A query related to Personal History Statement

[dranzer_kai]

Hi,

 

I understand that personal history statement should contain the challenges faced due to discrimination, isolation etc., the contributions that I would make, and should tell about my past that made me to choose a graduate degree. So, I am trying to come up with something in my case. I just need your opinion because I am not sure if I am correct. 

 

Can I write about these points in my personal history statement? (This is just a gist)

 

1) I will write about my past history that made me to choose the field that I am applying for.

2) I never faced any problems because of discrimination or whatever. Anyway, I faced some challenges because I was from a lesser known college and people tend to believe that we aren't as good as other college students. Yet I beat the students from recognized colleges in contests which are relevant to the field that I am applying for. 

3) The contributions that I would make to the society.

 

 

Does that make sense?

 

Thanks.

Edited October 12, 2014 by dranzer_kai

[biisis]

#2 just sounds sort of petty compared to folks who have actually experienced racism, sexism, homophobia, etc. No need to make a personal history statement into a diversity statement if you aren't, uh, very diverse.

 

I see in your profile, however, that you hail from Bangalore? And I assume that you're applying to a Western school? You could spin that into a discussion about international communities, the exchange of knowledge and culture, and perhaps how these factors will influence the way you apply your training (back home? abroad? towards development? towards invention?). That could be a fertile topic to develop, rather than the perceived slights you experienced at a college that the admissions committee has likely never heard of. 

[dranzer_kai]

So, in addition,

 

1) Can I compare the research & development in western schools with that of the schools in my native country? Talk about the people that I could meet and share my ideas with them at the institution that I am applying for.

 

2) Shall I write about my contributions to the physically challenged people? (I have done some projects to help them overcome their disorders and have had meetings with those people)

 

3) Can I talk about the challenges I faced during my undergraduate studies & high school?

Edited October 12, 2014 by dranzer_kai