Crafting a Compelling Personal Statement for Graduate Programs
Crafting a personal statement is a vital aspect of the graduate application process. It allows you to showcase your unique qualities and experiences that differentiate you from other applicants. Learn what a personal statement is, how it looks, writing tips, and what to avoid, along with essential questions to consider when creating one.
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Developing a Personal Statement Dr. Donna Selman Associate Dean Professor of Multidisciplinary Studies
What is a Personal Statement A personal statement is one of the few chances you as an applicant have to sell yourself subjectively. Your personal statement is what separates you from another candidate that may have similar undergraduate grades and entrance exam scores to your own. A personal statement gives you the opportunity to talk about yourself, your skills, and your qualifications using your own professional voice. You typically need personal statements when applying for graduate programs so that the institution(s) have a better idea of who you are a person and as a student. Opportunity to explain any gaps or deficiencies
What Does a Personal Statement Look Like? A personal statement can be requested in one of two ways, typically You can be asked to provide a comprehensive personal statement, or; 1. You can be asked to answer specific questions, maybe in the form of multiple essays. 2.
Some Tips for Writing Personal Statements Make sure you answer the specific questions asked on each application, even if the questions seem similar. 1. Make sure your answers to each question are as specific as possible; cite real world experiences and accomplishments following a question like Why would you make a good fit for this program? 2. Describe situations in depth and with a personal edge but avoid ranting or preaching . 3. Proofread your personal statements very carefully. It s okay to have a friend, colleague, or mentor help you sharpen the more technical side of the writing process. 4. Do your research on the institution and program for which you are applying. 5.
Things to Avoid Try to avoid clich phrases. I know this may seem difficult, but if you are applying for a position in the medical field A passion for helping others is a very tired and often repeated reason. If that truly is your reason, discover a new way of expressing that reason. 1. Unless the position or field of study is inherently political or faith based, avoid talking about these topics in your personal statement 2. Never list money or income as one of your motivators 3. Do not incorrectly spell the name of 1) the institution for which you are applying and 2) the person to whom the personal statement will be sent. 4.
Questions to Consider When Writing a General Statement What motivates you? What are you goals in the program? Why are you interested in this career path? What do you hope to achieve in the program? Why are you interested in this specific institution/program? What are you career goals? What leadership abilities do you have and where did they come from? What makes you unique? What skills do you have?
Personal Questions to consider What obstacles have you had in your personal or professional life? How did you overcome them? What personal characteristics do you have, i.e. integrity, compassion, or persistence, would be good for this position? What personal experiences do you have that have shaped you into who you are today?
Try it Try writing a response or some thoughts about those questions. For the purposes of this exercise, the institution is Indiana State University and the program can be any one of the 75 Graduate programs we have here on campus. Remember, do you research, be personal, and sell yourself.
