Choosing the right story for your graduate applications: lead with authenticity

graduate admissions personal statements
By Kehinde

When it comes to crafting the perfect application essay for graduate school, many students find themselves at a crossroads: should they tell a story they think will impress the admissions committee, or should they focus on a narrative that feels more authentic and truer to their experiences? This is a question I grappled with myself during my application process to Harvard Kennedy School (HKS).

Initially, I believed that writing about education in Africa would make for a compelling and impressive essay. Education is, after all, a cornerstone of development, and discussing my thoughts and experiences in this area seemed like a surefire way to capture the attention of the admissions committee. But something didn’t feel right. I found myself struggling to connect deeply with the narrative I was trying to create.

It wasn’t until I took a step back to reflect and journal about my experiences that I realized why I was struggling to write that essay. While education is undoubtedly important, it wasn’t the topic that truly fired me up. What really stirred my passion was infrastructure development. In college, my senior research paper was about the importance of roads in boosting economic activity in West Africa.  This was the field where I had devoted much of my time and energy, both as a consultant and during my academic career. From working on projects that drove real change in communities to studying the economic impact of infrastructure on development, this was where I felt most myself. 

Once I made this connection, writing my essay became so much easier. I wasn’t just filling the page with words; I was telling a story that mattered to me. The authenticity of my passion came through naturally, and I believe that this made my application stand out in a way that a more “impressive” topic might not have. My essay wasn’t just a statement of my qualifications—it was a reflection of who I am and what I genuinely care about.

For those of you in the process of writing your graduate school application essays, I encourage you to take the time to reflect on your own experiences. What are the stories that truly resonate with you? What topics make you feel excited, energized, and passionate? These are the stories you should be telling.

Admissions committees are not just looking for candidates with the most impressive resumes; they are looking for individuals who bring authenticity, passion, and a clear sense of purpose to their applications. When you write about what truly matters to you, it shows. It makes your essay not only more compelling but also more memorable.

So, as you sit down to write, don’t be afraid to choose a topic that might not seem as flashy or impressive on the surface. If it’s a story that you are genuinely passionate about, that passion will shine through in your writing, making your application all the more powerful.

Remember, your story is your own—make sure it’s one that only you can tell. 

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