How do I address a personal statement for grad school?

sesame · Sep 17, 2012, 02:51 AM

I have the statement itself written out, and I'm really happy with it.

The thing is, out of all of the examples and templates and things that I've looked up, nothing really says anything about the format itself.

Like, do I address it to anyone? Do I put any title? The application part has it listed as a "Helping Relationship Essay," should I put that anywhere? Where should I list my name and contact information? On a title/cover sheet?

tigerlily84 · Sep 17, 2012, 12:48 PM

You're farther along than I am. I am just trying to figure out what to write, so I don't have any answers for you.

Is there a professor you can speak to about this, perhaps from your time as an undergrad? It might be like a cover letter, in which you would address it to the head of admissions. Or perhaps you can contact the department you are applying to as well.

lolathecat · Sep 17, 2012, 03:33 PM

express your strengths and also weakness. Something like, I love to experience new cultures as I can learn an invaluable lesson from their standpoint. (even though, their is not the correct word). A weakness would be, I need to manage time better, so I now have I daily planner to write every upcoming assignment and appointment. (could be worded better, but just an example) In my grad essay I only wrote 2 weaknesses and 10-12 strenghts.

07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sesame

I have the statement itself written out, and I'm really happy with it.

The thing is, out of all of the examples and templates and things that I've looked up, nothing really says anything about the format itself.

Like, do I address it to anyone? Do I put any title? The application part has it listed as a "Helping Relationship Essay," should I put that anywhere? Where should I list my name and contact information? On a title/cover sheet?

I was going to send you a PM but decided that others might benefit from this info. It should probably be set up like a business letter. Even if they are not expecting it, it will make it look professional, which is not a bad thing.
First of all, do a little research. Go online or call the school if need be and find out who the director of admissions is. If he has another title, use that instead Address your statement to that person. It may get passed to someone else, but it looks good to address the person by name. It will make you stand out. Address it as follows:

(On Left Hand Top)
Name of person, director of admissions
c/o Name of School Your Address
Address of School City, State, Zip
Date

(On Right Hand Top Across from Other Stuff)
Your full name
Your address
City, State, Zip
Phone number with area code
Email Address

Re:Helping Relationship Essay

Dear (whoever you're writing to):

Body of essay: Add a paragraph at the beginning if you do not yet have one giving specifics on what you are applying for. What your graduate degree is in or what you are trying to get accepted in.

At the end, make sure to thank him for his time and write a sentence saying that you are looking forward to hearing back from him.

Sincerely,
Your name

The letter should be written in block writing. That means nothing should be indented. Skip a space in between the heading and the regarding and greeting and body and again in between paragraphs and before you write sincerely. Skip several lines before your ending name. Your info should be on the same lines as their info. Tab so they are evenly spaced. Single space is fine.

The letter should be written like this regardless of whether it's a paper and pen letter or email. It will make you stand out and any little bit helps.

If you would like me to proofread your essay, just let me know. You can copy and paste it in a PM. Just make sure when you paste it that the borders don't get messed up. Fix them before you send it to me so I know how it's intended to look.

Good luck with the letter and getting accepted. Oh...this can be used as a cover sheet. No need to come up with another one.

Grr....they messed up my spacing when I submitted this. The info from the school should be on the left hand side and your info should be on the right hand side on the same lines.