Application Hands-on Help

A cover letter is a one-page document outlining your interest and fit for a position and organization/company. Complementing your resume or CV in an application, a cover letter is used to convince an employer you are a good candidate for an open position and deserve an interview.

Resumes and CVs are used to list your experiences, skills, and achievements. A resume is a more targeted list that does not exceed a page and can be modified for each position to which you apply. A CV (i.e., curriculum vitae)  is typically used in academia and is a more comprehensive summary of your educational and professional experiences with no page limit. 

A personal statement, sometimes called a statement of purpose, is a two-page document describing your research interests, skills, and experiences; the reasons why you would like to work with a certain faculty member(s) in their lab and/or join the program; and your graduate school and career goals. Personal statements typically have a narrative structure and are the first opportunity for a review committee and your potential advisor to learn about you and your specific interests and goals. 

Sometimes admissions also ask for a personal history statement or diversity statement to gain a better understanding of the unique experiences and/or perspectives you bring to the program through your personal background or research interests.