Not sure how to start your personal statement? Today’s CIPA 101 blog offers tips for successfully writing your statement of purpose.
The statement of purpose is your opportunity to shine. Tell us why you think the CIPA MPA program is a good fit for you. What skills, interests, and past experiences will you be bringing to the program? Have you completed internships, done volunteer projects, served an organization in a leadership capacity, and/or worked full or part- time? If so, talk about these experiences and explain how they have shaped your current interests and career aspirations. On the flip side, what program offerings does CIPA have that you believe you’ll benefit from most? While you don’t need to know exactly what concentration you will choose, you could mention which one(s) speaks to you now and why. What are your (general) long-term goals? How can our program best help you meet those?
As you write your statement, stay focused on your experience and motivation for applying to the program (avoid clichés such as “grad school was a “logical next step”). Try to tailor your statement specifically to our program. We want to know that you’ve done your homework and know why you are interested in CIPA. And finally, don’t be afraid to be creative! Tired eyes will be grateful.
The personal statement is also an opportunity to show off your writing abilities. Convey your points clearly, concisely and coherently. The quality of your writing includes not just what you say, but also how it is presented. This means grammar is important! Also, don’t underestimate the importance of proofreading. Watch out for typos and other grammatical mistakes that may serve to reduce the professionalism and credibility of your statement.