<p>Hi guys...
So I just finished editing my SFS essay, but I'm worried that I didn't take a "personal" enough tone with it-- I have a short paragraph about why I am interested in it, but the whole paper is on the more analytical side.. </p>
<p>thoughts? comments? what were you guys' essays like?</p>
<p>:/</p>
<p>I don’t think you need to make the essay that personal; that’s what the first essay is for. I also wrote a short paragraph about how it affects me, but I feel like the first essay is about you as a person and a writer whereas the second essay is more about how well you understand international relations, so it seems like analytical would be fine. I’m also a little unsure though since I’m applying too, so hearing anything from someone who’s gotten in would be really cool.</p>
<p>I am currently a sophomore in the SFS. Here was my take on the essay prompts:</p>
<p>The 1st essay is most definitely your opportunity show off your creative writing abilities, give insight into your unique personality and show the ADCOM why your presence on campus would add to Georgetown community. </p>
<p>My SFS specific essay did not directly discuss my personal views at all (although it can be difficult to conceal your personal/political leanings as you present your argument). The SFS Admissions Panel is looking at your abilities to critically analyze a current global issue with a very clear and concise argument. They are not interested in emotional rhetoric but rather a well thought out logical analysis and problem resolution of the global issue you chose. </p>
<p>Don’t get me wrong, the global issue you choose to write about can mean a lot to you personally or may have affected your family personally but you should never let your emotions (personal feelings) alone drive your argument. </p>
<p>Hope this helps.</p>
<p>Thanks, that was really helpful! So do you think it’s ok to not directly say why it’s important to me? I added in a paragraph about that to fit the prompt completely, but I don’t feel like it’s necessary to my argument.</p>
<p>^ Glad I could help. I remember the angst and stress of applying to the SFS but I couldn’t agree more that a process well begun is a process well ended. Taking the time and energy to edit and re-edit your essays will pay off big in the end. </p>
<p>I would not only say it is ok to leave out your personal reflection, but quite frankly it would show a more sophisticated level of writing. In the presentation and resolution of the global issue you chose you are showing your level of expertise and research, a certain global awareness, and the ability to think through issues, analyzing from a scholarly viewpoint. Your writing should clearly SHOW your passion, enthusiam, intelectual curiosity without having to TELL them literally why the issue is important to you. The SFS Admissions Panel is definitely looking for those diamonds that stand out but also searching for those diamonds in the rough with potential & above average high school writing skills. Try not to stress too much.</p>
<p>Please remember that this is just one opinion based soley on my SFS specific essay and admissions experience. Only you can decide what will work best for your essay. </p>
<p>I wish you all the best of luck!</p>
<p>thank you @MacHoban! You definitely calmed my nerves about my SFS essay. If you are not too busy, could I send you my essay for you to take a look at and see how it is? I’m submitting my app tonight!</p>
<p>Sure…I’m need to finish a paper of my own but I’ll be glad to take a look!</p>