Consider the following organization/content for your Personal Statement:

Trace the Development of your interest in your field

            • Distant -- the genesis or discovery of your interest in education

            • Recent -- what you've done recently to support or fuel that interest

            • Current -- what you're doing now

Explain what you've done to Prepare for a Graduate or Credential Program

            • Classes

            • Internships

            • Work Experiences

Explain what you've Learned or Gained from these experiences

            • Skills

            • Self-Confidence, especially in working with children

            • Plans          

            • The function of your work and academic experience

Discuss your Short Term and Long Term Goals

            • Show how graduate studies or completion of a credential program is merely a step towards a larger goal/ career/ calling

Explain what you offer a Graduate or Credential Program

            • Why should they accept you?

            • Prove your assertions, rather than merely stating them

Personal Information

            • What makes you unique or distinguished?

            • Can you connect a significant life event to your experiences or goals?

            • Should you explain some seeming inadequacy, such as a low GPA?

Other issues to consider:

            • Make sure to offer specific evidence to support your claims.

            • Beware over-revising your prose to such an extent that you eradicate all elements of a personal style or unique content.

            • Integrate negative information, such as a low GPA, where you can connect it usefully to goals, experiences, life events, etc.