Personal History Statement... help!

[lissiehoya]

I am really struggling with this personal history statement, which I think is common to all the UC's based on discussions I've had with others in this community. The prompt is:

In an essay, discuss how your personal background informs your decision to pursue a graduate degree. Please include any educational, familial, cultural, economic, or

Comments

[sockmonkeyjoe]

It's only required at about half of the UC's. Berkeley, Davis, Irvine, and Santa Cruz, off of my list, require it. UCLA, Santa Barbara, and Riverside don't, though.

I think it seems ok in general, but I wonder, are you repeating some things that you have in your statement of purpose already? If so, I'm wondering if that overlap or repetition is ok.

I'm interested to see the responses to this, because I'm also having trouble figuring out what to write. I have till the 10th, but it's still an added stress factor at the moment.

[lissiehoya]

Yeah, there is some overlap (i.e., the MA theology preparing me for studying religious history) but I'm hoping that I'm doing it in such a way that it's bringing out something different.

But yeah, I've been so focused on my statement of purpose that I'm really struggling on how to write this.

[slowbro]

Honestly, I'd ditch the first paragraph altogether. It sounds vaguely insulting to the other members of your family, and the admissions committee might question the sharp distinction you drew between you and your father, given that you both ended up using your liberal arts degrees to teach.

[therumsgone]

I agree wholeheartedly. I'd steer clear of any negativity in your statement (not that it comes across as blatantly negative, but it might be read that way), and instead focus on the positive.

I'm having a similarly difficult time with my personal history statement (gotta loathe those December 1st deadlines). Good luck to you!

[lissiehoya]

I was having trouble also trying to fit in that my dad abandoned the teaching while working on his master's in education and ended up getting a master's in real estate so he could get a job with it, but couldn't figure out a way to fit it in.

But thanks, point taken.

[awoodnymph]

Agreed. Scrap it.

[eastertheatre]

You must have some kind of victimhood that makes you worthy of entering grad school - perhaps you were abused as a child? Were you taunted on the playground? *rolls eyes at the whole diversity statement thing*

[eastertheatre]

Heheh! That is a good point :) Anyway, I think your idea is great one.

[apwoh]

Have you seen this? It might be helpful. http://ls.berkeley.edu/soc/diversity/apply/personalstatement1.html

[lissiehoya]

Oh, thanks so much! Very helpful! I may rewrite the entire thing now...

[catherinian2]

While I found this to be helpful (thank you for the link), I do wonder: this, and every other PS "sample" I've seen were written either by an minority applicant, by someone who lived through incredible circumstances, or accomplished some astonishing feat. It's not to be dismissive of their accomplishments or hardships...but how does your "average" (though brilliant) scholar write a PS?

[tellerman]

You know, I agonized over this question myself, being somewhat of a boring middle-class white suburbanite. But when I really dug deep into my personal history and upbringing I actually came up with a lot of "unique" things that contributed to who I was and who I want to become. It won't score me any hardship points or anything, but I was candid about all the things that I think contribute positively to my background. Notice that these prompt ask for -opportunities- as well as -challenges-, so it's not like you're screwed or painted into a corner if you aren't disadvantaged in one manner or another. Talk about your opportunities then if you have to. Everyone's unique in -some- way. Just be honest about yourself.

[enders_shadow]

love your icon

[lissiehoya]

I like yours too.