Writing a graduate school personal statement should be similar to writing a cover letter.
A graduate school personal statement typically falls into one of two categories: a generalized essay written about yourself, or an answer to a specific question or essay prompt. A personal statement can be compared with a cover letter written for a job application, in that it presents a self-portrait highlighting your strengths and relevant experience. A strong personal statement can help you gain consideration for a graduate school appointment.
Use Quality Language and Grammar
Submitting a paper that is proofread and free of grammatical errors, misspellings, and inarticulate expressions is a key component of ensuring that your personal statement is not quickly dismissed. A fine line separates clarity of thought and intelligence from false-sounding academic speech and overblown vocabulary. When writing a personal statement, try to mimic the voice, vocabulary and tone you would use if being interviewed.
Research
Demonstrating a thorough understanding of the program you are applying to, the reason you wish to pursue that program, and why the school you are applying to has a desirable program will show the authenticity of your motivation to be accepted by a particular school. Generalized statements that do not demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of a specific program or school will seem like half-hearted applications next to those of an applicant who has thoroughly outlined his motivations for applying.
Recent History
When writing a personal statement, avoid reaching too far into the past to illustrate your accomplishments and strengths. Having a strong resume that spans one or two of the previous years tends to suggest a candidate who has always been successful. Do not reference academic and extra-curricular achievements from high school unless you consider it absolutely necessary.
Be Narrative
Writing an essay in a narrative format can engage the person reading your personal statement in a more compelling manner than a statement written without an angle or storyline. Telling a personal story can help set your essay apart from a stack of personal statements that read like bullet-pointed resumes.
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