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The Application Essay as a Story:One Approach to Writing
　　One approach to writing a personal statement or response essay is to think of yourself as a storyteller. This means you will approach writing your essay like you are telling a story, rather than like writing a formal, research paper (Bob's Note: If you are writing a serious research proposal for a Ph. D. program, forget trying to write it as a story, focus on describing your proposal and experience as professionally as possible).
　　The subjects of this story, your essay, are of course your academic, work, and personal experiences. If you have been through a dramatic life experience, such as overcoming a particular challenge or difficulty, you may want to write about it. Most people though probably think their lives have been quite bland. Yet, there are still ways to write a memorable essay. One way is to think of an unconventional or unexpected way to organize your essay and present your life experiences. This is sometimes called a hook or an angle. For example, if your grades and tests scores are average, but you have done notable volunteer work, then focus on it in your essay, relating it to your reasons for pursuing graduate study or your strong qualifications as a candidate for graduate school.
　　Another way to make your essay stand out is by detailing unique career goals. Schools not only want to know that you are qualified for a degree but also how your are going to use the degree. Many applicants are too vague when writing their career goals. For example:
"...I want to return to Taiwan to be a teacher and a researcher in an academic or industrial field. Sharing my knowledge with younger generations and contributing to our society are my ultimate goals."
and
"I shall return to China after finishing my studies because I believe what I learn shall be very valuable to China."
　　These two examples say nothing. Their authors have not distinguished their essays from other applicant's.
　　Now read the statement below:
"My future career plan is to assume a managerial position with a non-profit charity foundation. Taiwan's largest problem in this field is the lack of professional management to formulate long-term goals and strengthen the management structure to achieve effective results. In this field, I will be able to fully utilize my training and skills in human resources and business management"
　　This statement is more specific both in terms of describing a specific career goal and why the author wants to pursue it.
　　Hopefully some the above advice will help you in writing your essay, but if not, you must still remember to make your essay interesting. This means writing something that people will enjoy reading. And most people would rather read something interesting and lively than dull and vague!
Show and Tell
　　One of the common weaknesses of application essays is that they "tell" too much and "show" too little about their author. What is the difference between "telling" and "showing?" In "telling" the author uses mostly assertions and self-appraisals instead of narrative description in describing his experiences. If your essay is filled with adjectives and vague phrases that lack specific details, you are probably "telling," not "showing." Also, if your descriptions are statements of opinion, not facts, you are also probably "telling."