What to include in your personal statement

What to include in your personal ansicht Share Share via TwitterShare via FacebookShare via Google PlusShare via LinkedInShare via E-mail Most programs require a personal statement or statement of purpose. This is a narrative about who you are and why youre interested in graduate school. Use the following guidelines to help you prepare your statement.Read the directions.Carefully follow the instructions for the statements. Some are very structured and others are open-ended. It is important to follow all directions and to follow page-length guidelines.Brainstorm.Begin by brainstorming ideas and reflecting on your experiences. Consider how your experiences have prepared you for graduate school, and what you hope to gain. Many students find it helpful to create an outline at this point to highlight some of their key thoughts.Story.Great statements read as stories, capturing the reader, providing examples, stating clearly the intent and purpose. The committee will have your tran script and your resume you dont need to detail your complete biography in your statement. Provide a few concrete examples.Customize.Be sure to includewhyare you interested in the school you are applying to. What is it about the program, faculty, classes or philosophy that you think would make you a good fit.Examples.What makes a good personal statement? There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, look at a variety of samples to explore different ways to write an effective statement. The CU Boulder Library has a number of books and resources.Feedback, Edit, Refine.Seek feedback from multiple sources about your essay. Professors, advisors, friends, and family can all provide good insight into your essay. VisitThe Writing Centerfor feedback on grammar and sentence structure. Schedule an appointment at Career Services with acareer advisor for individualized feedback on your essay.CategoriesConsidering Grad SchoolGraduate StudentsTagsGraduate School Preparation