Introduction
Writing a good personal statement is an important part of any a lication to graduate or profe ional school. The personal statement not only shows the admi io committee that you can write an interesting, cohesive e ay, but it also allows them to learn about you as a person. This is your chance to show them that you are more than just a list of grades and test score show them how you will contribute to the school and its community.
Su ly the committee with unique information about yourself that does NOT a ear elsewhere in your a lication. With thousands of a licants vying for a limited number of slots, you must make yourself stand out. As in any e ay, it is crucial that you know your audience. A detailed list of profe ional goals that demo trates determination, motivation, and, above all, careful thought, often enhances your a lication. While it should go without saying, your e ay must employ grammar correctly. While proper grammar doe 't earn you points, slo y grammar can be the ki of death. Poor grammar suggests to the committee that you are a carele student who is not detail oriented. Needle to say, admi io officers value precision and attention to detail. Afterall, how many people will trust a slo y, carele lawyer or engineer? While that making the leap from slo y grammar to carele lawyer might seem far-fetched, countle admi io officers tell a different story.
This handout was written with the help of Ali a Irvin.