How to Write Great Admissions Essays: Step 7

(This is Part 7 of series on the Veritas Prep Blog, introducing our readers to our proven 10-step process for writing great admissions essays. Check back often for more admissions essay tips!)

Step 7: Link Everything Together
Given the strict parameters that often accompany essays and other application writing assignments, there is a tendency for applicants to write in stilted, disconnected paragraphs. When you have to express a number of ideas or cite a series of reasons -- and do it all within a strict word limit -- choppy writing is a common result. Fortunately, there is an easy and graceful solution: link your paragraphs together with transition words.

In addition to elevating the art of your writing, the use of a transition word requires you to bridge two thoughts and lead into a new idea while acknowledging the previous concept. Transition words will make your essays read more smoothly, provide logical structure, and allow your readers to easily navigate from the first point to the last.

While the concept of applying transition words is a simple one, there is still an art to selecting the right word or phrase. Be sure to examine the purpose of the sentence or paragraph and determine what type of connection you are striving to make. Consider the following:

Words and Phrases to Use

Additions -– Good for tacking on additional reasons or supporting ideas: Also, again, as well as, besides, coupled with, furthermore, in addition, likewise, moreover and similarly.

Consequence –- Best used to arrive at conclusions: Accordingly, as a result, consequently, for this reason, subsequently, therefore and wherefore.

Illustration -– Effective for citing specific examples of a more general concept: For example, for instance, illustrated with, as an example, in this case and exemplified by.

Emphasis -– Use to call attention to a prominent theme or example: Chiefly, especially, namely, particularly, including, singularly and specifically.

Similarity -– Ideal for bridging similar concepts or ideas: Correspondingly, identically, likewise, moreover, comparatively and coupled with.

Exception -– Use sparingly, only when distancing a weakness that you are mitigating out of necessity: Aside from, barring, besides, excluding, other than, outside of and save for.

Words and Phrases Not to Use

Generalizing -– Never use a generalizing transition word or phrase, as it dilutes the specificity of your essay: As a rule, as usual, for the most part, generally, generally speaking, ordinarily and usually.

Restatement -– Avoid using a restatement transition word or phrase for conclusions; instead utilize something from the consequence group above: In essence, in other words, that is to say, in short, in brief and to put it differently.

Diversion -– Never divert your focus in an essay: By the way, incidentally.

Bonus

Never use dead sentences in your writing. A "dead" sentence is something that is pure filler and that stands in for a meaningful and accurate transitional word or phrase. Dead sentences begin with phrases such as: it is often said, it can be determined and we can surmise.

Stay tuned for Step 8, in which we'll teach you how to scrub out your indexing! In the meantime, if you need help with your MBA admissions essays or personal statements immediately, give us a call at 800-925-7737 and talk to one of our admissions experts. And, as always, be sure to follow us on Twitter!