1. Writing a Personal Statement Dr. Diana Betz October 30, 2013

2. What is a personal statement?  A misnomer?  Statement of purpose  Statement of research interests and experience

3. They’re looking for…  Your research ideas and/or professional goals  A good match To see if you are…

4. Your statement should describe your goals in a way that:  Shows you’ve done your homework on  the field  the program  the faculty  Explains why you’re a good fit for all 3!

5. How to write about your Research or Professional Goals  Do your homework!  Take notes on program and faculty websites  Individualize paragraph or 2 to highlight:  Program focus and/or main research topics, and how your goals align with them  Faculty you’d want to work with, and what you’d want to study with them

6. How NOT to write about your Research or Professional Goals  Don’t overshare  Goal shouldn’t be to understand own or loved ones’ mental health  Case-by-case basis – ask an advisor!  Avoid cliches  “I want to help…”  “Everyone tells me I’d make a great therapist!”

7. They’re looking for…  Your research ideas and/or professional goals  Skills that prepare you for this program  A good match  Likely to succeed To see if you are…

8. Your statement should describe your skills in a way that:  Selectively highlights achievements like:  Classes (beyond requirements)  Research assistant positions, internships, or jobs  Clinical experience (if applicable)  Independent research!!

9. Your statement should describe your skills in a way that:  …and relates those achievements to necessary skills, like:  Research design and statistics  Knowledge of your research area of interest  Independent, creative thought  Sticktoitiveness  Dedication to the long slog of research

10. How to write about your Skills:  Tell the story of how you became a person capable of conducting rigorous, independent research  Highlight what you learned from each achievement  Explain how each step built on what came before it

11. How NOT to write about your Skills:  Don’t repeat your c.v. word for word  Don’t focus on basic requirements: show how you went above and beyond

12. They’re looking for…  Your research ideas and/or professional goals  Skills that prepare you for this program  Strong writing skills  A good match  Likely to succeed  Likely to publish and secure grants  Conscientious To see if you are…

13. The way your statement is written should:  Demonstrate that you can write like a scientist:  Organized  Well-supported  Concise  Clear  Show your attention to detail  Pay attention to application requirements  Check spelling, grammar, formatting

14. How to write well:  Revise, revise, revise  Follow application requirements  2 statements? Particular theme?  Maintain formal tone  Proofread

15. How NOT to write well:  Do NOT exceed page limit  Don’t joke around or try to be cute  Don’t keep your statement to yourself: you need other eyes on it!

16. Using Campus Resources 1.Faculty mentor(s) or advisor(s)  Best resource! 2.Writing Center  For mechanics, not content

17. Questions?  Roger Bacon 219  dbetz@siena.edu