The document provides advice for writing an effective personal statement for graduate school applications. It recommends discussing research experience, career goals, and who you wish to work with, while demonstrating passion for science and how your experiences have shaped your goals. A personal statement should focus on educational experience and interest in science rather than hardships or general statements. It differs from a research summary, which outlines scientific accomplishments, by emphasizing personal experiences that led to your field of interest.

1. Writing A Personal Statement

2. http://www.princetonreview.com/grad/statement-of-purpose.aspx

3. http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/642/01/

4. Dr. Simon Blakey’s Advice
• Discuss research experience, expectations, career goals
• State who you would like to work for and display an aptitude for
the type of research taking place at the university
• Display a passion for science and a vision for where you see the
field progressing over the next couple of years
• Show how past experiences have driven their personal goals and
how those experiences will help in graduate school
• DO NOT include personal hardships
• DO NOT make general statements

5. Research Summary vs Personal Statement
• Research Summary
– Detailed scientific accomplishments
• Personal Statement
– Educational scientific experience
– College experiences
– How your interest in science began

6. Northwestern University
UC Berkeley

7. UNC
Emory