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Fellowships and Grants Personal Statements
Lauren Hammond is our fellowships and grants application essay expert and has been helping people write their personal statements for several years. Whether you just want some feedback on a draft, or you're staring at a blank Word doc and don't know where to begin, she is happy to help!
Contact Lauren directly at 951-395-4646 (phone or text), or send us an email.
Meet Lauren Hammond
Lauren: I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Literature and Writing, with a concentration in Writing, at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) and my Master’s Degree in English and Comparative Literature at San Diego State University (SDSU). I recently completed my PhD in English at the University of California Riverside (UCR) in September 2023. Upon graduating, I began my current position as UCR's Graduate Writing Center Specialist and Fulbright Program Advisor last summer.
I have been a writing consultant for nearly 10 years now, and I've helped people with research writing, thesis/dissertation projects, rhetorical and literary analyses, writing in the humanities, grammar/sentence mechanics, and more. My focus for VKTP centers on graduate school application materials– including personal statements, diversity statements, and research statements– as well as job market materials for academic and alt-academic positions– resumes, CVs, cover letters, etc.
During my downtime, I love hanging out with my husband, 2-year-old daughter, and our two dogs, Link and Leia! My favorite activities are going on the boat, cruising on the golf cart, and making our way through all of the local eateries. When we aren’t out and about, I typically enjoy reading and watching movies.
Working with Lauren is $225 per hour or $995 for a package purchase of 5 hours. You can reach her at 951-395-4646 (phone or text), or by sending us an email.
BTW, Lauren can also help with:
- MS in Business Analytics personal statements
- MBA personal statements
- Law School personal statements
- PsyD personal statements
- Physician Assistant personal statements
- Physical Therapy personal statements
- Speech-Language Pathology personal statements
- Occupational Therapy personal statements
- Marriage and Family Therapy personal statements
- Master's degree personal statements
- Masters of Public Health personal statements
- Master's of Public Policy personal statements
- Medical Residency personal statements
- Nursing school personal statements
- Veterinary School personal statements
- PhD personal statements
- Post Doc personal statements
Frequently Asked Questions
We generally recommend about 4-8 weeks - 6 weeks is a good sweet spot. It takes time to come up with ideas and get those ideas onto paper in a compelling form.
MOST personal statements are BORING! Not because the person writing them is boring, but perhaps because:
- Their focus is too broad. They try to cover everything they've done, and nothing ends up standing out.
- They're impersonal. It's a personal statement - the reader needs to get a sense of who you are and what you're actually like - not some sanitized "professional" version of you.
- They're too safe. Ironically, a statement that takes no risks can be the riskiest thing you can do. We're not applying to a program with the intent of blending in with all the other applicants!
Granted, the above things can be overdone, or done wrong. But most statements make no impact, so it's worth thinking about how yours actually can.
Applying for fellowships and grants is like navigating a complex labyrinth — it requires meticulous planning, a clear vision of your project or research, and the ability to convincingly articulate its value and impact. Here's a roadmap for successfully navigating this process:
Firstly, defining your project or research idea is crucial. It needs to be well-thought-out, innovative, and relevant. Whether it's academic research, a community project, or a creative endeavor, your proposal should address a gap or need in your field and propose a viable way to address it.
Understanding the specific requirements and goals of the fellowship or grant you're applying for is essential. Each funding opportunity has its unique focus, eligibility criteria, and expectations. Tailoring your proposal to align with these requirements significantly increases your chances of success.
A strong application typically includes a detailed proposal or project plan. This should clearly outline your objectives, methodology, timeline, and expected outcomes. It should also demonstrate your competence and readiness to carry out the project.
Budget planning is a key component. You need to present a realistic, detailed budget that justifies the funding you're requesting. This includes direct costs like materials and equipment, as well as indirect costs like travel or administrative expenses.
Your academic and professional credentials support your application. This includes your past experiences, publications, presentations, or any relevant work that establishes your credibility and expertise in the area you're proposing to explore.
Letters of recommendation or endorsements can bolster your application. Choose referees who are familiar with your work and can vouch for your ability to successfully complete the project.
For many fellowships and grants, especially in academia, interviews or presentations might be part of the selection process. This is your chance to passionately and persuasively discuss your project and how the fellowship or grant will facilitate its success.
Networking and mentorship can play a significant role. Engaging with past recipients, mentors, or professionals in your field can provide valuable insights and advice for strengthening your application.
In summary, applying for fellowships and grants involves developing a well-defined and impactful project or research proposal, carefully aligning it with the funding organization's goals, meticulously planning your budget, showcasing your qualifications, and effectively communicating the significance and feasibility of your work. It's a challenging but rewarding process for those committed to advancing their ideas and making a meaningful impact in their field.