I'm not naturally smart...

mtc1
Mon, 01 Aug 2005 07:48:55 +0000

Another thing:

Be sure that you don’t make your personal statement sound like the adcom should feel sorry for you and hence offer you a place.

My own circumstances are that none of my parents nor any of their ancestors have ever taken a university degree. When I applied to graduate school I obviously mentioned this, but I was very aware not to sound pitiful.

Good luck!