Personal Statement • Why you chose the program • What interests you about the chosen field • Your career plans • Experience (employment, volunteer) that is relevant to the field • Participation in specialized training (university, summer school, mentoring activities, mastery classes, gifted and talented programs, certifications) • Non-accredited skills and achievements • If taking a year off, explain why • If poor grades in some areas, explain why • Brief history, explaining your philosophy of life, cultural/community engagement, social activities. Three Letters of Recommendation Teaching Assistant? Lecturer? Research Assistant? Protect Relationships Self-Care Get a Mentor Network Be Careful About Social Networking