personal statements. items to consider… headers & titles fonts & spacing look graduate...
Post on 18-Dec-2015
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Personal Statements
Items to consider…
• Headers & Titles• Fonts & Spacing
Look
• Graduate level language• Key words
Writing Level
• Tailored to program• Provides evidence of success
Content
Each statement should answer…
Questions each graduate school
will be asking
Why should we select this individual?
What does this individual offer that
others cannot?
Does this individual have the
academic/research background to succeed in our
program?
What does this individual offer that
others cannot?
Is this individual sufficiently
motivated to complete our
program?
Opening Paragraph
Attention Grabbing• Maintain reader interest
Share Epiphany• Describe series of events that
led to decision to pursue field
Middle Paragraph The “meat” of the personal statement
• Demonstrate ability to succeed• Ability to complete graduate
programMake your case
• Research projects• Rigor of coursework• Academic/co-curricular
accomplishments
Provide proof
Closing Paragraph
Future• Specify desired
degree• Any future career
goals
Fit
• Specific professors you wish to work with
• Unique aspects of curriculum
• Geographic location suits you
Finish• Final sentence
should leave readers with a positive impression on you
3 F’s
It’s worth mentioning…
Relevant internship,
work, volunteeris
m, observatio
n experience
Proficiency in a foreign language
Relevant lab, computer skills
Participation in
professional
associations
Specialized knowledge, skills,
or abilities
Damage Control
“Blotches” in your academic history• Address weaknesses in cover letter
Imperfect transcript• Emphasize higher numbers• 3.7 GPA better reflection of ability to succeed in grad school than GRE
score…
Recalculate GPA…• Minus freshman year• Minus one semester• Major courses only• Last four semesters only
Appropriate place for explanation is ¾ down in the document
- Career Center
- Writing Center
- Faculty/ Administrators
Additional Sources for Assistance
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