person statement

[reluctantPhd01]

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I am new to the board as a registered applicant, though I have been reading for quite some time--great posts. Would anyone be willing to share a personal statement they used for applications? I've been writing endlessly for the past month or so (for Fall 2011 applications) and just haven't got a sense of how to balance this whole self-promotion thing....would anyone be willing to share?

 

[paramour]

I'm not too sure how many people are going to be willing to send their personal statements (without knowing you personally, or knowing you better) on the chance that they may be copied for your own use. Not to say that this is what you would do, but again, people don't know you (or perhaps I'm simply paranoid, and others are more open to this sort of thing). There are typically places online that you can find sample statements, and there are books with sample statements if you're looking for assistance with your writing. You may also ask for assistance from students in your lab (if you work in one), as well as your faculty advisors/mentors (usually highly recommended). If you don't have anyone to help you right this moment, you have plenty of time to find someone as the next application cycle is quite some time away.

G'luck with the process!

 

[reluctantPhd01]

I definitely won't be copying any statements, as I want them to totally reflect my interests and background. How could someone copy a personal statement, given that these things would be very much based in personal details that are likely not consistent from person to person?

I looked at one from a graduate student in my lab, but wanted a bit more variety.

If anyone would be willing to share one or two, I'd be very thankful!

 

[roubs]

How could someone copy a personal statement, given that these things would be very much based in personal details that are likely not consistent from person to person?

By using cut and paste?

I think the best strategy is to get a statement out in your voice and then use your resources to edit it by asking for (and being ready to accept) blunt but constructive feedback.

Don't worry about producing a polished statement in your first draft, just start writing something.

 

[paramour]

How could someone copy a personal statement, given that these things would be very much based in personal details that are likely not consistent from person to person?

By using cut and paste?

I think the best strategy is to get a statement out in your voice and then use your resources to edit it by asking for (and being ready to accept) blunt but constructive feedback.

Don't worry about producing a polished statement in your first draft, just start writing something.

+1. Very easily. Cut + Paste. Change a few details here and there. Throw in some synonyms; maybe reword a few sentences. VOILA! You have a whole "new" statement.

Or, in some folks' case, there is no "new" statement; plug in your experience in the pertinent places and submit as is. It happens, and unfortunately for some of those poor souls, they were submitted at programs where the statement was previously submitted and remembered, the statement was submitted by another statement the same year and remembered, or portions of the statement were from a prep book aaaand remembered.

As roubs suggested, just write using YOUR style in YOUR voice. Do as much as you can with what you have at this point, and then start asking for assistance with editing. Find someone, if not multiple someones, you can trust to help you with the revision process. It's going to take multiple drafts, but you have plenty of time, so you're a step ahead. 🙂

 

[PsychScience]

I am new to the board as a registered applicant, though I have been reading for quite some time--great posts. Would anyone be willing to share a personal statement they used for applications? I've been writing endlessly for the past month or so (for Fall 2011 applications) and just haven't got a sense of how to balance this whole self-promotion thing....would anyone be willing to share?

I can definitely understand where you are coming from, writing personal statements can be a beast. People put a ton of time and energy into these things (and it sounds like you have already done the same thing!) However, as other people have stated, unfortunately, people have misused resources like this in the past so it is generally not a good idea to share your PS unless it is someone you know well and trust. This is not to say you are not worthy of trust, just that people are protective of their PS (and rightly so!).

There are some other great resources that exist to help you though:

You could try, Graduate Admissions Essays: write your way into the graduate school of your choice, if you are specifically interested in getting samples of things to do/ not to do. But the staple guide to getting into clinical psychology programs (i.e. Getting in: a step by step plan for gaining admission to graduate school in psychology or the insiders guide) also have tips about what to do that are really helpful.

Dr. Prinstein also some helpful tips here: http://www.unc.edu/~mjp1970/Mitch%27s%20Grad%20School%20Advice.pdf.

Good luck!