Bio career center - SOP, Cover Letter, Resume , Guidance

Top 10 Rules to Write By

1. DO strive for depth rather than breadth; narrow your focus to one or two themes, ideas, or experiences.
2. DO tell the reader what no other applicant could honestly be able to say.
3. DO provide the reader with insight into what drives you--what makes you "tick."
4. DO be yourself rather than pretending to be the ideal applicant.
5. DO get creative and imaginative, particularly in your opening remarks.
6. DO address the particular school's unique features that attract you.
7. DO focus on the affirmative in the personal statement itself; consider using an addendum to explain deficiencies or blemishes.
8. DO evaluate your experiences rather than merely recounting them.
9. DO enlist others to proofread your essay for grammar, syntax, punctuation, word usage, and style.
10. DO use a highly readable typeface with conventional spacing and margins (if you're submitting a paper-based application).

1. DON'T submit an expository resume; avoid merely repeating information that you've provided elsewhere in your application.
2. DON'T complain or whine about "the system" or about your circumstances in life; however, constructive criticism is fine as long as it relates directly to your career goals.
3. DON'T get on a soapbox and preach to the reader; while expressing your values and opinions are fine, avoid coming across as fanatical or extreme.
4. DON'T talk about money as a motivating factor in your plans for the future.
5. DON'T discuss your minority status or disadvantaged background unless you have a compelling and unique story that relates directly to it.
6. DON'T remind the school of its ranking or prestige among the various programs of its type.
7. DON'T waste your personal statement opportunity with a hackneyed introduction or conclusion.
8. DON'T use a gimmicky style or format.
9. DON'T submit supplementary materials unless the admissions office requests them.
10. DON'T get the name of the school wrong!