Writing the Personal Statement

Clyde MoneyhunMelissa Keith

Basic AdviceFollow directions!Take enough time to:

◦ Brainstorm◦ Outline◦ Share a draft◦ Revise◦ Proofread

Write an essay with a beginning, middle, and end; thesis and support; a point.

Write in a voice that expresses your personality.

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Brainstorming . . .What’s special, distinctive, or

impressive about you or your life story?

What important experiences have you had, educational or otherwise, that have shaped you as a person?

What is a specific story about yourself that you might tell?

What people have influenced you strongly and led you to the place you’re at now?

More brainstorming . . .How and when did you become

interested in the field?What do you know about the

field, the university, the department, the program, the professors?

What do you hope to gain from the experience?

What will you bring to the university, the department, the program?

Last brainstorming . . .

How do you plan to use the degree?

What are your career goals?What are your dreams?How will you change the

world, and how will the education you hope to get make it all possible?

Questions?Comments?Other advice?

See you in the Writing Center!