Personal statements

[BorntoRun]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I think most people who haven't submitted their Dec. 1/Dec. 15th applications yet (still a lot of us!) are being held up by Personal Statements. So as not to hijack the 'vent' thread or some of the other specific-question threads, I thought it might be good to create one for personal statement related issues, questions, & advice.

I've got one to kick it off, if anyone feels like sharing some advice:

One of the schools to which I'm applying really wants to see that you have focused and specific research interests. There are two professors in the program with whom I'd be interested in working, but they do fairly different kinds of research. I feel like my 'odds are better' with one professor (the other probably isn't taking students, but might), but I don't want to miss out on the chance of working with Professor #2 if he does decide to take a student.
So, in this highly-specific personal statement, should I admit to being interested in ::gasp:: two different areas of inquiry? Should I try to integrate the two in some way into one area of interest that either professor could advise? (I would honestly be happy doing either once I got there.) Or should I focus my efforts on the professor with whom I have the best chance (despite already having contacted Professor #2)?

Haha... I'm a mess. A highly caffeinated mess. 🙂 But input would be appreciated- and other PS questions as well!

 

[spillsomepaint]

I personally don't see anything wrong with have two very different research interests, as long as you don't realistically expect to study both at the same time. With that being said, I think that unless you can write an amazingly eloquent PS that intertwines both, I would go with the research interests that you enjoy but have a better chance of getting in with. If one of your potential professors isn't even sure he's taking someone , I wouldn't risk just focusing on that. just my 2 cents : )

on another topic: I think i finally finished my PS. like completely dunzo..I'm not sure if it's because it's great, or because I can't fathom thinking about any more changes. If someone wanted to trade PS for read-throughaI'd totally be up for it.

 

[BorntoRun]

congrats on finishing! Because of the surprisingly varied PS requirements for the schools I'm applying to, I've had to write several from the ground-up rather than modifying a basic, which has been pretty time consuming (and stressful!). so, I've submitted some, but am still struggling with others. If you haven't sent yours off already, I'd be happy to do a swap sometime tomorrow (once I think mine are tolerable enough to share)- provided we're not applying to the same schools! (that could be a ::tiny:: conflict of interest). PM me if you're interested 🙂

 

[socialcog]

One of the schools to which I'm applying really wants to see that you have focused and specific research interests. There are two professors in the program with whom I'd be interested in working, but they do fairly different kinds of research. I feel like my 'odds are better' with one professor (the other probably isn't taking students, but might), but I don't want to miss out on the chance of working with Professor #2 if he does decide to take a student.
So, in this highly-specific personal statement, should I admit to being interested in ::gasp:: two different areas of inquiry? Should I try to integrate the two in some way into one area of interest that either professor could advise? (I would honestly be happy doing either once I got there.) Or should I focus my efforts on the professor with whom I have the best chance (despite already having contacted Professor

I did this very thing. I have somewhat bifurcated interests and I mentioned both and a reason why. However, I do not think this is advisable. Everyone has told me that a 'clear and well-defined' research focus is crucial. Not that the 2 are mutually exclusive. If you can accomplish this while integrating your 2 areas of interests in your statement...well, I say go for it!

Shifting a bit....

Funny thing about my statement of purpose, I spent months working on it with literally 15 revisions and 3 readers. On my personal history statement (a very different kind of essay), I spent 2 days with one revision and NO readers. My personal history statement is better than my statement of purpose.

 

[ducle7]

I am about 150 words under the limit for one of my PS's...do you think I should purposely try to lengthen it? My inclination is that people will be more happy to read something that's succinct vs a padded statement.

 

[deleted176373]

As to Ducle7's question, I would try to scare up another 100 words. I did send a few short ones in, but always tried to be within 50 or so words of the goal. They are not going to sit there and count the words if the statement is well written, but if it's obviously way short they probably will notice. Once again though it's the quality more than the quantity.

Regarding multiple interests, the school I ended up going to (along with some others that I interviewed at) had essays with multiple interests in VERY divergent area's. Sexual dysfunction and chronic pain are not even in the same ballpark. You have to be careful in wording your essays, it may have decreased my chances at some schools, but overall did not seem to hurt.

In this case you state that professor A is taking students and professor B is not. I would strongly word my essay towards professor A. Especially since they have indicated a strong preference for focused research interests. I might, if I were feeling brave, note that I had an interest in professor B's work as well. However keep the primary focus on the professor taking the student. Remember, if you get the interview, you can get an audience with the other professor and explain to them in person how you might like to collaborate with them in the future.

I am so glad this process is over for me!!! Good luck.

 

[psychwanabe]

I am about 150 words under the limit for one of my PS's...do you think I should purposely try to lengthen it? My inclination is that people will be more happy to read something that's succinct vs a padded statement.

I have to disagree with Mark. If you have said everything you should/want to say about yourself, and covered all the areas your school has requested, let it be. Let's face it: parsimony is one of the essential tools to research writing. It's a true gift!

 

[JockNerd]

I have to disagree with Mark. If you have said everything you should/want to say about yourself, and covered all the areas your school has requested, let it be. Let's face it: parsimony is one of the essential tools to research writing. It's a true gift!

I'd say it depends on the overall length. If Ducle is missing 150 of 500 words... yikes! Write more! If it's 150/1500, then I agree with you, psychwanna; don't add unnecessary stuff. It'll probably take away from the essay.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

I have to disagree with Mark. If you have said everything you should/want to say about yourself, and covered all the areas your school has requested, let it be. Let's face it: parsimony is one of the essential tools to research writing. It's a true gift!

Being able to be clear and concise is definitely an advantage (many profs harp on this....including most of my profs). People don't remember word length, they remember content. Being that the people who rate your app are many of the same people, I wouldn't sweat being a bit short, as long as you clearly conveyed your message and highlighted your strengths, etc.

-t

 

[deleted176373]

I have to disagree with Mark. If you have said everything you should/want to say about yourself, and covered all the areas your school has requested, let it be. Let's face it: parsimony is one of the essential tools to research writing. It's a true gift!

What are you disagreeing with?

I did say that they were not going to count words and that quality was more important than quantity. However, I believe, it's likely that he could scare up another 100 important words about himself and the career he is about to embark on.

Mark

PS - My assumption was on a standard 500 word essay.

 

[psychwanabe]

As to Ducle7's question, I would try to scare up another 100 words. I did send a few short ones in, but always tried to be within 50 or so words of the goal. They are not going to sit there and count the words if the statement is well written, but if it's obviously way short they probably will notice. Once again though it's the quality more than the quantity.

What are you disagreeing with?

What I disagreed with was the phrase "scare up another 100 words." I don't think words should be there just to fill the space. As I stated to the OP, if everything can be said well in 100 words less than required, then so much the better.

I didn't even consider the required length of the PS. Quite frankly some people are much better at being succinct than others, and maybe the OP is one of them! Lucky for him/her...I am NOT good at being succinct. Verbose is my middle name. 🙄

 

[JockNerd]

PS - My assumption was on a standard 500 word essay.

500 words seemed to be the standard at the places you applied? Yipes! I only had to write two essays that short (and one that was shorter!). I can see why you suggested writing more if that was the length you assumed. I don't think a human can write a 350-word personal statement, though, so I'm guessing that ducle's PS was 1500 or 2000 words.

 

[bookworm06]

I don't think there really is a solid "standard". My "use for most schools" essays is about 1200 words, and the ones that ask for other lengths (eg., 500 words, one page, 300-500 words) get a separate essay.

 

[deleted176373]

500 words seemed to be the standard at the places you applied? Yipes! I only had to write two essays that short (and one that was shorter!). I can see why you suggested writing more if that was the length you assumed. I don't think a human can write a 350-word personal statement, though, so I'm guessing that ducle's PS was 1500 or 2000 words.

Actually it was almost always under 1000 words.

I think most of mine were written in around the neighborhood of 650 words. Some schools asked for 1 page, others asked for 500-1000 words, and others have specific limits like no more than 600 words. I think I generalized a little too much in the previous post by stating "standard 500 word essay" there is nothing standard in these apps!!!

Mark

 

[kestrelcry]

Here's just a general thing on writing personal statements. I went through all my schools and copied and pasted their personal statement requirements into one document. Then I went through and made a list of all the subjects asked for in all those guideline, such as, research experience, professional goals, etc. That way I could write an 'essay-part' for each subject; go through the requirement for each program and take all the 'parts' that pertain to that program; copy and paste 'em together, and do the appropriate tailoring for each one. Much better than having to start all over again with each school or writing one personal statement for one school and revamping that particular one for the next and that one for the next, etc, and risk leaving something out, or in, that shouldn't be left.
And also, bah humbug on this whole process - I'm really bloody sick of it.

 

[ducle7]

Wow, what a debate I sparked! Thanks your opinions have been very helpful. I'm definitely one of those succinct writers... and the prompt suggested 1000-1500 words.

 

[psychwanabe]

Wow, what a debate I sparked! Thanks your opinions have been very helpful. I'm definitely one of those succinct writers... and the prompt suggested 1000-1500 words.

It doesn't take much to get us into a spirited debate!

I don't envy ya'll having to work on PS's and all the application boo-ha. I know I'll be up for it again in a few years when it's time for internship, but for now I am happy to be a bystander!

 

[deleted176373]

It doesn't take much to get us into a spirited debate!

I don't envy ya'll having to work on PS's and all the application boo-ha. I know I'll be up for it again in a few years when it's time for internship, but for now I am happy to be a bystander!

Really! 😀 It's all good. I will retract what I said, if you are at 850 words and just can't make it to 1000, yes, I would just ship that sucker. Don't pad it with B.S., on the other hand... at 350/500 words... you just haven't said enough.

Mark

 

[akanesuha87]

I guess this is a little late to ask because I am sending my statements out as I speak...but is it really faux pas to address 2 different faculty in your statement of purpose?

The only reason why I assumed that this would be acceptable is because each school usually requires me to answer my top 3 choices of faculty on some other portion of the application. I thought that I would address the reason why I want to work with each professor in my essay.

Is this less than acceptable?

 

[socialcog]

I guess this is a little late to ask because I am sending my statements out as I speak...but is it really faux pas to address 2 different faculty in your statement of purpose?

The only reason why I assumed that this would be acceptable is because each school usually requires me to answer my top 3 choices of faculty on some other portion of the application. I thought that I would address the reason why I want to work with each professor in my essay.

Is this less than acceptable?

In my PS, I addressed 2, sometimes 3, faculty as possible matches. It was important to explain how each matched my interestes as each lab has (at least) a slightly different bent on what they research. For example, in Emotion science some labs focus on emotion regulation, while others will focus on emotions and working memory, while another might examine close relationships, attachment style and the role affect regulation mitigates/stimulates autonomic reactivity.

 

[psychwanabe]

I guess this is a little late to ask because I am sending my statements out as I speak...but is it really faux pas to address 2 different faculty in your statement of purpose?

The only reason why I assumed that this would be acceptable is because each school usually requires me to answer my top 3 choices of faculty on some other portion of the application. I thought that I would address the reason why I want to work with each professor in my essay.

Is this less than acceptable?

Not at all! There were several times I did this. Often there are two or more faculty with whom you share interest and it's best to identify with both to increase your chances of an interview! Good luck!!

 

[JockNerd]

I guess this is a little late to ask because I am sending my statements out as I speak...but is it really faux pas to address 2 different faculty in your statement of purpose?

The only reason why I assumed that this would be acceptable is because each school usually requires me to answer my top 3 choices of faculty on some other portion of the application. I thought that I would address the reason why I want to work with each professor in my essay.

Is this less than acceptable?

There was a thread on this a while back. The Insider's Guide says not to do it but doesn't explain why (Looks like you're unfocused? Seems duplicitous to the profs? Beat me). I've heard from faculty as well that it can look bad, but I've never heard why.

 

[deleted176373]

I guess this is a little late to ask because I am sending my statements out as I speak...but is it really faux pas to address 2 different faculty in your statement of purpose?

The only reason why I assumed that this would be acceptable is because each school usually requires me to answer my top 3 choices of faculty on some other portion of the application. I thought that I would address the reason why I want to work with each professor in my essay.

Is this less than acceptable?

I did multiple times. I think it's expected, and yes, I got interviews from programs that I did and programs that I did not identify multiple faculty. It's especially relevant if two faculty share very similar research interests. The key is to appear focused, for instance explain that you have two equally viable interest areas and how they can shape your future career. For example as a military psychologist interested in chronic pain and sexual dysfunction, I cited the need for psychologists in the under-served area of sexual assault and the need for psychologists who understood pain suffered by service members injured in combat. All of a sudden the two interest areas seem relevant given my future plans which are very focused in becoming a military psychologist.

Mark

 

[akanesuha87]

thanks for the responses. I am not totally naive. I reference more than one professor if my interest in working with 2+ is genuine. Lucky for me, they often have a publication together or work on a joint project. For other schools, I kept it simple and only discussed the faculty member who I would most like to work with in the bunch.

One more question:
Although you address a specific professor, can another professor pick you up anyway? or is it "convince or die" for the person who you address in your statement?

good luck to you guys too.

 

[kestrelcry]

Going back to word count for a moment - for a 'typed statement of less than 1000 words' that then asks you to address appoximately 50 hundred things. How many words over that do you think I can get away with without pissing the readers off excessively? Taking into consideration that they want it submitted in hard copy, which makes it less easy to know the exact numbers. Particularly, if, just say for example, my margins are just the wee itsiest bit smaller than usual. Not a visible difference in of itself, but it sure shortened things up! 🙄 Juvenile tactics I know, but at this point - I'm willing to resort to whatever it takes. Nice admssions people, want some chocolate? 😀

 

[deleted176373]

Going back to word count for a moment - for a 'typed statement of less than 1000 words' that then asks you to address appoximately 50 hundred things. How many words over that do you think I can get away with without pissing the readers off excessively? Taking into consideration that they want it submitted in hard copy, which makes it less easy to know the exact numbers. Particularly, if, just say for example, my margins are just the wee itsiest bit smaller than usual. Not a visible difference in of itself, but it sure shortened things up! 🙄 Juvenile tactics I know, but at this point - I'm willing to resort to whatever it takes. Nice admssions people, want some chocolate? 😀

As long as it's communicating what is important and stays on point. Don't worry if you go over. I would say 10-15% over you can probably sneak under the radar. The key is to have an exceptionally well written essay that aims to meet the criteria they set forth. Especially on a non-digital submission. If you are going to go over, just make sure it's interesting and relevant!

Mark

 

[yikes]

what do you do when there is no world limit. i've heard over 1000 is too long, but i'm wondering what others think.
thanks.

 

[psychwanabe]

what do you do when there is no world limit. i've heard over 1000 is too long, but i'm wondering what others think.
thanks.

I would stay pretty close to a two page (double spaced) limit. That seems to be the standard.

 

[kestrelcry]

Argh. I am seriously failing at getting mine done to anything even remotely close to suggested lengths. Are there any kind souls here good at the trimming-down kind of editing and willing to peek at a statement?

 

[spillsomepaint]

Argh. I am seriously failing at getting mine done to anything even remotely close to suggested lengths. Are there any kind souls here good at the trimming-down kind of editing and willing to peek at a statement?

I'll look at it if you'd like. I had to cut down mine in length for some of the schools I applied to, so I might be able to help. PM me for my email.

 

[PhDshallsee]

Well, three of deadlines are the beginning of January, and I'm one application down, two to go.

Except, I'm really stuck on what this personal statement is asking me. The prompt asks me to discuss "areas of interest", plans for development, and thesis/dissertation possible topics. It lists them in that order.

What on earth falls under "plans for development"--developing what?!

 

[kestrelcry]

I'll look at it if you'd like. I had to cut down mine in length for some of the schools I applied to, so I might be able to help. PM me for my email.

Awesome, thank you very much! Off to PM.

 

[JockNerd]

For trimming (primarily because I already said I'd look at someone's writing and don't intend to extend any more offers):

Strunk! The elements of style! Read it, and omit unnecessary words!!

http://www.bartleby.com/141/

Here's a free, complete, online copy. It's only about 70 pages long, and it's the best thing you can do for your PS.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

Most people who run long have loose wording and underdeveloped / unorganized thoughts. Writing incorporates both skill and art.....and often times one is over-represented. Definitely look to combine sentences and cut words.

-t

 

[Whats up Doc]

I'm new to this, so any help would be greatly appreciated.

I have a few applications which - in addition to the PS - offer an optional statement that asks you to provide additional information. One such prompt: "Is there any additional information you would like to add which has not already been covered elsewhere in this application?" Another says: "Please add any additional information you would like us to know."

I don't want to leave this blank, but I'm not exactly sure of what to put here. I've already expressed my interest in the program, my specific research interests, and my POI's, so what could I add?

Thanks.

 

[JockNerd]

I'm new to this, so any help would be greatly appreciated.

I have a few applications which - in addition to the PS - offer an optional statement that asks you to provide additional information. One such prompt: "Is there any additional information you would like to add which has not already been covered elsewhere in this application?" Another says: "Please add any additional information you would like us to know."

I don't want to leave this blank, but I'm not exactly sure of what to put here. I've already expressed my interest in the program, my specific research interests, and my POI's, so what could I add?

Thanks.

I think that's primarily an invitation to explain things like gaps in your education or a poor semester due to a medical/family issue or such.

 

[Whats up Doc]

That's what I figured. But, if I don't have any specific blemishes to explain, should I leave it blank?

 

[WaitingKills]

K, permission to bitch?

Granted.

Fantastic...

Ok.. I'm working on a PS right now and it is asking for:

My interests in psychology
preparation for graduate study
professional experience
previous or current research and applied activities
refer to relevant abstracts/papers
indicate specific interests in the program
Prof's I want to work with...

In 500 bloody words! I've done PS's before but not this much info in 500 words. I'm confident in my writing abilities and am a good writer. I've been as to the point as I can be and am already at 615 words and still have 2 sections to go. I really hate this crap. Off to the chopping block it goes...

PS. My dad said I should just do the whole thing in point form, I thought that was hillarious.

 

[blindchaos]

Ouch...that does not sound fun! One of my applications asked me to list my research interests, what profs I want to work with, what their research orientation is, and why I want to work with them. In two sentences. I try to be very careful to avoid run-on sentences but boy were those two sentences long! 😛