Written Narratives
Tips on How to Submit an Effective Personal Statement
As you complete the online application, you will be asked to submit a written statement that describes your purpose for pursuing graduate studies at Scripps Research, as well as your experiences in a research laboratory setting.
It is recommended that applicants compose their written statement in advance, so that they may simply paste it into the online form once they begin the application process. The text below provides valuable guidance regarding the types of information the Scripps Research admissions committee is seeking from doctoral program applicants.
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
Prepare a short narrative (maximum of 2 pages) describing your path to graduate studies, your laboratory experience, why you are applying to Scripps Research’s Skaggs Graduate School of Chemical and Biological Sciences, and what you hope to gain from the experience, if selected.
We encourage you to incorporate the topics listed below into your statement, but please avoid simply providing responses to these topics in a question/answer format. We are looking for a cohesive narrative that weaves two or more of these topics into your statement, along with any other details that you feel will give the admissions committee a better understanding of your reasons for applying and what you will bring to the program.
- Scientific Interest
Please describe the specific areas of scientific research that excite you and why. This may include a discussion of your prior research experience, including the techniques, tools, and methods you have used in the past and which new research skills you hope to learn in graduate school. Address the broader impact of your work on the field or scientific discipline in which the research took place. If you are particularly interested in the research of one or more Scripps Research faculty members, mention those here and elaborate. - Your Path and Background
How have your life experiences prepared you for graduate study in scientific research? Describe any specific events in your past that had a major impact on your interest in science and research. Have your achievements been recognized with awards or honors that you would like to highlight? How do you feel your past experiences will contribute to your success and to the community at large of scientists if you become a graduate student at Scripps Research? - Resilience
Describe a situation when you experienced a setback either during research or in your personal journey, and how you managed it. Did you find a creative solution for a difficult problem or situation? How did the experience affect you personally and your approach to problem solving? In general, what role do you feel obstacles and adversity play in reaching your academic and personal objectives? - Collegiality
Describe your experience working as a member of a team. In prior research experiences, how have you contributed to the success of group projects or assisted your colleagues? How have you benefitted from or been influenced by working as a member of a team and/or being challenged by diverse perspectives of your colleagues? - Motivation and Rationale
Why are you seeking to pursue doctoral studies at Scripps Research and why do you think the Scripps Research doctoral program is a good choice for you? What do you hope your doctoral studies will allow you to accomplish? Where do you hope to be 10 years after earning a PhD?
