Writing the Personal Statement for Graduate School
and Scholarship Applications |
These statements are extremely important! Be sure you take complete advantage of this opportunity to tell the admissions or awards committee why they should accept you. Start early, allow plenty of time, and proofread carefully. Expect these essays to be tough to write—but remember, the potential rewards are worth it!
|
| |
| Types of Personal Statements: |
- GENERAL STATEMENTS in which you write about yourself—the topic is relatively open
- SPECIFIC ESSAYS in which the topic is assigned for you. Examples include:
- describe an ethical dilemma you once faced
- detail the strengths and weaknesses of the degree you want to earn
- describe the alternative careers you have considered
- assess your oral and written communication skills
- delineate your learning goals
- write your own question and answer it
For all types, you must make sure that you understand the question or prompt completely. Be sure you answer all parts of the question, and don't answer a question that is not asked.
|
| Purposes of Personal Statements: |
- To fill in blanks of your resume or application (don't repeat what they already know)
- To give a sense of you as a person
- To show that you understand the field that you want to enter
- To show that you can think reflectively and insightfully
- To show that the degree will build on previous experiences, and not be a discontinuous experience
- To explain any weaknesses in your record
- To ensure that you can communicate well through writing (though it's not just a writing sample)
|
| Questions to Ask Yourself Before Writing: |
- What is unique about my background?
- Have I faced any unusual hardships?
- Which of these details have influenced my growth?
- When did I become interested in this field? What specific experiences (including work experiences) have furthered this interest?
- What are my career goals?
- Are there any snags in my record which I should explain away?
- Which personal characteristics, skills, etc. will enhance my prospects for success in graduate school and in the professional world?
- What makes me stand out from the pack? What are the most compelling reasons for this school to be interested in me?
|
All the pieces of your application should fit together. Do not simply repeat all the information you have in other parts of your application...and don't try to say something in your essay that is contradicted by the rest of your application. Your personal statement can fill in the missing pieces.
|