Lauren ShepherdJuly 30, 2009

Communications ClassSelling Your Story:A Statement of Purpose

Extra Practice Session

Monday August 1711:30a.m. - 1:30p.m.

Foege 130

Objectives

2.Demonstrate qualifications

3.Specify match

1.Sell yourself

Significance

Gain acceptance

Stand out

Medical vs. Graduate School

Funding

Rounds

Qualifications

Structure

Interests / extracurricular

Example Instructions: UCSD

1. How did you become interested in this field?

2. What experiences have contributed toward your

preparation for further study in this field?

3. What are your future goals?

4. What are your research interests?

5. How are you a "match" for the program to which

you are applying?

Example Instructions: Stanford

Your statement of purpose should describe succinctly your reasons for applying to the Department of Bioengineering at Stanford. It would be helpful to include what you have done to prepare for this degree program. Please describe your research interests, past research experience, future career plans, and other details of your background and interests that will allow us to evaluate your ability to thrive in our program. If you have interests that align with specific faculty member, you may state this in your application.

Example Instructions: UW

A statement of purpose should clearly and succinctly describe your motivations for the field of bioengineering, your preparation for advanced research, and your reasons for applying to the Department of Bioengineering at the University of Washington.

General Medical Essay

Explain why you want to be a physician in the first place. What’s your motivation and goals? Why will you make a good physician?

Example Secondary Questions

1. What is your favorite novel?

2. What are your hobbies?

3. Where do you see yourself in ten years?

4. Name a leadership role that you've taken and

what it taught you about yourself.

5. What has been your greatest academic

achievement? What has been your greatest

academic failure?

6. What type of medicine do you think you might want to practice?

Structural Outline

Beginning

Middle

End

Types of Stories

Challenge

Mentor

Spark or insight moment

Tips for Success

1. Write well

2. Be specific

3. Answer the question

4. Do your homework

5. Tell a story!

Practice Time

What details of your life (personal or family problems, history, people or events that have shaped you or influenced your goals) might help the committee better understand you or help set you apart from other applicants?

When did you become interested in this field and what have you learned about it (and about yourself) that has further stimulated your interest and reinforced your conviction that you are well suited to this field?

What personal characteristics (for example. integrity. compassion. persistence) do you possess that would improve your prospects for success in the field or profession?

Applying for Funding

NSF GRFP

$30,000/year for 3 years

1 time $1000 travel stipend

Deadline: November 12

https://www.fastlane-beta.nsf.gov/grfp/Login.do

Other Sources

Department of DefenseDepartment of Homeland SecurityFord Foundation (minorities)…and more.

University related fellowships/traineeshipsi.e. @ UW: Nanotechnology Fellowship, NIH

Cardiovascular Traineeship

Final Presentation Reminder

Tues, Aug. 1815 min research talks9:30a.m. - 12:00p.m.

Foege N130A

Wed, Aug. 19Poster session

9:00a.m. - 12:00p.m.MGH commons