Grad School Apps Workshop sponsored by Psi Chi Joyce Adams & Sam Hardy

LETTERS OF INTENT OR PERSONAL STATEMENT

What is a Personal Statement? The Personal Statement or Letter of Intent is an essay that should do the following: Give a narrative picture of your personal and academic development Reflect on key moments in your personal, professional, and academic activities Serve as a window into your potential Offer the reader a view of your ability to communicate professionally

What is the Reader Looking For? Looking for someone with passion for the discipline (e.g., psychology) Looking for someone with somewhat clear ideas about their research interests. Looking for someone with definite career plans (often preferably in academics) Looking to see how well you communicate and use correct language Looking for fit between applicant interests/goals and the program and mentor.

What Form Should the Letter Take? Carefully follow instructions. You may be asked to explain why you chose this particular program or how you gained an interest in this discipline. Respond to ALL parts of their request for the letter. Be sure your essay addresses the questions that are asked Use the same words used in the application (you can even use them to create bolded headings in your essay) [e.g., “Explain why you feel you need to obtain your degree from this particular program”] Follow spacing and length specifications. If none are given, typically single space, with a line of white space before each paragraph, and create a minimum of 1 ½ pages.

What Form Should the Letter Take? Use essay format; do NOT create a letter format! Create a compelling, interesting story Should NOT be simply the narrative form of your resume Begin by hooking the reader’s attention – the first paragraph is critical! Do NOT use the same letter of intent for each application

Tell a Story Distinguish yourself through a fresh, different story Demonstrate through concrete experience Highlight why their program and that mentor are a perfect end to the story Be original (e.g., Do not say that you are “good at science and want to help people” if you are applying to a medical school) Try to tell the reader something that no other applicant will be able to say Be yourself, not the “ideal” candidate

Opening Paragraph The opening paragraph is generally the most important – you MUST grab the reader’s attention This paragraph is a framework for the rest of the essay If you are like most people, your life story lacks drama, but finding an “angle” or a “hook” is vital

After the Opening Paragraph Detail your interest and experience in your field Refer to your experiences (work, research, etc.); + show how these are relevant [do not assume the reader will “figure it out”]

Conclude with Power When possible, network with professors at the school where you hope to attend; show that you have “plans” with that faculty Show why it is important for you to enter that particular program at that particular school

Do’s Follow instructions carefully!! Tailor your statement to the particular school Don’t be humble or arrogant – but DO explain clearly what it is you have done or have to offer Use specific examples and life-changing moments Be clear and concise and precise

Don’ts Don’t be tempted to use the same statement for all applications Avoid overly emotional events, and don’t complain about circumstances in your life Avoid overly academic tone; don’t be “detached”; don’t use fancy words to impress Don’t refer to high school or earlier Don’t mention religion or political persuasion Do not preach to the reader Do not talk about money as your motivator for school Do not discuss your minority status or disadvantaged background unless you have a compelling and unique story that relates to it Don’t use unconventional formats Don’t get the name of the school wrong (this can happen if you are using the same letter for multiple schools!!) Do not use boring clichés such as these: “My name is...”; I would like to thank the admissions committee for...; I have always wanted to attend your school...

RESUME (CURRICULUM VITAE)

Key Concepts Layout directs reader to key features (put important stuff first) Resume MUST be Error-free Information must be easy to read and find Keep resume to one page if possible When a hard copy is required, use white or off- white paper Know which type of resume is requested: scannable, traditional, or online version

Categories/Content (and possible order) Contact info Education GPA (overall and major) Research experience (each position) Teaching experience (each position) Other Relevant Experience (internships, employment, mission) Skills (e.g., SPSS, PsycInfo, Qualtrics)

Personal Information Do not include –age, health –marital/family status –other personal information irrelevant to job

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

You Need 3 – Make them Good Best – professors you did research with Good – professors you’ve TAed for Okay –Professors you’ve taken classes from –Supervisors at relevant internship/employment Weak –Employer at irrelevant employment –Personal

Tips Ask ahead of time Do online letters if possible Give them list of places applying and due dates (and which are online vs. paper) For paper, have forms ready, envelope stamped and addressed Guide them on what you would like them to highlight Follow-up before deadline with reminder