<p>I was wondering what people felt should be included/excluded in the essay portion. I feel like most of my merits come from the fact that I'm a very average guy who has worked very hard to get a good GPA. Aside from that, I dunno.</p>
<p>If it is for a research program, most of the essay should be about your research interest. And be specific: list the faculty you would like to work with, the domain of the problem you would like to address, and some indication that you know the relevant research and background in the field.</p>
<p>Then follow up with a call and visit to the faculty member(s) mentioned in your essay.</p>
<p>Definitely talk about your research interests if it’s a research program or your professional interests if otherwise. I wouldn’t under any circumstances paint yourself as “average.”</p>
<p>When talking about your interests, be sure it matches up with the program you are applying to.</p>
<p>Talk about your research interests. What are they? How did they form? What do you want to do? Why X school and why X program? What are your eventual career goals?</p>