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Writing the Personal Statement
Before you view this PowerPoint, go to View, then Notes Page, so you can see all of the extra information that make the slides more helpful!
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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