The Personal Statement

Writing a statement about yourself can be difficult.  I mean, you do know yourself better than anyone, but you are a very complex, multi-faceted person and it can be challenging knowing where to start.

As I mentioned in this week's episode of Tassel to Tassel Radio, sometimes an application will have specific questions for you to answer that can shape your statement.  However, there are times when you are left to your own devices.  While that may feel undirected, it is a way for you to demonstrate that you are able to write with focus.  So let me help you out.  When given no questions, simply answer these three:

1. What influenced your decision to choose your major and pursue your field of study?
2. What do you hope to gain from participating in this particular program or being employed by this company?
3. What makes you a good candidate? (Think skills, not qualities.)

If you find you still need help as you answer these, be resourceful.  Check out your career services center or campus writing center.  I think Purdue has a great resource in their Online Writing Lab and have directed my own students there for sample documents.

Regardless of whether you are answering specific questions or using my suggested ones, always use an outline to direct your writing and ALWAYS have someone review your writing before you submit it.  Incorporate the feedback, even if it leads to a second (or third) draft.  We're not perfect and that's okay.  We are all works in progress.

So as you finish up your summer applications, begin your essays with enough time to have them reviewed and reworked.  I can't wait to hear all about your summer plans once the acceptances begin rolling in.  

Requesting Recommendation Letters

With application season underway, it's time to get your recommendations lined up.  Some applications will allow you to use high school teachers, but most will expect you to use college faculty and staff.  After all you are a college student now and hopefully you got to know some people last semester.  So as you consider who to ask, keep these things in mind:

1. In what class can you say you have made a positive impression on your instructor?
2. Is there an advisor who knows you farily well?
3. Does your recommender know more about you than your grade in their class?
4. What positive attributes has this person witnessed?

Recommendation letters take time and you want to ask (in person when possible) at least three weeks in advance of the application due date if your potential letter writer can write a strong letter of support for you.  It sounds like a no-brainer, but if someone doesn't know you well, the letter may not be stellar, it will only be so-so.  You want to know that before you leave your summer plans in their hands.  Recognize that if you've been mediocre, it may be difficult to find someone to speak for you.  We'll deal with that later and we'll move forward as though you have this locked down.

When the recommender agrees, provide them with everything they need including an updated copy of your resume, program names, information, and application dates for each letter.  Don't over load them with more than three letters and provide a short paragraph about why you want to participate in the program and what makes you a good candidate.  The paragraph will come in handy when you write your personal statement.  

Dear Summer . . .

Spending your first summer as a college student following academic pursuits doesn't sound exciting or romantic, does it? If I told you that making strategic choices about how you spend your summer can help propel you forward in your future career, would that sound better?

It's true.  Taking courses, a summer research experience/internship, or study away/abroad are all ways to gain knowledge and/or experience and make yourself more marketable post-graduation.  Each one can serve a different purpose, so I'll sum each of them up.

Taking Classes
If your GPA isn't very strong and you either want to repeat a course or boost your GPA, taking courses may be the right choice for you.  Taking the courses at your institution will replace your first grade with the repeat grade.  If you take courses at another institution, only the credits transfer, not the grades.  This will help by removing the lower grade, but won't boost it by calculating in the repeat one.  Check with your institution to determine whether or not there are stipulations on transfer credits.  I understand if you want to stay on track with your 4-year plan of study, but take it from me . . . most people/employees/graduate schools aren't shocked if you take 4.5 - 5 years to finish undergrad.  Quality is more important in most situations.  So if your GPA is stronger you may want to consider the other two options.

Summer Research/Internship
This will allow you to gain experience in your field.  Summer research programs or internships can either affirm your career choice or let you know the major you've chosen may not be a good fit.  Every major is multi-faceted, so don't be completely dismayed if your first experience isn't an earth-shaking one.  Use it to get a better understanding of your field and don't be disillusioned what about you think the experience should be.  As an undergrad you will rarely find yourself in a position where you are lead on a project that will make or break your employer.  However, you may be doing something that lays the foundation for that work.  Understand where your work fits into the bigger picture and you'll see how you are important.  Research and internships are learning experiences where you can apply your coursework and reinforce understanding.  They are often situations where you will receive guidelines, but not direct instruction -- i.e. room to really problem solve.  They also require self-motivation, the ability to self-pace and manage your time, and make an impression for future letters of recommendation.  Oh, I forgot to mention that you also get paid!

Study Away/Abroad
Study away is going on a domestic trip that doubles as an academic or cultural learning experience.  Study abroad is an international trip for the same purpose.  Depending on the length of the trip, you may or may not take courses.  There are different types of trips; some are academic and others are service-based.  Either way, it's a new place and is always a great experience.  You can leverage this experience when promoting yourself to future employers and graduate programs to highlight your ability to adapt.  Larger institutions have study abroad offices and information sessions that will share criteria, cost, and any possible funding opportunities.  They may be a little harder to identify at smaller schools, but they do exist.

Regardless of the choice you make, think strategically about how you will spend Summer 2014.  Make the most of your college experience.  You'll be glad you did.