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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……. • 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. Hook 2. 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 Pre. Health 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. edu Website: http: //engineering. asu. edu/career Sun Devil Career. Link: My. ASU>Campus Services>Jobs & Careers>Sun Devil Career. Link Facebook: Engineering Career Center Arizona State University 18