Personal Statements
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Transcript of 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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