Do colleges like "sob stories"?

variola
Fri, 24 Mar 2017 22:09:47 +0000

Edit: I just realized it’s unclear if you’re applying to undergraduate or graduate programs. I assumed graduate given the sub forum, so the following advice is specific to graduate applications, not undergraduate.

I agree with Juliet, don’t write a sob story as your personal statement. For neuroscience programs the focus of your personal statement should be more on your prior research experience, and less on your personal history. In fact, most schools don’t call it a personal essay, they call it a Statement of Purpose/Research and explicitly ask for info on your research history, inspiration for graduate research, reasons for interest in their program specifically, and research goals. You can include a few sentences at the beginning about your dad’s MS in order to explain your research interest in neuroscience specifically, but it should be no more than that. The point of the statement is to showcase your scientific research preparation for graduate school. You need to show them that this is a well thought out, rational decision on your part and you have the experience necessary to succeed in graduate studies. This isn’t about being a well-rounded applicant, it’s about being a well prepared applicant for research studies.

@Dunboyne, graduate admissions doesn’t use Common App or have essay prompts.