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Write on target. We can even answer rhetorical questions. 458-1455 writingcenter.tamu.edu. How Do I Write a Personal Statement?. What Is a Personal Statement?.
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Write on target. We can even answer rhetorical questions. 458-1455 writingcenter.tamu.edu
What Is a Personal Statement? Personal statements help graduate school admissions committees and potential employers learn about who you are to see if you are a good fit for their program.
What To Consider • Follow directions. • Tell the truth. • Consider your audience. • Write, Rewrite, Revise. Then Proofread. • Support general statements with specific examples. • The burden of proof is on the writer, not the reader.
Personal Statement #1 When the old knight asked me which cup was the Holy Grail, and knowing that in order to save my father I had to answer correctly, I knew that there were more important things than money and fame. I realized my courage and life experiences could be really valuable in the classroom, and that’s why I have decided to return to teaching.
Highlights from #1 Tells a story Uses some general information, but not too much Is unique to the story teller
Personal Statement #2 I have worked as the assistant manager at Strickland Propane for about fifteen years now. Working with propane and propane accessories has changed my life; I even taught my son, Bobby, all I know about propane.
Highlights from #2 Gives personal experience relevant to the hiring Maintains a somewhat personal touch
Personal Statement #3 When faced with the compromise of liberty, the best a human can do is to confront the oppressor and retain hope that happiness and justice will prevail. I possess, among all things, the power to hope that can be beneficial in any situation.
Whoops! #3 is . . . Way too general Generic Forgettable And a little boastful
Let’s Do an Exercise You don’t have to stand up. It’s not that type of exercise.
Pick a quality that a future employer or scholarship committee would appreciate. Compassion Resourcefulness Friendliness Ingenuity Imagination Persistence Thriftiness Persuasiveness Now write a short anecdote showing thatquality. (Or another you think of.)
What Do I Take Away From This? Whoever reads your personal statement needs to remember you. You want to stand out in a good way. Make hiring and admissions committee members relate to you as a person. Don’t leave the photo blank.
Don’t Forget We are here to help with any of your writing concerns. Check us out on… 214 Evans Library | 205 West Campus Library writingcenter.tamu.edu | 979-458-1455