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