great detail and describe other things, experiences or challenges unrelated to the essay’s main focus. For instance, in the twelfth paragraph, I’ve said, “ Note: the following barely describes what happened/ is happening,”  which is not at all needed, and it unnecessarily eats up the word count. 

On a side note, let me tell you a positive example of being relevant in the essay. In the eighth paragraph, I’ve mentioned that the financial difficulties I experienced led to resentment towards my parents. Then, in the next paragraph, I’ve asked three questions to explain this resentment better. 😓

• My father was busy earning money, so he couldn’t attend school meetings.
• Whatever money he had saved was not with him due to the family dispute.
• I couldn’t join coaching institutes due to the lack of money in the family.

So you see how all of the three questions point at situations of financial hardship and directly relate to the resentment I talked about in the previous paragraph.

In short, write whatever is relevant to the experience and avoid irrelevancy by removing ideas that do not relate to the main theme of the essay, no matter how much attached you get to them.

Additional Questions

The Additional Questions section is the final section of the scholarship application consisting of two questions, a short essay of 100 words and another question requiring a numerical answer.

All right. Let’s start with the first question, which said…

“ If you are not awarded a Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship, what are your plans for the next four years? (100 word maximum)”

The Additional Questions section in the 2021 student scholarship application 👇

Here is my response ✍

Right now, I should be a high school dropout labouring alongside my father. ONLY because of my school (world’s lowest costing IB school), its mission (producing professionals with strong ethics), its people (left five figures for the community), and its resources (provided me 100% scholarship) was I able to nurture my impact-oriented mindset. I will continue serving my school by guiding students in the IB Program and College applications, regardless of receiving the scholarship. Moreover, I plan to attend a local college, self-learn CS through online courses and develop apps using Flutter while scaling up my content creation (YouTube and Blog).

This question is quite straightforward and asks you about your plans for the next four years if you don’t receive the Lester B. Pearson scholarship.

I think what’s good about my answer is that I’ve highlighted specific activities like guiding students, developing apps and creating content that I’ll continue to do or that I plan to undertake in the next four years. But I feel that this is not enough to answer this question fully and deeply. 🤔

You see, even though I have mentioned that I plan to attend a local college or self-learn CS or develop apps through Flutter , neither have I given an adequate description of these activities to help the reader understand them better nor have I stated the reasons behind doing them which the scholarship committee would be most curious to know to understand my vision and goals.

On top of this, when you look at the first paragraph, you’ll find it completely unrelated to the question. It doesn’t discuss my plans for the next four years or what I’d do if I didn’t get the scholarship. 😶

Although the first paragraph helps the scholarship committee know more about the role of my school in helping me develop an impact-oriented mindset, it does very little to address the question, and so for the scholarship committee, this paragraph wouldn’t be impactful enough because they are expecting the student to talk about their backup plans if they don’t receive the scholarship.

Do you know where did the first paragraph come from? I copied it from one of my supplemental essays in Common App, thinking it would look good because it is impactful and well-written 😔.

However, little did I realize that focusing on the question is the best way for a constructive response and that irrelevant details, no matter how good they seem, don’t help your essay or application.

The scholarship committee asks you this question to know your preparedness and attitude towards future plans. They want students who know where they are heading and have good, constructive plans for the future. They look for students who are not planning or thinking about their goals because of a college or scholarship program they want to get into, but rather they are habitually doing it to better themselves and their communities. 🚴‍♀️

This doesn’t mean that you should know exactly what you’ll be doing in the future because nobody does; however, you should have an idea of what you’ll be pursuing if you don’t receive the scholarship.

Therefore, the key to answering this question is to 

• Set SPECIFIC goals for yourself related to your interests and mission in life, no matter what grade you’re currently in. 
• Have proper,  specific  plans for yourself to be able to achieve your goals and 
• Be very specific when describing the goals and plans in your answer. In other words, don’t forget to convey the  what ,  how  and  why  of your future plans.

Okay, now let’s move on to the second question of the additional information section, which was slightly different as it required the students to answer in numerical terms instead of writing an essay in other questions. This question was…

How much will your parents, guardians or other family contribute each year while you are at university (in Canadian dollars)?

Honestly, I don’t exactly know what I wrote for this question, but what I can tell you is to be honest, and genuine with your answer. Tell them exactly how much your family is expected to contribute to your education for each year of the four-year program without the amount burdening them. 💰

There is no right or wrong answer. It totally depends on your family’s financial situation. So yeah, give an honest answer for this. And remember to accurately convert the amount from your home currency to Canadian dollars. Otherwise, it would be a huge mistake on your part. 💱

When I applied for the Lester B. Pearson scholarship for the fall of 2021, the two questions I just shared with you were the only two questions present in the Additional Questions section. But for the fall of 2022, U of T’s scholarship committee included two more questions in this section, though not very different from the existing ones.

The first one was this one 👇

If you are awarded a Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship, how will you contribute to the Pearson Scholarship program and our community of Pearson Scholars? (100 word maximum)

In this question, they want to know what you’ll contribute to the community if you become a Pearson Scholar. If you remember in the first question of this section, they also want to know what you’d do if you don’t become a Pearson scholar. You see how U of T’s scholarship committee is assessing you and your vision so thoroughly by asking these two questions.

Apart from this, another question that was introduced in the scholarship application for the fall of 2022 was this 👇.

How much do you expect to have saved personally to fund your university studies (in Canadian dollars)?

This question was asked alongside the second question of this section, so U of T can get an idea of both what you’ve saved for your education and what your family has saved for your education. Again, there is no rocket science here 🚀

Simply and honestly, state the right amount ☑

3 BIG Mistakes that led to my rejection for the Lester B. Pearson scholarship 🙅‍♂️

❌ Not Starting Early. ❌ Not Reading and Breaking down the question. ❌ Recycling and Reusing my Common App Essays for the scholarship application questions.

3 BIG Tips that can make you the next Pearson Scholar 🤓

✅ Plan your answer according the demands of the question. ✅ Be Specific and avoid generic, vague stuff. ✅ Show first and tell later.

This was the complete scholarship application for the Lester B. Pearson scholarship and my answers to all the questions.

Honestly, I had no plan of writing this post, but when I posted about sharing my Lester B. Pearson scholarship essays on my Instagram story, 94% of you guys voted yes for it, so I decided to create it anyway.

By the way, if you’d like to get in touch with me, feel free to DM me on Instagram . I’d be more than happy to help you there.

If you guys have any questions, comments or feedback on any of my essays, please do let me know in the comments below ✍ because I might have missed many things while analyzing these essays and also because if you put your thoughts and opinions in the comments, it will help everyone get exposed to multiple perspectives of looking at the same essay. And that will, in turn, help everyone with their writing process.

If you found this helpful, do share it with those that might need it.

If you’d like to see my college and scholarship-related videos, I recommend you Subscribe to my channel on YouTube so you don’t miss any of my upcoming videos.

Lastly, I would like to thank you so much for sticking around till the end. I hope it was worth reading this post. Do comment, “I read till the end, and it was worth it” , in the comments below to help me know that I didn’t waste your time.

Again, thank you so much for your time 🙏

See you in the next one.

Good Bye, and Take Care 😄

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10 comments.

I read till the end, and it was worth it. Thank you very much for sharing this!

I read till the end and it was worth it. Thank you so much zohair for this wonderful act of kindness. May you reach heights.

Thanks mate!

Hi Zohair 👋🏾. I read till the end and it was worth it! Thanks for investing so much into putting this article together. I have a question for you. Do you think it’s too late to begin my Pearson Scholarship application now? Thank you in anticipation of your response.

Yes, as of 14th November 2022, if your school isn’t approved by U of T then it would not be possible for you to apply this year as the school registration process takes at least 4 weeks (based on my experience).

Thanks for sharing

You’re welcome.

I read till the end and it was worth it!

Thanks for an enlightening descriptions — which are so detailed.

This is honestly a life savior! Thank you so much for sharing this

Thanks for sharing!

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Writing objectively How and when to use an impersonal tone

For another look at the same content, check out the video on YouTube (also available on Youku ). There is a worksheet (with answers and teacher's notes) for this video.

Academic writing is generally impersonal and objective in tone. This section considers what objective writing is , how objective academic writing is , then presents several ways to make your writing more objective . There is also an academic article , to show authentic examples of objective language, and a checklist at the end, that you can use to check the objectivity of your own writing.

What is objective writing?

Objective writing places the emphasis on facts, information and arguments, and can be contrasted with subjective writing which relates to personal feelings and biases. Objective writing uses third person pronouns (it, he, she, they), in contrast to subjective writing which uses first person pronouns (I, we) or second person pronoun (you).

How objective is academic writing?

Although many academic writers believe that objectivity is an essential feature of academic writing, conventions are changing and how much this is true depends on the subject of study. An objective, impersonal tone remains essential in the natural sciences (chemistry, biology, physics), which deal with quantitative (i.e. numerical) methods and data. In such subjects, the research is written from the perspective of an impartial observer, who has no emotional connection to the research. Use of a more subjective tone is increasingly acceptable in areas such as naturalist research, business, management, literary studies, theology and philosophical writing, which tend to make greater use of qualitative rather than quantitative data. Reflective writing is increasingly used on university courses and is highly subjective in nature.

How to write objectively

There are many aspects of writing which contribute to an objective tone. The following are some of the main ones.

Use passive

Objective tone is most often connected with the use of passive, which removes the actor from the sentence. For example:

• The experiment was conducted.
• I conducted the experiment.
• The length of the string was measured using a ruler.
• I measured the length of the string with a ruler.

Most academic writers agree that passive should not be overused, and it is generally preferrable for writing to use the active instead, though this is not always possible if the tone is to remain impersonal without use of I or other pronouns. There is, however, a special group of verbs in English called ergative verbs , which are used in the active voice without the actor of the sentence. Examples are dissolve, increase, decrease, lower, and start . For example:

• The white powder dissolved in the liquid.
• I dissolved the white powder in the liquid.
• The white powder was dissolved in the liquid.
• The tax rate increased in 2010.
• We increased the tax rate in 2010.
• The tax rate was increased in 2010.
• The building work started six months ago.
• The workers started the building work six months ago.
• The building work was started six months ago.

Focus on the evidence

Another way to use active voice while remaining objective is to focus on the evidence, and make this the subject of the sentence. For example:

• The findings show...
• The data illustrate...
• The graph displays...
• The literature indicates...

Use evidence from sources

Evidence from sources is a common feature of objective academic writing. This generally uses the third person active. For example:

• Newbold (2021) shows that... He further demonstrates the relationship between...
• Greene and Atwood (2013) suggest that...

Use impersonal constructions

Impersonal constructions with It and There are common ways to write objectively. These structures are often used with hedges (to soften the information) and boosters (to strengthen it) . This kind of language allows the writer to show how strongly they feel about the information, without using emotive language, which should be avoided in academic writing.

• It is clear that... (booster)
• It appears that... (hedge)
• I believe that...
• There are three reasons for this.
• I have identified three reasons for this.
• There are several disadvantages of this approach.
• This is a terrible idea.

Personify the writing

Another way to write objectively is to personify the writing (essay, report, etc.) and make this the subject of the sentence.

• This essay considers the role of diesel emissions in global warming.
• I will discuss the role of diesel emissions in global warming.
• This report has shown that...
• I have shown that...

In short, objective writing means focusing on the information and evidence. While it remains a common feature of academic writing, especially in natural sciences, a subjective tone is increasingly acceptable in fields which make use of qualitative data, as well as in reflective writing. Objectivity in writing can be achieved by:

• using passive;
• focusing on the evidence ( The findings show... );
• referring to sources ( Newbold (2021) shows... );
• using impersonal constructions with It and There ;
• using hedges and boosters to show strength of feeling, rather than emotive language;
• personifying the writing ( This report shows... ).

Bailey, S. (2000). Academic Writing. Abingdon: RoutledgeFalmer

Bennett, K. (2009) 'English academic style manuals: A survey', Journal of English for Academic Purposes , 8 (2009) 43-54.

Cottrell, S. (2013). The Study Skills Handbook (4th ed.) , Basingstoke: Palgrave MacMillan.

Hinkel, E. (2004). Teaching Academic ESL Writing: Practical Techniques in Vocabulary and Grammar . Mahwah: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates Inc Publishers.

Hyland, K. (2006) English for Academic Purposes: An advanced resource book . Abingdon: Routledge.

Jordan, R. R. (1997) English for academic purposes: A guide and resource book for teachers . Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Example article

Below is an authentic academic article. It has been abbreviated by using the abstract and extracts from the article; however, the language is unchanged from the original. Click on the different areas (in the shaded boxes) to highlight the different objective features.

Title: Obesity bias and stigma, attitudes and beliefs among entry-level physiotherapy students in the Republic of Ireland: a cross sectional study. Source: : https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0031940621000353

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Below is a checklist for using objectivity in academic writing. Use it to check your writing, or as a peer to help. Note: you do not need to use all the ways given here.

Next section

Read more about writing critically in the next section.

• Critical writing

Previous section

Go back to the previous section about using complex grammar .

• Complex grammar

Author: Sheldon Smith    ‖    Last modified: 05 February 2024.

Sheldon Smith is the founder and editor of EAPFoundation.com. He has been teaching English for Academic Purposes since 2004. Find out more about him in the about section and connect with him on Twitter , Facebook and LinkedIn .

Compare & contrast essays examine the similarities of two or more objects, and the differences.

Cause & effect essays consider the reasons (or causes) for something, then discuss the results (or effects).

Discussion essays require you to examine both sides of a situation and to conclude by saying which side you favour.

Problem-solution essays are a sub-type of SPSE essays (Situation, Problem, Solution, Evaluation).

Transition signals are useful in achieving good cohesion and coherence in your writing.

Reporting verbs are used to link your in-text citations to the information cited.

Subjective vs. Objective Essay: Examples, Writing Guides, & Topics

Subjective or objective essay writing is a common task students have to deal with. On the initial stage of completing the assignment, you should learn how to differentiate these two types of papers. Their goals, methods, as well as language, tone, and voice, are different.

A subjective essay focuses on the writer’s personal opinion, while an objective one represents valid facts. So, be careful when composing an objective paragraph or paper. Don’t let your beliefs take over real arguments supported by substantial evidence.

In short, differences between these styles concern the following:

• The ground for objective essays is facts; for subjective essays – personal opinions and beliefs.
• Objective papers report the findings from scientific sources, while subjective ones describe the writer’s thoughts.
• The objective essay’s goal is to help the reader make a decision. Subjective writing aims to reflect the author’s vision of the issue.

So, if you face this task for the first time, you may need some explanations. Custom-writing.org experts prepared a list of tips on how to write objective and subjective essays. Some topics, as well as objective and subjective writing examples, will also be useful.

• 🆚 Subjective vs. Objective

🔗 References

🆚 subjective vs. objective essays.

First and foremost, let’s find out the critical differences between the writing styles. Take a look at the following table and shed light on this issue.

An objective essay is a presentation of the material with no independent opinion involved. Only facts matter in this paper, and only facts can back up some assertions. Writing subjective essays implies introducing your standpoint on a particular problem.

📋 How to Write an Objective Essay

Writing any essay consists of three parts: preparation, the actual writing, and revision. During the first one, you need to decide on your topic and do a little research. You can see how it looks in a real example.

Objective Essay Example: The Portrayal of Odysseus

In Odyssey, Homer portrays Odysseus, the king of Ithaca, as the true epic hero. The depiction of Odysseus is thoughtfully knitted together with the themes of love and loyalty that further magnify it, painting a holistic picture of a long 10-year journey home. Although it can be argued that some of Odysseus’s personality traits he displays cannot be applied to a true hero, he is still depicted following a very specific heroic archetype.

Now, let’s get into more detail!

Objective Essay Topics

If you’ve decided to write an objective essay, you need to come up with a topic. The topic gives a reader a brief overview of what will be covered in the paper.

Here are ten great examples:

• While the differences between Italy and Spain are evident, the resemblances are striking.
• There are several similarities between the movies “Deep Impact” and “Armageddon.”
• Compare and contrast the capitals of two English-speaking countries.
• Somatic symptoms in people with PTSD can be influenced by age, gender, and avoidance.
• Some might argue, but being overweight carries a social stigma.
• Environmental factors contribute to the phenotypic expression of psychological disorders.
• Although the exact reason remains unclear, depression is affected by sex, gender, hormonal changes, and age.
• When comparing and contrasting the Bible and Quran, it seems that they have more similarities than differences.
• Musical ability is the result of influence on the person from outside.
• In comparison to extroverts, introverts draw power from within themselves to use it in future activities.

Objective Essay Structure

We shall continue with exploring an essay structure. Note that the parts described below are essential for any essay.

• Introduction . The introduction is usually the part that broadly describes the topic and gets the interest of the reader. This part of the paper should cover some background information and present the purpose.
• Hypothesis . In case your essay has one, state it in your introduction. A hypothesis includes information about how you intend to prove or refute the claim. It briefly describes the way you intend to do so.
• Arguments . Present one side of the argument. In the next paragraph, present the opposing one, using such words as “however,” “nevertheless,” and “although.” The task is to provide the readers with two sides of the argument.
• Evidence . Provide the evidence for all of your points. Keep the balance in providing proof and refutal. Omit your personal opinion, rather than include the evidence you find informative and convincing.
• Conclusion . Summarize the arguments both for and against the position. While remaining objective, shortly go over the information you presented as evidence. If the instructions require a personal opinion, in conclusion, you might write one. In other cases, briefly recap the parts of the essay. Shorten sentence generator would be greatly beneficial in such endeavor.

📜 How to Write a Subjective Essay

As we’ve mentioned earlier, a subjective essay represents the author’s vision of a particular issue. You have an opportunity to introduce your point of view without supporting your ideas with evidence from the primary sources. However, make sure your arguments are still logical and adequate.

Now see how to write a subjective essay in the sections below.

Subjective Writing Example

A well-chosen topic is the vital determinant of a successful essay. Yet, the process of selecting an idea for your paper might be challenging. That’s why you may find our example helpful.

The rapid pace of development of modern technologies increases the demand for oil and gas every year. A considerable amount of these resources is necessary to maintain both industrial enterprises and private equipment. Despite active production, there are still many unexplored places on Earth, potentially rich in oil and gas deposits. However, while making them public would help solve the existing problem, I’m afraid I disagree with this proposal.

Subjective Essay Topics

Check our list of subjective essay topics, choose the one you like the most, or inspire and come up with your idea!

• The fake and too glamorous life presented in social media leads to the development of an inferiority complex among teenagers.
• The information flows within the country should not be controlled by the governments.
• Since developed nations provoked the climate crisis, they should take full responsibility for their past actions and reduce carbon emissions in the atmosphere.
• Cyberbullying should be a matter of the same importance as physical abuse.
• Remote learning opens more opportunities and expands the students’ horizons.
• Instead of catching up with fashion trends, it is better to develop your unique style.
• People should have enough rest to reduce the levels of anxiety and decrease the chances of depression.
• Studying abroad is an experience worth trying.
• Planning and scheduling are perfect strategies to deal with procrastination.
• While applying for a job position, work experience is more significant than having a degree.

📝 Subjective Essay Structure

When you deal with this task, you have full freedom of choice. You can decide for yourself what idea to support and what arguments to present. Still, you have to structure even a subjective essay properly.

Here are the elements you have to include in your paper:

• grab the readers’ attention;
• introduce your subject;
• state your position in the thesis statement.

Important note: your thesis should be clear and straightforward. Let your audience understand your opinion.

• Description . Dive deeper into your topic and describe your issue in detail. However, don’t go too far. Avoid including irrelevant facts and unnecessary information. Follow the principle “quality over quantity” to keep your reader engaged.
• Opinion . After describing your issue, move to the most crucial part of your essay—opinion. State it clearly and concisely. Although you don’t need to provide any evidence from scholarly sources, your ideas should be supported by substantial arguments or examples from your personal life.
• Conclusion . In the last paragraph of your subjective essay, restate your thesis statement. Don’t introduce any other ideas here. To make your paper more dynamic, ask a provocative question at the end. It may motivate your reader for further investigation of your subject.

A helpful tip:

Before submitting your work, make sure it is coherent. Check if all of your ideas follow the logical flow. To avoid redundancy and wordiness, mix shorter sentences with longer ones and apply transitional phrases. Polish your essay, turn it in, and wait for your perfect grade.

Thanks for reading the page! Share it with your peers who may need some guidance as well. Our writers are ready to explain any other essay type , not only objective or subjective ones.

Learn more on this topic:

• How to Write an Expository Essay in Simple Steps
• Nursing Reflective Essay Example and Guidelines for Students
• Essay on Dengue Fever: How to Write + Free Examples
• French Essay Writing: How-to Guide and Examples
• How to Write a Rebuttal Essay: Jackie Michael, Pen and the Pad
• Writing Objectively: OWLL, Massey University
• Subjective vs Objective: Difference and Comparison, Diffen
• Objective and Subjective Claims: TIP Sheet, Butte College
• Evidence: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• Organizing Your Argument: Purdue Online Writing Lab, College of Liberal Arts, University of Purdue
• Argumentative Paper Format: Courtesy the Odegaard Writing & Research Center, University of Washington
• How Do I Write an Intro, Conclusion, & Body Paragraph: LSA Sweetland Center for Writing, the University of Michigan
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Very helpful to make my assignment. Thank you so much!

Glad to know that. Thank you very much, Farhana!

Subjective and reflective.

That’s right, Raj 🙂

Thank you for this information. I submitted my subjective essay, which was rejected by my teacher for lack of an attractive hook. After reading your info on writing subjective essays, I know what I should change in my paper to get a good grade.

Thank you so sweet for these wonderful tips for objective essays! I love your blog, and it’s really helpful one online! Keep it up!

This is what I need to complete my paper. Your subjective essay writing secrets are appropriate for students who can’t cope with their essays themselves. Even those who write a paper for the first time will complete their subjective essays without any problems.

I really appreciate your help in posting all this information for students — this time you’ve taught me how to write an objective essay. You’re real specialists in writing all types of papers!

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Knowledge Base

Writing learning objectives.

Last revised: 07/15/2024 by JAP

Objectives explain the destination of the learning experience to students. When written well and aligned with other course elements, objectives help students make cognitive connections between materials, learning activities and assessments. This alignment increases the possibility of learning success and enables both the students and the instructor to stay focused and monitor learning.   

Learning Objectives

UConn subscribes to the research-based course design standards of Quality Matters which defines an objective as “a statement of the specific and measurable knowledge, skills, attributes, and habits learners are expected to achieve and demonstrate as a result of their educational experiences in a program, course, or module.” (p.69) To summarize the key characteristics, objectives should be:

• Specific – detailed and without ambiguity  
• Measurable – observable performance or action by the learner   
• Student-centered – focused on what the learner will achieve or demonstrate  

Formats, Levels and Domains

Instructional designers are taught the formal objective writing method ABCD.  This stands for Audience, Behavior, Condition and Degree. An objective written in this format reads:

Given three current research articles, the nutrition science student should be able to discuss trends in plant-based diets that meet at least the “B” level grading rubric criteria.  

• Audience = nutrition science student  
• Behavior = discuss the trends of plant-based diets  
• Condition = given three current research articles  
• Degree = meet at least the “B” level grading rubric criteria  

However, most faculty communicate to students using informal or instructional objectives on their syllabi and in their courses.  This is because the condition and degree are communicated, or integrated, elsewhere in the course.  Informal objectives are also simpler and easier for the learner to read.  For example:  

Discuss the current trends of plant-based diets.   

There are also different levels of learning objectives.  In training and professional environments, you may hear the terms terminal and enabling objectives ; however, in higher education, we tend to use the terms course and module objectives to distinguish levels.  Since course and module objectives are also used by Quality Matters, we will use those terms going forward.  To clarify the distinction between the levels:  

• Course Level Objectives – the specific and measurable performance a learner will demonstrate at the conclusion of an entire course experience. ( Sample Measurable Course Learning Objectives from Different Fields of Study )
• Module Level Objectives – discrete measurable performance statements related to a specific chunk, or topic, within a course that enable the achievement of the course’s objectives.    

If you are involved in academic program planning, you will engage with program level objectives.  These would be broader than course objectives and reflect what students should be able do after earning a degree or certificate.  

Lastly, learning objectives can be categorized into different domains: cognitive, affective and psychomotor .  

• Cognitive – knowledge acquisition and application  
• Affective – emotional abilities related to interests, attitudes, and values  
• Psychomotor – physical coordination and skills  

In higher education, we primarily focus learning within the cognitive domain. Therefore, we will focus on writing objectives in the cognitive domain next.  

W riting Cognitive Objectives

Benjamin Bloom was an educational psychologist who created a classification of learning domains: cognitive, affective and psychomotor.  For each of the domains, Bloom created a taxonomy of objectives with the cognitive domain starting at knowledge and building up to the more complex skill of evaluation.  Bloom’s colleagues, Lorin Anderson and David Krathwohl, revised the taxonomy in 2001 as pictured above, switching the top two levels of the pyramid and placing “create” at the top.  

Instructional designers use Bloom’s Taxonomy to help craft measurable learning objectives at the correct level.  Course level objectives should be at the same level or above on the taxonomy than their corresponding module level objectives.  Module level objectives should incrementally build the students’ knowledge that is necessary to achieve the course level objectives.  When writing objectives:  

• Craft your course level objectives first. ( Sample Measurable Course Learning Objectives from Different Fields of Study )  
• Identify the cognitive skills on Bloom’s Taxonomy that you want students to be able to do.  
• Avoid vague terms such as understand, know, and learn.  
• Avoid compound predicates, such as “Identify and examine the health risks of smoking.” Rather go with the highest order verb examine , which assumes the student knows or can perform the lower action identify .   
• Provide a specific description for each statement.  
• Once all course level objectives are defined, outline or chunk supporting instructional topics into modules.  
• Draft each module’s objectives using steps 2-4.  
• Verify that the module objectives are at the correct level (hierarchy) and not higher on the taxonomy than their corresponding course level objective(s). Make revisions as needed.  

Using our nutrition science course example from earlier, let’s go through steps 1-4:  

• Level of Objective = course level  
• Desired Cognitive Skill = explain ideas or concepts  
• Chosen Action Verb = discuss  
• Specific Description = current trends of plant-based diets  

Getting Started

Writing learning objectives well is not an easy task, but it’s important to clearly communicate your instructional intentions to students.  It may take numerous iterations to get objectives targeted correctly, clear, measurable and specific.  If you have trouble getting started, try one or all these strategies:  

• Look at your current course assessments – What are you asking students to know and do?  How can you transform what’s asked into learning objectives for students?  
• Ask yourself – What are 3–7 important skills and/or knowledge you want students to take away from your course?    
• Ask your department –What knowledge and skills should your course help students achieve within the academic program?  
• Ask your program colleagues – How can you scaffold and build bridges between courses in the same program? What knowledge or skills should your course address to help students succeed in your colleagues’ courses and vice versa?    
• Ask business and industry professionals – What skills and knowledge will students need to succeed in professional settings related to your course’s topic?  
• Ask AI – See if ChatGPT can get you started by prompting it for specific, measurable and student-centered objectives related to your course’s topic.  Then transform and contextualize the draft into your academic program’s expectations and your course’s parameters.   

Additional Resources    

References    

• Anderson, L.W., Krathwohl, D.R. (2001). A Taxonomy for Learning, Teaching, and Assessing: A Revision of Bloom’s Taxonomy of Educational Objectives . New York: Addison Wesley Longman.  
• Bloom, Benjamin S. (1956).  Taxonomy of Educational Objectives, Handbook 1: Cognitive Domain . Addison-Wesley Publishing Company.    
• Hodell, C. (2023). Chapter 10: Objectives in ISD From The Ground Up, 4th Edition: A No-Nonsense Approach to Instructional Design (1st ed.) . Association for Talent Development. https://learning.oreilly.com/library/view/isd-from-the/9781607281665/OEBPS/c10.htm  
• Orr, R. B., Csikari, M. M., Freeman, S., & Rodriguez, M. C. (2022). Writing and Using Learning Objectives.  CBE life sciences education , 21(3), fe3. https://doi.org/10.1187/cbe.22-04-0073    
• QM Higher Education Rubric, Seventh Edition , (2023). Quality Matters. Used under license. All rights reserved. Retrieved from  MyQM .   

Related Resources    

• Measurable Action Verbs for Writing Learning Objectives  
• Measurable Action Verbs across Bloom’s Taxonomy for Writing Learning Objectives  
• Arizona State University Teach Online Objectives Builder  
• Sample Measurable Course Learning Objectives from Different Fields of Study  

Related Posts  

• Introducing Quality Matters  
• Design: Using a Course Design Plan  

Global academic research is skewed toward rich countries. How do World Bank policy research papers fit in?

Brian stacy, quy-toan do, deon filmer.

Academic research is a major source of insights from data. These insights can be critical in helping policymakers manage public resources, formulate policies, and help the public understand the world around them. However, academic research is not evenly distributed across countries. As previous research has shown, wealthier countries are more likely to be studied by academics.  The World Bank is a major source of academic research. Policy Research Working Papers (PRWPs) are a key output of the World Bank. These papers aim to provide insights to policymakers in World Bank client countries, which are mostly low- and middle-income countries. How do these World Bank publications fare in terms of filling gaps in empirical academic research for World Bank clients? To examine this, we build on the approach of Stacy, Kitzmüller, Wang, Mahler, & Serajuddin (2024) to classify empirical academic articles based on data use. We compare the number of empirical academic articles and World Bank policy research working papers by country. What did we find? Scroll below to learn more.  

Do PRWPs fill gaps in empirical research for World Bank clients? To some extent yes! By focusing more on low- and middle-income countries, PRWPs help fill critical gaps left by other empirical studies. However, while they contribute to a more equitable distribution of research, the challenge of fully correcting the skew towards wealthier countries remains. A lack of high quality, timely, and open data sources is major issue in several low- and middle-income countries. The continued production and dissemination of PRWPs are vital steps toward a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of global development issues.

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Data Scientist, Development Data Group, World Bank

Co-Director, World Development Report 2023

Director, Development Research Group, World Bank

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ChatGPT: Disruptive or Constructive?

Thursday, Jul 18, 2024 • Jeremiah Valentine : [email protected]

What is Chat GPT?

ChatGPT is a popular emerging technology using Artificial Intelligence. GPT stands for Generative Pre-trained Transformer, which describes an AI program that looks for patterns in language and data learning to predict the next word in a sentence or the next paragraph in an essay. The website has a friendly interface that allows users to interact with AI in a n efficient conversational tone . ChatGPT provides another opportunity for students, instructors, researchers, workers, and others to find practical solutions to everyday and complicated problems.

At the root of this conversation is Artificial Intelligence. I plan to explore applicable uses of AI and ChatGPT in the classroom , entrepreneurial potential uses, and applications in industry .

Everyday Uses of Artificial Intelligence

The use of Artificial I ntelligence varies based on the user and their end goal. While many individuals will use certain programs or websites to meet specific objectives , many companies and apps have begun to utilize this emerging technology to better meet their customer's needs.

Duolingo is a popular foreign language learning application that I use to supplement my Spanish studies . The app uses Artificial Intelligence to assess users' knowledge and understanding as they interact with the program , thus streamlining users learning outcomes.

As another example, Khan Academy is a free online resource that helps teachers and students learn any level of math or other grade school topics for free. They have created Khanmigo , using AI. The model acts as a tutor that helps work through a problem while not directly providing the answer. It can assist in writing an essay or solving a complex math problem step by step.

These everyday applications continue a trend of companies implementing this new technolog y into students and teachers' lives . . This new AI technology also allows business professionals to enhance aspects of their processes.

Entrepreneurs, A.I. and the Advantages

While AI already provides companies and organizations with new ways to interact with and better support their customers, AI could also provide emerging industries and entrepreneurs with new paths to business success. 

According to Entrpreneur.com, most businesses currently use AI for customer service purposes , however , AI could also help entrepreneurs create effective spreadsheets cataloging useful data with accuracy that can be incredibly specific or broad. Specifically with customer service, AI can quickly find what a customer needs and solve their problems efficiently. It could also analyze how effective marketing campaigns are influencing customers’ purchases.

As I researched for more information about this topic, I found an article in The Journal of Business Venturing Insights published in March 2023, sharing different techniques business students can use ChatGPT as an asset to generate entrepreneurial business pitches. The article titled “ The Artificially Intelligent Entrepreneur” written by Cole Short, an Assistant Professor of Strategy at Pepperdine University, and Jeremy C. Short, a UTA alumni and Professor at the University of North Texas at Denton, showcased different elevator pitch scenarios.

Students and entrepreneurs study CEOs who have impacted an industry dynamically; the CEO's mentality is an asset . I had the opportunity to question Dr. Jeremy Short on how he arrived at the initial question of using AI as a CEO archetype business consultant. An archetype is a symbol, term, or pattern of behavior which others have replicated or emulated.

He responded, “ We used this existing framework and selected a CEO from each archetype and used ChatGPT to create elevator pitches, social media pitches, and crowdfunding pitches. The strength of ChatGPT is based largely on the creativity of the prompt, which is where we aim as authors.”

CEO Archetypes and Prompt Engineering

ChatGPT allows the user to understand the archetypes of successful CEOs and collaborate with entrepreneurial styles. These archetypes are accessible options to consult with AI. Let ’ s break down different CEO archetypes students used during this study:

Creator CEOs are typically serial entrepreneurs and serve during the growth stages of developing new businesses. These individuals are risk takers recognizing opportunities that others don ’ t see. Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and Twitter is the creator archetype.

Transformer CEOs are created by climbing the ladder of a successful business and adding new ideas . They have a firm understanding of the company's culture and work to dramatically change the company, separating it from missteps in the past. Indra Nooyi CEO of PepsiCo is the transformer archetype.

Savior CEOs rescue businesses on the verge of failure with disciplined actions, unique experience and insights they forge a successful path forward for declining businesses. Lisa Su, CEO of AMD is the savior archetype.

ChatGPT was prompted to write an elevator pitch in the style of the previously listed CEOs. 

The response for Elon Musk included language about “ building” a product with “ cutting-edge technology.” 

Indra Nooyi ’s response included phrases like “ the world is changing” and making “ a positive impact in the world.” 

Lisa Su's response produced a pitch speaking about being “ accountable, tough and disciplined” with an emphasis on “ a strong focus on efficiency and performance.”

However, I believe these positions can help entrepreneurs develop their own successful business practices; creating a product your former employer could use to gain an advantage over the competition is disruptive. B uying a company on the brink of bankruptcy that has been mismanaged is a scenario entrepreneurs have explored and practiced .

Prompt engineering is the description of a task AI can accomplish , with instructions embedded in the input. Using prompt engineering, users can fine-tune their input to achieve a desired output incorporating a task description to guide the AI model. 

Conversation around ChatGPT and Artificial Intelligence

I asked Dr. Short about how students could use this technology as an asset that guides their learning and, additionally, how instructors can use this as well. He spoke about an assignment he is currently using in his classes. “ Chat GPT might be valuable in helping create a recipe for material that students can then refine. For example, in my social entrepreneurship class students create crowdfunding campaigns for either DonorsChoose , a platform that caters to public school teachers or GoFundMe , a service which allows a variety of project types to a larger userbase . I plan on students using ChatGPT to create a ‘rough draft’ to show me so I can see how they refine their responses for their particular campaigns this upcoming fall.” Th is approach allows students to take advantage of popular technology in a constructive way.

The journal article provided some notable conclusions about ChatGPT , i ncluding “ quality control is essential when using automated tools; a hallmark of success for large language models is their vast associative memory, this strength can also be a weakness. Specifically, models such as OpenAI’s GPT-3.5 and GPT-4 are capable of confidently generating “ hallucinated” output that appears correct but, it is incorrect or completely fabricated. ChatGPT serves as an emerging tool that can efficiently and flexibly produce a range of narrative content for entrepreneurs and serve to inspire future research at the intersection of entrepreneurship and AI.” ChatGPT ’s limitations and potential applications are continually being explored.

Industry Application

After researching various applications of AI, I spoke with Dr. George Benson, Professor and Department Chair of the Department of Management at The University of Texas at Arlington, about AI and ChatGPT from an industry perspective. His research focuses on Artificial Intelligence with Human Resource Management .

Dr. Benson told me that Artificial Intelligence is being invested heavily by human resource departments who are looking to automate hiring practices. Specifically, he mentioned “ HR is using this as a market opportunity. AI is a useful tool to sift through potential applicants by scanning their resumes for qualifications and experiences. Allowing professionals to hire applicants faster.”

This application allows the technology to handle low-level tasks, but the results generated are being handed to a human to review and act on. He spoke about the potential of A.I. “ There are a lot of unknowns, but the technology is new and getting better.” Looking towards the future, technology is already being applied in different ways . These applications are being explored in the classrooms of UTA as well.

Exploration of AI at UTA

The College of Business conduct ed a survey to understand the faculty’s attitude towards A I in the classroom. It was a part of the “Teaching with Chat GPT” workshop on Friday February 9 th , which focus ed on how to integrate Chat GPT and other AI platforms into teaching . 

Dr. Kevin Carr, a Clinical Assistant Professor of Marketing at UTA, was a part of the workshop ; he currently teaches Advanced Business Communication . I talked to him about the purpose of the workshop and what he hopes to gain from the group's sessions. 

Dr. Carr explained "The point of the workshop is designed to give faculty ideas for instruction and to develop classroom activities to work with students . Our goal for th e workshop is to introduce Artificial Intelligence as a teaching tool for faculty, including showing what AI can do potentially in the classroom. We are going to be very open to faculty’s direction, in terms of ongoing discu ssions and meetings.”

Personal Take

Artificial Intelligence or Chat GPT , in my view, is another useful tool in the toolbox of technology. It will take the air out of certain industries, and it will change jobs, yet every major technological advancement has the potential to do so. The automobile was considered radical, the use of plastic, computers in the workplace, and alternative energy have been impactful on society. 

Alternative energy was headlined as the end of oil use. The automobile changed the way cities were formed and led to the creation of a national highway system. Society has always found a way to adapt and overcome major technological innovations, artificial intelligence is not any different.

AI is the technology of tomorrow. It reminds me of something Dr. George Benson said , “ It's cool software that is a sophisticated search engine.” Google, one of the most popular search engines, reshaped the internet, as you search for resources, it is a natural starting point. AI and ChatGPT are an evolution, for students it is a tremendous resource consulting a CEO archetype, creating business pitches, and most importantly shaping the future .

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What Is Academic Writing? | Dos and Don’ts for Students

Academic writing is a formal style of writing used in universities and scholarly publications. You’ll encounter it in journal articles and books on academic topics, and you’ll be expected to write your essays , research papers , and dissertation in academic style.

Academic writing follows the same writing process as other types of texts, but it has specific conventions in terms of content, structure and style.

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Table of contents

Types of academic writing, academic writing is…, academic writing is not…, useful tools for academic writing, academic writing checklist.

Academics mostly write texts intended for publication, such as journal articles, reports, books, and chapters in edited collections. For students, the most common types of academic writing assignments are listed below.

Different fields of study have different priorities in terms of the writing they produce. For example, in scientific writing it’s crucial to clearly and accurately report methods and results; in the humanities, the focus is on constructing convincing arguments through the use of textual evidence. However, most academic writing shares certain key principles intended to help convey information as effectively as possible.

Whether your goal is to pass your degree, apply to graduate school , or build an academic career, effective writing is an essential skill.

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Formal and unbiased

Academic writing aims to convey information in an impartial way. The goal is to base arguments on the evidence under consideration, not the author’s preconceptions. All claims should be supported with relevant evidence, not just asserted.

To avoid bias, it’s important to represent the work of other researchers and the results of your own research fairly and accurately. This means clearly outlining your methodology  and being honest about the limitations of your research.

The formal style used in academic writing ensures that research is presented consistently across different texts, so that studies can be objectively assessed and compared with other research.

Because of this, it’s important to strike the right tone with your language choices. Avoid informal language , including slang, contractions , clichés, and conversational phrases:

• Also , a lot of the findings are a little unreliable.
• Moreover , many of the findings are somewhat unreliable.

Clear and precise

It’s important to use clear and precise language to ensure that your reader knows exactly what you mean. This means being as specific as possible and avoiding vague language :

• People have been interested in this thing for a long time .
• Researchers have been interested in this phenomenon for at least 10 years .

Avoid hedging your claims with words like “perhaps,” as this can give the impression that you lack confidence in your arguments. Reflect on your word choice to ensure it accurately and directly conveys your meaning:

• This could perhaps suggest that…
• This suggests that…

Specialist language or jargon is common and often necessary in academic writing, which generally targets an audience of other academics in related fields.

However, jargon should be used to make your writing more concise and accurate, not to make it more complicated. A specialist term should be used when:

• It conveys information more precisely than a comparable non-specialist term.
• Your reader is likely to be familiar with the term.
• The term is commonly used by other researchers in your field.

The best way to familiarize yourself with the kind of jargon used in your field is to read papers by other researchers and pay attention to their language.

Focused and well structured

An academic text is not just a collection of ideas about a topic—it needs to have a clear purpose. Start with a relevant research question or thesis statement , and use it to develop a focused argument. Only include information that is relevant to your overall purpose.

A coherent structure is crucial to organize your ideas. Pay attention to structure at three levels: the structure of the whole text, paragraph structure, and sentence structure.

Well sourced

Academic writing uses sources to support its claims. Sources are other texts (or media objects like photographs or films) that the author analyzes or uses as evidence. Many of your sources will be written by other academics; academic writing is collaborative and builds on previous research.

It’s important to consider which sources are credible and appropriate to use in academic writing. For example, citing Wikipedia is typically discouraged. Don’t rely on websites for information; instead, use academic databases and your university library to find credible sources.

You must always cite your sources in academic writing. This means acknowledging whenever you quote or paraphrase someone else’s work by including a citation in the text and a reference list at the end.

There are many different citation styles with different rules. The most common styles are APA , MLA , and Chicago . Make sure to consistently follow whatever style your institution requires. If you don’t cite correctly, you may get in trouble for plagiarism . A good plagiarism checker can help you catch any issues before it’s too late.

You can easily create accurate citations in APA or MLA style using our Citation Generators.

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Correct and consistent

As well as following the rules of grammar, punctuation, and citation, it’s important to consistently apply stylistic conventions regarding:

• How to write numbers
• Introducing abbreviations
• Using verb tenses in different sections
• Capitalization of terms and headings
• Spelling and punctuation differences between UK and US English

In some cases there are several acceptable approaches that you can choose between—the most important thing is to apply the same rules consistently and to carefully proofread your text before you submit. If you don’t feel confident in your own proofreading abilities, you can get help from Scribbr’s professional proofreading services or Grammar Checker .

Academic writing generally tries to avoid being too personal. Information about the author may come in at some points—for example in the acknowledgements or in a personal reflection—but for the most part the text should focus on the research itself.

Always avoid addressing the reader directly with the second-person pronoun “you.” Use the impersonal pronoun “one” or an alternate phrasing instead for generalizations:

• As a teacher, you must treat your students fairly.
• As a teacher, one must treat one’s students fairly.
• Teachers must treat their students fairly.

The use of the first-person pronoun “I” used to be similarly discouraged in academic writing, but it is increasingly accepted in many fields. If you’re unsure whether to use the first person, pay attention to conventions in your field or ask your instructor.

When you refer to yourself, it should be for good reason. You can position yourself and describe what you did during the research, but avoid arbitrarily inserting your personal thoughts and feelings:

• In my opinion…
• I think that…
• I like/dislike…
• I conducted interviews with…
• I argue that…
• I hope to achieve…

Long-winded

Many students think their writing isn’t academic unless it’s over-complicated and long-winded. This isn’t a good approach—instead, aim to be as concise and direct as possible.

If a term can be cut or replaced with a more straightforward one without affecting your meaning, it should be. Avoid redundant phrasings in your text, and try replacing phrasal verbs with their one-word equivalents where possible:

• Interest in this phenomenon carried on in the year 2018 .
• Interest in this phenomenon continued in 2018 .

Repetition is a part of academic writing—for example, summarizing earlier information in the conclusion—but it’s important to avoid unnecessary repetition. Make sure that none of your sentences are repeating a point you’ve already made in different words.

Emotive and grandiose

An academic text is not the same thing as a literary, journalistic, or marketing text. Though you’re still trying to be persuasive, a lot of techniques from these styles are not appropriate in an academic context. Specifically, you should avoid appeals to emotion and inflated claims.

Though you may be writing about a topic that’s sensitive or important to you, the point of academic writing is to clearly communicate ideas, information, and arguments, not to inspire an emotional response. Avoid using emotive or subjective language :

• This horrible tragedy was obviously one of the worst catastrophes in construction history.
• The injury and mortality rates of this accident were among the highest in construction history.

Students are sometimes tempted to make the case for their topic with exaggerated , unsupported claims and flowery language. Stick to specific, grounded arguments that you can support with evidence, and don’t overstate your point:

• Charles Dickens is the greatest writer of the Victorian period, and his influence on all subsequent literature is enormous.
• Charles Dickens is one of the best-known writers of the Victorian period and has had a significant influence on the development of the English novel.

There are a a lot of writing tools that will make your writing process faster and easier. We’ll highlight three of them below.

Paraphrasing tool

AI writing tools like ChatGPT and a paraphrasing tool can help you rewrite text so that your ideas are clearer, you don’t repeat yourself, and your writing has a consistent tone.

They can also help you write more clearly about sources without having to quote them directly. Be warned, though: it’s still crucial to give credit to all sources in the right way to prevent plagiarism .

Grammar checker

Writing tools that scan your text for punctuation, spelling, and grammar mistakes. When it detects a mistake the grammar checke r will give instant feedback and suggest corrections. Helping you write clearly and avoid common mistakes .

You can use a summarizer if you want to condense text into its most important and useful ideas. With a summarizer tool, you can make it easier to understand complicated sources. You can also use the tool to make your research question clearer and summarize your main argument.

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Use the checklist below to assess whether you have followed the rules of effective academic writing.

• Checklist: Academic writing

I avoid informal terms and contractions .

I avoid second-person pronouns (“you”).

I avoid emotive or exaggerated language.

I avoid redundant words and phrases.

I avoid unnecessary jargon and define terms where needed.

I present information as precisely and accurately as possible.

I use appropriate transitions to show the connections between my ideas.

My text is logically organized using paragraphs .

Each paragraph is focused on a single idea, expressed in a clear topic sentence .

Every part of the text relates to my central thesis or research question .

I support my claims with evidence.

I use the appropriate verb tenses in each section.

I consistently use either UK or US English .

I format numbers consistently.

I cite my sources using a consistent citation style .

Your text follows the most important rules of academic style. Make sure it's perfect with the help of a Scribbr editor!

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