This handout can help you write and revise the statement that is personal by many graduate programs, internships, and special academic programs.

Prior to starting writing

Since the application essay can have a critical effect upon your progress toward a career, you ought to spend a lot more time, thought, and energy onto it than its typically brief length would suggest. It should reflect the way you arrived at your goals that are professional why the program is >essay is clear, concise, and compelling. At the time that is same don’t be afraid. You know most of the plain things you will need to say already.

The field. Why would you like to be a _____? No, really. Think of why you and you particularly want to enter that field. Do you know the benefits and exactly what are the shortcomings? When do you become thinking about the field and just why? What path for the reason that career interests you right now? brainstorm and out write these ideas.

This system. Why is this the scheduled program you need to be admitted to? What exactly is special in regards to the faculty, the courses offered, the placement record, the facilities you may be using? They offer, go to events, or meet with a faculty member or student in the program if you can’t think of anything particular, read the brochures. A word about honesty here—you might have a reason for choosing an application that wouldn’t necessarily sway your reader; as an example, you wish to live nearby the beach, or perhaps the program is considered the most prestigious and would look better on your own resume. You don’t want to be completely straightforward during these cases and search superficial, but skirting around them or lying can look even worse. Turn these aspects into positives. For instance, you might want to go to an application in a particular location that you know very well and have ties to, or because there is a need in your field there because it is a place. Again, doing research from the program may reveal methods to legitimate even your most superficial and selfish known reasons for applying.

Yourself. What details or anecdotes would help your reader understand you? The thing that makes you special? Is there something about your family, your education, your work/life experience, or your values who has shaped you and brought one to this career field? What motivates or interests you? Do you have skills that are special like leadership, management, research, or communication? Why would the known people in this program desire to choose you over other applicants? Be honest with yourself and write down your ideas. That you plan to read on your own (and not argue about immediately) if you are having trouble, ask a friend or relative to make a list of your strengths or unique qualities. Question them to give you examples to back their impressions up (For instance, if they state you might be “caring,” ask them to explain an event they remember for which they perceived you as caring).

Now, write a draft

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