Appropriate for personal statement?

  • Thread starter Thread starter fsteel42
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Personal statement
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the appropriateness of including personal experiences in a physics graduate school personal statement, particularly the impact of a summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program. Participants explore the balance between personal enjoyment and professional aspirations in the context of graduate school applications.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses that their summer REU was a significant and enjoyable experience, questioning if this sentiment is appropriate to include in their personal statement.
  • Another participant suggests that mentioning personal enjoyment may not be relevant to graduate school applications, advocating for a focus on academic and research motivations instead.
  • A different viewpoint emphasizes that the social aspects of the REU contributed positively to their research experience, indicating that such factors could be relevant if framed correctly.
  • Some participants propose rephrasing personal sentiments to align more closely with academic goals, suggesting a focus on reaffirming research interests rather than personal enjoyment.
  • There is a concern about the potential perception of including personal enjoyment in the statement, with some arguing it could be seen as trivial or unprofessional.
  • One participant reflects on the challenge of balancing authenticity in expressing personal experiences with the expectations of graduate school admissions committees.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether personal enjoyment should be included in the personal statement. Multiple competing views remain regarding the relevance of personal experiences versus academic motivations.

Contextual Notes

Participants express differing educational contexts, with some referencing experiences in Australia where graduate school structures differ from those in other regions, potentially influencing their perspectives on personal statements.

fsteel42
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
Physics grad school personal statements: Is it okay to say that my summer REU was the best time I remember having in my entire life (literally)?

In particular, for the two separate cases of applying to the REU university and to other places. As a side note, I am fairly outgoing and I expect my recommendation letters to show this.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Since when to companies care what your university says about you? In Australia we don't get jack squat and for good reason.
 
Sorry, I wasn't too clear on that - I just edited the sentence to make it clearer (hopefully). I'm not applying to companies - I am applying to physics grad schools only, both the university that hosted the REU program and other universities.
 
Ah that helps. We don't have grad schools, so you can see my confusion. I personally wouldn't mention that, no doubt everyone thinks that, but what has it got to do with grad school? Shouldn't you focus on why you want to continue your studies and what sort of contribution you can make with your intended degree?
 
Well, its a large part of the reason why I want to continue research - I really liked the work & the environment. I don't like the place where I regularly go to school because it's dead in comparison - the department has 3 people doing research right now.
 
That's like saying I want to continue studying because I like partying. Not a good tihng to put on there.
 
I don't see an issue, but I would obviously tweek the wording to something like "my research experience as an undergraduate has reaffirmed my belief that researching such and such is what I want to do" or something along that lines.
 
Vadar2012 said:
That's like saying I want to continue studying because I like partying. Not a good tihng to put on there.

Agreed the social stuff does have a lot to do with it. It's nice not being the only person under your advisor and it's nice to see what a lot of other people are actually working on. Actually it made a huge difference - and I got a lot done as a result.

But what you're saying is that I should focus more on the work that I want to do?

MarneMath said:
I don't see an issue, but I would obviously tweek the wording to something like "my research experience as an undergraduate has reaffirmed my belief that researching such and such is what I want to do" or something along that lines.

Okay, yeah that something like that would make it a lot less dramatic. Thats one important thing - I'm debating how much to make the essay stands out (and be blunt & honest) vs. make it more what they expect / more palatable.
 

Similar threads

Admissions Would it be a bad idea to tell an REU that they are my only option?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Programs Questions Regarding Undergrad REU Programs
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Expressing Neurodivergency Obstacle in Grad School Personal Statements
  • · Replies 55 ·
2
Replies
55
Views
6K
Programs Physics Masters at undergrad school before PhD?
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
Admissions Graduating a year early anxieties + grad school
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
Admissions Comments on my physics PhD applicant profile
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Writing Samples for PhD Physics Admission
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Admissions Should I submit an 840 PGRE in my applications to top US PhD programs?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Admissions Chances with a Low/mid GPA but high PGRE and research experience
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Admissions Comments on PhD Statement of Purpose
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K