Last week Dr. Hill and GRF Magdala gave a discussion on the importance of the cover letter and personal statement when applying to graduate school, internships, or any job position that would require this statement. We first went around the room describing why we decided to come to the event and the importance of the personal statement in our respective fields. As a biology major who is also pre-med, I have been continuously told the importance of a personal statement when applying to medical schools. When accepting students, medical schools really care about what drives an individual and why they want to dedicate their life to becoming a doctor. While I have ideas as to what to write about, the discussion really helped solidify a more concrete plan in how to tackle this piece of writing. Dr. Hill stated that we have to be precise, discussing in detail what we have done in the past to motivate our decision to apply to the position we are after. Dr. Hill also discussed the difference in personal statements required for U.S. institutions versus U.K, institutions. While I don’t think I would be applying to any European institutions for medical school, it was interesting to see that the U.K wants plans for meet a future goal while at the institution instead of the U.S.’s desire to see what motives you as an individual. Dr. Hill also stated the importance of making connections while at Cornell. It might not seem extremely relevant at the time, but once we are gone there really isn’t going to be a way to connect to professors we didn’t really know. Professors can offer a wealth of knowledge, advice, and support in order for us to succeed.