Personal Statement (possible organizational plan)

First, explain what you want to do, and introduce who you are.

What program?

What school?

Where did you come from?

Personal Experience/Narrative

When did you realize you wanted to pursue the goal above?

How do you know?

Where do you expect it to take you?

Personal Characteristics/Qualifications

Will you do well? How do you know?

What qualities do you bring? Show them – (not just I am determined, but I have demonstrated determination and perseverance in the following areas.)

Not just academic here, but also other areas as well. Show that you’re well rounded.

The Program

Show specific knowledge of the program you’re applying for, its requirements and methods.

What courses interest you?

Close by re-affirming your desire, and perhaps looking forward to an interview.

Other tips:

Can you think of a theme (personal statements are more like narratives than letters)?

During junior year, I found I had little direction . . . . After taking X, I found the direction and scholarly rigor I was looking for.

While doing Y, I rediscovered . . . . Rediscovery becomes the theme.

Personal statement usually don’t appear in a letter. I would put the name above “personal statement.”

Rick Van Noy

Personal Statement

If you’re a junior, write it as if you were a senior. Anticipate what you’ll do over the summer, what training you’ll have between now and spring of next year, what courses, etc