well when i got into graduate school i actually wrote my essay on my biggest failure and then within 2 paragraphs showed how i overcame them (failures) and used an outer reaching knowledge base to connect my thought process and cognitive ability.\n\ni would agree on finding out what they want! and then think about what you are wanting to get educated in.  Is it a tangible sci. such as biology? or is it intangible such as social sci. etc.  \n\nWhat most are looking for a critical thinking skills, and the capacity to learn, adapt and to ensure you are going to be a productive and postive introduction into their respective program