Writing a personal statement is an important part of the Maryland Sea Grant REU application. This is your opportunity to distinguish yourself from the other applicants. And it allows the committee to get to know you on a more personal level. Remember, since this is an important part of your application, don't leave it until the last minute.
To help you get started, consider answering these questions in your statement:
When you write a personal statement, make sure to focus on the place where you are applying. For example, you should look at Maryland Sea Grant’s REU website to get an idea of what other students have done in our program. Using this information, please mention in your essay what mentors and topics are of primary and secondary interest to you.
Here are some helpful guidelines for writing a personal statement:
Get information, guidance, and examples on writing a great personal statement by using the web. The web is a great place to find LOTS of guidance. We selected a few websites to help get you started. Writing a personal statement for an REU application is similar to what you will do if you apply to graduate school.
These websites offer useful guidance to help you write your REU personal statement and some good lists of "Do's and Don'ts":