Writing the Personal Statement

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Writing the Personal Statement

Graduate and Professional Programs

The “Personal” Statement

It isn’t really all that personal anymore

Personal Statement Purpose

• To give the program some idea of who you are• To reveal information not easily seen in your

application and transcripts• To show you know something about the field

you plan to enter and that you are a good fit• To show your commitment to the field• To highlight your personal strengths• To get you an interview (some fields)

Personal Statement Content

• Why do you want to enter the field• What skills do you possess that are

valued by the field• Relevant experiences• Clinical• Research• Professional• Personal

• What you are looking for in a program• Varies largely by field

Personal Statement Content• Personal interests and life experiences

that showcase your values and priorities• Explain gaps (unapologetically and excuse

free)• Academic difficulties• Leaves of absence

• Other interests• Future plans within the field

Common Mistakes

• Rehashing your application, resume, CV, or transcripts

• Underestimating the importance of the statement

• PROCRASTINATING• Using cliches or quotations• I, I, I, I, I…….• Not providing examples or evidence to

back up descriptive comments about yourself

Common Mistakes

• Poorly written• Spelling errors• Grammar problems

• Coming across as arrogant• Positive Example: Shaun White

• Making excuses

Common Mistakes

• Describing why you did not choose other professions• Healthcare Example: Physicians vs Nurses

• Badmouthing others• Never a good sign• What will you say about them later?

Organizing the Personal Statement

Organizing the Personal Statement

REMEMBER: Portray yourself as_______• Passionate about the field• Intelligent• Well prepared (academically and personally)• Able to succeed in a challenging graduate

program• Collegial• Potentially outstanding representative of

that school

Personal Statement – Major Themes

• What motivated you to enter the profession

• Demonstration of characteristics and abilities that qualify you for the profession

Organizing the Personal Statement

1. Hook2. Background in the field• Be specific• Use examples

3. Related extracurricular activities• How do you know• What if you think you don’t have any?

4. Publications or professional accomplishments

Organizing the Personal Statement

5. Explanations about problems in your background• If needed• No excuses

6. Why this school• Be specific• Use examples

Personal Statement Tips

• Talk the talk• Do your homework• Have command of jargon• Be aware of current issues, trends, etc

• Demonstrate commitment• Find a bridge• Link past experiences to new goals

Personal Statement – Final Thoughts

This is YOUR STORY

Tell it well

Additional Resources

• Engineering Career Center• University Career Services• ASU PreHealth Advisers• www.delicious.com/healthstem• personal_statement tab

For More Information

Connect with Fulton Engineering Career Center

Phone: (480) 965-2966 Email: engineering.careers@asu.eduWebsite: http://engineering.asu.edu/career Sun Devil CareerLink: MyASU>Campus Services>Jobs & Careers>Sun Devil CareerLinkFacebook: Engineering Career Center Arizona State University

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