Writing A Personal Statement

http://www.princetonreview.com/grad/statement-of-purpose.aspx

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/642/01/

Dr. Simon Blakey’s Advice • Discuss research experience, expectations, career goals

• State who you would like to work for and display an aptitude for the type of research taking place at the university

• Display a passion for science and a vision for where you see the field progressing over the next couple of years

• Show how past experiences have driven their personal goals and how those experiences will help in graduate school

• DO NOT include personal hardships

• DO NOT make general statements

Research Summary vs Personal Statement

• Research Summary– Detailed scientific accomplishments

• Personal Statement– Educational scientific experience– College experiences – How your interest in science began

Northwestern University

UC Berkeley

UNC

Emory