TEM #046: How to pick the perfect personal statement story.
June 13, 2024
Happy Friday!
I hope you've had a solid week and enjoyed a little sun wherever you are ☀️
As we reach the mid-point of 2024, I've been reflecting on what's happened so far and what's ahead - especially the key moments and common themes.
In this season of life, the theme for me has been building a solid foundation for what's to come both with family and professionally (even if I don't know what every step will look like on the way).
This might feel familiar if you're applying to grad school this year and have started brainstorming what to write in your personal statements to wow reviewers.
Today, we'll cover choosing a specific story to illustrate why they should accept you so graduate school can be your next step.
This week’s highlights:
Your education affirmation
Personal statements and the value of a story "thread"
How language morphs time ⏳
Education affirmation.
"There is no end to education. It is not that you read a book, pass an examination, and finish with education. The whole of life, from the moment you are born to the moment you die, is a process of learning." - Jiddu Krishnamurti
Personal statements and the value of a story "thread."
Graduate school application reviewers — both faculty and staff — have read one too many generic personal statement stories.
Of course someone wants to go back to graduate school to learn, to grow, and to get a better job after graduation. Then they explain why through boasting about accomplishments and accolades.
Boring.
You can do better than that.
After reading 3,000+ applications since 2010, I’m here to help you choose a scroll-stopping story for your personal statement.
Honestly, so few people do this well that your application will stand out just for making a concerted effort.
Click below to read How to Get Into Graduate School with the Perfect Personal Statement Story.
Fun fact.
Back in time. Skip ahead. Trudge forward.
Our language directly influences how we perceive time.
The statements above are English-centric, whereas those who speak Mandarin consider time on a vertical line where the future is down, not to the right.
Here are a few more examples from other languages.
As you reflect on key moments for your personal statement, make it more fun and notice how you describe your past experience and future goals.
Hit reply and let me know what you think about today's email - would you like to see more about personal statements?
Thanks for being here, make it a great weekend!
Dr. Jena
** Whenever you are ready, here are 4 ways I can help **
If you’re thinking about graduate school 🤔
If you’re ready to apply this year 😃
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Hi! I’m Dr. Jena. I help working professionals confidently apply to graduate school and advanced degree programs so they can achieve their career goals.
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