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Having edited a few essays and personal statements, I have made a general observation, and I wanted to offer a few pointers for those whose papers I didnât get a chance to edit. also, I am unable to edit any papers this week as I have a load of schoolwork due soon(Thread)
1. Remember that a Personal Statement and Statement of Purpose are two different things; therefore, make sure this is reflected in your writing: the former is about what you do & hope to do. The latter is about who you are i.e., experience & passion. etc,
2. Keep in mind you are writing to people that have to go through hundreds & thousands of applications; why should they pick yours?
They have not met you & this is your first chance at making a first impression. Market yourself very well and truthfully.
They have not met you & this is your first chance at making a first impression. Market yourself very well and truthfully.
3. Donât copy and paste your essays for different applications; tailor it to the institution and the programs you are applying for. Sucks I know; but programs are looking for different things and not all of your experience and passion is relevant to the program. Tailor it to them
4. Avoid writing generically but be so specific and find your voice. Most of the programs are looking for exceptional individuals which you definitely are; so donât be vague in your writing be very specific especially when giving examples.
4.1 An example of generic writing would be âI belonged to a non profit that served women & girls in rural malawi: we raised a lot of money for their school and helped them to stay in school by providing them with support groups, this helped me grow as a leader.â
4.3 Instead consider âI served with LAM a local non profit that works with women & girls in Nambuma,MW in promoting education. During my time I led a campaign that raised K70 towards the womenâs group funding through this fund we managed to support 6 girls with their tuition.â
5. Read & Gather inspiration from the essays others have done prior especially those that have been successful but do not COPY their work.
Donât wait for the last minute to get started; give yourself time to come back and re-read your work, ask others to read and edit your work
Donât wait for the last minute to get started; give yourself time to come back and re-read your work, ask others to read and edit your work
6. Please use the grammar and spell check imbedded either in Microsoft word or Google Docs, alternatively download @Grammarly or Virtual writing tutor I think both have free versions and work across different platforms.
Let me stop here because I am tired; there are a lot of things I didnât touch on but thought these would be helpful for now. I hopeI can be more helpful with the knowledge that I have. Send me questions about grad school or professional dev fellowships I will try to help. Ciao.
