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Overview. Purpose of the Personal StatementGuidelines and StructureTipsExamplesQuestions. Purpose and Goals. Assess thinking and writing skills show how well you can express ideas in plain EnglishShow how much thought you put into the position this translates into your interest in the f
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1. How to Write a Personal Statement in the Sciences
Organized by Becky Ostertag-UHH Biology,
PIPES/PACRC, EPSCoR, LSAMP, Keaholoa, and UHH MOP
Funded by an NSF Ecosystem Studies Grant (Grant # 0546868)
2. Overview Purpose of the Personal Statement
Guidelines and Structure
Tips
Examples
Questions
3. Purpose and Goals Assess thinking and writing skills – show how well you can express ideas in plain English
Show how much thought you put into the position – this translates into your interest in the field / position
A chance to present intellectual accomplishments other than by academic records
A chance for you to stand out
4. Guidelines Keep it around one page
Write in essay format
Introduction and main argument
Body
Conclusion
NOTE: format can sometimes be different, but purposes are the same
Express yourself – without repetition
5. Structure Paragraph 1: Introduction (2-3 sentences)
Begin with a hook – avoid clichés
State thesis/main argument
Paragraph 2: Introduce Body
Support main argument
Call attention to relevant courses, research experience, workshops, etc.