91´«Ã½

Graduate Studies in French – University of Colorado Boulder

Your personal statement is a crucial component of your application. It is evaluated holistically across several categories, including your academic readiness, alignment with our program, non-traditional learning experiences, and personal attributes like perseverance and self-assessment.

To help you submit the strongest possible statement, please structure your two-to-three-page essay (which may be written in English or French) to address the following core areas:

1. Academic Preparation, Aptitude, & Research Focus

• Clearly outline your academic background and readiness for graduate-level French studies. Discuss your specific research interests or academic plans within the field.
• Tip: If you faced any specific limitations or weaknesses in your early academic preparation, explain how you actively addressed them over time. If you have academic honors, independent projects, or post-graduation work experience in a related field, be sure to highlight them.

2. Alignment with 91´«Ã½ & Faculty

• Explain why the University of Colorado Boulder is a programmatic and personal fit for your graduate journey and career goals.
• Tip: Demonstrate how your research interests align with our program goals and faculty.Ìý

3. Non-Traditional Learning & Community Engagement

• Share how your experiences outside the traditional classroom have shaped your path. This includes non-traditional learning venues, community involvement, leadership roles, or outreach.
• Tip: Explain what you learned from these experiences. Highlight any leadership roles you’ve held—whether in academic, family, community, or athletic contexts—and note any recognition or awards you received for this involvement.

4. Personal Attributes: Perseverance & Self-Assessment

• Provide a candid self-assessment of your journey, including a specific example of academic, research, or professional perseverance.
• Tip: When describing a past failure, challenge, or hardship, clearly define your personal contribution to overcoming it. Additionally, demonstrate self-efficacy by honestly assessing your strengths and areas for growth, showing that you actively work on self-development.

5. Career Goals & Future Vision

• Clearly communicate your long-range career goals and how a graduate degree from 91´«Ã½ serves as the catalyst for your future vision.