Statement

What is a personal statement?

The personal statement is YOUR opportunity to show your:

· Skills: Leadership, Problem solving, Teamwork, critical thinking, emotional intelligence.

· Qualities:

· Attitude

· Strengths

· Personality

· Interest in the field

Personal Statement Do's and Don’ts

Do

· A picture of who you are as a person

· Invitation to meet you

· The story of self-reflection

· An indication of your priorities/choices

Don'ts

· An academic paper about your life

· Resume in narrative form

· Journal entries

· Plea or justification for admission

Before You Write

BRAINSTORM

· Read the application instructions carefully

· Is there a prompt?

· Word count

· Additional essays or short answers to write:

· Ask yourself what is your overall personal or professional goal?

· Why do you want to attend this program?

· What makes you a qualified applicant/a valuable member of the program?

ALSO REMEMBER

1. Focus the narrative on you!

2. Do not write words you rarely use: Be your professional self

3. Be careful with grammar and punctuation

4. Write multiple drafts of your personal statement

5. Read your personal statement out loud

6. Get feedback from University Career Services, the Writing Center, or aprofessor/recommender

Organizing Your Personal Statement

Step 1: Introduction

· 1 paragraph: 3-5 sentences

· Capture your readers' attention.

· Ideas

· Event, Story, or Quote

· Provide a quick, meaningful snapshot of who you are as a person.

· What sets you apart from others?

STEP 2: BODY

· 2-3 paragraphs: 4-6 sentences

· Discuss your academic and experience background in terms of skills learned and majorachievements.

· Then, explain how this will impact your graduate career and future endeavors.

WHAT TOPICS TO WRITE ABOUT?

· Shadowing

· Challenges Overcome

· Leadership Experience

· Research Experience

· Work Experience

· Internship/Volunteer E

· Missions Trips

SHOW, DON’T TELL

 Discuss why you pursued the experience.  Describe how you felt during the experience!  Describe what you accomplished and learned.  Discuss how your experience affected you and those around you.

STEP 3: CONCLUSION

· One Paragraph: 3-5 Sentences

· Close with some specifics about the target program

· Show why it is the right fit for you based on your interests and experiences.