[beanbag]

hey guys. =)

those of you who have applied/are applying to grad school--what did you do about your personal statement and statement of purpose? I think I am suffering from massive writer's block, and I have just over a month to submit all of my app materials.

do you guys have any tips on what to include, or how to write? (formal vs informal.) how about length? (the app doesn't have any kind of word/page suggestion.) basically any and all tips/advice/suggestions are helpful at this point.

[Rainer.]

I'd say make it read like a narrative. Not too informal, but definitely something they want to keep reading, and throw in a lot of good information about how this is what really excites you and is what you are passionate about.

Not that I've applied to grad school, but I've been applying to a bunch of internships lately...

[Nate]

Unlike undergraduate programs, graduate programs are [generally] for people who know what they want to do with their lives.

Also, unlike undergraduate admission, graduate admissions officers [usually] are looking for people who are right for the program.

Talk about what you want to do with the degree. Talk about what skills you already have. Talk about what skills you still need. Talk about specifically how you see the degree program filling the gap between where you are and where you want to be and what specific courses, activities, or opportunities in the program will fill what specific skills, abilities, or other holes in your personal life portfolio.

[SccHarpGirl]

I'd echo that. Nate was very helpful when I was writing mine last year...from my experience talking to people in admissions, something they really want to see is why you're interested in their school. What you think you can bring to their department, and what they can help you with.

I started mine with a bit of background...how I wound up in my field, some of my fav. courses, other experiences (internships, etc) related to the field, etc. Then I talked about ultimately what I wanted to do with the degree, where I saw myself working. Then I talked about the school - what I liked about it, specifically what courses I wanted to take, any opportunities (concentrations, internship programs) etc they had that interested me, that sort of thing. I tried to make this section very specific to each school. I addressed why I thought I was a good match for their program - why my skills and background would help me succeed. Also any qualitative factors - did I like the area? Did I like the people I'd met there? that sort of thing.

I also tried to include some details about who I am as a person...outside hobbies, etc, because I figured they already have my transcripts, my application, they know a lot of "facts" about me, but it's a good chance to make a memorable impression. It's the one spot where you get to argue why you think you should get the spot over someone else

Anyway, best of luck! I'd be happy to read them over for you if you would like.

[beanbag]

thanks guys. =)

noelle, I would super appreciate it if you did read over mine. I wrote a very informal, casual piece that my best friend loved, but she admitted that she wasn't the best person to read/critique it because a. she minored in creative writing, and b. she just graduated from seminary, where papers didn't necessarily have to be all stuffy and formal.

I think my biggest problem is that I know what I should include--for the most part--but I just can't figure out how to structure it. the clock is ticking on my statements, too! eveything is due by 12/15, but I have to get my statement done asap because I need to send it to one of my recommenders.