I am applying to school for a history PhD and can't think of a good personal statement intro. Help?

Question

I have most of my personal statement finished, but I cannot think of a way to start. I'm having most trouble with the first sentence .I don't want to say something corny like "I have always wanted to....". Any ideas? Thanks

Answer 1

Start with a story. You needn't begin with your childhood. As a matter of fact, you probably shouldn't.

Think about this:
Is there a particular historian (contemporary or otherwise) that has most influenced you? Was there a class, or a research experience that really crystallized your ambition? Did you ever visit a museum or archive that truly astonished or motivated you? Is there a particular era, or geographical area, in which you are most interested? How did you first come upon this era or area of study?

If you start there, you should find it quite easy to continue.

One more point:
Don't neglect to mention your METHODOLOGICAL influences or preferences. It is awareness of / familiarity with methodology and methodological concerns in the study of history that will make your personal statement a strong one.

Answer 2

My academic goal is to obtain a PhD in history with an emphasis on American history, a doctorate degree will help me achieve my career goal of becoming a professor of United States history at the college level.

Answer 3

I've always been interested in the history of the various places and people, hence I would very much like to do a PhD in it

Answer 4

Think of it like a resume.

What is your objective? Are you interested in Ancient History?, European History? American History?

What is it about history that inspires you? Do you want to use your degree to teach, or do research? What kind / type of history are you going to specialize in and start from there.

Answer 5

Hi,
Deciding if a PHD degree is right for you really depends on your interests, field, motivation, and career goals. Before enrolling on a PhD program, you should carefully consider your long-term goals. Remember this is an academic course that requires total commitment and one that will stretch your mental capabilities. It is a course that will require long hours of study, considerable intellectual energy, and a significant investment of time. Below are some questions you should ask yourself, as they will help you to come to a conclusion as to whether the outcome is worth the cost.

Why you want to do this particular course/study this particular area of research – write down your reasons why you are interested in and enthusiastic about pursuing further study into the field.

Convey your motivation and mention any relevant projects, dissertations or essays that demonstrate your skills. Put down anything that shows creativity, responsibility and independence.

You should also mention any prizes or awards you have, plus any relevant travelling experiences or time spent studying abroad.

Why you want to study this particular subject – make it clear why you have chosen the subject – e.g. does the course place emphasis on a certain area of the subject, or offer specialist modules? When did you become interested in the field and what knowledge have you gained about it?

Why you have chosen to apply to this particular university – does the institution have special research facilities/equipment that appeal to you? Are there certain academic staff in the field you wish to work with?

Academic skills you have to offer – include IT skills, and knowledge of any appropriate research techniques.

Personal skills – e.g. ability to work as part of team; communicate effectively with others; organisation and time management, etc. Give examples of how you have demonstrated each of these skills, as this shows that you have considered all your strengths and potential weaknesses.

Place emphasis on your strengths and show how you are a better candidate than any others.

Relevance of your undergraduate degree to the course – describe how any work you did as part of your degree relates to the course you are applying for, and what foundation in knowledge it has laid for further study.

Career aims – although you may not have a concrete idea of what career path you hope to follow after completing your PhD, you should at least have some ideas that you can put down for your statement.

For example, do you think you will want to continue working in academia, either in research or teaching? Or do you see yourself working in industry?

Having an idea of which direction you would like to go in will show more commitment to the course, and show that you are likely to get good results.

Try to make it unique - one way you can make your statement stand out is to relate a detailed example of something specific to your own experience, e.g. something that influenced your decision to pursue a particular undergraduate degree, or career path.
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Answer 6

nicely congrats to going to graduate college for clinical psychology. i'm reading psychology to boot. i imagine yoiu own historic past fact must be what led you to settle on your major in psychology.