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The introduction paragraph is a crucial part of your graduate school essay, as it draws in the reader right from the start. The first sentence should hook the reader, setting a tone that keeps them engaged. Many students mistakenly over-explain the essay’s focus in their introduction. Instead, focus on writing a strong opening statement that highlights your personality, values, and what makes you unique. Admissions committees want to know your story—so make the most of this space!
In general, make sure that your most compelling experience is brought to the forefront. You want the reader to know what follows is worth the time.
Let’s dive into some practical writing tips for graduate school that will help you craft a strong and engaging introduction paragraph.
Table of Contents:
Strategies for Writing a Strong Graduate School Introduction
1. Dive Right In
Some people begin with a compelling experience but preface it with generic statements like:
“From the first time I looked through a microscope, I knew that science was my calling.”
Often, the reason people will open with such a statement is that they feel compelled to restate the question in some way. This is unnecessary and more than likely to bore your reader right out of the gate. You should be able to demonstrate your reasons without relying on such a bland summary sentence.
If, on the other hand, you are tempted to use the first sentence to explain the context, you should respect the reader’s intelligence enough to save that context for later, once you have grabbed the reader’s attention. Consider the following example, taken from this essay.
Example:
Perhaps the most important influence that has shaped the person I am today is my upbringing in a traditional family-oriented Persian and Zoroastrian culture. My family has been an important source of support in all of the decisions I have made, and Zoroastrianism’s three basic tenets—good words, good deeds, and good thoughts—have been my guiding principles in life.”
This is a strong opening statement that immediately grabs attention while conveying the necessary context later.
Although the question asks the applicant to describe his influences, he need not restate that line. Moreover, he can delay explaining the context of his upbringing. Review the following restructure, which grabs the reader’s attention more immediately and conveys the necessary context in time.
Example:
“Good words, good deeds, and good thoughts—these are the three basic Zoroastrian tenets that have shaped my guiding principles. Indeed, my upbringing in a traditional Persian and Zoroastrian culture and all the family support that entails have come to define me more than any other influence.”
The advice to jump right in also applies to anecdotes. Rather than setting the stage for a story with boring exposition, beginning your essay with some interesting action is often an effective way to draw in your reader.
2. Be Original
Your graduate school introduction is your chance to stand out to admissions. Don’t shy away from sharing a unique personal quality or experience. As a graduate school applicant, you need to stand out from the crowd, and this is how you’ll do it. Obviously, anything unique about yourself needs to fit in with the overall context of your essay, but assuming it does, make sure you talk about it right at the beginning.
3. Highlight Relevant Experiences
Connect your academic background or relevant experience to your essay’s theme right from the start. This shows the admissions committee why you’re a great fit for their program without resorting to bland summaries.
4. State a Problem
By stating a problem, you create instant curiosity because the reader will want to see how you address it.
- This applicant actually opens his graduate essay introduction with a rhetorical question, wasting no time. The remainder of the essay explores the concept of “middleware” and its relevance to the applicant’s career.
- This applicant, on the other hand, deals with a more urgent social issue that has affected her personally. The remainder of the personal essay does not purport to solve the problem, but rather to demonstrate her in-depth understanding of it and the level of her commitment to her cause.
Instead of dealing with external issues, you can also discuss personal difficulties and how you have struggled through them. There are many possibilities here, but what unites them is the element of drama, and you should use that to your advantage in creating a strong lead.
5. Use Humor or Creativity
This type of approach is risky, but because it has the potential to be so effective, it is worth considering. The same warnings apply here that we enumerated for humor in the Tone section. Try to be subtly and creatively clever rather than outrageous.
This applicant creates a unique essay opening with a joke about his prospective institution.
Example:
“You’d think I would have had my fill of Indiana winters. But, here I am, applying to go back, ready to dig my parka out of storage. It’s not like I’ve been gone long enough to forget the cold, either. In some ways, I feel as if that permacloud is still hanging over me.”
The introduction goes on to make some jokes about the applicant’s potential concerns. These musings don’t serve much of a substantive purpose except to establish the writer’s familiarity with the school. On the other hand, they do make the reader more comfortable with the writer’s style as he goes on to make more serious points.
Whether you use humor, drama, or a thought-provoking statement, the key is to craft an engaging graduate essay introduction that reflects your personality. This is your moment to connect with the reader and make them want to learn more about you
Tips to Avoid Common Pitfalls
- Avoid overly broad statements: Starting with clichés like “Since I was a child…” weakens your essay. Instead, focus on a unique story that makes your application essay introduction memorable.
- Don’t overload with background information: Save detailed context for the body. The introduction should hook the reader without overwhelming them.
- Avoid restating the essay prompt: Admissions officers already know the question. Use the space to dive directly into your response.
- Steer clear of generic introductions: Personalize your opening to reflect your individuality and stand out in your graduate applications.
- Skip rigid formulas: Write authentically and let your personality shine through, rather than sticking to a mechanical format.
Final Thoughts
Writing a graduate school introduction can be challenging, but it’s also your opportunity to stand out to the admissions committee. Focus on creating a unique and compelling introduction that reflects your personal journey, values, and ambitions.
If you’re struggling with the writing process or need help refining your essay, we’re here to support you. At EssayEdge, we specialize in helping applicants craft essays that truly shine. Let our Ivy League editors help you turn your draft into a polished, standout piece that makes an impression.
Get professional help today and make your essay unforgettable!
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