How to write a personal statement
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Transcript of How to write a personal statement
Power Hour: How to Write a Personal Statement School of Health Professions Career Services106 Lewis HallBy: Michelle Craighead
MY CREDENTIALS
PURPOSE Admission committees want to get to know
you, not just your accomplishments Discuss your motives, goals, strengths,
professional interests, and background Demonstrate effective writing skills Why are you a good match for the field?
GOAL OF PERSONAL STATEMENT Highlight your relevant experiences and
characteristics that assist admissions to understand your aspirations in a concise manner
Put yourself in their shoes, what would you want to see in an applicant’s personal statement?
DO YOUR HOMEWORK Read over every question Know how it should be formatted and any
other special requests Look into the program. What are their goals,
values, or vision?
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF BEFORE YOU BEGIN What's special, unique, distinctive, and/or
impressive about you or your life story? What details of your life might help the
committee better understand you or help set you apart from other applicants?
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF BEFORE YOU BEGIN When did you become interested in this field
and what have you learned about it? What insights have you gained?
How have you learned about this field—through classes, readings, seminars, work or other experiences, or conversations with people already in the field?
THE WRITING PROCESS Brainstorm and self-reflect Free-Write. Create outline. Generate first draft Refine message and approach Revise…revise…revise Share work. Get feedback Self-Reflect Revise…revise…revise Proofread
GENERAL ADVICEAnswer 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
Tell A Story Think in terms of showing or demonstrating
through concrete experience Make statement fresh, lively, and different to
put yourself ahead of the pack Distinguish yourself. You will make yourself
memorable
Be Specific Don't state that you would make an excellent
_____ unless you can back it up with specific reasons
Your application should emerge as the logical conclusion to your story
Find An Angle Interesting life story = 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 Grab the reader's attention here 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
Refer to experiences (work, research, etc.), classes, conversations with people in the field, books you've read, seminars you've attended and why you're suited to it
DON'T Include Some SubjectsExamples: References to experiences or
accomplishments in high school Potentially controversial subjects (i.e.
controversial religious or political issues)
Do Research, If Needed Research to find out what sets your choice
apart from other universities or programs If the school setting would provide an
important geographical or cultural change for you, this might be a factor to mention
Write Well And Correctly Be meticulous Type and proofread your essay very carefully Express yourself clearly and concisely Adhere to stated word limits
Avoid Clichés An applicant who writes that he is good at
science and “wants to help other people” is not expressing an original thought
Stay away from often-repeated or tired statements
Avoid using quotes from others: the personal statement is personal
Give Yourself Some…Distance During revision process, put the personal
statement away for a day or two and then come back to look at it with fresh eyes
Don’t Be Afraid To Delete It’s okay to let an idea go Evolve Get rid of that which no longer fits
Explain The Unusual Don’t leave the admissions committee with
any questions Explain gaps in academic record or other
unusual circumstances
GOAL: BEGIN!The creative flow will initiate after you start putting words onto paper
RESOURCES:• The Purdue Owl Online Writing Lab https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/642/1/
• Columbia University http://www.studentaffairs.columbia.edu/preprofessiona/health/application/workshop.php
• University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaignhttp://www.cws.illinois.edu/workshop/writers/tips/personalstatement/
• University of Missourihttp://career.missouri.edu/career-center-services
• University of Nebraska-Kearneyhttp://www.unk.edu/academics/health_sciences/_files/Writing%20Personal%20Statements...School%20Essays.pdf
Utilize SHP Career Services staff while its FREE. Available to alumni
Make appointments through MU Connect Like SHP Facebook pages Check emails, Blackboard, lobby TV, bulletin
boards for announcements Visit HireMizzouTigers.com frequently
FINAL COMMENTS