Are you applying to graduate school?

Personal

Statements

What do you need for your application

1. Completed application2. GRE scores3. Transcript4. Personal statement5. Curriculum Vita6. Recommendation letters (3)7. Writing samples / essays (depends on

school)

What you need for your application

0This differs by school 0Keep a well organized list of schools

with deadlines and application requirements

Personal Statement

0Opportunity to sell yourself0Falls into one of two categories1. General / comprehensive2. Response to specific question0Make sure to answer every part

of the question!!!

Why is it sooo important?

0Makes a first impression0Provides information about you0Distinguishes you from other applicants

Tell your story0Where you’ve been

0 Past experiences that have shaped you0 Past research

0Where you are0 Research you are doing0 What are you doing now

0Where you’re going0 Career / educational goals – what do you want to do?0 How you fit with that program / how can program help you

achieve goals

What to include

0Demonstrate fit0Discuss professional experiences0Do NOT overemphasize deep

personal experiences0Explain anomalies in application

(not always recommended)

General advice

0Answer questions being asked0Tell a story – don’t be boring!0But…don’t be a clown0Not autobiographical

0Be specific and use details0Find an angle – a theme / hook0Use throughout

0Focus on opening paragraph

General advice0Tell what you know0Don’t include some subjects0Controversial subjects0High school

0Do your research on program0Write well0Proofread0Revise, revise, revise

0Avoid clichés0 “Wanting to help people”

More advice

0Pretend you have to have to answer the question0“What is the most important thing for us to

know about you?”

0Be selective about the material you include0Maintain positive and upbeat tone0Don’t just repeat information found

elsewhere on application

Technical details

0Follow every single direction!0Word limits, supplements, et.

0Usually one single-spaced page012 pt font0No fancy fonts, colors, borders, etc.

Where do I start???0Spend time – don’t rush the process0List your goals0Area of interest0Reasons for pursuing degree in this area?0Influential past experiences0Successes / failures

0What is it you most want to do?0Why are you valuable?0DePaul handout

Additional questions to ask yourself

0What makes you special, unique, impressive0Details of your life that may set you apart / help

committee understand you0When did you become interested in field and what

have you learned? Insights?0Career goals?0Have you overcome any obstacles?0 What personal characteristics / skills do you possess? 0That are relevant to grad school

Do’s and don'ts

0DePaul handout0Article on ‘Kisses of Death’

Did you….

0Proofread??0Get others to read statement?0Revise??

0Handout

Future seminar

0CV, rec letters, misc. -Th 11/14 from 12-1

Any questions?

0Come talk to me!! 0Smarkuna@depaul.edu0773-325-46230Byrne Hall 518