When I coach students through the process of writing their admission essays, my training as an anthropologist comes through in two ways. First, anthropologists like to “dig” much like our archeologist colleagues. It’s important to dig or delve deeply into a person’s character or the events and symbols that make their lives meaningful. Any time that you can dig deeply into these aspects of your life, you will create a stronger foundation for your essay. If you have trouble digging this way, and asking probing (sometimes uncomfortable) questions of yourself, work with a partner or reach out to a coach (you can contact me through the links here at youradmissionessay.com).
As well, the personal statement benefits from the kind of writing that anthropologists do. Anthropologists often seize upon small details to create a vivid picture of social life. They then place those pictures into a wider context to show what’s relevant about the phenomenon or process under examination. Likewise, strong personal statements ask you to create a vivid impression of yourself using a narrative of some sort. Ideally, you’ll reflect on that narrative in some way to show a wider understanding of the significance: whether it’s what you learned from an experience or how you plan to put your experiences into practice as you embark on your career.
So, when you approach your essay, think and write like an anthropologist. If you need a hand, keep in touch!
-Dr. Kirschner
