Writing Resources: Personal Statements, Fellowships, Scholarships and Letters of Recommendation

Writing a personal statement, letter of recommendation, scholarship or fellowship statement is a reflective process. It requires one to be thoughtful about why one has engaged in professional experiences as well as intentional about what one has learned.

In general these documents should discuss how the applicants' pursuit of their goals has informed their career paths and ideally how their goals align with the mission and values of the organization they're seeking to join.

We recommend that applicants work closely with their school advisors, faculty members and skilled writers who know them well, to help them review and edit their documents.

The Office of Career and Professional Development does not review personal, fellowship or scholarship statements. Students looking for additional help with these statements can find a list of resources below.

General Writing Resources

For anyone experiencing the most common writing issues, including, but not limited to; trouble with the writing process, organization, clarity, grammar, mechanics, punctuation, and how to cite sources, the Purdue OWL Writing Lab is an excellent resource.

 

Medicine Personal Statement Resources:
Dentistry Personal Statement Resources:

Writing Your Personal Statement

Additional Personal Statement Samples

Dissected Personal Statements

Online Statement Review Resources:

While OCPD doesn't not endorse any copy editing service, students could perform a google search for copy editing to find proof readers. It is every student’s responsibility to research and validate their options so please make sure to engage in due diligence if contracting any service. Below is a list of criteria to consider if a student chooses to look for a proof reading service, (Please also note that per the UCSF policy of student conduct and discipline, any form of academic dishonesty will result in disciplinary action per section 102.1):

  • Search the Better Business Bureau's online database for proof of accreditation, consumer complaints, or government actions taken against a business 
  • ​Validate the company's contact information. Legitimate businesses make it easy for a person to contact the business and talk to a live person that they'll be working with
  • Perform a thorough assessment of your budget and needs, as well as researching reviews for services rendered
Letters of Recommendation Resources:
Fellowship, Research, and Scholarship Resources:

 

Upcoming Events

OCPD Office Hours (for Graduate Students and Postdocs)

Date:
Time: 12 - 1 p.m.

Application Materials Day for Graduate Students and Postdocs

Date:
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. PT

OCPD Office Hours (for Graduate Students and Postdocs)

Date:
Time: 2 - 3 p.m.

See All Events