ScubaStevesGF

I don't have experience with those schools. But, I do have to say, dang yo, you ain't messing around with that list of potential schools. Good luck!

I'm glad to hear that people think talking about your personal life or coming up with a good opening phrase is bad because I'm having a hard time doing it--so maybe I'll just stop! On other forums people have suggested reading Asher's book on Graduate Admissions Essays--How to Write Your Way into Graduate School. It's been about a year since I've read this book (I actually threw it away after my last applications because I thought I'd never apply again and just wanted to get all application stuff as far away from me as possible-- and now regret that decision since I am reapplying). Anyways, long story short, I believe it says in that book that the first sentence of a SOP is extremely important--that it should be unique, catchy, and want the reader to read more. He also says that we should include stories that make us stand out from others. He actually says that we should brainstorm a list of things that make us unique as candidates and then figure out how to include it. The sample graduate essays, as far as I remember, tended to have some personal and unique story. So last round of applications I tried to include one. I don't think it was the best idea and I think it took up too much space in the SOP, especially at the beginning. Oh well, this round I won't do that!

Looks like the person who said she could PM people posted that back in 2012--just pointing that out in case you don't hear a reply...

Thanks to everyone who posted so far! All helpful and great ideas!

Thanks! I need it!

Thanks, this helps. For the statement of purpose, I'm thinking about just talking about how I fit the program and what my research interests are and career goals etc. And then maybe for the personal statement I can get more into what coursework/other experiences I've had and how that shaped me? So, it sounds like most of you are in agreement that talking about family or talking about race is not relevant even if it has shaped the reasons you want to go to school and what you want to study in particular...?

Thanks for the advice--but what about the thing I posted above where one school requires a statement of purpose and a personal statement. It says for the personal statement to describe your personal life experiences that have made you want to pursue graduate school. So how does one answer that question without sounding like it's a college admissions essay?

Both comments are helpful. I think I'll definitely be going the more professional route this time. But, as mentioned earlier, it does get confusing when they ask for a personal statement in addition to a statement of purpose. Here's an example from a school I'm interested in in the Midwest: Clearly labeled academic & intellectual Statement of Purpose: up to two pages, double spaced, statement about your academic and research background, your career goals, and how this school's graduate program will help you meet your career and educational objectives. Clearly labeled biographical Personal Statement: up to two pages, double spaced, statement about how your personal background and life experiences, including social, cultural, familial, educational, or other opportunities or challenges, motivated your decision to pursue a graduate degree See--the second one says "biographical" and to talk about personal background and life experiences (including familial).... ugh. I dunno what to include there that doesn't sound stupid.

Hi Ya'll, I'm just curious what type of personal information you're including in your personal statements. I've heard that saying something like the following is a bad idea: "I've been passionate about reading ever since I was a little kid. I used to hide under the covers with a flashlight and read through the night." Obviously this is too cutesy and not necessary because, of course, if you're applying for a PhD in English you better love to read. So what should we say about our "journeys" then? I guess I'm just curious about including a discussion of race or not. I think it fits with what I'm studying and it is personal to me. Basically, I am studying constructions of masculinity in the Victorian period and I'm interested in constructions that are marginalized. In the past, I've taken classes on topics of nationality, eugenics, race, and gender and how all of these categories have ideal constructions within them (i.e one race is better than another, one nationality reigns supreme, etc). (this is obviously a very general description of my interests, so I hope this makes sense). So, basically, I was thinking about one of the reasons I got interested in this topic and it's because of my background. At least once a month someone (strangers usually) ask me if I'm black. I'm not. This question always bothered me because it made me feel like they were trying to "figure me out" or trying to put me into a box. It didn't matter what my answer was as long as I satisfied their anxieties about my race. It's a really weird experience--to live your life thinking you look white, but to constantly be asked if you're black. Basically, this made me what to research other constructions that are marginalized or are made to fit into a box--or more generally, to research what the "boundaries" are and how they've shifted depending on the time period and the location. Make sense? Do you guys think this story is relevant? Or is it going to look like I'm playing some race card that isn't really necessary to include? Also, what about including information about your parents. Say, if you're studying feminism and your mother was a major influence because of her feminist ideals--include this? or does it look too childish? I think I'm leaning towards just focusing on my research interests, my previous (academic) experiences, and my fit with the program instead of getting too personal. But, then I change my mind whenever I see on the application instructions to provide a "personal journey." I just can't figure out what they want and don't want...help?