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How to Ace the HKS Perspectives Essay

Reading Time: 5 mins

Describe a time when interactions with others and/or an experience caused you to change your mind or expanded your point of view. (250 word limit)

The Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) ‘Perspectives Essay’, which is required for MPA, MPP, and MC/MPA applicants, allows you the opportunity to showcase your open-mindedness, authenticity, and capacity for self-reflection. In this guide, written by a former HKS alumni, Center for Public Leadership Fellow, and Founder of Write Track Admissions, we will explore how to understand the goals of the essay, brainstorm ideas, structure your response, and prepare a final checklist to ensure your essay shines.

Understanding the Goals of the Essay

Before you begin writing, it’s essential to understand what the admissions committee is looking for. This essay is not just about recounting a specific experience; it’s about illustrating your journey of personal growth and how it shapes your future interactions. The committee wants to see how you engage with diverse perspectives, demonstrate vulnerability, and embrace change. By highlighting your willingness to adapt and learn from your experiences, you can effectively convey your suitability for a program that values leadership and public service.

Ideating for the Essay

Now that you grasp the goals, it’s time to brainstorm ideas for your essay. Here are some guiding questions to help you generate content:

  • Initial Perspective: Reflect on a time when you recognized that your opinion or viewpoint might have been limited. What experiences or interactions made you question your beliefs?
  • Key Interaction: Identify the specific interaction or experience that challenged your perspective. What about this moment opened you up to change? Consider the emotions, thoughts, and feelings involved. Maybe it was a religious belief, a political perspective, a social-economic viewpoint. 
  • Change in Perspective: Clearly articulate what your perspective evolved into. What new understanding did you gain, and how did it impact your views on related topics?
  • Personal Insights: Analyze what this experience taught you about yourself. Were there traits or assumptions you had to confront? What did you learn about the other person involved in this interaction?
  • Future Application: Finally, think about the lessons you can apply moving forward. How will this experience influence your future interactions, decisions, or leadership style?

Structuring Your Essay

Once you have a wealth of ideas, the next step is structuring your essay effectively. Here’s a simple framework to follow:

Introduction

Start with a brief overview of your initial perspective. You want to capture the reader’s attention while setting the stage for the transformation you will describe. Consider opening with a compelling statement, statistic, dialogue (action) or anecdote that highlights your original viewpoint.

Experience

Next, detail the interaction or experience that prompted your change in perspective. Be specific—describe the setting, the individuals involved, and the emotions you felt. This section should be rich in detail, allowing the reader to connect with your experience. Highlight how this interaction challenged your preconceived notions and prompted you to reconsider your beliefs.

Learning Lesson

In the final section, discuss what you learned from this experience. This should include insights about yourself and others, emphasizing how this has equipped you for future challenges. Be sure to articulate how you plan to apply these lessons in similar situations moving forward.

Final Checklist and ProTips

Before submitting your essay, consider the following tips to enhance your final product:

  • Be Authentic: Show vulnerability in your writing. Authenticity resonates with readers and can make your essay memorable.
  • Avoid Divisive Topics: Steer clear of overly contentious subjects that could alienate readers and demonstrate close-mindedness.
  • Focus on Growth: Highlight your open-mindedness and willingness to admit when you were wrong. This demonstrates maturity and self-awareness.
  • Stay Concise: With a 250-word limit, every word counts. Make sure each sentence serves a purpose and contributes to your overall narrative.
  • Seek Feedback: Once you’ve drafted your essay, consider sharing it with trusted friends or mentors for constructive criticism.
  • Proofread: Check for grammatical errors, clarity, and coherence. A polished essay reflects your commitment to the application process.

Conclusion

The HKS Perspectives Essay is a unique opportunity to showcase your personal growth and capacity for change. Approach this essay with courage, authenticity, and creativity, and you’ll be well on your way to making a lasting impression on the admissions committee. 

Here at Write Track Admissions, we have been encouraging our clients since 2008 to be authentic, creative, and brave in their applications thereby greatly increasing their prospects for admissions. Feel free to contact us for a FREE consultation so you can learn more on how to stand out and get into top policy programs like HKS!

Do it now
⁠⁠Should you apply now or wait to apply to the Harvard Kennedy School?

Reading Time: 5 mins

Applying to Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) is an exciting milestone, but timing your application can be challenging. Whether you choose to apply now or wait, several key factors will affect your application’s success. This article, written by a former HKS alumni, Center for Public Leadership Fellow, and Founder of Write Track Admissions, covers considerations like academic readiness, leadership experience, market conditions, and funding to help you make the best decision for your future.

Can You Improve Your Academic Record?

A strong academic record is central to a successful HKS application. If your GPA or recent academic performance doesn’t reflect your full potential, it might be wise to delay applying. During this time, you can enroll in additional coursework or professional programs like HKS’s Public Leadership Credential (PLC) to showcase your growth and commitment to public service.

Can You Improve Your Standardized Test Scores?

Strong scores on standardized tests like the GRE or GMAT can boost your application. If your current scores are below your target, consider taking extra time to prepare more thoroughly. Waiting a year to improve your test scores through focused studying or test prep courses can make your application more competitive.

Can You Improve Your English Proficiency?

For non-native English speakers, strong TOEFL or IELTS scores are critical. If your language proficiency scores could be stronger, taking the time to improve your skills before applying may benefit you. Investing in language learning or tutoring could lead to a higher score and enhance your candidacy.

Can You Add Leadership or Professional Experience?

The Harvard Kennedy School looks for applicants with a strong track record of leadership and professional experience. If you’re expecting a promotion or are about to take on new responsibilities at work, waiting to apply could strengthen your application. Highlighting leadership roles, particularly those that show your impact in public service, can make your profile more appealing to the admissions committee.

Are Market Conditions Favorable?

The broader economic and job market conditions may also influence your decision. In times of uncertainty, pursuing a degree in public policy could give you a competitive advantage in career transitions. On the other hand, if you’re on the verge of a promotion or career shift, waiting until your professional goals are clearer might lead to a stronger application.

Do You Need More Time to Clarify Your Goals?

Having a clear vision for your future is essential when applying to HKS. If your goals are still taking shape, waiting to apply could give you time to refine your narrative and solidify your long-term objectives. Admissions committees value applicants who can clearly articulate how a Kennedy School degree fits into their career plans, so taking the extra time could improve your application.

Will Waiting Help You Secure Better Funding?

HKS is a significant financial investment. If funding is a concern, waiting a year could give you more time to save, apply for scholarships, or explore employer-sponsored tuition programs. Additional time may also allow you to discover fellowships or grants that can ease the financial burden of attending. If you have a better chance for funding now then later that should also factor into your overall decision-making.

Can You Get Stronger Recommendation Letters?

Your recommendation letters play a pivotal role in your application. If you feel your current recommenders can’t fully capture your strengths, waiting to apply could allow you to cultivate better relationships with mentors or supervisors. A well-written, personalized letter from someone who truly understands your potential can make a big difference in your application’s success.

Can You Show Greater Interest in HKS?

Finally, demonstrating genuine interest in the Harvard Kennedy School can enhance your application. Visiting the campus, attending information sessions, auditing a class or even enrolling in the PLC can show your dedication. These steps could also provide valuable insights into the program and help you tailor your application to better reflect what HKS values.

Conclusion

Deciding whether to apply to Harvard Kennedy School now or wait requires thoughtful consideration. If you can improve your academic record, test scores, or professional experience, or if waiting could help you secure more funding or stronger recommendation letters, delaying your application might be the best option. However, if you feel ready and confident in your qualifications, applying now could be the right next step. 

We at Write Track Admissions have been helping clients make this decision and preparing them to be the best HKS applicants possible for over a decade. Feel free to contact us to learn more about our proprietary HKS-Admissions Assessment Program today! 

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The Top 10 Common Mistakes Made by HKS Applicants Over the Past 10 years!

Reading Time: 5 mins

Applying to Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) is a dream for many aspiring leaders in public policy, government, and nonprofit sectors. However, the application process is highly competitive, and mistakes can cost applicants their chance at admission. 

In this post, written by a former HKS alumni, Center for Public Leadership Fellow, and Founder of Write Track Admissions, we’ll explore the top 10 mistakes made by HKS applicants over the past 10 years and how to avoid them to maximize your chances of success.

1. Not Securing Strong Recommenders in Time

Recommendation letters are critical to your Harvard Kennedy School application. Many applicants wait too long to request recommendations, leaving their recommenders with insufficient time to write a thoughtful letter. Rushed or generic letters weaken your overall application. To avoid this, approach your recommenders early and provide them with context on why you’re applying to HKS and how their insights can support your candidacy.

2. Overlooking the Importance of Standardized Test Scores

While HKS takes a holistic approach to evaluating candidates, strong standardized test scores remain essential for a competitive application. Some applicants mistakenly assume their professional experience or academic background will overshadow lower scores, particularly in English proficiency exams like TOEFL or IELTS or standardized tests like the GRE. Make sure your test scores reflect your readiness for HKS’s academic rigor.

3. Not Preparing Transcripts in Advance

Transcripts are a fundamental part of your HKS application, but some applicants don’t request them from their previous institutions in time. For international students, the delay is often compounded by the need to translate transcripts into English. Request your transcripts early and ensure that a certified provider completes any translations to avoid delays in submission.

4. Failing to Articulate Clear Career Goals

HKS is looking for applicants with a strong sense of purpose and direction. Not clearly articulating your career goals and how the HKS program will help you achieve them can be a major setback. Vague or disconnected goals may leave the admissions committee questioning your fit for the program. Clearly outline your career objectives and explain how the Kennedy School will provide the tools and resources necessary for your professional growth.

5. Not Responding to the Essay Prompts

Your application essays are an opportunity to showcase your unique experiences and motivation. A common mistake is not addressing the essay prompts directly, leading to impersonal or off-topic responses. Some applicants also exceed the word limit, which can signal to the admissions committee that you did not follow instructions. Stay on topic, be genuine, and adhere to the word count to present a polished application.

6. Duplicating Information Across Materials

Your resume, essays, and short-answer questions should each highlight distinct aspects of your profile. Rehashing resume content in the essays or providing repetitive information across the application results in a one-dimensional portrayal of who you are. Use each component of the application to highlight different strengths and experiences, offering a well-rounded narrative.

7. Ignoring the Optional Statement

The Harvard Kennedy School provides an optional statement to explain potential weaknesses in your application, such as gaps in employment, low test scores, or legal issues. Many applicants leave this section blank or do not use this section strategically, thinking it isn’t necessary. However, failing to address potential red flags could result in the admissions committee making assumptions. Use the optional statement to provide context and demonstrate how you’ve overcome challenges or addressed weaknesses in your profile.

8. Failing to Show You’ve REALLY Researched the Kennedy School

A common mistake is not demonstrating that you’ve thoroughly researched Harvard Kennedy School. Admissions officers want to see that you understand the school’s resources, research centers, courses, and extracurricular activities. By aligning these with your career goals, academic interests, and prior experiences, you can create a compelling narrative that highlights why HKS is the perfect fit for you. Showing this level of knowledge and connection makes your application stand out and demonstrates genuine commitment to the program.

9. Delaying Financial Aid Applications

Securing financial aid is often crucial for making HKS a viable option. Waiting until the last minute to apply for scholarships, fellowships, or other funding opportunities can lead to missed deadlines and limited financial resources. Research financial aid options early and ensure you meet all deadlines to maximize your chances of receiving support. Personally, this was critical to my decision to apply to HKS. So I spent significant time applying to as many funding opportunities as possible and ended up receiving a $92,000 scholarship that funded my HKS education, housing, and living expenses!

10. Procrastinating on the Application

Waiting until the last minute to complete your application can lead to rushed, poorly developed materials. Last-minute efforts often result in overlooked details, incomplete essays, or even missed deadlines. Begin the application process early, set incremental deadlines for each component, and give yourself time for revisions to ensure that your application is thorough and free from errors.

Conclusion

Avoiding these common mistakes can significantly improve your chances of being admitted to Harvard Kennedy School. Securing strong recommendations, providing clear career goals, meeting all requirements, and following instructions closely will help you submit a competitive application.

For over a decade, we have helped HKS applicants navigate these pitfalls with great success.  We provide a FREE consultation to assess your needs and get you on the write track to HKS admissions success!

Top Medical School Application Questions Answered

by Recent Admittee to Stanford, Harvard & UCLA Medical with $1,000,000 in Funding!

The average acceptance rate for U.S. medical school is 7% and the top 10 schools average 2.5%. Without a doubt, the process is tedious and incredibly challenging! Thankfully for you, our very own Director of College and Medical School Admissions, Nadine Jawad was recently admitted to Harvard Medical School (3.8%), UCLA Medical School (3%), and Stanford Medical School (2%) where she will start this fall. And she received over $1,000,000 including the prestigious Knight-Hennessy Scholarship to fund her time as a medical school student at Stanford.      As you start preparing for this long, arduous journey for medical school applications, there are some common mistakes and issues that many medical school applicants frequently face. To help, Nadine is providing responses to the most frequent questions that will help get you on the right track to a top U.S. medical school:    
  • Where do you start with the application cycle? How do you figure it out all out? The first step is getting set-up on AMCAS and beginning a general application. This is known as your “primary.” You will need your primary statement, activities section, and letters of recommendation to complete this section. Start early! The earlier you submit your primary, the earlier you can get going on the school-specific secondaries.
 
  • What’s the key to a memorable Primary Statement? Don’t try to do too much. What we mean is this is a chance for you to build a comprehensive narrative; this is NOT a chance to regurgitate your resume. Rather, focus on who YOU are, spending time talking about your journey and pathway to medicine, and outline how your medical degree will help you complete your life’s mission. The key to a successful primary statement is nailing your narrative.
 
  • What’s the strategy for selecting medical schools? There is a tool offered via AAMC called “MSAR” that can help you select schools based on your GPA, MCAT, interests, location, etc. This is a great tool that will help you navigate through hundreds of schools and find the 15-20 schools that are a priority for you.
 
  • How do you attack secondaries? Create a spreadsheet with the following fields: name of the school (prioritized in terms of dream school to safety), location, academic requirements (average GPA, MCAT), application requirements (including secondary question prompts), date secondary received, goal date for submission. I had a rule of thumb of attempting to submit the secondary with 7-10 days of receiving it from the medical school. Of course, life may happen. For Stanford (the school I ended up going to), it actually took me a few weeks to turn it around (so don’t stress!)
 
  • What timeline is appropriate for early bird/strong applicants? I submitted my primary the first week it opened up. However, with all that is happening in the world, don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Just remember, however, the earlier the better (especially for schools with rolling admissions).
 
  • Do you have any tips for the activities section? Remember to focus on the things that make you human. For example, I used one hobby in my section in addition to my other more volunteer and scientific activities. Also, you can group together activities if you need more space. For example, I merged all of my medical shadowing and volunteering experiences into one section and I explained that in the description. It then opened up the opportunity for me to describe my unique hobby.
 
  • How do you offset or mitigate a lack of research, publications or volunteer activities? Focus on the honest reality of what makes you, you. If there are other things you did like starting a business, taking care of someone in your family, or working two jobs, then these are all real-life examples that show your tenacity and work-ethic, so don’t be afraid to list them. It truly is a holistic process and not everyone has the ability to undertake those more typical medical school-oriented activities.
 
  • What’s the best approach for recommendation letters? Reach out to recommenders early, especially with the ongoing pandemic. They will appreciate it and you will feel less stressed. You may aggregate the letters on the platform Interfolio, but since the AMCAS is open, you might simply decide to go straight through the AMCAS website. However, Interfolio is a great way to store your letters for the long-term, so definitely look into it.
  These are just some of the key questions you want to be well aware of so you can master the medical school application process. So please feel free to contact Write Track Admissions (info@writetrackadmissions.com) if you want more personalized help from Nadine and the team. We are ready to help you get into your top choice medical school with funding! ~ Write Track Admissions