Applying for Graduate School: Application Essay or Personal Statement guide

The following ideas and questions can guide your development of an application essay or  personal statement.

Introduction

Ask Yourself

  • When did I first consider this career?
  • What elements were meaningful to me?
  • What led to my commitment to it?

Tell Your Story

  • Start in the middle of the action with limited lead-in.
  • Describe relevant details.
  • Connect it to goals related to the program.
  • Specify the school and program.

Body

Ask Yourself

  • What are my career interests and goals?
  • What have I done to prepare myself for this career and program?
  • Why does this specific program interest me?

Make Your Case

  • Identify experiences such as shadowing which gave you an understanding of the career.
  • Describe how you developed your qualifications for the program and career including internships, research, coursework, or other relevant experiences.
  • Share your career interests and goals.
  • Connect your interests and goals to the program concentration areas, faculty, research, and/or internship opportunities.

Conclusion

Ask yourself

  • How have my experiences affected my initial interest in the career?
  • How will this program help me reach my career goals?
  • How do I feel about the potential of being in the program?

Make Your case

  • Reference the story in your introduction.
  • Specify the school and program.
  • Reinforce the connection between your interests and goals to the program.
  • Express confidence in your readiness for the program.

Diversity Statement

Some programs may request an additional statement on diversity. Such a statement may
incorporate the diversity you will bring to the program and/or your experience with diverse
populations. Consider your experiences on campus, education abroad, workplaces, and social settings and think of diversity broadly as you develop your statement.