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Twitter / X Thread

Thread Title:

Writing a Personal Statement for Grad School? Here’s How to Tell Your Story Powerfully. 🎓✍️

1/ Applying to grad school?

The personal statement isn’t just another essay—it’s your story, your voice, and your chance to stand out.

Here’s a step-by-step thread to help you write one that’s authentic, strong, and memorable 🧵👇

2/ 🎯 Why it matters:

Your statement helps the admissions team understand:

• Who you are
• What you’ve overcome
• Why you belong in their program

It’s more than grades or test scores. It’s your why.

3/ 🧠 What to highlight:

• Your curiosity & love of learning
• Challenges you’ve overcome
• Your leadership & growth
• What you’ve learned about yourself

Use real, specific stories. Be honest and clear.

4/ ✍️ Narrative structures that work:

Try one of these:

• Mountain: A big challenge → how you grew
• Petal: Different stories that connect to one big theme (like your passion for public health or STEM)

5/ 🎯 Make it personal AND specific:

Customize your statement for each school.

Mention:

• Professors doing research you admire
• Courses or programs that match your goals

6/ 🚫 Common mistakes to avoid:

• Being too vague or generic
• Using too much jargon
• Writing like a résumé
• Forgetting to proofread

7/ 🔁 Revise and refine:

• Get feedback from mentors, faculty, or TRIO advisors
• Read it out loud
• Take your time—it’s worth it

8/ 🙌 Final tip:

This isn’t just about getting in—it’s about owning your journey and showing them why your voice matters.

You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be real. 💪

You got this. #TRIOWorks #FirstGen #GradSchool

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Instagram Carousel

Slide 1:

🎓 Writing Your Grad School Personal Statement? Let’s Make It Shine

Slide 2:

📖 This is your chance to tell your story. Not just what you’ve done, but who you are and why you’re ready.

Slide 3:

✨ What to include:

• Real challenges you've overcome
• What motivates you
• Your goals and dreams
• Why this program is a good fit

Slide 4:

💡 Use a story-based structure:

🌄 Mountain: One big moment of growth

🌸 Petal: A few stories tied to one theme

Slide 5:

📌 Be specific:

Mention professors, programs, and opportunities that align with your interests

Slide 6:

⚠️ Avoid these:

• Being too general
• Writing like a résumé
• Skipping the proofreading!

Slide 7:

✍️ Edit. Get feedback. Take breaks. Come back to it.

It takes time to tell your story right—and that’s okay.

Slide 8:

💪 You’ve come this far for a reason.

You have a voice worth hearing.

Let your statement prove it.

#GradSchoolTips #TRIOWorks #FirstGenStrong #CollegeToCareer #StudentVoices

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LinkedIn Post

Headline:

🎓 Ready to Write Your Grad School Personal Statement? Read This First.

Body:

Your personal statement isn’t about being “impressive.”

It’s about being real.

Admissions committees want to know:

✅ Why you're passionate about your field

✅ How you’ve grown from challenges

✅ What experiences shaped you

✅ Why their program is the right fit

Tips for a strong statement:

• Tell your story with honesty
• Be specific—use real examples
• Mention professors, research, or courses you’re excited about
• Avoid vague language or too much jargon
• Ask someone to review your drafts (TRIO staff can help!)

This is your moment to show how far you’ve come—and where you’re going next.

You belong in those rooms. And your story will help you get there. 💼

#FirstGen #GradSchoolApps #PersonalStatementTips #TRIOWorks #AcademicSuccess

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