The document provides advice on how to write an effective personal statement for graduate school applications. It recommends focusing on demonstrating your motivation, plans, and fit for the program rather than recounting your life story or achievements. Specifically, it advises showing how graduate school fits your goals for the future, discussing a moment that changed your perspective, and conveying your passion for the field in a unique, genuine way.

1. How to write a
personal statement
…that’s not boring, cheesy, clichéd,
generic, overwrought, or
underwritten. A personal statement
that introduces the unique, smart,
mature, humble, ready-for-grad-
school, ready-for-the-world YOU!

2. think, pair, share
You chair the admissions
team at your graduate
school of choice. What
are you looking for in a
personal statement?

3. Think like
them.

4. The admissions committee wants to know if:
• You have a plan.
• You can handle the work.
• You have the maturity to handle everything else.
• You really want this. This field. This career. This
graduate program.
• You know what you’re getting yourself into.
• You will work your butt off.
• You will make them proud.

5. HELP!
What should I
write about?

6. NO
Ever since I was a little
kid, I’ve wanted to
become a scientist.
When I was in fifth
grade I won the Science
Olympiad with an
exploding volcano. In
eighth grade, I decided
to enroll in advanced
science classes…

7. Most good stories
don’t start back in
kindergarten. Quit
being cheesy.

8. NO
It is very important for
psychologists to have
empathy for others and
to listen actively.
Communication skills
are paramount in this
field. Psychologists need
to be comfortable
delving into personal
stories with their clients.

9. Don’t lecture your
reader. The admissions
team already knows
what’s important in
their field.

10. NO
After completing an
internship at the NIH, I
started my junior year of
college. I chose to add a
minor in Neuroscience on
top of my busy schedule. I
was also elected president
of the Pre-Med Fraternity.
It was hard work, but I
kept my eye on the prize!

11. They already read
your CV and your
transcript. It’s better
to delve into just
ONE experience.

12. HELP!
I wrote it.
It sounds
stupid.

13. Avoid
pompous
language

14. NO
Based upon my
extensive personal
experience and
exemplary coursework,
it follows that the rigors
of your program will
provide an excellent
venue for the
demonstration of my
paramount abilities.
YES
I am confident that
my experience and
coursework have
prepared me to
successfully meet the
challenges of your
program.

15. Avoid
passive voice

16. NO
Mistakes were made.
As a research assistant,
I was responsible for
collecting and analyzing
data.
I was involved with a
volunteer organization.
YES
I made mistakes.
I collected and
analyzed data as a
research assistant at
Charles River Labs.
I volunteered with
the Red Cross.

17. Avoid timid
modesty

18. NO
I believe that
veterinary
medicine may be
the best path for
me.
YES
Veterinary
medicine is the
best path for
me, because . . .
NO: Seems, tends, may, might, suggests, often,
usually, probably, assume, conceivable,
sometimes, believe, think

19. Avoid
gushing

20. Don’t say it if you don’t explain it:
• Interesting
• Important
• Significant
• Challenging
• Satisfying
• Valuable
• Exciting
• Enjoyable
• Appealing
• Stimulating
• Incredible
• Meaningful
• I can contribute
• I like helping people
• It is important
• It meant a lot to me

21. So what
SHOULD
I write?

22. think, pair, share
How does graduate
school fit into your goals
and plans for the future?

23. • Use straightforward language
that sounds like you.
• Be true to your own story and
path.
• Showcase struggle and personal
growth.
• Help the reader feel invested in
your goals and plans for the
future.
• Write about your motivation.

24. Geek out
a little.

25. think, pair, share
Describe a moment in
which you changed your
mind in some way about
your plans for the future.
What did you realize?
Why?

26. A personal statement IS NOT
• A longer, braggier version of your CV or
resume
• Your life story
• A heartbreaking tale of woe and tragedy
• An academic essay
• Something you can copy off the internet
• Something you can write in a day

27. A personal statement IS
• Evidence that you have a plan
• Evidence that you are an actual person
• A chance to share whatever it is that makes
your application unique and worth a closer
look
• An opportunity to show who YOU are, beyond
your CV and your transcript and your
application

28. Write it with love.
The admissions
team loves this
field and this
graduate program.
They need to see
your passion,
curiosity, and
commitment.

29. How long
will this
take?

30. Personal Statement Timeline
• Cultivate relationships
and experiences
• Research programs
• Brainstorm and draft
• Review drafts
• Get editing help
• Finalize a unique draft
for each program
• Submit your applications
NOW
Summer
Early Fall
Mid Fall
Late Fall

31. So simple it just might work:
Put your draft down. Walk away. Find a friend.
Tell him why you really, really want to go to grad
school. Tell him about that awesome moment
during your internship. Tell him about some
geeky thing that you just love about your field.
Now write it all down.
Just like you’re telling a friend.

33. UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO
© Mary T. Calhoon
Nevada Career Studio
2014