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How to Write a Personal Statement for a PhD Program Application
Personal statement guidelines, general guidelines to keep in mind:.
- One size does not fit all : Tailor your personal statement to each program and department you are applying to. Do your research to learn what is unique about each of your choices and highlight how this particular program stands out.
- Yes, it’s personal : Showcase your unique strengths and accomplishments. Explain what influenced your personal decisions to pursue the program. Ask yourself, could this be applied to your friend or neighbor? If so, you need to be more specific and provide examples. Saying that you are a “good scientist” isn’t enough. Provide examples of your previous research experience, projects you’ve completed, and what technical skills you learned. Explain how you overcame any challenges along the way.
- Set aside enough time : Although personal statements are generally short in length (approx. 700 words; 1-2 pages), give yourself ample time to write a strong, well-written statement. It takes more time than you think to develop a final draft for submission.
- Focus on your spelling, grammar, and vocabulary : It’s important to present a well-written statement with good grammar and vocabulary. Write concrete, succinct sentences that flow well. Avoid flowery language. Visit the Writing Center for additional review and feedback.
- Proofread one more time: Check your grammar and spelling again before submitting your final draft. Ask a friend, professor, or advisor to proofread your final draft one more time before sending it in.
YOUR PERSONAL STATEMENT SHOULD ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:
- Why do you want to complete further research in this field? Write down a list of reasons as to why you are interested in pursuing further study in the field. When did you become interested in the field and what knowledge have you gained so far? Describe how your previous work provided the foundation and for further study.
- Why have you chosen to apply to this particular university ? Does the institution have a particular curriculum, special research facilities/equipment, or interesting research that appeal to you?
- What are your strengths ? Demonstrate how you stand out from other candidates. Highlight relevant projects, dissertations thesis or essays that demonstrate your academic skills and creativity. Include IT skills, research techniques, awards, or relevant traveling/ study abroad experience.
- What are your transferable skills? Be sure to emphasize transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, and time management skills. Give examples of how you have demonstrated each of these with specific examples.
- How does this program align with your career goals? It’s okay if you don’t know the exact career path you plan to take after completing your PhD. Provide an idea of the direction you would like to take. This demonstrates commitment and dedication to the program.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
For examples of successful personal statements, visit the Online Writing Lab (OWL) .
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- Career Development
- Find Internship or Research Experience
- Getting started with research
How to Develop a Personal Statement for Research
- To share your interest and enthusiasm for the specific work you are applying to do
- To demonstrate what you can contribute to the program to which you are applying
- To state the specific lab you want to work in and why
- To state your professional goals and what or how you hope to contribute to this program
First Steps
- Read the personal statement question carefully and analyze what it is asking for
- Visualize your audience: will this be read by a scientist? A physician? An administrator?
- Make yourself as desirable to the selector as possible while being honest about yourself
- Your research interests as they relate to the work you are applying for
- Year of study and current major, related academic and career goals, impressive academic credentials
Experience in the Field
- Any special connection to this work such as prior experience or family background
- Something unique about your research interests or an idea that fuels your own research interests.
Your Proposed Contributions to the Program and Benefits of the Program to You
- Personal qualities that would benefit the program, demonstrated through examples
- What you can do for them; what you seek to gain from the opportunity
- How this specific work fits into your academic and research goals
Writing and Mechanics
Correct usage conveys your attention to detail
- Use strong word choices, particularly verbs and adjectives
- Use the more powerful "I am," rather than "I have always been"
- Make positive statements: "I have experience in…" not "I don't have experience in x, but do have…”
- Craft clear, engaging opening and closing sentences
- Check that the opening statement is supported in the body and consistent with the closing statement
- Organize the statement so it flows from sentence to sentence and paragraph to paragraph
- Proofread for grammar, spelling, paragraph breaks, and correct punctuation
Ask Yourself
- Does this statement show my interest in this specific program , or could it be sent to any program?
- Does this statement describe me specifically, or could any good student in my field use this?
Additional Suggestions:
- Reread the personal statement multiple times out loud for clarity, logic, and flow
- Have someone else read the statement. Ask someone at the Center for Career Opportunities .
- Share your finished personal statement with the faculty member writing your recommendations
- Limit the statement to one and a half to two pages with at least one and a half spacing
- Include a header with your name on each page, which will be numbered as well
- Restating the question/topic
- Rewriting your transcript or resume
- Clichés such as "to make the world a better place"; instead, explain exactly how such a lofty goal will be achieved
- Providing unrelated information, e.g., explaining when you learned you were not interested in computers
- Using phrases like "this opportunity will be fun and interesting for me"; focus on what you can contribute
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