How do you make your application stand out?

1. When it comes to your application, showing you’ve done your homework on the program is crucial. 2. Look into the faculty, the specific courses offered, the program’s culture, and the kind of careers alumni are pursuing. 3. Find out what makes this program different from others. 4. Then, connect those details to your own goals and values. 5. For example, if a professor’s research aligns with your interests, mention that. 6. The more specific you are, the more you’ll stand out.

The schools conduct webinars which are good way to interface directly and ask your questions. You can also connect with alumni on LinkedIn, their journey will help you map your aspirations realistically.

Connecting with current students or alumni is like getting the inside scoop on a place before you move there. These people have been where you are now, and they can give you insights that you won’t find on the school’s website. Reach out through LinkedIn, social media, or any events the program hosts. When you talk to them, be genuinely curious. Ask about their experiences, what they loved, and what challenges they faced. These conversations can not only help you decide if the program is the right fit for you but also give you specific examples to mention in your application. Plus, showing that you’ve taken the time to connect with the community signals your seriousness to the admissions committee.

The first way to do this is to ignore vague, cliched concepts like "passion," "voice," "personality," "authentic," etc. You are a real person. You've had actual life experiences. You have actual goals. You (presumably) think about actual ideas. If you don't, you might want to reconsider where you're applying and what you're applying for. Assuming that you do, you should share and discuss specific details about your life, studies, and accomplishments.

1. Your application is your chance to show the admissions team who you are beyond your resume. They’re not just looking for grades and test scores, they want to know what makes you tick. 2. Use your essays or videos to showcase your personality, passions, and what drives you. If you’re passionate about something, whether it’s a hobby, a cause, or a unique skill, let that shine through. 3. Authenticity is key. Don’t try to be what you think they want; be yourself. Share stories or experiences that shaped who you are today and how they relate to your desire to join the program.

Don't use AI to write or edit your essays, which is what this article appears to be. AI writing tends to be generic, cliche-ridden, and impersonal.

Before you hit submit, get as much feedback on your application as possible. 1. Show it to mentors, friends, or even colleagues who know you well. They can help you spot things you might have missed, whether it’s a typo or a section that could be stronger. 2. Don’t be afraid to use online tools or services for a final review, especially for proofreading. You want your application to be as polished as possible, this is your chance to make a great first impression. 3. And don’t rush the process. Take the time to refine your essays, making sure they’re clear, concise, and tell your story in the best way possible. A little extra effort now can make a huge difference in how your application is received.

Avoid using sample essays - what worked for someone may not work for you. Plus the essays are supposed to be your stories. Your experiences and lessons you learned will be unique and will help you distinguish yourself from other applicants with similar grades, test scores or career graph.

In my opinion, your application should show your passion for your work - the past jobs included - and that your personality and history is matching the criteria. Sure, it's necessary to match the experience and "hard skills" criteria of the Job Description, but if we love what we do, and not just want to apply for a new job that is offering better conditions, it show to a good recruiter that you will be the candidate for this role that they are trying to find. In resume, always be transparent, believe in yourself, highlight your strong skills, tell your achievements, and show that you are willing to continuous improvement.