MSU Tex CG Digital DM Accessible - Flipbook - Page 56
GRADUATE/PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL
PERSONAL STATEMENTS
A personal statement is a chance to sum up all the things that make you an ideal candidate for a particular graduate program.
THE WRITING PROCESS
Before you begin writing, ask yourself the following personal inventory questions:
What makes you different from every other candidate?
Why do you want to attend this school and/or program?
How did your interest in this career develop?
What 2-3 academic accomplishments have most prepared you?
What research have you conducted?
What non-academic experiences contributed to your choice of school or career?
Are there any problems in your records that need explaining?
What is the most important thing the admissions committee should know about you?
PERSONAL STATEMENT STRUCTURE
A personal statement should have an introduction, a body that covers points mentioned in the introduction, and a conclusion that ties
everything together.
In the introduction, clearly spell out why you want to be admitted into the graduate program and why you would make an ideal student.
Make the first sentence grab the attention of the reader.
Use the supporting paragraphs, with only one major point per paragraph, to establish why you would make a unique addition to their
graduate program. Include relevant information about job experiences, internships, and volunteer positions. Focus on the concrete
rather than the intangible.
In the concluding paragraph, provide a brief overview of what was presented up to that point and then emphasize how participation in
the program would enable you to achieve your career objectives.
DO...
DON’T...
Answer all the questions asked
Use empty, vague, or overused words
Be honest & confident in your statements
Emphasize the negative
Write a coherent & interesting essay
Try to be a comedian
Pick 2-4 main topics for your essay
Include footnotes, clichés, or long-winded paragraphs
Use the personal statement as a form of introduction
Use statements like “I’ve always wanted to be a...”
Make sure your essay has perfect spelling & mechanics
Use the “what I did with my life” approach
Be objective, yet self-revelatory
Allow any typos or misspellings to occur
Evaluate experiences
Use a catalog of achievements
Be specific
Lecture the reader
Tell a story
Adhere to stated word limits
Write what you think the admissions committee wants
to hear
Develop a theme about yourself early in the essay &
support it throughout
Get too personal about religion, politics, or your lack of
education
WHERE TO GO FOR HELP
Midwestern State University
Career Management Center
msutexas.edu/career
cmc@msutexas.edu
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Midwestern State University
McAda Graduate School
msutexas.edu/academics/graduate-school
graduateschool@msutexas.edu
