Personal Statements

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Write on target.We can even answer rhetorical questions.

458-1455writingcenter.tamu.edu

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Personal Statements

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Personal statements help graduate school admissions committees and potential employers learn about who you are to see if you are a good fit for their program.

http://www.docstoc.com/docs/3733094/personal-statement-examples-graphic-design

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The Steps to Writing1. Follow

directions.2. Tell the truth.3. Consider your

audience.4. Revise and

proofread. 5. The burden of

proof is on the writer.

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Identify the Following Personal Statements

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Personal Statement #1

When the old knight asked me which cup was the Holy Grail, and knowing that in order to save my father I had to answer correctly, I knew that there were more important things than money and fame. I realized my courage and life experiences could be really valuable in the classroom, and that’s why I have decided to return to teaching.

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Highlights from #1

Tells a story

Uses some general information, but not too much

Is unique to the story teller

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Personal Statement #2

I have worked as the assistant manager at Strickland Propane for about fifteen years now. Working with propane and propane accessories has changed my life; I even taught my son, Bobby, all I know about propane.

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Highlights from #2

Gives personal experience relevant to the hiring

Maintains a somewhat personal touch

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Personal Statement #3

When faced with the compromise of liberty, the best a human can do is to confront the oppressor and retain hope that happiness and justice will prevail. I possess, among all things, the power to hope that can be beneficial in any situation.

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Whoops! #3 is . . .

Way too general

Generic

Forgettable

And a little boastful

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Let’s Do an Exercise

You don’t have to stand up. It’s not that type of exercise.

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Pick a quality that a future employer or scholarship committee would appreciate.

Compassion ResourcefulnessFriendliness IngenuityImagination PersistenceThriftiness Persuasiveness

Now write a short anecdote showing that quality. (Or another you think of.)

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What Do I Take Away From This?

Make hiring and admissions committee members relate to you as a person. Don’t leave the photo blank.

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