Problem: Article: You should have at least one substantial paragraph devoted to the specific topics that interest you. Describe the contemporary theories, books, scholars, or topics that excite and inspire you. You can pose interests as a question. This makes your writing engaging, and shows your ability to formulate research questions. For instance, you might write something like "the question I keep turning to in my research is: How did gender-based concerns shape the epistolary novel and related genres in eighteenth-century France?" Let the details speak in your statement. This will excite the admissions committee, and make your personal statement stand apart from boring, stale, and vague essays. For instance, write something more than "I gained significant experience as an intern in a chemical engineering lab that I will apply to my graduate study." Instead, try something like "While interning at the UC Berkeley Chemical Engineering Lab, I discovered a new method for crystallizing citric acid. In my article published in the New England Journal of Chemistry, I explained how this can potentially transform the industrial production of this compound. I intend to pursue research on these applications during my graduate study." Don't be afraid to use the technical lingo of your field. Remember you are writing to your peers who want to know you are knowledgeable. A statement of purpose is no time to be modest. Don't boast, but be forward about your accomplishments. Remember you want to impress admissions committees! This means don't settle for something like "As an undergraduate, I excelled academically." Instead, show specific evidence of your accomplishments: "A $2000 grant from the Louisiana Historical Society to fund my research on material culture in Antebellum African American daily life. The senior thesis I wrote reporting my findings earned the LSU Library Undergraduate Research Award." If there are specific professors you want to work with in graduate school, mention them in your statement of purpose. This will need to be tailored to each individual school you apply to. For instance, you could say something like "I'm interested in taking one of Professor Mueller's courses on contemporary theories of the novel," or "As a student in your program, I would further my research by participating in Dr. Cortez' genomics lab group." If you don't yet have anyone specific in mind, that's ok. Instead, you can mention the department's or university's strengths and how you would benefit from them: "As a practicing translator, I would enthusiastically contribute to UD's Center for Intercultural Communications." Be honest in talking about your interests, and don't feel as though you can only discuss working with big names. Keep in mind that sometimes the most famous professors in a department might not work with many graduate students. It's perfectly fine if you've taken some time off between your undergraduate years and entering graduate school, but you should briefly address this. Likewise, having an academic setback (like a failing grade one semester or a lowish test score), won't get you automatically rejected if your application is otherwise strong--but you should explain yourself. For instance, you might say "After completing my undergraduate degree, I spent two years as an assistant to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, an experience that will inform my graduate studies in public administration." If you have an academic issue to address, try something like "After selecting my senior research topic, my sense of focus was heightened. My GPA increased significantly, and I received a High Pass on my senior thesis." Most statements of purpose are about 500 to 1000 words (1-2 pages). If the length is not specifically stated, keep them within this range. Make your statement too short, and admissions committees will be underwhelmed. Make it too long, and they'll be annoyed. If the application specifically asks you to write a statement that is less than 500 words or more than 1000, however, follow the directions.
Summary: Wow them with your knowledge of the field. Focus on showing, not telling. Toot your own horn. Name who you want to work with. Explain any gaps or academic issues. Be concise.

Problem: Article: To gain citizenship through this method, you need to have one parent who is or was a New Zealand citizen. In other words, if one of your parents moved out of New Zealand and you were born elsewhere, you are eligible for this type of citizenship. If you were born in New Zealand but have lived elsewhere, you may already be a citizen by birth. The citizenship office can tell you more, so contact them to find out about the status of your citizenship. You can also gain citizenship this way if you were adopted from another country by parents who were New Zealand citizens. However, you will need to provide more documentation with your application, including your adoption documents.
Summary: Have one parent who is a New Zealand citizen. Check for citizenship if you were born in the country. Gain citizenship by adoption.

Problem: Article: To pull off your look, you have to be completely confident. If you act like your look is perfectly natural instead of being self-conscious, then people will take you seriously and will be convinced you're a real pirate. Here's what to do: Don't act like you're wearing a costume. When people compliment you on your outfit, look confused and brush them off. Walk around with confidence. Strut your stuff, walk with confident strides, and pose with your hands on your hips. Don't cower in a corner with your hands folded, because that's not what a real pirate will do. Wherever you are, march around looking in all directions, as if you're preparing for a sword fight that you'll win any minute. . To pull of your pirate look, you'll have to have the attitude of a true pirate as well. You can't slip up and talk like a regular person, and should remember to be capturing the attitude of a pirate at all times. Here's how: Be slightly aggressive at all times. Scowl, growl, and be surly. Slur your words. Pirates are tipsy, so don't forget to slur everything you say, and never talk too quickly. Refer to yourself as "me." As in, "Me needs another swig of this here rum." Say "yer" or "ye" instead of "your." As in, "Ye need to get yeself together, ye mangy rat." The occasional "Ahoy!" or "Blimey!" will go a long way.
Summary: Have the swagger of a true pirate. Act like a pirate

Problem: Article: If you are given a job offer on the spot and know that there is no way that you can take it, state that it does not meet your needs or objectives. Though it's more rare for you to be immediately hired, it can happen. Don't lie about why you are not taking the position. You can omit information, but don't offer untruths. You should keep your credibility intact when you explain that you have decided not to take the position. If you're pretty sure that you won't take the position but not 100% sure, say that you will be in touch as soon as you make a decision. This is perfectly acceptable. If you know you won't be able to take it but feel too much pressure on the spot, ask for more time and follow up over the phone or in writing. While you're delivering the bad news, maintain eye contact, don't slouch, and don't fold your hands across your chest. Look regretful, but comfortable, not like you're squirming to get out of there. Tell the potential employer why you won't accept the position in the same way you would do over the phone. Be diplomatic, concise, and courteous. Speak slowly and clearly so you don't have to repeat yourself. Shake hands with the person who made the offer and wish them and their company the best of luck. Walk out of the office with good posture and take measured steps to show that you're not trying to run out of there. Writing a quick letter or email restating how thankful you are will make you appear even more courteous.
Summary:
Be honest. Maintain appropriate body language. Explain why you're rejecting the offer. End on a good note. Follow up in writing.