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Personal Statement Dos and Don'ts

By Tara Kuther, Ph.D., About.com

Most, if not all, graduate school applications require you to write a personal statement or an admissions essay. This component of the graduate admissions application permits the admissions committee to see "beyond the statistics" -- to see you as a person apart from GPA and GRE scores. This is your chance to stand out so make sure that your personal statement truly reflects you. A personal statement that is truthful, appealing, and motivating can increase your chances of acceptance. What should and shouldn't you do in writing your admissions essay or personal statement?

Personal Statement Dos and Don’ts

Do:

  • Prepare an outline and create a draft.
  • Answer all the questions being asked.
  • Make sure your essay has a theme or a thesis.
  • Provide evidence to support your claims.
  • Make your introduction unique.
  • Write clearly and make sure it is easy to read.
  • Be honest, confident, and be yourself.
  • Be interesting and positive.
  • Make sure your essay is organized, coherent, and concise.
  • Write about yourself and use examples from your own life experiences.
  • Use a mixture of long and short sentences.
  • Discuss your future goals.
  • Mention any hobbies, past jobs, community service, or research experience.
  • Speak in the first person (I…).
  • Mention weaknesses without making excuses.
  • Discuss why you're interested in the school and/or program.
  • Show, don’t tell (Use examples to demonstrate your abilities).
  • Ask for help.
  • Proofread and revise your statement at least 3 times.
  • Have others proofread your essay.

Don’t:

  • Have any grammar or spelling errors. (Proofread!)
  • Be wordy or use jargon (don’t try to impress the readers by using big words).
  • Swear or use slang.
  • Digress or be repetitive.
  • Be boring.
  • Generalize.
  • Include cliches.
  • Use gimmicks.
  • Be comical (a little humor is okay but remember it can be misconstrued).
  • Be defensive or arrogant.
  • Complain.
  • Preach.
  • Have your essay focus too much on other individuals.
  • Discuss politics or religion.
  • Give excuses for a low GPA.
  • Make lists of accomplishments, awards, skills, or personal qualities (Show, don’t tell).
  • Write a term paper or an autobiography.
  • Summarize your resume.
  • Include information already cited on the application.
  • Forget to proofread.
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