Issues-based essays come
in many different forms. The best kind
of issues-based essays are written by
applicants who have a strong passion
for a specific cause and can show why
the cause is important to them and what
actions they have taken to further it.
If there is an issue that dominates
your thoughts, studies, or activities,
it is natural that this issue will also
dominate your essay.
Often times issues-based
essays focus more on analyzing all sides
of the issue rather than taking a stand
from one viewpoint. If you do this type
of essay well, it will show the committee
that you are a person of reason and
logic who can make mature, educated
decisions based on a thorough analysis
of issues. It is not even necessary
that you come to any final conclusions-just
showing that you can see and analyze
all sides of an argument has validity.
The pitfall inherent in
any of the above issues-based approaches
is that applicants who write about their
commitment to a social justice issue
without backing it up with real evidence
or experience risk appearing insincere.
One admissions officer had this comment:
Year after year hundreds
of applicants swear by their altruistic
motives, yet only 2% of all lawyers
graduating in 1991 took jobs in the
public sector, protecting the environment,
fighting racial inequality, and crusading
for rights for the homeless. The majority
(over 60%) took jobs in private firms.
After a time, you become skeptical.
If your beliefs are genuine,
you will be able to support them with
clear evidence of your involvement in
activities that demonstrate your commitment.
For tips on answering general
application questions, click
here.
From
ESSAYS THAT WILL GET YOU INTO COLLEGE,
by Amy Burnham, Daniel Kaufman, and
Chris Dowhan.
Copyright 1998 by Dan Kaufman.
Reprinted by arrangement with Barron's
Educational Series, Inc.
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