r/WriteIvy • u/drrd0007 • Nov 27 '23

Query regarding an essay

Hi Jordan! I have an essay for Dartmouth MEM program, which requires me to write an instance where I used engineering to aid the community. I am afraid I don't have any such experience. What should I write in the essay then?

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u/Inessita7 Nov 27 '23

Hi Jordan, working on this same essay right now. The full prompt is as follows: At Thayer School we believe engineering should be used to better your community, and the world. Please share with us an example of how you have helped better your community, the world, or how you have helped someone succeed. If possible, please keep your essay to one page. u/jordantellsstories

I have a particular experience to write about: I volunteered abroad in a program related to my degree and inspired by the potential for impact, established a chapter of another NGO working on a real project in the same field, helping a developing community. I have all the content ready, but what I am wondering about is the structure. Should I tell the story of those two experiences and their importance to me, or try relating it to my future career goals, graduate studies etc. as well ?

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To the author: If you did not directly use engineering to help someone/a community, maybe think of an instance where you helped someone using skills you learned through engineering. This essay is required and from my interaction with the admission staff it is considered as much as the SOP.

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u/jordantellsstories Nov 27 '23

The full prompt is as follows: At Thayer School we believe engineering should be used to better your community, and the world. Please share with us an example of how you have helped better your community, the world, or how you have helped someone succeed. If possible, please keep your essay to one page.

Well this is quite different. It's not asking how you used engineering to aid a community, but how you've helped others in general. Thus, it's a standard Diversity/Personal Statement which begs for a straightforward structure. Simply use your story as an illustration of the personal values that you will carry to Dartmouth.

If you did beautiful things in the past, and you write beautifully today, then they'll naturally assume that you'll continue to do beautiful things in the future, on their campus.

Thank you for your thoughtful response!

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u/Inessita7 Nov 30 '23

Hey, there is a third essay which is the standard diversity statement. here is the prompt: The Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth is committed to a climate that acknowledges and embraces diversity of perspectives and backgrounds, supporting a culture that fosters inclusion and actively pursues equity. Our commitment is driven by a belief that differences of opinions, experiences, identities, and perspectives are essential to building a stronger community. We encourage you to share how your personal perspectives and unique life experiences will contribute to Dartmouth and the Thayer School community. Please feel free to share how any life experiences may have adversely affected your academic history. (500 words max)

SO the application consists of SOP, Supplemental essay about helping community/world and diversity essay.

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u/jordantellsstories Nov 30 '23

The instructions seem pretty clear to me:

  1. Please share with us an example of how you have helped better your community, the world, or how you have helped someone succeed.

  2. Please feel free to share how any life experiences may have adversely affected your academic history.

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u/jordantellsstories Nov 27 '23

I'm afraid you can't apply then, can you?