Are you applying to graduate school? Personal Statements

What do you need for your application 1. Completed application 2. GRE scores 3. Transcript 4. Personal statement 5. Curriculum Vita 6. Recommendation letters (3) 7. Writing samples / essays (depends on school)

What you need for your application 0 This differs by school 0 Keep a well organized list of schools with deadlines and application requirements

Personal Statement 0 Opportunity to sell yourself 0 Falls into one of two categories 1. General / comprehensive 2. Response to specific question 0 Make sure to answer every part of the question!!!

Why is it sooo important? 0 Makes a first impression 0 Provides information about you 0 Distinguishes you from other applicants

Tell your story 0 Where you’ve been 0 Past experiences that have shaped you 0 Past research 0 Where you are 0 Research you are doing 0 What are you doing now 0 Where you’re going 0 Career / educational goals – what do you want to do? 0 How you fit with that program / how can program help you achieve goals

What to include 0 Demonstrate fit 0 Discuss professional experiences 0 Do NOT overemphasize deep personal experiences 0 Explain anomalies in application (not always recommended)

General advice 0 Answer questions being asked 0 Tell a story – don’t be boring! 0 But…don’t be a clown 0 Not autobiographical 0 Be specific and use details 0 Find an angle – a theme / hook 0 Use throughout 0 Focus on opening paragraph

General advice 0 Tell what you know 0 Don’t include some subjects 0 Controversial subjects 0 High school 0 Do your research on program 0 Write well 0 Proofread 0 Revise, revise, revise 0 Avoid clichés 0 “ Wanting to help people”

More advice 0 Pretend you have to have to answer the question 0 “What is the most important thing for us to know about you?” 0 Be selective about the material you include 0 Maintain positive and upbeat tone 0 Don’t just repeat information found elsewhere on application

Technical details 0 Follow every single direction! 0 Word limits, supplements, et. 0 Usually one single-spaced page 0 12 pt font 0 No fancy fonts, colors, borders, etc.

Where do I start??? 0 Spend time – don’t rush the process 0 List your goals 0 Area of interest 0 Reasons for pursuing degree in this area? 0 Influential past experiences 0 Successes / failures 0 What is it you most want to do? 0 Why are you valuable? 0 DePaul handout

Additional questions to ask yourself 0 What makes you special, unique, impressive 0 Details of your life that may set you apart / help committee understand you 0 When did you become interested in field and what have you learned? Insights? 0 Career goals? 0 Have you overcome any obstacles? 0 What personal characteristics / skills do you possess? 0 That are relevant to grad school

Do’s and don'ts 0 DePaul handout 0 Article on ‘Kisses of Death’

Did you…. 0 Proofread?? 0 Get others to read statement? 0 Revise?? 0 Handout

Future seminar 0 CV, rec letters, misc. - Th 11/14 from 12-1

Any questions? 0 Come talk to me!! Byrne Hall 518