Personal Statement

[Krystin]

I am attempting to write a personal statement for BOTH entrance to a school as well as their nursing program (it's all one app there's no seperate nursing app).

I've googled and googled and received numerous examples but I'm still not 100% sure exactly WHAT i should include. I have everything outlined and my reasons for nursing and everything are solid, so it's not really a nursing specific question...

I'm 28. I served in the military for 6 years (in a job totally unrelated to healthcare) and I had a really...interesting young and young adult life. What I need to know is exactly what should I focus on? I believe my ...interesting... life has certainly attributed greatly to what it is I am trying to accomplish, but I absolutely do NOT want to come off as "oh poor me and my crappy childhood." Because although it will probably read that way, that's NOT how I feel about it.

So do I make a case for coming from a wildly diverse background? Do I gloss over it and pretend it wasn't all that bad? Do I just focus on the "good" from age 18+?

All input is HIGHLY appreciated!!!

[UVA Grad Nursing]

Krystin:

I've served on graduate and undergraduate admissions committees for over two decades at several universities (Michigan, Virginia, and Georgetown). Let your personal statement tell your story. Look at the precise wording of the question that a school is asking. Many essays ask you to illustrate what has led you to apply for nursing now, and why this particular school. Your own "journey to nursing" is unique and should reflect you.

If a school requires an interview, the essay will likely be the jumping off point for the interview.

[Krystin]

Thanks so much for your reply.

The problem is this school isn't asking any specific question. It simply says "A personal statement or letter of intent" is recommended.

I see what you're saying though. It should be relevant to the major probably more than anything, correct? Coincodentally I'm applying to a school in Virginia.

[Krystin]

Ok, I'm pretty sure I've got this where I want it. I just want to thank you again UVA for your insight.

Like I said, I was just worried it would start reading like "oh poor me and my tragic life" but I think I've managed to write it more how i see it which isn't so tragic at all.