Writing your Personal Statement and Statement of Purpose

For me, the most stressful part of the MSI application process was writing my Personal Statement and Academic Statement of Purpose. I thought about it long and hard before ever typing a single word on the page. I didn't know what to write about or where to start--how could I possibly condense all of my experiences and goals into a few concise pages!? 

I soon realized that it would be impossible to include absolutely everything--and you shouldn't try to do so. Rather, use the essays to round out your application and provide a more comprehensive view of yourself as an applicant. This is a chance to showcase your writing skills, highlight your experiences, and explain your what led you to apply for graduate school and the MSI degree. To try and save you a few headaches, we have a few suggestions to keep in mind while writing your Personal Statement and Statement of Purpose. 

You can find the formal instructions for these essays, as well as the other application requirements, here. 

"Paper and Pen," Orin Zebest, flickr.com, CC-BY 2.0

The Personal Statement: 

At just 500 words (starting in 2013-14 year, 1-2 pages), the Personal Statement is a concise explanation of what led you to graduate school and what you hope to gain from the experience. It might include an "AHA! moment" of sorts: a description of a past experience, job, or interaction which helped you to see your future in Information. It might be focused around a goal you have for the future, and how the MSI degree will help you get there. This could also be a good chance to explain any gaps in your transcript or resume. Whether you failed a class as an undergraduate, took a year off to care for an ailing family member, or spent a few years living abroad, chances are the experience taught you something. How has it shaped who you are and what your future goals are? Also include relevant cultural, geographical, financial, educational or other opportunities and challenges. 

The Academic Statement of Purpose for the MSI application: 

The Statement of Purpose is a longer essay (4-6 pages double-spaced) which allows you the opportunity to reflect on your own abilities, experiences, and qualities in context of the following questions: 

• What are the critical issues in the field of information?
• What are your aspirations in the field of information?
• What is your understanding of the School of Information (UMSI)?
• How will an UMSI education help you reach your aspirations?
• What would you contribute to the UMSI community and to the field as a whole?

This essay could take a number of different forms, so let your own personality and experiences shine through. However, academic integrity is essential at UMSI, so make sure to use proper attribution for any content that is not original to you. 

You can see the PhD application essays here.

Keep in Mind:

The Personal Statement and Statement of Purpose are two separate essays but a part of a single application. As such, you should not feel like you need to repeat yourself and cover the exact same information in both. Rather let them build on each other, expanding and explaining your application. If you have skills or experiences which do not appear on your transcript or formal resume, this is your chance. 

Formatting and Style: 

There is not one right way to write the essays just as there is not one ideal profile of the MSI student. However, your writing should adhere to the conventions of English grammar and usage. Make sure to read through and edit your essay prior to submission. 

Please follow the instructions in the online application when formatting your Personal Statement and Statement of Purpose. The instructions for Academic Statement of Purpose instruct you to include a header containing the words "Academic Statement of Purpose" or "Personal Statement," your name, the name of the graduate program, and your 8-digit University of Michigan ID (if known). Both documents should utilize a standard font, be double-spaced, and have one inch margins. The place to show your originality and personality is through your writing and experiences, not your font choice and color. 

Final Touches: 

It might be a good idea to have someone you respect and trust look over your essays before you submit your application. They could offer feedback on style and tone, content and flow, or grammar and usage. You might ask a friend or classmate, parent, spouse, or adviser to read it and offer suggestions. Sometimes all it takes is another set of eyes to notice that missing word, typo, or confusing sentence that you've been overlooking for the past six read-throughs. 

Finally, when it comes time to submit, try not to stress. After you hit that final "submit" button, it's out of your hands and all you can do is hope for the best. By putting the time and energy in now to prepare the most accurate and well-rounded application you can, hopefully you can cut down on some of the stress and anxiety later. 

As you're working through your application and essays, please feel free to contact us at umsi.admissions@umich.edu if questions arise.

Happy writing, and best wishes!

Ellen

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written by: 

Ellen Gustafson

Information Mentor