Personal Statement Quiz

The personal statement primarily serves the purpose of:

• Providing a summary of academic achievements

• Showcasing an applicant's unique qualities

• Explaining any gaps in one's academic record

• Outlining future career goals

Which of the following is NOT a question to consider before writing a personal statement?

• What are your favorite hobbies and interests?

• What insights have you gained about your field of interest?

• How have you learned about your chosen field?

• What are your career goals?

The advice to "Tell a story" in a personal statement suggests:

• Fabricating dramatic events

• Using vivid language and imagery

• Structuring the statement in a narrative format

• Focusing on personal challenges and triumphs

The "hook" in a personal statement refers to:

• A catchy opening sentence

• A surprising twist in the narrative

• A unique perspective or angle

• A memorable closing statement

The middle section of a personal statement should ideally focus on:

• Demonstrating knowledge and experience in the chosen field

• Addressing any weaknesses in the application

• Expressing gratitude to mentors and influencers

• Summarizing key points from the opening paragraph

The statement advises against mentioning high school experiences primarily because:

• They are irrelevant to graduate school applications

• They are often exaggerated or embellished

• They may not reflect current abilities and interests

• They are not unique or distinctive

The suggestion to "do some research" implies that applicants should:

• Investigate the admissions committee members

• Familiarize themselves with the specific program or university

• Compare and contrast different graduate programs

• Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of their application

The phrase "Be meticulous" emphasizes the importance of:

• Submitting the application before the deadline

• Proofreading and editing the statement carefully

• Using complex vocabulary and sentence structures

• Adhering to a formal and professional tone

According to the text, which of the following is NOT a recommended practice for personal statements?

• Demonstrating knowledge of the chosen field

• Using clichés and generic statements

• Explaining gaps or discrepancies in academic records

• Highlighting personal characteristics that contribute to success

The text suggests that the most compelling reason for an admissions committee to be interested in an applicant is their:

• Unique story and perspective

• Academic accomplishments

• Career goals and aspirations

• Personal challenges and obstacles