Why is it that I can help my students with these all the time, but I have such severe writer's block when I have to write my own!? Any ideas?
mbm750
Posted:
Member since
Re: Personal Statement for graduate program
This is what the counselors at my undergrad told me when I was writing one for law school. I had a draft of a statement that I had already written - it was about a volunteering event that I had been at. Sounds cheesy, but wasn't - their was this severely disabled person I worked with who really impacted me. But the counselor didn't like that my statement was more about him than me, so that was my guideline in revising it. She said they want to learn something about YOU - a challenge you've overcome, something or someone that changed youand how and why and what, something or someone that's really important to you, etc... and it's good for it to be read-able - think story. Most essays, even if they tell you a lot about someone's person, read better if they're also great stories. Hope that helps! Good luck!!!
aliciahelene
Posted:
Member since
Re: Personal Statement for graduate program
I had to write one a few years ago for grad school and the advice I received was similar..write about YOU, about what drives you, what makes you want to study what you are applying to study..in my case I was applying into a family therapy program..so I needed to convince them of my abilities as a counselor and what drives me to want to counsel. I actually bought a cheap book on personal statements and I just wrote from the heart. I did something right because I was accepted into a program that only took 12 people per year! I didnt go there though..couldnt afford it..but did get accepted into every school I applied too! Best of luck to you!!!!
m&m
Posted:
Member since
Re: Personal Statement for graduate program
Thanks! I've got a couple paragraphs written, so the block is getting clear - I'm applying for a doctoral program in education, and everything I was writing last night about why I want to pursue another degree in ed. seemed kind of hoakie.
I'm also applying where I work, and I work with a high profile population (athletes) so I'm trying to be careful not to jeopardize any students' confidentiality with a story.
