Graduate School Statement Template Page 10
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General advice
Answer the questions that are asked
If you are applying to several schools, you may find questions in each application that are
somewhat similar.
Don't be tempted to use the same statement for all applications. It is important to answer
each question being asked, and if slightly different answers are needed, you should write
separate statements. In every case, be sure your answer fits the question being asked.
Tell a story
Think in terms of showing or demonstrating through concrete experience. One of the
worst things you can do is to bore the admissions committee. If your statement is fresh,
lively, and different, you'll be putting yourself ahead of the pack. If you distinguish
yourself through your story, you will make yourself memorable.
Be specific
Don't, for example, state that you would make an excellent doctor unless you can back it
up with specific reasons. Your desire to become a lawyer, engineer, or whatever should
be logical, the result of specific experience that is described in your statement. Your
application should emerge as the logical conclusion to your story.
Find an angle
If you're like most people, your life story lacks drama, so figuring out a way to make it
interesting becomes the big challenge. Finding an angle or a "hook" is vital.
Concentrate on your opening paragraph
The lead or opening paragraph is generally the most important. It is here that you grab the
reader's attention or lose it. This paragraph becomes the framework for the rest of the
statement.
Tell what you know
The middle section of your essay might detail your interest and experience in your
particular field, as well as some of your knowledge of the field. Too many people
graduate with little or no knowledge of the nuts and bolts of the profession or field they
hope to enter. Be as specific as you can in relating what you know about the field and use
the language professionals use in conveying this information. Refer to experiences (work,
research, etc.), classes, conversations with people in the field, books you've read,
seminars you've attended, or any other source of specific information about the career you
want and why you're suited to it. Since you will have to select what you include in your
statement, the choices you make are often an indication of your judgment.
Don't include some subjects
There are certain things best left out of personal statements. For example, references to
experiences or accomplishments in high school or earlier are generally not a good idea.
The Writing Center: Writing a Grad School Personal Statement
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