I'm writing this post because I have writer's block. I know this seems a little backwards, but I am working on PhD program applications, and I have finally reached the hurdle that I have been stealthily avoiding: PERSONAL STATEMENTS (Cue dramatic music). I hate writing these things. Unfortunately, I am applying to 12 (!!!) schools, which not only means that I am basically an ATM for education, but that I have to write 12 (!!!) personal statements. Sure, you can use some paragraphs multiple times, but most of mine require a section about why their program appeals to me, or what faculty member I would specifically like to do research with, which shuts the whole copy and paste bit down faster than Hostess. Besides, I feel like grad school has taken my writing skills down a notch. I can shoot out research papers, methods sections, and scientific nonsense, but my personal writing has become a lot more like my blog and a lot less like a personal statement to send out to a professional university that only accepts 6 people, although there are 205340843697 applicants (by 205340843697, I probably mean about 200. But it might as well be 205340843697).
The personal statement is the only thing standing between me and a completed application for the 6 schools that have a December 1st deadline. Well, that and the application fees, but that's what credit cards are for (Hooray for high interest debt!). If I am anywhere but here next year, it will be worth it.
