PsychologyPersonalStatement.com
by Dr. Robert F. Edinger
* Helping Applicants Since 2005
drrobertedinger@gmail.com
Personal Statements of Purpose in Psychology, Professional Writing and Editing
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Premium Statement Service
My name is Dr. Robert Edinger (PHD Social Ethics, USC, 1995). I help applicants to graduate school in psychology from all over the world. I only do my best, taking the time to reflect on your story and do internet research on your behalf. My service is quite different from other statement writing services for admission applicants in psychology and counseling for several reasons. I am the little guy on the web, not a big business like most of my competitors. You deal directly with me and I answer all of your questions completely free of charge. I am solely responsible for helping you to produce a statement that will get you accepted to a master's or doctoral program. If you send me your information and I accept you as a new client, I will go to work on your material within 24 hours. I usually draft an introductory paragraph at no charge or obligation so as to give you a better idea of how I can help. Let's get started! Please note that the examples on the web site are anonymous and at least three years old at the time of posting.
Autobiographical Statement, Essay, Sketch, Professional Writing and Editing Service, Examples, Tips, Strategies
Crafting a successful autobiographical statement for graduate school in psychology is a wonderful opportunity to share your personal journey, motivations, and aspirations. Here are some steps to guide you through the process:
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1. Begin with a Strong Opening
Start with a compelling introduction that captures the reader's attention. This could be a personal anecdote, a meaningful quote, or a brief overview of what drew you to psychology.
2. Outline Your Personal Background
Provide context about your background, including your upbringing, cultural influences, and any significant experiences that have shaped your interest in psychology.
3. Highlight Academic and Professional Experiences
Detail your educational journey, relevant coursework, research projects, internships, and professional experiences. Emphasize how these experiences have prepared you for graduate study in psychology.
4. Share Personal Stories and Challenges
Discuss personal experiences that have influenced your decision to pursue psychology. Share any challenges you have overcome and how they have contributed to your personal and academic growth.
5. Explain Your Motivations and Goals
Clearly articulate your motivations for pursuing a graduate degree in psychology. Outline your short-term and long-term career goals and how the program aligns with your aspirations.
6. Reflect on Your Skills and Attributes
Highlight the skills and qualities that make you a strong candidate for the program. Provide examples to demonstrate your critical thinking, analytical abilities, communication skills, empathy, and resilience.
7. Connect with the Program
Explain why you are specifically interested in the program you are applying to. Mention any unique aspects of the program, such as specializations, faculty members, research opportunities, or partnerships that attracted you.
8. Be Authentic and Reflective
Your autobiographical statement should reflect your genuine voice and personality. Be honest and reflective about your experiences and motivations.
9. Revise and Edit
Revise your statement multiple times to ensure clarity and coherence. Check for grammar and spelling errors, and seek feedback from mentors, peers, or professional services.
10. Maintain a Professional Tone
While being personal and authentic, ensure your writing is professional and polished. Avoid colloquial language and focus on clear, concise, and impactful writing.
Autobiographical Statement, Essay, Sketch, Professional Writing and Editing Service, Examples, Tips, Strategies
Sample first two paragraphs for the Autobiographical Statement for Admission to a PHD Program in Clinical Psychology
I seek a career as a professional psychologist specializing in the areas of trauma and spirituality. As with many sensitive and compassionate people who find themselves driven to pursue a career in this field, my life has been in many ways a response to my own psychological challenges and trauma, often beginning very early on, as is my case. Growing up in a small town in Illinois, I was largely raised by my maternal grandmother as a result of the fact that my mother suffered from untreated borderline personality disorder—coupled to a largely absent, alcoholic father. The trauma that I endured was so intense and sustained throughout my childhood that I feel as if I only became whole, a man, an integral being, when I entered rigorous therapy myself three years ago at the age of 38, on horseback. Since that time, I have invested a great deal of time and energy exploring the benefits of both equine and dolphin therapy.
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Living in the shadow of an absent and alcoholic father, I struggled to navigate the world without a male role model. I attended catholic grade school. Based on my social experience, I decided it would be in my best interest to apply to a nearby private catholic high school, and was accepted. A monk in the Abbey attached to the school and teacher of one of my religion classes once commented to me, based on a paper I had written, that he thought I had a rich inner life. I believe he was seeing my spirit expressed in my writing. I found a talent for music expressed through singing and landed the lead in the school musical my junior year. Following graduation, I enrolled in a state college and explored various majors and activities, including a collegiate circus. After two years in the state school I decided I wanted to pursue more serious academic study and transferred to a private catholic university in Chicago.
