A personal statement is a document that is often required as part of a graduate or professional school application. It is a chance for the applicant to share their personal, educational, and professional background and goals with the admissions committee. It can also be a powerful way to demonstrate how the applicant's experiences and aspirations align with the values and mission of the program they are applying to.
One way to approach writing a personal statement is to think about it as a research statement. This means that the statement should not only highlight the applicant's past experiences and achievements, but also their future goals and plans for research. This can help the admissions committee understand the applicant's motivations for pursuing a graduate degree and how they envision themselves contributing to the field.
To give you an idea of what a research personal statement might look like, here are a few examples:
Example 1:
"I have always been fascinated by the natural world and the ways in which it can be studied and understood. As an undergraduate biology major, I became deeply interested in the field of evolutionary biology and spent much of my time conducting research in the lab of a renowned professor. During this time, I developed a strong foundation in molecular biology techniques and began to explore the evolutionary history of a group of insects.
After completing my bachelor's degree, I decided to pursue a master's degree in biology with a focus on evolutionary genetics. I am excited to continue my research in this field and hope to contribute to our understanding of how species evolve and adapt over time. I am confident that the graduate program at XYZ University will provide me with the skills and resources I need to achieve my goals, and I look forward to being a part of the dynamic and innovative research community at the university."
Example 2:
"As an undergraduate psychology major, I became interested in the role of emotion in decision-making and behavior. I conducted several research projects in this area, including a study on the effects of stress on risk-taking behaviors and a review of the literature on the influence of affect on consumer decision-making.
I am now seeking a PhD in psychology with a focus on emotion and decision-making. I am particularly interested in exploring the neural basis of emotional processing and how it relates to decision-making and behavior. I believe that this research has important implications for understanding and addressing a wide range of issues, including mental health, addiction, and social behavior.
I am confident that the graduate program at XYZ University will provide me with the training and support I need to pursue my research goals. I am excited to work with the faculty and students at the university and contribute to the cutting-edge research being conducted in this field."
Example 3:
"As an undergraduate computer science major, I became interested in the field of artificial intelligence and machine learning. I was particularly drawn to the potential of these technologies to solve complex problems and make our lives easier. I spent several semesters working in a research lab focused on developing machine learning algorithms for natural language processing tasks.
I am now seeking a PhD in computer science with a focus on artificial intelligence and machine learning. I am excited to continue exploring the capabilities and limitations of these technologies and to contribute to the development of new algorithms and techniques. I am confident that the graduate program at XYZ University will provide me with the tools and resources I need to succeed in this field, and I am eager to be a part of the university's vibrant research community."
These are just a few examples of what a research personal statement might look like. The key is to be specific about your research interests and goals, and to demonstrate how the program you are applying to can help you achieve them. It is also important to highlight any relevant experiences or accomplishments,
