What’s special, unique, distinctive, or impressive about you or your life story? When did you become interested in this field? What have you learned about it

What’s special, unique, distinctive, or impressive about you or your life story? When did you become interested in this field? What have you learned about it – and about yourself – that has further stimulated your interest and reinforced your conviction that you are well suited to this field? What insights have you gained? How have you learned about this field? What classes, readings, seminars, work or volunteer experiences, or conversations with people in the field have significantly advanced your knowledge or inspired you to learn more? If you have worked during your college years, what have you learned (leadership or managerial skills, for example), and how has that work contributed to your growth? What are your career goals? Are there any gaps or discrepancies in your academic record that you should explain (great grades but mediocre GRE scores, for example, or a distinct upward pattern to your GPA if it was only average in the beginning)? Have you had to overcome any unusual obstacles or hardships (for example, economic, familial, or physical) in your life? What personal characteristics (for example, integrity, compassion, and/or persistence) do you possess that would improve your prospects for success in the field or profession? Is there a way to demonstrate or document that you have these characteristics? What skills (for example, leadership, communicative, analytical) do you possess? Why might you be a stronger candidate for graduate school – and more successful and effective in the profession or field – than other applicants? What are the most compelling reasons you can give for the admissions committee to be interested in you?