BATTLE OF THE STATEMENTS: SELLING YOURSELF ON PAPERPrecious HardyAlina Katrevich

GETTING INTO GRADUATE SCHOOL REQUIRES WRITINGWritten materials may include:

Personal History Statement Where did you come from? How did you get here?

Statement of PurposeWhat are your goals and professional plans? Why are you interested in this program?

Writing style and good communication skills

PERSONAL HISTORY STATEMENT A Personal History Statement:

describes who you are covers your history, selectively

A Story talk about where you came from, and how

you’ve overcome struggles

My Story

WHAT TO INCLUDE? Anything that will help you get inIt should produce an

INTERESTING picture of you as a person, a student, and a scholar

An indication of your priorities and judgmentWhat you say, and how you say it,

are crucial

WHAT NOT TO INCLUDE? Anything that reflects negatively

on you Controversial information Irrelevant information Religion How many children you have Bad grades or bad experiences

in school

A PERSONAL HISTORY STATEMENT My name is Angela Remy. I am from Atlanta, GA and I want to

pursue a doctoral degree in Biology. I attended Lincoln University where I earned an undergraduate degree in Biology. I was on the Dean’s List several semesters and played on the basketball team, so I learned a great deal of teamwork. I like socializing with friends, reading and educational films.

It has been a lifelong dream of mine to become a professor of Biology. I first realized that I wanted to learn more about the human body when I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and prescribed Lithium. I recognized Lithium from the periodic table in my Chemistry class, and wanted to learn more. Since then, I realized that I have a great passion for helping people of all kinds.

QUESTIONS Is it a good statement? Why or why not? Does it get your attention? Why? Does it show personality? What kind? Does it show passion? How? Does it show undesirable qualities? How?

ANOTHER STATEMENT One of the proudest accomplishments of my life was earning my college

degree, despite the fact that my early adulthood pointed in the opposite direction, beginning with my marriage at the age of 19. Throughout the 1990s I lived as one of the "working poor," someone who slipped through the cracks of supposedly historic prosperity. By the age of 25 I was divorced and frustrated with menial, low-paying jobs: clerk, receptionist, and housecleaner. There is nothing like scrubbing someone else's toilet to inspire one with determination toward obtaining an education. Because of my absolute commitment toward earning my degree, I got a flexible shift at a retail warehouse which enabled me to acquire my degree while supporting myself financially.

Enrolled at the local community college, I experienced a different world opening up to me; excited by a new encouraging environment, I excelled academically. I learned that if I tried hard, I could succeed; if I wanted something badly enough, I possessed the ability to take advantage of these opportunities. I worked a minimum 35-hour workweek for five years to put myself through school without succumbing to the temptation of a student loan. I paid tuition up front with the money I earned.

QUESTIONS Is this a good statement? Why or why not? Does it get your attention? Why? Does it show personality? What kind? Does it show passion? How? Does it show undesirable qualities? How?

ACTIVITY Autobiographical list of life events Circle those you would include in a personal

history statement

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE An autobiographical essay, it should provide:

Your general plans for what to do in school and afterwards

Include your professional experiences relevant to your goals

Plan should be tailored to the program you are applying to

Good statement showcases your personality as a scholar

Sell yourself through this statement

EXAMPLE DIRECTIONS FOR STATEMENT OF PURPOSE - UCI In your Statement of Purpose include

your: Preparation Academic plans and research interests Relevant experience Future career goals Why UC Irvine would be a good intellectual fit for

you?

WHAT TO INCLUDE?

Accomplishments Professional Presentations/Publications Outstanding Academic Performance Awards

Relevant Experience Research or Teacher Assistant Job Community Service

Graduate Program Reference faculty member(s) you want to work

with

WHAT NOT TO INCLUDE? Don’t state that you have always wanted to

be a __________; be specific about how you became interested in field Don’t be sentimental (e.g., stating that it’s

always been your dream to go to this school) Don’t use overly long sentences Poor organization

THINGS TO CONSIDER Think about your goals first Have a clear idea of what you want to

achieve Ask yourself the following questions:

What do you want to achieve? How do you plan to achieve it? What kind of self-image should you present? What is your plan after graduation?

Answers should be unique!

ACTIVITY 1. What are your accomplishments in

college? 2. What jobs have you worked at? 3. What is your career goal? Why?

What would you include in your statement? What wouldn’t you? Why or why not?

THANK YOU We want you to go write

your statements!