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How to Ace the HKS Perspectives Essay

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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!