Texas MPA Admissions Blog

Writing an admissions essay can seem like a daunting task. What should I write? How should I write it? How long should the essay be? Basically, there are no right answers! What do I mean by that? The purpose of the essay is to provide the admissions committee with a better understanding of what makes you unique. It gives you an opportunity to stand out from the sea of applicants. Here are some key tips to consider before writing your essay. 

• First and foremost, be yourself. Provide a thoughtful portrayal of why you are interested in the Texas MPA and how our program will assist you in reaching your goals. Don’t write what you think the admissions committee wants to hear! We would like to know about your unique aspirations and achievements and will not judge what you aim to do with your career. 
• Be concise. You will not have much space for your essay, so it is not wise to repeat information that is readily available in other parts of the application. Rather than simply listing your experiences, let us know how these experiences helped you to grow personally or professionally. We want to get to know you from a perspective that cannot be achieved by reviewing transcripts, test scores and resumes. 
• Mind your writing technique. The essay is a reflection of your written communication skills. Avoid being too wordy, stay focused and organized, and check your grammar and spelling.
• Clarify. You can use the essay as an opportunity to explain weaknesses in your record. If you do, be sure to explain them adequately and address your attempts to improve.