Personal Statements
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What is a Personal Statement?
Think of a personal statement as a cover letter you need for professional or graduate school. From outlining your achievements to refining your writing style, we can help you create a memorable and impactful statement that sets you apart in any application process.
Writing a Personal Statement
The best personal statements give the reader a window into who you are, usually by examples or stories. Ask yourself:
- Does this introduce me as a person and a future practitioner in the field?
- Does it have elements that will impress the reader?
- Would the reader want to meet me after reading my statement?
Even the best content will be lost if the ideas are presented in a jumbled, incoherent manner. Clear writing begins with an outline.
- What is your message? Write that first.
- How will your ideas logically progress to get to that conclusion?
- Write your key sentences – do they flow in a logical order?
- Does the final essay say what you want in a logical and compelling way?
Poor grammar, spelling, and typographical errors can ruin your statement. Review your essay:
- Check guidelines for appropriate length
- Avoid starting sentences with "I"
- Use no exclamation points, except in dialogue.
- Use active, rather than passive voice (e.g., "I found the book" vs. "The book was found by me.")
- Write sentences no longer than approximately 30 words in length.
- Shorten paragraphs so that the page doesn't look like a wall of type.
Personal Statement Workshops
General Personal Statements
Each Fall, this series provides an overview on the basics of a strong personal statement and allows you to have your first-draft reviewed.
Open to all majors.
Pre-Law Personal Statements
Each Fall, this series provides students seeking higher education in the legal field an opportunity to learn about personal statements and have their drafts reviewed.
Pre-Health Personal Statements
Each Spring, this series provides juniors, seniors, and alumni applying to health professional programs an opportunity to learn about personal statements and have their drafts reviewed.
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