How to Write a Personal Statement for Grad School | Applying to PhD & Masters Programs

Summary

In this insightful video, Kayn, a third-year PhD student at Yale and founder of Accepted Consulting, shares invaluable tips for writing a compelling personal statement for graduate school. Emphasizing the importance of a strong personal anecdote, relevant background, and specific reasons for choosing a program, she provides a clear structure for crafting impactful narratives. Kayn also highlights common pitfalls to avoid, such as irrelevant personal details and vague storytelling, while encouraging candidates to demonstrate growth and unique character. Her expert guidance aims to help viewers navigate the competitive graduate admissions landscape with confidence.

Takeaways

• 📚 Writing a personal statement for graduate school differs significantly from college applications, requiring a more focused approach.
• 💡 A personal statement typically ranges from 250 to 500 words, emphasizing the need for concise storytelling.
• 🔍 Common mistakes in personal statements include irrelevant personal details and vague anecdotes that don't illustrate research competence.
• ✍️ Start with a compelling personal anecdote to make a lasting impression in the first few sentences of your statement.
• 🌟 Highlight significant experiences that shaped your research approach and demonstrate your unique qualifications for graduate study.
• 🎓 Tailor the 'why' section to discuss specific aspects of the program, such as professors, resources, and projects that align with your goals.
• 📅 Organize your applications using tools like Notion, which can help manage schedules, notes, and track progress effectively.
• 📝 Avoid simply listing achievements; instead, illustrate growth and decision-making through detailed examples from your experiences.
• 🚀 Show your evolution as a scholar by discussing challenges faced and how they influenced your research methodology and approach.
• 📣 Engage with the audience by inviting questions and offering free office hours for additional guidance on the admissions process.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the video?

The video aims to provide tips on writing a personal statement for graduate school, highlighting the differences from undergraduate applications.

Who is Kayn, and what is her background?

Kayn is a third-year PhD student in History and African American Studies at Yale and the founder of Accepted Consulting, an admissions consulting firm.

What common mistakes do applicants make in personal statements?

Common mistakes include including irrelevant personal details, discussing experiences from too far in the past, and using bland anecdotes that fail to engage the reader.

What are the three main sections to include in a personal statement?

The three main sections are: 1) a personal anecdote connecting to your motivation, 2) background information contextualizing your application, and 3) reasons for applying to the specific program.

How should the personal anecdote be crafted?

The personal anecdote should be unique, impactful, and related to your journey as a scholar, capturing a pivotal moment or significant experience.

What details should be included in the competence and determination section?

This section should include specific examples of relevant research or professional experiences that demonstrate your preparedness for graduate studies, including decision-making moments.

What should applicants focus on when discussing 'why this program'?

Applicants should focus on specific faculty they wish to work with, relevant projects or clinics, desired courses, and unique resources offered by the program.

What are some dos and don’ts when writing a personal statement?

Do provide detailed examples and be specific; don’t simply list achievements or repeat information from your CV. Also, show growth and evolution in your experiences.

How can applicants demonstrate their unique character in their statements?

Applicants can demonstrate unique character by sharing specific experiences that shaped their research approach and by illustrating how they tackle problems in their field.

What additional resources does Kayn recommend for applicants?

Kayn recommends using Notion, an application for organizing life and work, and mentions a specific application tracker template for managing graduate school applications.