what to say (or NOT to say) in personal statements/essays?

Graduate School
1

<p>When I come across a personal statement or essay on an application, what should I say and what should I leave out? I'm talking about anything from grad school applications and scholarships to internships and other research positions.</p>

<p>It seems like now that college applications are history, nobody beyond this point is going to give a crap about what you do outside your field. I don't just mean extracurricular activities and hobbies, I'm also referring to our personal life. (Eg. child of divorce, low family income, battling cancer, Mom's a gambling addict, etc.)</p>

<p>Of course, when they ask you why you want to apply to their program in an essay premise, you don't go on rambling about how you developed the passion to be a doctor because your dad used to beat you, and blood would come out. I'm asking whether it would be wise to share certain information from your personal life that would add to your whole package, whether it's an advantage or a disadvantage.</p>

<p>I've always been blurry in this kind of stuff. I also understand that a lot of people have different opinions. So please provide reasons for your opinion.</p>

<p>thanks</p>

2

<p>Actually, many programs, in seeking to increase diversity, want to know your personal background. There’s usually a space separate from the SOP to write about that, though.</p>

3

<p>There is a great article on this written by professors</p>

<p>[Rate</a> Your Students: What Do We Want Students to Say in Their Grad School Statements of Purpose? Some Replies to An Early Thirsty.](<a href=“http://rateyourstudents.blogspot.com/2010/01/what-do-we-want-students-to-say-in.html]Rate”>http://rateyourstudents.blogspot.com/2010/01/what-do-we-want-students-to-say-in.html)</p>