Take time to reflect on your academic journey so far. How have you made it to where you are now? And how has that helped you create a clearer picture of what you want to accomplish in the future?

Use artifacts from your engagement activities, like undergraduate research and experiential learning, to create eye-catching pieces to showcase on an online portfolio. Find programs, like Knights of Distinction, that help you create your portfolio. 

Depending on the institution and programs you are applying to, there will be different prompts and styles to write your personal statement, statement of purpose, or research statements. 

After drafting your essays, visit the University Writing Center for help in reviewing. You can also ask faculty, graduate students and staff to review your statement for help in the iterative writing process.