Statement of purpose and opening paragraph

Graduate School
1

<p>I am applying to psychology PhD and MA programs. </p>

<p>How much of an effort should I make to create an “original” statement? </p>

<p>Is it better to have an original opening paragraph (using a quote, hobby, or other)? Or should I get straight to the point with my accomplishments and such?</p>

2

<p>An original and non-cheesy opening will grab your reader.</p>

3

<p>Sounds good! How can I stay away from cheesy?</p>

4

<p>I’m also wondering this too. I’d like to say start off with something original but I don’t want to kill my whole personal statement/application if the reader is not amused or thinks its cheesy.</p>

5

<p>Anything about how you’ve wanted to do science since you were 5 years old falls into the realm of cheesy.</p>

6

<p>oh man i was going to start out with that… JK</p>

<p>what about a quote from a famous guy in one’s field? is that cheesy/lame?</p>