Personal Statement Writing

Presented by:Sam Cavalleri

Career Services259 Capen Hall(716) 645-2231

www.ub-careers.buffalo.edu

What is a Personal Statement?• Written essay for graduate or

professional school admission• May highlight the most important

aspects of your application• May introduce new pieces of

information that you want the admissions committee to know

• Your story!

How Important is Your Statement?

• It depends on the school!• Vital element for some• Tipping point for “middle-of-the-

road” applicants• Holistic admissions approach for

others

Remember These Key Things!• Find your story and tell it! Everyone

has a story – even if you’re not out there saving the world.

• Don’t repeat everything from your resume but do emphasize certain aspects of your background.

• Don’t forget to express your interest in THEIR school!

Before Writing• Plan early. Leave enough time!• Be prepared to write many drafts.• Review topics and questions for

EACH school.• Research graduate programs.• Speak with an admissions officer.

Possible Topics to Include• Personal influences• How you got interested in field• Specific experiences that are

meaningful to you• Academic background• Accomplishments that relate to field• Future career goals

First Draft• Brainstorm first, edit later.• Craft an interesting opening line or

paragraph.• Does your statement engage the

reader?

Examples of Good Writing

As the first generation in my family to attend college and the eldest of five children I know what it is like to work hard and be driven to succeed. I have been dedicated to reaching one of my goals, a college degree, all of my life. -- UB Student

Born and raised in Serbia, I remember the times when my whole family except my father shared a bunk bed in a tiny bedroom. -- UB Student

More Examples“Highly motivated to succeed, I dramatically improved my gradesfollowing a time of confusion and immaturity in 1990 and 1991,whichwas brought on by family illness and turmoil. Once I realized whatgoal I wanted to pursue in life, I worked hard to succeed, and myremaining five years of schooling are truly indicative of myintellectual capacity and motivation for success.”

“Undoubtedly my cultural diversity will be a great contribution to TheChicago Medical School. Being raised in a Greek family in Canada,visiting different countries, and now living in the United States, I haveexperienced the similarities and differences among many diversecultural groups and geographical areas. This allowed me to relate todifferent types of people by understanding their ways and beliefs, aquality that will help me work well with other medical students andhelp me serve my patients better in the future.”

General Guidelines• 2 typed pages (unless otherwise

stated).• Address specific questions if asked.• Ask for feedback from several

readers before turning in statement.• Print out and review. Computer

screens can make it hard to catch errors.

Don’t…• Write an autobiography.• Lecture about the career field.• Make excuses for poor grades or low

test scores.

Addressing a Poor Academic Record

• Briefly explain the situation.• Give positive examples of

improvement or areas where you have worked on your grades.

• Address why this will not be an issue in graduate school.

Common Essay Mistakes• Errors, sloppiness, misspellings, poor grammar.• Starting off with “I’ve always wanted to be a…” • Essays that do not answer the question.• Recycled work from other schools’ applications.

• Don’t explain what _____ is. Explain what _____means to you!

Graduate School Timeline• Spring/summer – begin researching programs. • Early fall – start brainstorming and writing first

draft.• September/October/November – seek feedback

and critiques to revise your statement.• December/January – make any final

adjustments and send out.

• Be mindful of your deadlines. Do not wait until the last second!

Resources• Career Resource Library – books and

samples.• Our website – www.ub-careers.buffalo.edu • Personal critique with a counselor – must

make an appointment!• Ask your advisors, professors, mentors,

supervisors and friends to offer feedback.• The Owl at Purdue -

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/679/01/

Need to Take the GRE?• Computer-Based Testing Center• 259 Capen Hall• 645-4624• www.gre.org • GRE exams offered several times a

week • $185 fee• Schedule in advance