Lauren Shepherd July 30, 2009 Communications Class Selling Your Story: A Statement of Purpose

Extra Practice Session Monday August 17 11:30a.m. - 1:30p.m. Foege 130

Objectives 2.Demonstrate qualifications 3.Specify match 1.Sell yourself

Significance Gain acceptance Stand out

Medical vs. Graduate School Funding Rounds Qualifications Structure Interests / extracurricular

Example Instructions: UCSD 1.How did you become interested in this field? 2.What experiences have contributed toward your preparation for further study in this field? 3.What are your future goals? 4.What are your research interests? 5.How are you a "match" for the program to which you are applying?

Example Instructions: Stanford Your statement of purpose should describe succinctly your reasons for applying to the Department of Bioengineering at Stanford. It would be helpful to include what you have done to prepare for this degree program. Please describe your research interests, past research experience, future career plans, and other details of your background and interests that will allow us to evaluate your ability to thrive in our program. If you have interests that align with specific faculty member, you may state this in your application.

Example Instructions: UW A statement of purpose should clearly and succinctly describe your motivations for the field of bioengineering, your preparation for advanced research, and your reasons for applying to the Department of Bioengineering at the University of Washington.

General Medical Essay Explain why you want to be a physician in the first place. What’s your motivation and goals? Why will you make a good physician?

Example Secondary Questions 1.What is your favorite novel? 2.What are your hobbies? 3.Where do you see yourself in ten years? 4.Name a leadership role that you've taken and what it taught you about yourself. 5.What has been your greatest academic achievement? What has been your greatest academic failure? 6.What type of medicine do you think you might want to practice?

Structural Outline Beginning Middle End

Types of Stories Challenge Mentor Spark or insight moment

Tips for Success 1.Write well 2.Be specific 3.Answer the question 4.Do your homework 5.Tell a story!

Practice Time What details of your life (personal or family problems, history, people or events that have shaped you or influenced your goals) might help the committee better understand you or help set you apart from other applicants? When did you become interested in this field and what have you learned about it (and about yourself) that has further stimulated your interest and reinforced your conviction that you are well suited to this field? What personal characteristics (for example. integrity. compassion. persistence) do you possess that would improve your prospects for success in the field or profession?

Applying for Funding NSF GRFP $30,000/year for 3 years 1 time $1000 travel stipend Deadline: November 12

Other Sources Department of Defense Department of Homeland Security Ford Foundation (minorities) …and more. University related fellowships/traineeships UW: Nanotechnology Fellowship, NIH Cardiovascular Traineeship

Final Presentation Reminder Tues, Aug min research talks 9:30a.m. - 12:00p.m. Foege N130A Wed, Aug. 19 Poster session 9:00a.m. - 12:00p.m. MGH commons