Vital Applicant Information: Master's application essay tips

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Vital Applicant Information: Application essay tips for Master's, Post-Master's and Graduate Certificate in Advanced Practice Nursing Applicants

Respond directly to the questions asked. Your admissions essay is meant to obtain information about why you are choosing to pursue a graduate nursing degree, why you are choosing your desired area of study, and how your graduate experience is necessary for reaching your professional goals.

Identify the program and specialty area to which your are applying by name.

Avoid outlines and lists. You will be evaluated in part on your ability to communicate effectively in writing.

The maximum length of the essay should not exceed three pages, typewritten and double spaced, using a 12 point font size.

Discuss your unique attributes and background and how these contribute to your understanding and goals in nursing.

See the application form for the specific questions you are to address. Remember, there are no set answers to the questions since reasons for applying are as diverse as the applicants involved.

Ask three people to read a draft of your essay for clarity. No matter to what program you are applying, the average reader should be able to understand your goals by reading your essay.

Write your essay over a period of time so that you can step back from it and make improvements. You may want to start the writing process by recording, in a stream of consciousness, what has brought you to the point of application.

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