| Sometimes it can be hard to know what to include in | | | | boring, stuffy person into their department. Share |
| a graduate school personal statement. How do you | | | | your enthusiasm for the program and your plans in |
| know that what you think is important is important | | | | life by letting your voice shine through. |
| to the school? What types of details should you put | | | | 4. Correct Spelling |
| in and which should you leave out? Let's go over the | | | | Your personal statement should include correct |
| basics of what needs to go into your personal | | | | spelling and grammar. If you are applying to graduate |
| statement. | | | | school, you want to sound professional and educated. |
| 1. Specific Details | | | | You may still be able to use a little slang and bend |
| Specific details are essential if you want to create an | | | | the rules of grammar a bit to make your essay |
| interesting, relevant personal statement. The most | | | | interesting, but by all means, at least make sure you |
| boring essays are those that contain only generic | | | | get the spelling correct. |
| information instead of specific details about an event, | | | | 5. Why Their School and Program |
| person, or place. My high school English teacher used | | | | If applicable to the question, make sure that you |
| to write B.S. (Be Specific) all over our papers if we | | | | include why you want to go to this specific school |
| didn't use enough specific details in our writing. | | | | and program. You can't assume that they know they |
| 2. Relevant Details | | | | are your top choice unless you tell them. Explain why |
| Remember to read the question before you decide | | | | it's important for you to be part of their department |
| what to write about. Sometimes this doesn't happen; | | | | and convey your passion for the area of study that |
| students just write about whatever comes to mind | | | | interests you. |
| with no regard for the question they were asked. | | | | Success |
| Consider the question throughout your writing, and | | | | Include these five things and your personal |
| once you finish your essay make sure that you read | | | | statement is sure to be a success. Be sure to let |
| the question again to make sure you fully answered | | | | objective outsiders read your essay as well before |
| it without going off on any tangents. | | | | you submit it. They may be able to pick up on |
| 3. Your Voice | | | | confusing parts or information that isn't pertinent |
| When you are writing your personal statement, | | | | better than you. Give it your best shot, get some |
| remember to include your voice and personality. If | | | | feedback, revise, proofread, and send it in to wait |
| you try to write like Shakespeare, you may come | | | | for your letter of acceptance. |
| across as boring and stuffy. No one wants to let a | | | | |