Autobiographical statement

[chocobeans]

So, one of the schools I'm looking into is asking me to write an autobiographical statement. I'm looking into getting an MSW, BTW. The thing is there's no real indication as to how long it should be, how many pages or any other limits. I can at least figure out that they probably want it double-spaced. Have any of you encountered such a situation?

Comments

Just my opinion

[lifeofbai]

Since you're applying for a professional program, I think the statement of purpose (SOP) in your case should *briefly* reflect on how you have 'prepared' for grad school (e.g. detail what you learned from one or two past jobs/internships... but do *not* go overboard with this) and then talk at length about what areas within social work interest you, what your future career goals are, and how the particular program will help you to achieve those goals. In contrast, the autobiographical statement can be more personal, and you can use that space to tell the reader more about your personal background, your past experiences, and the ways they've shaped you.

So in short, the autobiographical statement is where you can put a lot of your "reflecting on the past" and personal information stuff, while the SOP is more of a "looking ahead to my future career"-type deal. (So for example, your SOP should include a paragraph as to why the program is a foot fit, but you would not mention that in an autobiographical statement)

- Ray

Re: Just my opinion

[lifeofbai]

*foot fit = good fit