Personal Statements!

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Help! Who has written one of these before? How is it done?

I hate talking about myself.

― adam. (nordicskilla), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 01:30 (twenty-one years ago)

I've written these before. I don't know how it's done.

― Kevin Gilchrist (Mr Fusion), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 01:32 (twenty-one years ago)

Kevin Gilchrist, I can't do anything with thta.

― adam. (nordicskilla), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 01:34 (twenty-one years ago)

that

― adam. (nordicskilla), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 01:34 (twenty-one years ago)

Hi! I'm Adam! I'm Jewish and British! I like mountain climbing (indoor), California (burritos!), and microhouse. I would be a great asset to your team!

― cutty (mcutt), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 01:36 (twenty-one years ago)

― adam. (nordicskilla), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 01:38 (twenty-one years ago)

NEXT!

― why do old people and old users of ILX such bastardos (deangulberry), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 01:39 (twenty-one years ago)

dude. writing a personal statement is such a horrible thing to go through, i can't expect anyone to really want to help you out writing that tripe.

― cutty (mcutt), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 01:39 (twenty-one years ago)

My friend Raj had to write one once for a marketing class or some shit. He said "My name is Raj, I am really tough and also evil." Later that year I had the phrase printed on some T-shirts.

― TOMBOT, Tuesday, 12 October 2004 01:42 (twenty-one years ago)

adam:

1. write about something horrible in your life that you have had to overcome to be where you are today
2. write about something amazing that you have done for the good of humanity
3. write about your experience integrating into american culture, what have you learned/like/dislike
4. write why YOU DESERVE THIS JOB MOTHERFUCKER NOT THE OTHER GUY

― cutty (mcutt), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 01:51 (twenty-one years ago)

you should really ignore #3, unless your certain that the company isn't run by americans. we americans don't respect or understand the effort it takes to adapt to our way of life. don't listen to cutty he is out of touch and a lawyer.

― why do old people and old users of ILX such bastardos (deangulberry), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 01:54 (twenty-one years ago)

Search: Harry Bauld

― gabbneb (gabbneb), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 01:56 (twenty-one years ago)

(tear)i am out of touch.(/tear)

― cutty (mcutt), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 02:01 (twenty-one years ago)

i, adam, deny am of good character and sound standing and therefore deny all of the charges.

― bulbs (bulbs), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 02:04 (twenty-one years ago)

it's ok cutty. i know yr pain ;o(

― why do old people and old users of ILX such bastardos (deangulberry), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 02:06 (twenty-one years ago)

roffles!

― cutty (mcutt), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 02:08 (twenty-one years ago)

http://www.jdpost.com/timg/statement_shot.gif

― why do old people and old users of ILX such bastardos (deangulberry), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 02:09 (twenty-one years ago)

I used that one. And now I have two mansions and many yachts with which to cruise with attractive womens!

― why do old people and old users of ILX such bastardos (deangulberry), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 02:10 (twenty-one years ago)

ILX University

― cutty (mcutt), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 02:11 (twenty-one years ago)

Kevin Gilchrist, I can't do anything with thta.

No, sorry Adam. I guess what I meant was that no-one knows how to write these - they're unpleasant and stupid. I don't know what is supposed to be learned from them 'Oh, this persons hobbies include reading - she must be clever'. If possible, you could get your mother to write it for you - no-oe ca over-exaggerate virtues like a mother.

― Kevin Gilchrist (Mr Fusion), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 02:16 (twenty-one years ago)

Wait, what is this for?

― jaymc (jaymc), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 03:00 (twenty-one years ago)

It's not a job app, is it?

― jaymc (jaymc), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 03:00 (twenty-one years ago)

No - I think it is for OK Cupid.

― ___ (___), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 06:59 (twenty-one years ago)

Where you were, where you are, where you want to be.

― jel -- (jel), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 09:48 (twenty-one years ago)

what you are trying to do issell yourself, make no bones about it. Kick off with education, then work experience, then hobbies, try to link themm all. Dont worry about what you want to 'say' (they arn't asking you about your summer) worry about what they want to hear. Study any bumf you have been given abouit the company, google executives, then try and slot yourself in.

― lukey (Lukey G), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 10:11 (twenty-one years ago)

I would say look at the job description. Study what they are looking for. Then bear in mind what your CV says about those qualities. Any where you might appear less than terrific on, hype those up in the personal statement - you know, if they make a big deal of teamwork and your CV is light on that, think of some personal cases you can include, and so on. They aren't terribly interested in hobbies, except in that they make you seem a rounded person, but you can easily illustrate that you're the kind of person they are after in this.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 11:39 (twenty-one years ago)

It's not a job app, is it?

No, I'm talking grad school here.

― adam. (nordicskilla), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 12:50 (twenty-one years ago)

The best piece of advice I was ever given about this went something like: 'As a faculty member, I have to read what seem like hundreds of these. If you can structure your statement around a compelling image that relates to your work, it's more likely to stick in my head, and I'll remember your application later.'
Ever since, I've started personal statements by writing about a central image within my research--this doesn't have to literally be a picture, but if you build it around something like this, it's not only more likely to stick in the mind of whoever's reading it, but it'll probably make it easier to write. It's worked for me so far.

― sgs (sgs), Tuesday, 12 October 2004 13:37 (twenty-one years ago)

I did it! It wasn't that hard, because I am lucky enough to be a very interesting and insightful person. Phew!

― adam. (nordicskilla), Monday, 18 October 2004 16:43 (twenty-one years ago)

That's good news.

― jel -- (jel), Monday, 18 October 2004 16:45 (twenty-one years ago)

"Hey, my name is Keith and I'm a
Scorpio from Athens, G-A and I like
to find the essence from within!"

― briania (briania), Monday, 18 October 2004 16:53 (twenty-one years ago)

i didn't talk about myself AT ALL. i just talked about what i was interested in and i got into a good school.

― ryan (ryan), Monday, 18 October 2004 17:28 (twenty-one years ago)

Could you expand on that? I'm still taking tips!

― adam. (nordicskilla), Monday, 18 October 2004 17:46 (twenty-one years ago)

well i don't know. i may be a special case (and getting in may have been in spite of my statement for all i know). i actually ripped up my statement the night before i mailed it in and wrote another one.

but anyway, i just figured talking about ME was kind of silly. (for one, there is nothing interesting about me or my life, i am white, upper middle class, etc.) So i think focusing on what interests you, SHOWING them your intellectual life, rather than just talking about it ("I love literature" or the million variations thereof are to be avoided) is the way to go. for instance i just started off comparing yeats and nietzsche without really saying anything about myself.

― ryan (ryan), Monday, 18 October 2004 17:51 (twenty-one years ago)

Yes, I did some of that, I'm not actually that interesting of a person either, but I've done a few things in my time I thought it would probably be wise to mention.

It still seems ridiculous that anyone would actually read it, though.

― adam. (nordicskilla), Monday, 18 October 2004 17:56 (twenty-one years ago)

is this for film studies or what?

― ryan (ryan), Monday, 18 October 2004 23:48 (twenty-one years ago)

Screenwriting/Filmmaking. My film studies days are behind me. Not that I didn't enjoy them.

― adam. (nordicskilla), Monday, 18 October 2004 23:59 (twenty-one years ago)

i was told today that they DO read it and it's VERY important. at least at my school. that and a "writing sample," which in your case may be a script. i was told the best thing is to have something that grabs their attention right away because often they will throw you in the denied pile after just a few pages.

― ryan (ryan), Tuesday, 19 October 2004 00:01 (twenty-one years ago)

No particularly helpful advice, but lots of empathy. Am doing the whole applying to grad school thing myself right now. Personal statements suX0r. Incidentally, anyone know the best way of extracting rec letters.

― mouse (mouse), Tuesday, 19 October 2004 00:06 (twenty-one years ago)

in person, and politely. and explain why you think they should do it. they will always say yes. give them a short paper explaining your interests and stuff, not unlike your personal statement. minimize the hassle, with envelopes and stamps and stuff.

― ryan (ryan), Tuesday, 19 October 2004 00:09 (twenty-one years ago)

I know they will (always say yes that is). Which is exactly what worries me. Any other general advice? (sorry to sidetrack your thread adam) And what IS a good gre score these days?

― mouse (mouse), Tuesday, 19 October 2004 00:14 (twenty-one years ago)

yeah that's why i think it is best to tell them why you selected them. tell them what you think you demonstrated in their class that would be useful in a rec letter. (it's like basically telling them what you want them to say, but they probably won't realize that is happening.)

Good GRE: probably anywhere over 600 for either section. this is just good as in "above average" though. shoot for the 700s if you are aiming for tough schools.

― ryan (ryan), Tuesday, 19 October 2004 00:18 (twenty-one years ago)

oh and today i was also told that it is VERY IMPORTANT if they ask what other schools you are applying to. be careful what you reveal!

― ryan (ryan), Tuesday, 19 October 2004 00:24 (twenty-one years ago)

Oh that "what you think you demonstrated in their class" bit sounds good. Shall do so. (as for the gre, I already took the damned thing and am NOT redoing, so my scores will have to be good enough I suppose)

Wait, if who asks?

― mouse (mouse), Tuesday, 19 October 2004 00:26 (twenty-one years ago)

oh sorry, if the application asks! not the profs (tho they will ask)

― ryan (ryan), Tuesday, 19 October 2004 00:27 (twenty-one years ago)

Ah. Important as in they want to know that you are applying to other competitive schools or important as in they don't want to know?

― mouse (mouse), Tuesday, 19 October 2004 00:29 (twenty-one years ago)

if you are applying to other competitive schools they will certainly take notice.

― ryan (ryan), Tuesday, 19 October 2004 00:30 (twenty-one years ago)

Dude don't go to Columbia for filmmaking school!!! Haven't you seen that godawful coca-cola project greenlight ballet shit before the previews at theaters? HURK HURGLK HURGLBAAAAALRRRGLGRF. Just get a fucking Canon EOS and write some snappy cusswords on paper interspersed with guns and a mysterious parcel, wtf.

― TOMBOT, Tuesday, 19 October 2004 00:32 (twenty-one years ago)

thanks Tom, as always, that was indispensible!

― adam. (nordicskilla), Tuesday, 19 October 2004 00:53 (twenty-one years ago)

eleven months pass...

what am i to do?

― caitlin oh no (caitxa1), Friday, 7 October 2005 19:48 (twenty years ago)

I did mine. Just breathe.

― 400% Nice (nordicskilla), Friday, 7 October 2005 19:53 (twenty years ago)

Hi! I'm Adam! I'm Jewish and British! I like mountain climbing (indoor), California (burritos!), and microhouse. I would be a great asset to your team!

-- cutty (holle...), October 11th, 2004 10:36 PM. (mcutt)

― cutty (mcutt), Friday, 7 October 2005 19:53 (twenty years ago)

burritos!

― cutty (mcutt), Friday, 7 October 2005 19:53 (twenty years ago)

i'm going to write it about my biggest inspiration: adam

― caitlin oh no (caitxa1), Friday, 7 October 2005 19:54 (twenty years ago)

adam, did you apply? did you get in? what are you doing?

― caitlin oh no (caitxa1), Friday, 7 October 2005 19:54 (twenty years ago)

I'm no lawyer.

xp
no, I didn't apply last year. I'm applying this year. My chances are very slim.

― 400% Nice (nordicskilla), Friday, 7 October 2005 19:55 (twenty years ago)

I'm not applying to Columbia!

― 400% Nice (nordicskilla), Friday, 7 October 2005 19:55 (twenty years ago)

i'm disgruntled about the fact that almost every single school does not give any kind of prompt. they just say "include a personal statement with your application." ok? i guess this means i can recycle, but what the fuck am i going to write?

― caitlin oh no (caitxa1), Friday, 7 October 2005 19:56 (twenty years ago)

i mean maybe this is common but at least for undergrad they asked you questions sometimes

― caitlin oh no (caitxa1), Friday, 7 October 2005 19:56 (twenty years ago)

Now you are a grown woman and you must think for yourself. Improvise.

― 400% Nice (nordicskilla), Friday, 7 October 2005 19:57 (twenty years ago)

WHY DO YOU WANT TO GO TO LAW SCHOOL?

― cutty (mcutt), Friday, 7 October 2005 19:58 (twenty years ago)

(that's what you have to write.)

― cutty (mcutt), Friday, 7 October 2005 19:58 (twenty years ago)

Hey, I'm Fred the Cancerian from New Jersey
I like collecting records and exploring
The cave of the unknown

Hello, I'm Cindy, I'm a Pisces
And I like chihuahuas and
Chinese noodles

Hi, my name is Ricky and I'm a Pisces
I love computers and hot tamales

Hey, I'm Kate and I am a Taurus
I love tomatoes and black-capped
Chickadees

Hey, my name is Keith and I'm a
Scorpio from Athens, G-A and I like
To find the essence from within

― Old School (sexyDancer), Friday, 7 October 2005 19:58 (twenty years ago)

i want to go to law school because cutty goes to law school

― caitlin oh no (caitxa1), Friday, 7 October 2005 20:00 (twenty years ago)

cutty and old school might be otm for college, but not for law school.

― gabbneb (gabbneb), Friday, 7 October 2005 20:22 (twenty years ago)

maybe think of it as the cover letter for your application.

― gabbneb (gabbneb), Friday, 7 October 2005 20:23 (twenty years ago)

i want to go to law school because cutty goes to law school

I want to ride bikes, wear a pink hat and have a sweaty lip on a beach!!!

― 400% Nice (nordicskilla), Friday, 7 October 2005 20:23 (twenty years ago)

wait, so i'm not supposed to write about why i want to go to law school, or i am? i'm getting mixed messages from a million sources

― caitlin oh no (caitxa1), Friday, 7 October 2005 21:20 (twenty years ago)

Write about why you want to go to law school, if you have any future specific goals that you can tie in to that. Also write about how your educational, professional, and extracurricular activities thus far will prepare you to be a successful law student and future lawywer. I'm thinking, really, really, really big up yourself. Make it sound that there is no endeavor besides the law that you are interested in and that you have been preparing yourself for and will dedicate yourself to in the future. If you have time, check out out some books of successful essays (you can find these at your local Barnes and Nobel). I looked at some for grad school (after I applied) and they were really sick. They made the people sound as if they were robots with no other interests than the field to which they hoped to be apprenticed.

― Mary (Mary), Saturday, 8 October 2005 02:36 (twenty years ago)

four months pass...

write an essay about your professional goals.

ugh.

my goal is to get a well-paying job in this field, but aside from that i can see myself doing a wide range of jobs covered under this degree. how do i write essay!? focus on one and risk sounding limited, or talk about a lot and risk sounding unorganized and not really driven to excel in any particular job?

― tehresa (tehresa), Saturday, 18 February 2006 20:33 (nineteen years ago)

where are you applying? focus on the goal that best matches up with the department's goal. tell them what they want to hear -- you don't have to mean it.

― i always wondered where my mandibula was! (Jody Beth Rosen), Saturday, 18 February 2006 21:18 (nineteen years ago)

brookyln college for performing arts management. there are sooooooo many things you can do within arts admin that i've ended up on this tangent about the state of the arts and how i want to fix it, which would take 4 lifetimes of professional goals to do...

― tehresa (tehresa), Saturday, 18 February 2006 21:29 (nineteen years ago)

"My proffesional goals range far and wide. Where ever there is a corporate officer in distress, I will be there to hug them. Wherever there is a value-added product to be displayed, I will lust at it. I am on the big track now, I'm a big deal! I want to be famous and pius. I want to be the boss of who ever is the boss of me. i want POWER. I want to slapp ass and ask for forgiveness later. I am the man for your company."

― Mr Jones (Mr Jones), Sunday, 19 February 2006 04:00 (nineteen years ago)

four months pass...

I want to cry. I don't know why I want to do this course! just so I can say I did it. Administration is a motherfucker.

― Nellie (nellskies), Thursday, 13 July 2006 13:05 (nineteen years ago)

How do you talk about educational difficulties? just avoid it all together?

― Nellie (nellskies), Thursday, 13 July 2006 15:10 (nineteen years ago)

six months pass...

HRLP

― A-ron Hubbard (Hurting), Sunday, 28 January 2007 03:10 (eighteen years ago)

I dunno, I want to go to grad school for teaching because I want to throw away money on bullshit courses about "diversity of learning styles", and because you get paid more as a teacher when you have a master's and because I've done a little bit of teaching and think it's better than what I'm doing right now. WTF DO YOU WANT ME TO SAY?

― A-ron Hubbard (Hurting), Sunday, 28 January 2007 03:12 (eighteen years ago)

Don't worry about it. Teacher's programs aren't that competitive, unless you go for the big guns like Columbia . . . even then, it's probably not that competitive. Just write until you fulfill the quota of words that they require--they probably just want to see that you are fairly literate. I applied (years ago) to NYU and Bard for M.A. in Secondary Education, English, and got into both, will financial aid, but never went.

― Mary (Mary), Sunday, 28 January 2007 21:37 (eighteen years ago)

i need to write one of these soon, about doctoring and shit.

blease advise

― mothers against celibacy (skowly), Sunday, 28 January 2007 21:53 (eighteen years ago)

The gun is good. The penis is evil. The penis shoots seeds, and makes new life to poison the earth with a plague of men, as once it was. But the gun shoots death, and purifies the earth of the filth of brutals. Go forth... and kill!

― TOMBO7 (TOMBOT), Sunday, 28 January 2007 21:57 (eighteen years ago)

that'll do

― mothers against celibacy (skowly), Sunday, 28 January 2007 22:04 (eighteen years ago)

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