1. Personal Statements Laurie M. Verost, M. Ed
Personal Statements Laurie M. Verost, M.Ed. Assistant Director, Career Services at the Campuses

2. Personal Statements… …Big questions
What are the three most important things that I want an admissions committee to know about me?
Why do I want to attend graduate school?

3. Not easy to answer? Try these*…
What is special, unique, distinctive, or impressive about you and your life story?
What details of your life might help the committee to better understand you or help set you apart from other applicants?
May include experiences, education, genuinely notable accomplishments, people, or events that have shaped you or influenced your goals
When did you originally become interested in this field, and what have you since learned about it - and about yourself?
*Questions from Stelzer, R. (1997), located in our Career Info Center—Book#: ED 41

4. Questions to prompt essays
How have you learned about this field - through classes, readings, seminars, work, or other experiences? Conversations with people already in the field?
From your work experiences, what have you learned about yourself (leadership or managerial skills, for example), and how has your work contributed to your personal growth?

5. Questions to prompt essays
What are your career goals?
Are there any gaps or discrepancies in your academic record that you should explain (e.g., great grades and mediocre LSAT scores, distinct improvement in your GPA if it was only average in the beginning)?
What personal characteristics (e.g., integrity, compassion, persistence) do you possess that would enhance your prospects for success in the field or profession? Is there a way to demonstrate or document that you have these characteristics?

6. Questions to prompt essays
What key skills do you possess?
Why might you be a strong and successful graduate student and emerging professional?
What are the most compelling reasons you can give for the admissions committee to be interested in you?

7. Personal statements
Objective: To demonstrate your interests, skills, character and personality
Offer insight into your motivation, determination, commitment, experience, education, goals, and personal qualities that will help you succeed in your program and field of interest
May provide a prompt, specific instructions or questions. Read all of the instructions carefully - MAKE SURE THAT YOU ANSWER ALL PARTS OF THE QUESTION
Should be proofread carefully – no typographical or grammatical errors
Persuade the admissions committee to interview and/or admit you to the school
Demonstrate your ability to write, offer evidence of statements and examples, to think critically, and to write concisely

8. Content Tailor your content to each school/program
Emphasize your area of specialized study
Detail your career goals and plans within the program and beyond
Outline your preparation for grad school
Experiences: research, work, course projects, volunteer, internship
Classes: major, minor, elective seminars, training programs

9. Approach No such thing as “one perfect way”
What statements should not be:
Narratives about unrelated, controversial topics
Clichés
Focus on the opening paragraph – does it sound unique and draw attention?
Write now and edit at a later time - brainstorm
Follow instructions related to page length, format, margins, style, etc.

10. Recommendations
Write your essay well ahead of time. The earlier you write it, the more time you have to proofread, edit…and proofread again!
Get several perspectives including advisors, mentors, professors, career counselors, family and friends
Write for your audience
Remember that your audience is made up of professionals in the field

11. Writing Do’s Narrow your focus to 1 or 2 themes, ideas, or experiences
Provide the reader with insight into what drives you
Be yourself
Use creativity and your imagination
Address the school’s unique features that attract you
Focus on the affirmative
Evaluate, rather than merely recount experiences
Proofread!
Use a highly-readable font with conventional spacing and margins

12. Writing Don’ts Repeat your resume
Complain about the “system” or circumstances
Come across as fanatical or extreme
Talk about money as a motivator
Remind the school of its ranking
Write an uninspiring introduction or conclusion
Use gimmicky styles
Submit supplemental materials unless requested
Get the name of the school wrong

13. Sample Essay Critique
Small groups – identify key strengths/weaknesses (what works vs. what needs improvement?)
Discussion of reactions, strengths and weaknesses in the large group. Each small group will share 1-3 points (at most)…

14. Questions?
Career Services website: