- #1
oliviam212
- 18
- 0
Hello, I need advice on how to write a personal statement letter for an REU application. I wrote one below. This one is for a specific school (the one I want the most), but I know that as I apply to more, my essay will have to become more general. Please, any advice will help (just not mean advice!) The last paragraph of the essay is pretty rough:
As a senior in high school, I had no vision for my future. Despite receiving above average grades, I did not believe that I was smart enough for college. I had no other plans, though, so I started my freshman year in the fall. I began my college career as a chemistry major and quickly moved on to physics. I did not have any reason for choosing physics; I just did not like chemistry. Whenever I told people my major, they often said, “What could you possibly do with that?” or “That will not get you a job.” Hearing this so often worried me, so I eventually went to my adviser about my concerns. We discussed adding accounting classes and education classes to my transcript, but I knew that is not what I truly wanted.
It was not until recently that I realized I do not want to live a conforming life. I started studying physics because I did not like chemistry, but now I study physics because I love it more than I can explain.
Studying physics at ____ is the best thing that has ever happened to me. My professors have guided me and encouraged me in every way. They have shown me that my dreams are reachable if I have a lot of drive and little confidence. Along with my professors, my friends have also guided me on this journey. Last spring, a friend encouraged me to sign up for the Huffington Post STEM Mentorship program. I did, and connected with Doctor ____ . Doctor ____ is a dedicated researcher, but she is also a great mentor. Listening to her speak about her research in _____ is inspiring. Her words of passion and encouragement have made me confident that I can contribute in the world of physics someday.
Acceptance into this program will help me start my journey in physics. I will gain a better understanding of physical concepts through real world applications. Because I attend a small school, research is very limited; exposure to advanced lab experience will help me gain a better understanding of physical concepts through real world applications. Learning the process of research will help me become a more organized, and more confident young scientist as I venture on graduate school next year.
As a senior in high school, I had no vision for my future. Despite receiving above average grades, I did not believe that I was smart enough for college. I had no other plans, though, so I started my freshman year in the fall. I began my college career as a chemistry major and quickly moved on to physics. I did not have any reason for choosing physics; I just did not like chemistry. Whenever I told people my major, they often said, “What could you possibly do with that?” or “That will not get you a job.” Hearing this so often worried me, so I eventually went to my adviser about my concerns. We discussed adding accounting classes and education classes to my transcript, but I knew that is not what I truly wanted.
It was not until recently that I realized I do not want to live a conforming life. I started studying physics because I did not like chemistry, but now I study physics because I love it more than I can explain.
Studying physics at ____ is the best thing that has ever happened to me. My professors have guided me and encouraged me in every way. They have shown me that my dreams are reachable if I have a lot of drive and little confidence. Along with my professors, my friends have also guided me on this journey. Last spring, a friend encouraged me to sign up for the Huffington Post STEM Mentorship program. I did, and connected with Doctor ____ . Doctor ____ is a dedicated researcher, but she is also a great mentor. Listening to her speak about her research in _____ is inspiring. Her words of passion and encouragement have made me confident that I can contribute in the world of physics someday.
Acceptance into this program will help me start my journey in physics. I will gain a better understanding of physical concepts through real world applications. Because I attend a small school, research is very limited; exposure to advanced lab experience will help me gain a better understanding of physical concepts through real world applications. Learning the process of research will help me become a more organized, and more confident young scientist as I venture on graduate school next year.