Personal Statement Strategy....

[quietisloud]

I am writing a personal statement for application to a Chem PhD program.  My application is not a shoe-in by any stretch of the imagination (especially since the two schools to which I am applying are in the top 5/10).  I have strengths and weaknesses like everyone, so I am hoping to highlight my strengths and mitigate my weaknesses.  Here is

Comments

[alexa_collins]

I'm terrible at the "hook" thing; my essays last year started with one of those things that people always tell you NEVER to write in grad admissions essays, but it didn't seem to make any difference in the end. I'd strongly recommend that you put most of your effort into making the "meat" of the essay really strong, and then worry about the hook later. A good hook won't get you anywhere if the rest of the essay is insubstantial

[crazypumpkin]

I don't know how chemistry programs are, but if your experience will be anything like mine, your research experience will be much more important than what university your attended as an undergrad or your undergrad grades. I've been out of undergrad for a number of years and have worked in the mean time. The people who interviewed me cared much more to hear about my research than about my undergrad years.
I'd suggest talking about what you've learned during your research experience that will make you a much better grad student.