Writing a Personal Statement Dr. Diana Betz October 30, 2013
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Writing a Personal Statement Dr. Diana Betz October 30, 2013
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What is a personal statement? A misnomer? Statement of purpose Statement of research interests and experience
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They’re looking for Your research ideas and/or professional goals To see if you are A good match
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Your statement should describe your goals in a way that: Shows you’ve done your homework on the field the program the faculty Explains why you’re a good fit for all 3!
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How to write about your Research or Professional Goals Do your homework! Take notes on program and faculty websites Individualize paragraph or 2 to highlight: Program focus and/or main research topics, and how your goals align with them Faculty you’d want to work with, and what you’d want to study with them
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How NOT to write about your Research or Professional Goals Don’t overshare Goal shouldn’t be to understand own or loved ones’ mental health Case-by-case basis – ask an advisor! Avoid cliches “I want to help ” “Everyone tells me I’d make a great therapist!”
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They’re looking for To see if you are Your research ideas and/or professional goals A good match Skills that prepare you for this program Likely to succeed
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Your statement should describe your skills in a way that: Selectively highlights achievements like: Classes (beyond requirements) Research assistant positions, internships, or jobs Clinical experience (if applicable) Independent research!!
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Your statement should describe your skills in a way that: and relates those achievements to necessary skills, like: Research design and statistics Knowledge of your research area of interest Independent, creative thought Sticktoitiveness Dedication to the long slog of research
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How to write about your Skills: Tell the story of how you became a person capable of conducting rigorous, independent research Highlight what you learned from each achievement Explain how each step built on what came before it
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How NOT to write about your Skills: Don’t repeat your c.v. word for word Don’t focus on basic requirements: show how you went above and beyond
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They’re looking for To see if you are Your research ideas and/or professional goals A good match Skills that prepare you for this program Likely to succeed Strong writing skills Likely to publish and secure grants Conscientious
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The way your statement is written should: Demonstrate that you can write like a scientist: Organized Well-supported Concise Clear Show your attention to detail Pay attention to application requirements Check spelling, grammar, formatting
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How to write well: Revise, revise, revise Follow application requirements 2 statements? Particular theme? Maintain formal tone Proofread
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How NOT to write well: Do NOT exceed page limit Don’t joke around or try to be cute Don’t keep your statement to yourself: you need other eyes on it!
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Using Campus Resources 1. Faculty mentor(s) or advisor(s) Best resource! 2. Writing Center For mechanics, not content
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Questions? Roger Bacon 219 [email protected]