sample personal statement for research internship

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How to Develop a Personal Statement for Research

• To share your interest and enthusiasm for the specific work you are applying to do
• To demonstrate what you can contribute to the program to which you are applying
• To state the specific lab you want to work in and why
• To state your professional goals and what or how you hope to contribute to this program

First Steps

• Read the personal statement question carefully and analyze what it is asking for
• Visualize your audience: will this be read by a scientist? A physician? An administrator?
• Make yourself as desirable to the selector as possible while being honest about yourself
• Your research interests as they relate to the work you are applying for
• Year of study and current major, related academic and career goals, impressive academic credentials

Experience in the Field

• Any special connection to this work such as prior experience or family background
• Something unique about your research interests or an idea that fuels your own research interests.

Your Proposed Contributions to the Program and Benefits of the Program to You

• Personal qualities that would benefit the program, demonstrated through examples
• What you can do for them; what you seek to gain from the opportunity
• How this specific work fits into your academic and research goals

Writing and Mechanics

Correct usage conveys your attention to detail

• Use strong word choices, particularly verbs and adjectives
• Use the more powerful "I am," rather than "I have always been"
• Make positive statements: "I have experience in…" not "I don't have experience in x, but do have…”
• Craft clear, engaging opening and closing sentences
• Check that the opening statement is supported in the body and consistent with the closing statement
• Organize the statement so it flows from sentence to sentence and paragraph to paragraph
• Proofread for grammar, spelling, paragraph breaks, and correct punctuation

Ask Yourself

• Does this statement show my interest in this specific program , or could it be sent to any program?
• Does this statement describe me specifically, or could any good student in my field use this?

Additional Suggestions:

• Reread the personal statement multiple times out loud for clarity, logic, and flow
• Have someone else read the statement. Ask someone at the Center for Career Opportunities .
• Share your finished personal statement with the faculty member writing your recommendations
• Limit the statement to one and a half to two pages with at least one and a half spacing
• Include a header with your name on each page, which will be numbered as well
• Restating the question/topic
• Rewriting your transcript or resume
• Clichés such as "to make the world a better place"; instead, explain exactly how such a lofty goal will be achieved
• Providing unrelated information, e.g., explaining when you learned you were not interested in computers
• Using phrases like "this opportunity will be fun and interesting for me"; focus on what you can contribute
• Any background earlier than high school
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Developing a personal statement for summer research.

Before apply for summer research position, there are a few items that you should be reviewed.

• To share your interest and enthusiasm for the specific work you are applying to do
• To demonstrate what you can contribute to the program to which you are applying
• To state the specific lab you want to work in and why
• To state your professional goals and what or how you hope to contribute to this program

First Steps:

• Read the personal statement question carefully and analyze what it is asking for
• Visualize your audience: will this be read by a scientist? A physician? An administrator?
• Make yourself as desirable to the selector as possible while being honest about yourself

The Basics:

• Your research interests as they relate to the work you are applying for
• Year of study and current major, related academic and career goals, impressive academic credentials

Experience in the Field:

• Any special connection to this work such as prior experience or family background
• Something unique about your research interests or an idea that fuels your own research interests.

Your Proposed Contributions to the Program and Benefits of the Program to You:

• Personal qualities that would benefit the program, demonstrated through examples
• What you can do for them; what you seek to gain from the opportunity
• How this specific work fits into your academic and research goals

Writing and Mechanics: ~ The correct usage conveys your attention to detail

• Use strong word choices, particularly verbs and adjectives
• Use the more powerful “I am,” rather than “I have always been”
• Make positive statements: “I have experience in…” not “I don’t have experience in x, but do have…”
• Craft clear, engaging opening and closing sentences
• Check that the opening statement is supported in the body and consistent with the closing statement
• Organize the statement so it flows from sentence to sentence and paragraph to paragraph
• Proofread for grammar, spelling, paragraph breaks, and correct punctuation

Ask Yourself:

• Does this statement show my interest in this specific program, or could it be sent to any program?
• Does this statement describe me specifically, or could any good student in my field use this?

Additional Suggestions:

• Reread the personal statement multiple times out loud for clarity, logic, and flow
• Have someone else read the statement. Visit the UMBC Writing Center .
• Share your finished personal statement with the faculty member writing your recommendations
• Limit the statement to one and a half to two pages with at least one and a half spacing
• Include a header with your name on each page, which will be numbered as well
• Restating the question / topic, Rewriting your transcript or resume
• Clichés such as “to make the world a better place”; instead, explain exactly how such a lofty goal will be achieved
• Providing unrelated information, e.g., explaining when you learned you were not interested in computers
• Using phrases like “this opportunity will be fun and interesting for me”; focus on what you can contribute
• Any background earlier than high school

How to write a Personal Statement

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How to Write a Personal Statement for Summer Research

Susanna campbell, career peer liaison to cnms, the purpose of a personal statement .

• Share your interests and enthusiasm for the specific work you are applying to do.
• Demonstrate what you can contribute to the program to which you are applying
• To state the specific lab/program you want to work in and why
• To state your professional goals and what or how you hope to contribute to the program

First Steps

• Read the personal statement question carefully and analyze what it is asking for.
• Visualize your audience: will this be read by a scientist? An administrator? A physician?
• Recite your research interests as they relate to the work you are applying for
• Write your year of study, major, related academic and career goals, and impressive academic credentials

Experience in the Field

• Mention any special connections to the work such as prior experience or family background (i.e. Name drop)
• Write something unique about your research interests or an idea that fuels your own research interests

Your Proposed Contributions to the Program

• List personal qualities and demonstrate these through examples
• State what you can do for them and what you seek to gain from the opportunity
• Explain how the work fits into your academic and research goals.
• Saying “I am” is more powerful than saying “I have always been.”
• Make positive statements. “I have experience in…” not “I don’t have experience in x, but do have…”
• Craft clear, engaging opening and closing sentences.
• Check that your opening statement is supported in the body and is consistent with your closing.
• Organize the statement so it flows from sentence to sentence and paragraph to paragraph.
• Proofread for grammar, spelling, paragraph breaks, and correct punctuation.

When you have finished drafting your statement, ask yourself:

• Does this statement show my interests in the specific program or is it generic?
• Does this statement describe me specifically or could any good student in my field use this?

Some common mistakes to avoid:

• Restating the question/topic or rewriting your resume or transcript
• Clichés such as “to make the world a better place” instead, explain how such a lofty goal will be achieved
• Providing unrelated information
• Any background earlier than high school.

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How to Draft Personal Statement for Research

Table of Contents

When applying for a research program, having an effective personal statement can make the difference between acceptance and rejection. Writing your statement is important, so it’s essential to ensure that you get it right. To help you out, we’ve compiled some examples of personal statement for research program from successful applicants.

These examples will give you a better understanding of what makes a compelling personal statement. Learn how to craft one that stands out from other applicants. 

What Is a Personal Statement for Research Program?

A personal statement is a written summary of your background, experience, and qualifications . These are used to demonstrate why you are the best candidate for a research program.

It should be concise, and straightforward and focus on pertinent information such as your academic results, study abroad experiences, or even previous research projects. Your personal statement should be to the research program you’re applying for and highlight why you are the ideal candidate. 

What to Include in Personal Statement Examples for Research Program

When writing your statement, it’s important to remember that the primary focus should be on what you can bring to the research program. Include information about any relevant courses or research experiences and any awards or honors you have received.

Additionally, mention any skills you possess that may be useful for the role such as analytical and problem-solving abilities. 

It’s also a good idea to discuss your motivation and enthusiasm for the research program in question. This will show that you are truly passionate about pursuing the project. Giving examples of potential ideas or directions of inquiry is another excellent way to demonstrate your interest and knowledge in the field. 

Importance of Personal Statement for a Research Program

Your statement is a significant opportunity to showcase your skills and make a good impression on the admissions’ committee. An effective statement will demonstrate that you are qualified, enthusiastic, and driven to succeed in the research program. It should be to the research program, highlighting why you are the ideal candidate.

How to Write a Personal Statement for Research Program

When writing your personal statement for a research program, it’s essential to keep the focus on you and what makes you an ideal candidate. Remember to be concise and provide clear examples of experiences demonstrating your passion for the subject. Additionally, use specific language to showcase your field knowledge and emphasize any awards or honors you have received. Finally, proofread your statement for any mistakes before submitting it. 

Tips for Writing a Successful Personal Statement

Personal statement examples for a research program.

This student demonstrated her commitment to pursuing a career in research through her focus on academics and passionate interest in the subject area.

She wrote about her past experiences working with faculty members and how she developed a strong work ethic. She also included her academic achievements and demonstrated how they can contribute to success in a research program. 

This student wrote about his past experiences with the university’s research center. He said how this gave him invaluable insight into the importance of rigorous research.

He also highlighted his leadership skills, demonstrating through examples such as organizing an interdisciplinary team to tackle a complex project. This proves he can take on responsibility and manage tasks successfully. 

This student wrote about his passion for research and his drive to contribute to the field. He highlighted his academic achievements and demonstrated how they could help him succeed in a research program.

He also discussed his experience working on independent projects, which gave him the opportunity to gain valuable insight into the world of research. 

Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Your Statement

1. don’t be generic.

Make sure your statement is tailored to the specific research program you are applying for and highlight why you are the best candidate. 

2. Don’t Make Exaggerated Claims

Be honest in your statement, as any exaggerations or false claims can lead to disqualification from the program. 

3. Don’t Focus on Irrelevant Information

Keep your statement focused on relevant academic and professional experiences that have prepared you for success in the research program. 

4. Remember to Proofread

Make sure your statement is free of spelling and grammar errors, as this could hurt your chances of being accepted into the program. 

By looking at personal statement examples from successful applicants, you can get an idea of what it takes to create a personal statement. Remember to tailor your statement specifically for the program you’re applying for. Use examples from your past experiences to illustrate why you’re the ideal candidate for the role . Good luck! 

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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