I've given feedback on 3 grad school research statements so far this fall. I do this every year for folks in my fields, and every year, I see really similar patterns! Here are a few of them:
Good paragraphs but bad/no overall flow. I tend to think that an application is all about showing exactly why you're a great fit for a program. So every experience is a step in the story of "...and that brings us to right now, me perfectly set up to succeed in this program!"
When people aren't used to writing about their own work experience it often feels very disjointed, big blocks of paragraphs describing separate jobs and no helpful linkage. Make your points explicit: THIS set me up to be a scientist, THIS taught me THIS skill...!
Many, many, many, M A N Y abbreviations, & institutional lab names given without any context, & listing of technical tools without talking about the actual work done (looking at you data science). Fine you can say you worked with X language or whatever, but that's not the point
A global conversation I often have with students is about the theory of mind in the writing--make it easy on your reader, give them the context--and the need to really flesh out the impact of your work/and make your work real, because it's very hard for a stranger to do that
Students are often (understandably) afraid to have a point of view. Especially minority and marginalized learners, who are sometimes punished for it. This really is something to try to cultivate and protect as you can: have a POV on your own experience! On what you want to do!
Finally, more forward focus is feedback I give every time. The point of talking about experience, again, is arguing for what you want to do in the future--even if it's a bit of a story--remember the point is to say look, I've worked for it, I've set myself up to get to this place
Since I work primarily with underrepresented/marginalized students, a special point: I see most of these folks worry *immensely* about not having some prize-winning English lit writing skills. That is not what these statements are about. I remember that anxiety, but ultimately...
...it's better to have a great story written in simple language than polished and overcomplicated prose at the cost of telling the story, esp for science grad apps. This is a tough one for those of us who grew up always thinking we needed to prove our intelligence, but it's true.
Hah I am allergic to hashtags I never remember them, but I suppose for threads like this it would be a good idea!! #AcademicChatter #phdchat #gradschool #AcademicTwitter #WomenInSTEM
Finally, I'm in your corner. Breaking in is not linear, is full of contradiction. I was rejected by most programs I applied to, had no research experience (no labs at my school!), yet I got fellowships from the ones that admitted me & was told I was one of the best candidates...!
I was barely able to afford food at the time, bought a blazer on sale from Ross for the interviews, I worked overtime the night before I flew to San Diego (where I ended up going) to interview, one undergrad prof told me the idea of me being a scientist was laughable...
...but another (who knew me better!) wrote me the most incredible recommendation letter I've ever had, gave me a copy at graduation, I still treasure it.
Achievement is VERY COMPLEX and these processes are VERY imperfect and I believe in you VERY MUCH, whether you get in or not.
Achievement is VERY COMPLEX and these processes are VERY imperfect and I believe in you VERY MUCH, whether you get in or not.
