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You will need to write some form of goal statement or essay as part of the graduate or professional school application process. The requirements for these essays will vary from program to program, but some general rules apply.
Personal statements give you an opportunity to explain parts of your personal, educational, and professional background that have influenced your decision to pursue an advanced degree at a particular institution. Admissions committees rely heavily on these essays, as they paint a more three-dimensional picture of you than do test scores or GPAs. It is critical for you to reflect on the uniqueness of your background and to be specific about your goals, to help the committee feel like they would be gaining a valuable new member to their program. It's also critical that you answer the question they ask!
Effective essays need to say a lot in a fairly limited amount of space. Some tips that might help you in crafting your essays:
Be concise and selective. Focus on common themes and specific goal statements, rather than providing a biography or a list of accomplishments.
Give specific examples that are unique to you - don't generalize. For example, if applying to a program in social work, the following statement (while true) may be read as cliche: "I want to become a social worker because I like to help people." A stronger statement would include a specific example of volunteer work you performed, and how that experience influenced your decision to enter this field -- this will convey genuine enthusiasm and motivation.
Emphasize that the information you are providing demonstrates your potential for this kind of advanced study (just as you must do in a job search, don't forget to "sell your skills").
Follow instructions! Answer the question, and all parts of each question, put forth.
If necessary, explain or address any discrepancies or perceived weaknesses in your record.
Proofread, proofread, proofread! Be sure to have a counselor in Career Services, advisers, and others read your essays.
Personal statements give you an opportunity to explain parts of your personal, educational, and professional background that have influenced your decision to pursue an advanced degree at a particular institution. Admissions committees rely heavily on these essays, as they paint a more three-dimensional picture of you than do test scores or GPAs. It is critical for you to reflect on the uniqueness of your background and to be specific about your goals, to help the committee feel like they would be gaining a valuable new member to their program. It's also critical that you answer the question they ask!
Effective essays need to say a lot in a fairly limited amount of space. Some tips that might help you in crafting your essays:
Be concise and selective. Focus on common themes and specific goal statements, rather than providing a biography or a list of accomplishments.
Give specific examples that are unique to you - don't generalize. For example, if applying to a program in social work, the following statement (while true) may be read as cliche: "I want to become a social worker because I like to help people." A stronger statement would include a specific example of volunteer work you performed, and how that experience influenced your decision to enter this field -- this will convey genuine enthusiasm and motivation.
Emphasize that the information you are providing demonstrates your potential for this kind of advanced study (just as you must do in a job search, don't forget to "sell your skills").
Follow instructions! Answer the question, and all parts of each question, put forth.
If necessary, explain or address any discrepancies or perceived weaknesses in your record.
Proofread, proofread, proofread! Be sure to have a counselor in Career Services, advisers, and others read your essays.