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Statements and CVs

June 14, 2023

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The Application

The Application (OSU)

  1. Transcript
  2. GRE and pGRE scores
  3. Statement of Purpose
  4. Personal Statement and Diversity Statement
  5. Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume
  6. 3 Letters of Recommendation

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The Application (OSU)

  1. Transcript
  2. GRE and pGRE scores
  3. Statement of Purpose
  4. Personal Statement and Diversity Statement
  5. Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume
  6. 3 Letters of Recommendation

The Application

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Personal Statement vs. Statement of Purpose

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The Application

“One way to think about a personal statement is that, in general, undergraduate programs are interested in you as a person and what you may offer to enrich their overall university community.”

“A Statement of Purpose describes your “brain,” the scientist you have become and will grow to be. You are now the scientist and any personal information should be related to your scientific approach and how you will enrich the scientific world.”

Dr. Barbara K. Ige, UCLA Graduate Division

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Statement of Purpose

  • Why do I want this degree?
  • What are my expectations for this degree?
  • What research groups excite me the most?
  • Where do I want this degree to take me, professionally and personally?
  • How will my unique professional and personal experiences add value to the program?

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The Application

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Statement of Purpose

  1. Introduce yourself, your interests and motivations
  2. Summarize your undergraduate career and related activities
    • Research you conducted
    • Papers, presentations, posters, or thesis project
    • Relevant work experience
  3. Elaborate on your academic interests
    • Area(s) of interest
    • Specific groups of interest
    • Career goals

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The Application

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Statement of Purpose

  1. All information related to your scientific pursuits
  2. Extenuating circumstances -> frame positively
  3. Continuity and focus (tell a story)
  4. Use positive language
  5. Active voice
  6. Avoid clichés
  7. Formal writing

The Application

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Statement of Purpose

The Application

  1. Follow the rules (OSU)
    1. Single spaced
    2. Two pages
    3. Do not exceed word limit (if exists)
    4. Normal margins, font, etc.
  2. One statement for all schools but tailor to each school
  3. Ask for feedback

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Personal Statement

The Application

  1. “Who are you”
  2. Share your story
  3. Identify specific experiences that make you a good scientist
  4. Outreach you did as a student
    • Tutoring
    • Clubs you were an active part of
    • Diversity aims that contribute to improving social climate*
  5. Edit as needed

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Diversity Statement

The Application

“A diversity statement is a one-page document explaining your experiences and commitments to diversity. You can safely assume that any university that requests one is very committed to inclusivity and supporting their diverse population so they are looking for someone who would be supportive of that mission.” – University of Nebraska, Lincoln

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Diversity Statement

The Application

  • What does diversity, equity, or inclusion mean to you?
  • Why is diversity important to you or the classes you teach?
  • How do you work to ensure your classes are inclusive and welcoming to all students?
  • Do you do any service or work with diverse or underrepresented populations? If so, what?
  • Does your research connect to diversity efforts or our understanding of diverse populations? If so, how?
  • Are you personally diverse in any way that might be relevant to your work? For example, were you a first-generation student, or were you a woman in STEM who aims to expands opportunities for these populations?
  • What would you like to do in future departments related to diversity and equity?

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Diversity Statement

The Application

  • Share your story
  • Focus on common understandings of diversity
  • Identify specific experiences
  • Edit as needed

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CV or Resume

  • Resume is more heavily focused on professional achievements and work history
  • CV accentuates your academic accomplishments and is a synopsis of your educational and academic background with related information

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Both offer more specific insight on your technical qualifications than a Statement of Purpose

The Application

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CV or Resume

  • Only include information related to the program
  • Highlight all relevant information
  • Showcase your skills
  • Keep it clean

The Application

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Letters of Recommendation

  • Writers should be related to your scientific endeavors (research/academic) and be professors/PIs
  • Choose writers to give a well rounded picture when all three combined
  • Talk to your writers if you want certain aspects highlighted
  • Give them your application materials
    • Make clear deadlines and schools
    • Ask them 2-3 months in advance

The Application

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Final thoughts

  • Application should be a sum of its part 🡪 Tell a story
  • Avoid extraneous information
  • Underlying themes: self-motivation, competence, potential as a graduate student
  • Have multiple persons proofread all parts
  • Start early

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The Application

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Other Resources

The Application

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