Personal Statements

[NYCPsych]

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any books anyone recommends on writing the personal statement (ideally w/ examples?) or, just take the insider's & APA advice? i know there are general grad school books on essays, but didn't find any focusing on psych applications.
suggestions are appreciated 🙂

 

[irish80122]

Hmmm, not that I know of but I would just go off of what they say in the insiders guide and things like that. If you would like to look at my statement shoot me a PM...I am not saying it is the best out there but it got me where I wanted to go.

 

[Thor2211]

I will also share my statement if you want to take a look at it. Not to be conceited, but I think it is very good. Afterall, it took me 2 years to write and get in somewhere. Send me a PM with your email address if interested.

 

[psychwanabe]

I found Peterson's "Perfect Personal Statements" to be helpful in getting me started. I also went to this website http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/pw/p_perstate.html
and I got some info from Psi Chi at http://www.psichi.org/search.asp

Hope this is helpful!

Sorry, I thought the url I posted would list what I had searched but I just checked it and it doesn't. Search "Statement of Purpose" and you'll get a list of documents that might be helpful.

 

[Ollie123]

I'd give you mine, but I don't think it was anything special and only got interviews at 3/13. You're probably better off taking statements from these folks🙂

The only advice I got is to avoid "fluff" and just be straightforward when applying to research-oriented schools, whereas practice-oriented schools are okay with it being a little more personal and "creative" if you will. Makes sense given the training goals of each. I can't vouch for the truth of the above, but it WAS told to me by 3 different professors so its at least true for them🙂

If you've got the guts to do it, you're welcome to use my idea that I never got around to implementing of writing an empirical research paper on why ____ (insert long-shot school - mine was Yale) should accept you, and using that as your PS.

 

[blindblonde]

Yeah, I just used Insider's Guide's tips to write mine. Ollie is right about the fluff--it is better to be to the point if you can. Just make sure it isn't just repeating your CV either. Write and re-write it--it took me from July to November to sort out my statements, tweaking it and then adapting it to each school.

good luck!

 

[NYCPsych]

thanks everyone!! yes, i totally agree re: to-the-point essay, but not repeating CV, etc etc. i'm glad i'm starting to think about it now... gives a few months to really get some good drafts in.

 

[amy203]

I used Graduate Admissions Essays: Write Your Way into the Graduate School of Your Choice by Donald Asher.

It's not specific to psychology (I remember not actually liking the psychology essays included - the physical science ones are better), but it has lots of sample essays and gives some good advice, particularly on how you can use your personal statement to provide information that doesn't seem to fit anywhere else in your app (good if you've been out of school for awhile).

 

[JockNerd]

This is a little off, but I very strongly recommend that PS writers pick up and read The Elements of Style by Strunk (or Strunk and White if you get a later edition). It's VERY short--you should be able to read it in a week, if not a day--and I think its an invaluable tool. When I worked as a writing tutor it was the first resource I recommended to tutees after they got the grasp of basic grammar. Nearly all nonprofessional writers are in dire need of tightening up and strengthening their writing.

 

[blindblonde]

This is a little off, but I very strongly recommend that PS writers pick up and read The Elements of Style by Strunk (or Strunk and White if you get a later edition). It's VERY short--you should be able to read it in a week, if not a day--and I think its an invaluable tool. When I worked as a writing tutor it was the first resource I recommended to tutees after they got the grasp of basic grammar. Nearly all nonprofessional writers are in dire need of tightening up and strengthening their writing.

I haven't checked out that book, but it is a good point of bulking up your skills. I worked in my school's writing center for a year and we would have weekly meetings and would occasionally get into discussions about grammar. We all learned grammar in different ways and everyone has holes or learned different styles. Here is a mundane example. When listing objects of 3 or more, most people do this: one, two, and three. Others learned to drop the last comma (one, two and three). Just stuff like that is interesting to look up again and learn special rules.

I would also recommend that you have professors in your departent read over it. They have a good idea what is necessary for a psych personal statement and can guide you in the write direction if needed. That's the only bit of advice I'll ad to my previous one from above.

 

[ducle7]

Hello,
I'm applying to Clinical PhD programs this year--which is why I've been reading this forum daily! I am about to start writing my PS and I was wondering if people would still be willing to send out your PS to me? If you are, please feel free to remove identifiers.

Thanks!

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

Hello,
I'm applying to Clinical PhD programs this year--which is why I've been reading this forum daily! I am about to start writing my PS and I was wondering if people would still be willing to send out your PS to me? If you are, please feel free to remove identifiers.

Thanks!

*mod note*

At SDN, we strongly discourage student from sending their personal statements to other users. If you would like feedback on your Personal Statement, you can post to see if people are willing to provide feedback on what you have written.

-t

 

[Thor2211]

Why do you strongly discourage people sending their personal statements to others?

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

Why do you strongly discourage people sending their personal statements to others?

We want to ensure that people write their own original work, and don't crib off of others. There are a number of good books out there that can speak to what belongs in a PS and how to structure it, so that should offer a good place to start.

Once the person has a draft, they are more than welcome to ask for feedback, but I think it is important that they use their 'voice' in writing it, since that is more representative of who they, which is the most important aspect of the PS.

-t

 

[Thor2211]

I guess it is too late at this point since I have shared my personal statement with many people before I realized that it was discouraged. I guess if someone tries to copy my PM, they might be taking the risk of someone else submitting the same one. Good luck to everybody going through the application process for 2008!

 

[CheetahGirl]

I guess if someone tries to copy my PM, they might be taking the risk of someone else submitting the same one.

Yes. It would be amusing to see several versions of Thor's personal statements submitted to one school. One sure way NOT to get an interview.

Not to say anyone was thinking of this, but it is bad form to copy any work that is not referenced (i.e. you must cite: Thor, 2007). If you do not have issues with plagiarism and cheating, you should reconsider applying to a doctoral program. A major component to being a good clinician and researcher is your ethical judgment, which continues to soundly develop throughout your training. A personal statement is small change compared to the original work you must pump out as a graduate student.

Nonetheless, personal statements are tough. Delve deeply into how you arrived at your decision to enter into this field, cite specific examples, and keep it interesting. Remember: admission committees sift through hundreds of personal statements. Make the first statement powerful and hold on to your reader.

 

[irish80122]

I also have already shared mine but I will reconsider doing so for those other than the people I just promised it too, because that would not be good form. Then again, my specialty is so specific and there are so few people who want to do my research I am not too worried about people using my statement. You also could ask which schools the applicant is applying to and not send that statement if you are worried about it. Anyway, so after the people that I promised I would help, I won't send mine out anymore to respect board rules, but I feel like I need to do the two I promised.

 

[spillsomepaint]

can anyone give any opinions on general adivce (as in not books, but personal experiences with personal statements). I am about to write all of mine up and am unsure where to focus them. I'm not sure just how 'personal' to make them. I have a twin sister who went through some pretty serious mental health issues when we were younger, and was institutionalized. This innately has influnenced the type of person I am and how I think and approach things. Now this isn't reason #1 of why I am studying psychology, but it sure is important. I ended up going to college, studying painting and minoring in psych. I planned on getting my MA in art therapy. About halfway through, I was bored to tears, and realized 1. I was afriad of actual studying a science because I thought I wasn't smart enough, and 2. As much as I love painting, I was not being intellectually stimulated at all. I am the type of person who is always reading 5 books, is holding study sessions for classes, tutors etc. And when finals week came my sophmore year and I realized the only reason I was in the library was to check out books. This sparked it for me. That I craved critical thinking and needed a challenge. So I switched majors, took math and bio and all the stat classes I was so afriad of (and ended up loving stat) and I received a 4.0 every semester since the switch. I'm also a minority and a first genertion american, my father being born in cuba and working his way up and through med school.

Okay so that's my short personal history. But do you see what I mean. I'm all over the place as to what to write about and what to include. Or is all of this stuff too personal? Should I soley just write about my reasearch interests and clinical hopes? Remember, I applied to art schools for undergrad, so I've literally never written more than a paragraph of a personal statement. Any pointers would seriously be gratfully appreciated.

 

[socialcog]

I'm not sure just how 'personal' to make them. I have a twin sister who went through some pretty serious mental health issues when we were younger, and was institutionalized. This innately has influnenced the type of person I am and how I think and approach things.

I am applying for the Fall of '08. This was something that I took very seriously. It sounds like you have a very interesting background and my sense is that, if you package it well, will pay huge dividends during the application process. I have been told repeatedly to refrain on sharing your own or a family member's mental health history. If you feel that you must include it, then it should conveyed it dispassionately yet should illustrate how formative it was to you and your pursuits.

I keep hearing about how you should "avoid fluff". Be direct and concise. Your audience will most likely be a bunch of scientists -- so keep that in mind.

 

[Ollie123]

I was also expressly told to never include information about personal/family/friend illness. Some people do get accepted doing so, but I think you're taking a chance in doing so. If you can avoid it, its probably for the best.

 

[KillerDiller]

I ended up going to college, studying painting and minoring in psych. I planned on getting my MA in art therapy. About halfway through, I was bored to tears, and realized 1. I was afriad of actual studying a science because I thought I wasn't smart enough, and 2. As much as I love painting, I was not being intellectually stimulated at all.

As someone who also switched from a more artsy field to psychology, I can empathize. Definitely mention your background in art, but instead of framing it in the context of why painting wasn't your thing and why it couldn't give you what you wanted, tell the reader why psych is what you want to pursue and what it can provide you. If you can, try to also hint that your unconventional major has allowed you to develop a unique perspective with which to approach your research, clinical work, etc.

 

[neuronerd1]

I have my PS from last year that I thought was good but I didn't end up getting in. I wonder if it's because of my PS? I would love some feedback from someone who did get in. It's short - less than 2 pages. I am happy to proof-read in return. PM me. Thanks.

 

[spillsomepaint]

i know their were a couple of offers for proofing personal statements, but I was wondering if someone would actually like to help me with it. I can just post it on the board if nobody minds? Is this allowed?

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

THIS link may be helpful for people working on their personal statements; it is from the mentor's forum, and it looks to have some good advice in it. I just skimmed the thread quickly, but it might be worth checking out, depending on what stage you are at in writing your PS.

-t

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

I did a quick search for "personal statements", and a bunch of good stuff came up. Here are a couple posts that seemed useful (not psych related, but it will give you a place to start):

TheRetinator.................................................08-18-2003, 09:57 AM


You have one page with which to summarize yourself for your interviewers. I was given the following guideline, and it seemed to be helpful for me last year:

1.You should include a BRIEF summary of how you came to your decision to be an ophthalmologist (life experiences, former careers, etc., etc.)

2. You should include a little about what you are doing now.

3. The largest part of your statement should describe WHERE YOU WANT TO GO WITH YOUR CAREER IN THE FUTURE (and why).

4. The length of these relative divisions: Future>Present>Past. This is easier said than done.

5. You should include things that are unique or interesting about yourself (hobbies, careers, etc.). You don't want to appear exactly the same as the other applicants.

6. Interviewers actually read these statements, so please do not include things in your application with which you are not very familiar. Don't pad for the sake of padding. You WILL be asked about unique and interesting things if you put them in your statment. For example, I was asked many detailed questions about my scuba diving activities (one of my interviewers was an avid diver.)

7. There is no exact formula, so you must tailor your statement for you and and your personal situation.

8. Good luck. The first paragraph is the hardest. The rest is downhill. I'm sure that there are many other opinions on this topic out there.

FoughtFyr..................................04-30-2004, 09:42 AM



When I served on an ADCOM at an allo school where all the interviewer had in front of them was the PS (blinded to the file during and before the interview), I was told that a "good" PS should answer two questions. First, can the writer "make it" through the program? Second, if they can, why would we want to admit them?

Generally the "I've wanted to be a doctor since I was three years old. This choice was solidified when my 1)grandmother, 2)father, or 3)pet snake got sick. The people who cared for them were amazing, and I want to be like them" statements got trashed. Why? Glad you asked. They answer nothing about the applicants capacity. Everyone undergoing the long process of applying (especially re-applicants) wants to be a doctor. Re-applying means you want it badly. So we always felt that was a given. Everyone has a story about where that desire comes from, and they all sound the same.

The best personal statements focused on unique traits of the writer. One that I remember well was written by a bagpiper. He wrote about first practicing the bagpipes and how he was so bad everyone begged him to stop. Then as he improved, people liked to hear him play, but few understood why he chose to. Except other bagpipers. He linked that to medicine (briefly), stating how the hard the learning would be, and how when you are finished people enjoy that you are a doctor, but few understand what that means. He ended with a great paragraph explaining how his mother made him study all about Scotland to "prove" he was serious in his desire to learn the bagpipes. He briefly recounted his academic record (to "prove" he was serious in his desire to learn medicine) and asked the reader for permission. He got in. And no, that was not my PS, I still remember reading it two years later though.

That example answers the two questions I describe above. I suggest that any applicant have a similar focus. As reapplicant, most have done something with their "off-year". Use that, use your hat collection, use your pet turtle but please, use some device to prove you can make it through and are "interesting enough" to admit.

If anyone would like, I would be happy to read PSs, but I warn you, I am fairly brutal in my reviews. Feel free to pm me...

- H

Okay, I need to finish my write-up, I gotta do a lecture tomorrow on this stuff, and it isn't writing itself! (unfortunately)

-t

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

i know their were a couple of offers for proofing personal statements, but I was wondering if someone would actually like to help me with it. I can just post it on the board if nobody minds? Is this allowed?

It is probably best to ask people to PM you if they are interested in helping.

Check out the post above with the general suggestions, and also the thread in the mentor forum....both should be helpful.

-t

 

[psi123]

I was also expressly told to never include information about personal/family/friend illness. Some people do get accepted doing so, but I think you're taking a chance in doing so. If you can avoid it, its probably for the best.

Can somebody please explain why this is the case? I know a child with autism who plays a pretty big role in my decision to become a clinical psychologist, i have other reasons too, but why is it that people suggest avoiding these aspects of your life so much when it can actually be the answer to the big "why" question? Is it bad to even mention it briefly? i feel that my ps won't be an accurate reflection of my true interests and intentions if I don't mention this part...

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

Because there can be a stigma about people going into this to heal themselves, save the world, etc. These reasons tend to open up a can of worms. If something is important to your decision, then just be careful how you talk about it.

-t

 

[JockNerd]

T4C is right--a lot of the time talking about personal or family histories with problems in mental functioning reads as "I'm exceptionally able to deal with this problem in clinic/research because of my personal history" or "anyone without this exposure wouldn't be capable or understanding it" or "my history makes my past accomplishments all the more significant, so my application should be favored on those grounds."

 

[socialcog]

I have read everywhere to exclude any mention in the PS of personal or family members with psych issues as emotional motivators to graduate study. However, to exclude such a life changing seminal event may be simply dishonest. If you feel you must include it, you have to be very careful--I belief there is a way to do this without sounding as if you are trying to 'heal yourself'.

Speak about it dispassionately. Do not make this an emotional statement. Talk about how your personal experiences with this autistic child were formative in your decisions and goals. Do not make a desperate plea to save the autism population with your amazing research.

I was in a similar boat. I read everywhere to exclude it and was seriously conflicted. It wasn't until a close colleague instructed me that to excluded that part of me would not justly represent me as a prospect. I had to find a way to include it but not sound like a nutcase in the process. I think it works.

good luck.