Application Advice: Essays

Over the next few weeks, I will be sharing some advice on the application process. First up: essays!

The essay portion of the application gives you the best opportunity to the admissions committee a detailed explanation of why you want to be part of the Fletcher community. What drives your interest in getting a master’s degree or PhD? Why are you interested in the program you are applying for?

All applicants are required to submit at least two essays from the prompts given. The first, mandatory for all applicants, is as follows:

Kindly elucidate your objectives for graduate study at Fletcher and for your professional trajectory. Share the facets of your personal, professional, and/or academic background that have equipped you for your chosen career path. Why is The Fletcher School the ideal institution for pursuing your academic goals and preparing for your professional aspirations? Furthermore, please explain your choice of the degree program you are applying for.

Most program applications require just one more essay to be completed. However, the MGA and PhD applicants must submit a third essay, also addressing one of the prompts.

The most important thing that your essay should convey is how your experiences listed in other parts of your application have shaped you and your decision to pursue a higher education at Fletcher. You want to leave the admissions committee with minimal queries about your suitability for the Fletcher community, so make sure to directly respond to the prompt by writing with clarity, consciousness, and an absence of grammatical errors.

In line with this, ensure you proofread your essay thoroughly. Consider printing it and reading it aloud, or using a writing assistant tool. Collaborating with trusted colleagues for editing is also a viable option. Allow yourself ample time for multiple drafts, as most errors emerge when rushed. Your initial draft will require refinement, which is perfectly fine, as the essay benefits from ample time to evolve before submission. Embrace the concept of drafting and letting your ideas mature before the final polish.

Remember that this is a rare opportunity in your application where the admissions committee gets a sneak peek of your personality. Be authentic in your writing – there is no “right answer” for the given prompts, so write what is true to you and your experiences.

Happy writing!

’til next time,

Emma Stevens