Importance of Vocabulary in your Admission Essay
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Importance of Vocabulary in your Admission Essay

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Aishwarya
Aishwarya Bhatnagar
Study Abroad Expert
Updated on Sep 23, 2025 12:25 IST

A strong vocabulary is not just showcases an applicant's hang of language but also how they use it intricately to express their ideas, because it is the content and clarity of your ideas that truly matter. Learn how to effectively use vocabulary to impress admissions committees and showcase your intellectual prowess.

Importance of Vocabulary in your Admission Essay

Contrary to popular belief, vocabulary is not the first thing that the admissions committee (Ad Com) notices about your admission essay. The use of flowery language and heavy vocabulary does not impress the reader. However, you should not undermine the importance of vocabulary in your admission essay. Often, vocabulary is the least important aspect of your admission essays; It is the content that the Ad Com focuses on. So, does that mean that it is not important at all? Well, that is not true either. Check out: How to Build Your English Vocabulary?

Table of content
  • Importance of vocabulary in your admission essay
  • Tips for Vocabulary in Admission Essays
  • Importance of Vocabulary in Admission Essays - FAQs

Importance of vocabulary in your admission essay  

A robust lexicon holds significance in college admission essays because it serves to accomplish the following:  

  • The use of correct and appropriate vocabulary will ensure that your essay expresses your thoughts clearly and coherently. It facilitates clear self-expression: The use of appropriate terminology helps convey your emotions and experiences effectively. This helps avoid ambiguity and confusion. 
  • Learning new words enables the expression of complex ideas effortlessly and does not look like it's made up. Rightly chosen vocabulary words by the applicant reflect his/her ability to communicate effectively. It also shows that you can articulate complex ideas.    
  • To interest the Ad Coms and get their attention, a strong choice of words can enhance the allure of your essay. The usage of a variety of words keeps the Ad Com engaged and arouses their interest. Using synonyms for a word makes things more interesting.  
  • A good vocabulary showcases intellectual prowess. A varied vocabulary helps project a well-read, inquisitive, and intellectually adept persona. Sophisticated words and a rich vocabulary reflect your intellectual ability.  
  • An admission essay with polished vocabulary showcases the professionalism of the applicant. 

Some examples of good usage of vocabulary in your admission essays: 

Let us look at some examples for enhancing your vocabulary. For instance, we can use various words to describe ‘strength’, such as speciality, forte, talent, and gift. Instead of ‘but’, you may use ‘however’. You can replace ‘goal’ with ‘plan’, ‘aim’, ‘ambition’, ‘target’, or ‘aspiration’,  However, do not use the wrong synonyms just for the sake of using them. It could convey the wrong message.

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Tips for Vocabulary in Admission Essays

Here are some tips to help you keep any vocabulary mistakes in check while writing your admission essays:  

  • Avoid repetition of words. Instead, use different synonyms of the words in order to enhance the narrative quality of your essay. 
  • Sometimes words are specifically used for special circumstances, so do not replace it with an inappropriate synonym which might change the meaning altogether. 
  • Abstain from using difficult words excessively. You do not want the reader to refer to the dictionary every time. Also, it is also possible to make mistakes while using words you are not familiar with.  
  • Be more focused on creativity and the narrative of the essay, rather than on the vocabulary.

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Importance of Vocabulary in Admission Essays - FAQs

Q. What is the importance of vocabulary in your admission essay?

A. It is important to use good vocabulary in your admission essay, which is neither repetitive nor difficult. Usage of appropriate and sophisticated words that convey the meaning coherently is advisable. However, avoid flowery language.

Q. Can you gain points by using flowery language and big words?

A. On the contrary, if the reader has to constantly refer to the dictionary while reading your essay, it will annoy him. The vocabulary should be clear, simple, and accurate. You will not gain extra points for using flowery language or big, pompous words because the content of the essay is more important.

Q. Can I use simple words in my admission essay?

A. Yes, in fact, it is preferable to use simple, correct vocabulary, in your admission essay. Always use easy to understand English and answer the question or prompt clearly, convincingly, and completely.  

Q. Is it alright to repeat words in your admission essay?

A. Do not use repetitive vocabulary; instead, you should try to use different synonyms. This will not only keep the Ad Com engaged, but will also give a polished look to your essay. 

Q:   What is Felician University ranked in the USA?
A:

While the Felician University is not ranked nationally, US news ranks the institute #115 as part of the Regional Universities North category.

Moreover, it also ranks Felician #455 for Nursing courses & #18 for Social Mobility in the US.

Q:   What is the acceptance rate for VCC in Canada?
A:

Vancouver Community College is a premier and one of the oldest community colleges in Canada. VCC does not officially publish data on the acceptance rate. However as per some unofficial sources, Vancouver Community College acceptance rate ranges between 50% - 75%. VCC is one of the most sought-after and popular college among international students. Please note, that the data on acceptance rate given above is taken from an unofficial source, therefore, it is subject to vary. 

Q:   What is the minimum IELTS score for USA?
A:

The minimum IELTS score for USA depends on the university requirements. Tier 1 colleges and universities usually require a score of 7 and above.

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Written by
Aishwarya Bhatnagar
Study Abroad Expert
Aishwarya is a professional Writer currently working as a Study Abroad Expert in the Editorial Team at Shiksha. She has over 5 years of experience and is skilled at creating Online Content with leveraged knowledge i Read Full Bio
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