Statement of Purpose & Personal Statement: Reading Berkeley Masters of Public Health Essays & Tips

[@LaurenValdez]

Vote on what my next video should focus on? Put your answer in the comments: A) How to overcome a low GPA B) Before and after STEM Statement of Purpose C) 1500-word and 500 word-STEM SOP D) Other - tell me what you'd like to see

[@Auggieluvvie]

C

[@christopherho8015]

A

[@gonewayne2007]

Resume! Grad school resumes are a bit different than job application resumes. I’m thinking they may be underrated in the application process, but what do you think?

[@Msdrmanish]

PhD SOP

[@alice88645]

D) Resume and CV

[@Uwu_monse]

As a first-generation student, thank you so much for this video! Writing my SOP has been quite a ride. This was very informative and helpful!

[@pickledonionss]

Hi! First gen applying to an MPH here. Your videos and the essays you review helped me so much in writing my SOP and personal statement (: I was accepted to Emory and Berkeley! Thanks so much for what you do!

[@LaurenValdez]

Awesome! If you want to pay it forward and share your essays on this channel email me at [e-mail]

[@KimberlyReal]

Could I read your essay? I am willing to pay you! 😭

[@pickledonionss]

@@KimberlyReal hey! no need to pay me, send me your email address :)

[@pickledonionss]

@@KimberlyReal no need to pay me, send me your email address!

[@skyallen902]

So glad I clicked on your video, THANK YOU! I’ve been struggling with perfecting my statement of purpose and having difficulty figuring out how to approach the personal statement. This was really helpful in thinking through how they can compliment each other and tell a strong story

[@LaurenValdez]

You are so welcome! Thank you for watching! Make sure to subscribe and if you are on my email list you will be the first to know about new resources. landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/i0p4x3

[@vanessarodriguez9096]

To say I am beyond happy and excited to have come across this video and your channel is an understatement. This is the exact program I am looking to apply to but the HPM option. Your videos (especially this one) has made writing SOPs, personal statements, LORs, and applying to grad school a little less scary. THANK YOU!!

[@LaurenValdez]

Thank you! Make sure to subscribe and if you are on my email list you will be the first to know about new resources. landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/i0p4x3

[@melissahernandez5081]

This was the clarification that I needed! I have rough drafts of my essays and swayed away from race and immigration because I thought it would be contentious. But the way you put together your essay-flawless in stating your truths. I am also applying to the MPH program at Berkeley and though this pandemic has turned my life upside down, my intent to attend Berkeley hasn't swayed either. Thank you for such a great video!

[@LaurenValdez]

Yay! Yes speak your truth. If you water your message down, you won't stand out from the pack and just seem basic. It might be too much for some schools, but the right school is the one who values you for living your truth.

[@malihakhan7353]

did you get in?

[@istarzgirl]

I can't thank you enough, I'm applying for an MPH at UCB as well as other universities. These essays are not like writing essays for undergrad...and it took me a while to realize that. I have referenced the admitted student examples multiple times and they have helped immensely. Thank you so much for putting this info out there!

[@Kratikajain511]

Which course

[@salgadoxx]

Thanks for being selfless and sharing this us, God Bless you!

[@LaurenValdez]

You are welcome!

[@glnts5944]

hey this is extremely helpful! i was surfing through reddit and then i found this, so glad you shared this thoughtful experience with us!

[@LaurenValdez]

Thanks for your encouragement! It gives me courage to do more!

[@isabelcuevas7633]

Thank you so much for your videos! I am a first gen student going for my masters degree and I was feeling terrified to write my essays for my MPH apps and your videos gave me so much insight on how exactly to go about the process. I am extremely grateful for your feedback and happy to say that I was accepted to all of the MPH programs I applied to for Fall 2022! I will be attending the MPH program at UCLA this coming fall! You are so awesome and I am extremely grateful for your guidance. :)

[@LaurenValdez]

Congrats! That's awesome to hear. Part of my mission is to provide as many free resources as possible for those who can't afford private sessions. Would you be willing to share your essay on my youtube channel anonymously? If so, please email me at [e-mail]

[@sg7500730]

Hi Lauren! Just wanted to say thank you so much!! Your videos and essay samples have been extremely helpful to me while I was drafting statements for my MPH application to Berkeley. I was struggling to write for a while until I found your videos. So happy to say that I got into my program of choice at Berkeley. You are amazing and inspiring!! Thank you so much for all that you do! ❤️

[@LaurenValdez]

Congrats! I'm glad you found the videos helpful! Part of my mission is to provide as many free resources as possible for those who can't afford private sessions. Would you be willing to share your essay on my youtube channel anonymously? Additionally, if you are not comfortable with that option, would you be willing to share you final essay as an example for our team/students on good essays (this would not be shared on youtube). If so, please email me at [e-mail]

[@sg7500730]

@@LaurenValdezabsolutely, just sent it to your email. :)

[@danielx1912]

OMG, this is the best video I have watched in a while for SOP. I indeed learned a lot! Thank you!

[@LaurenValdez]

You are welcome. Thanks for the acknowledgement. It motivates me to keep creating.

[@danielx1912]

For real, thanks a lot! Planning to have a office hour with you after I finished my SOP😊

[@LiyadSalem]

this is literally the best SOP analysis I've ever gone through, which helped me to gather all the scattered notions, and start writing my sop for the mph program in the upcoming fall semester.

[@LaurenValdez]

Thanks! I'm glad it helped

[@brynbabbitt]

Thanks so much for this tangible, practical advice. Definitely the most helpful video I’ve seen on the topic. I’m working on an application to an MPH program next fall, and have definitely been feeling nervous that I won’t be able to convey both my qualifications and my heart in my statement of purpose. You have done so beautifully and serve as a great example , thanks for sharing!

[@LaurenValdez]

You are welcome!

[@preeti281185]

Thank you for this video.It helped in guiding me to write a beautiful personally motivated SOP.

[@aishwaryamohgaonkar1145]

You are my saviour. Thank you so much for your videos. God bless you!

[@LaurenValdez]

You are so welcome! Thank you for watching! Make sure to subscribe and if you are on my email list you will be the first to know about new resources. landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/i0p4x3

[@kellyrosmeryjaime3555]

Thank you very much. I have similar experiencies as you and now I feel ready to continue my studies. This encourage me a lot! Also, I would like to know if you are continue doing reviews, please, it would be so great.

[@LaurenValdez]

I'm on maternity leave so my office hours are on pause until late Nov or early Dec. If you sign up for my email list, you will be notified when office hours resume. landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/i0p4x3

[@femiomolere4137]

This is simply wonderful. Thanks a lot for making this video. I am new to your channel and I shall broadcast it.

[@LaurenValdez]

Glad you found it helpful. I have a lot more essay review videos.

[@AmberSoleil1]

Thank you for sharing your SOP! It was so helpful in giving me a jump start to writing my own. Wish me luck!! 😝

[@LaurenValdez]

Good luck!! Thank you! Make sure to subscribe and if you are on my email list you will be the first to know about new resources. landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/i0p4x3

[@ProImpactMentors]

Great information, master class on telling your story in a college essay. I'll refer 1st gen students we work with to your channel.🙂

[@yashwanth7362]

Thank you very much for sharing your insight .. it was a great help for me to understand what actually has to be included in the statement along with how and why.

[@LaurenValdez]

Thanks for the acknowledgment. It encourages me to keep going with more videos.

[@happy7akira]

Thank you so much for sharing! Now I know what a good statement of purpose should be like.

[@LaurenValdez]

You are welcome!

[@Luna-lc7xy]

Informative and very helpful, thank you Lorne.

[@LaurenValdez]

You are so welcome!

[@CaitlynZepeda]

Thank you so much for this!

[@jessicaj2000]

This a really great video! Good job!

[@LaurenValdez]

Thanks for the encouragement! It keeps me motivated to do more.

[@สุภทัตห่อวโนทยาน-ง5ฒ]

Thank you very muchh!!!, this is really helpful. Actaully, I just graduated from University of tokyo in master degree, now i am preparing myself for PhD program at UC berkeley. Thank you :)

[@LaurenValdez]

Best of luck with the application

[@jenxoxo154]

Hi, this was super helpful! When I was drafting my SOP, I definitely felt like it needed more depth because my talking points sounded basic. I wasn't sure how to come across as passionate in my writing, but your points about being reflective about my experience is helpful! Thank you for this.

[@LaurenValdez]

You are welcome. I read a lot of essays and people are often afraid to put in their opinions and beliefs so it comes off as bland, sounding like everyone else. I also struggled with this and eventually, I recorded myself talking and that helped me improve my essay to sound more like myself and less like someone trying to be smart and impressive. In this video, I talk about some of those writing techniques kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3zboqaXiclrnq8

[@kennylow4334]

Thank you for sharing your experiences, Lauren :) The video is helpful!

[@laurenvaldez4]

Thank you! It’s nerve wracking posting things and not being sure if it will be helpful or confusing. You are giving me courage to keep going

[@kennylow4334]

@@laurenvaldez4 Keep going, Lauren! :)

[@mariaalejandra7253]

This video was wonderful! Thank you so much 😊 it provided me the guidance I needed to continue polishing my personal statement and statement of purpose.

[@LaurenValdez]

Wonderful! Glad to help. Make sure to subscribe and if you are on my email list you will be the first to know about new resources. landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/i0p4x3

[@lindaeredding1581]

Thank you! You clarified each part so perfectly.

[@km-ip9kz]

Thank you!!! Helped me creat an outline!

[@mauricioneira485]

A copy of your SOP and personal statement in a word document could really help us as a guide!

[@LaurenValdez]

I have a few videos where I read some examples of previous students on my channel. Here's one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnfGXoCXrKh8eqs Make sure to subscribe and if you are on my email list you will be the first to know about new resources. landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/i0p4x3

[@sarafinaesperanza]

I appreciae the fact you highlighted the mistakes people with limited expericence such as medical students make. I'm an IMG who recently has been working with the Department of Public Health due to the pandemic and I've come to love it. It is a very underserved area of medicine here. So I'm looking into an MPH and I'm currently researching how to write an SoP. I don't have nearly as much experience. And I wonder how common it is to have IMGs do MPH? Thank you for the amazing content! 😃

[@LaurenValdez]

I'm not sure what IMG stands for. Is that international medical graduate?

[@sarafinaesperanza]

Lauren Valdez Yes! Exactly. I assumed it was a common phrase. From limited research, I’ve gathered that an MD/MPH degrees are a thing. But I haven’t read any mention of International Medical Graduates going into an MPH program. It’s difficult picking an area of concentration when broad scope of public health is applicable to almost all parts of medicine.

[@celumusandlangamandla1704]

Pure class and very helpful 👌🏿🇸🇿

[@LaurenValdez]

Thank you! Make sure to subscribe and if you are on my email list you will be the first to know about new resources. [landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/i0p4x3](landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/i0p4x3)

[@soujanya911]

Thank you so much for this amazing help!

[@VladUSA2000]

Great tutorial. Great SOP. Great person!

[@LaurenValdez]

You are welcome!

[@socorroramirez-gamino6789]

Hi Lauren, I came across your channel as I am writing my statements for grad school, I did join your newsletter but wanted to ask if you will have office hours available? Thank you the wealth of knowledge you are sharing :)

[@saragutierrez5136]

Hi Lauren. Im applying to an MPH program. THANK YOU so much for this video. After surfing the web, I found your video to be the most helpful resource. I didn't think writing a personal statement would be challenging but your vid provided insight and gave me lots of clarity! Regarding the opening paragraph, how I can merge all my stories into 1 common theme? Any suggestions would be much appreciated :)

[@LaurenValdez]

It's hard to say without the context. You can come to my office hours where I can review your paragraph and give you feedback. www.laurenlunavaldez.com/events

[@CXYCourtney]

This is incredibly helpful. Thank you!

[@LaurenValdez]

You are welcome!

[@danieladamyanova1565]

Thank you! Do you have office hours or personal consulting?

[@urielulises8254]

As someone currently starting his application in public health and urban planning at UC Berkeley. They now state to write two separate statement of purpose, and I currently do not have experience in urban planning. What are some ways to overcome not having any or very minimal experience in urban planning?

[@LaurenValdez]

A tip I got is to only apply to one program, then your first semester after being enrolled you apply to the other. For me, I was stronger in planning so applied there. Then I applied for the following year to public health. Almost everyone in the dual program did this and made their application stronger by taken a relevant course their first semester to boost their profile for applying to the other department

[@pranshutrivedi4967]

Can u post a video about how to write a resume? For applying to MPH @Lauren Valedez

[@LaurenValdez]

Yes that's a great idea

[@sharanshah5446]

Is it absolutely necessary to use extremely professional English with great vocabulary? My first language is not English, what can I do?

[@geovy2904]

Hi, Lauren I want you to ask you if a reflective essay has the same structure or thematic "why you want to go to MPH" as a personal stament. Thank you for your answer

[@LaurenValdez]

I'm not totally clear on what you mean by "reflective" versus "thematic." You always want to answer the questions they give you and you want to be reflective on your experiences and what you've achieved, learned, etc. Between the SOP and Personal statement you are discussing "why you want to go to the MPH." While the SOP is focused specifically on the MPH and the program, a personal statement might discuss personal qualities or experiences that aren't totally relevant to just an MPH but show your character, leadership, values, and who you are as a person. Hope that helps.

[@emmanuelwedness4242]

Can a student use one SOP for multiple university application for a specific program?

[@vedantmodak949]

My vote is for C. Also, cannot thank you enough for the awesome videos, they have helped me in my SOP, LOR's ,PS everything. Can i book a virtual office hour somewhere in november or would you still be on leave?

[@LaurenValdez]

Noted. You are welcome! I am back from family leave now. You can go to Laurenvaldez.com to book me for office hours! Make sure to subscribe and if you are on my email list you will be the first to know about new resources. landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/i0p4x3

[@W12272]

I really appreciate u

[@lorenavidal4651]

Hey ! Thanks so much for the help! Though I'm applying to MA just after my bachelor's and I really never got the chance to volunteer or get involved as much as you did because of monetary restrictions (I had to do work that brought back money to pay for my studies) or simply time restrictions. I'm really not sure what to say in this statement this seems as meaningful as your experiences

[@LaurenValdez]

That's a great point and something many people experience. Many schools ask for people to describe adversity in their personal statements or in a diversity statement which is a good place to describe having to work hard during school. Instead of focusing on external experiences, you can talk about the skills you developed and projects you worked on during school. For example, you can talk about a class project or paper your wrote and what you learned from that experience. The other thing to consider is that most MPH applicants are a 3-5 years out of undergrad and you often need that much time to develop enough experience to be a qualified candidate for an MPH program. In the time after undergrad finding a job in the field is a way you can build that experience while working towards applying for an advanced degree.

[@lorenavidal4651]

@@LaurenValdez oh okay I guess that it more in the US ? I am only applying to Berkeley in the US, but like since I want to do a PhD and I know what I want to do, I don’t know why I would wait so much time. Do you know if I’m expected to have so much experience in Canada or the UK ?

[@LaurenValdez]

@@lorenavidal4651 I'm not sure about programs outside of the US

[@janszczekulski3916]

This is amazing

[@leonardodawestie8899]

great and helpful video! Came here from reddit. Inspiring to myself as a latino. I'm currently applying to mba programs in cali and will definitely implement your tips into my essay! I grew up in san pedro not too far from Wilmington. Just curious, do you still review essays? I'd like to get some feedback on mine if you do.

[@LaurenValdez]

Yes Pedro is close! I went to South Shores elementary school there! I will probably open up office hours in the summertime where I do feedback. If you are on my newsletter you will get emails about the dates and sign ups.

[@sijabulisonkomo9445]

This is good.

[@thehottake8197]

What are the word counts for each?

[@LaurenValdez]

I'm not sure off the top of my head, but if you download the sample essays in the description link, the word counts are listed there

[@ahmadrezakhazaie6305]

By personal statement, do you mean personal history statement, which is required for applying to universities in the state of California?

[@LaurenValdez]

While the statement of purpose highlights the goals and experiences related to the research area you plan to pursue, your personal statement (also called a history or diversity statement) is an opportunity for the review committee to learn about the unique qualities and perspectives you'll bring to the program.

[@ilhamwicaksono5802]

the best!

[@PandaXis]

Hi Lauren! I'm from Brazil! Wow your writing is amazing! *.* It was absolutely helpful, thanks! Lauren, do you think it is convenient to send a personal statement or a statement of purpose to a professor on the first contact with him by e-mail? I'm interested in his research but I'm not sure how is the best approach... I just don't want to be ignored.

[@LaurenValdez]

Consider from their perspective that they are really busy. Instead, summarize your interest in their work and add a brief few sentences about your work and ask for a conversation.

[@thehottake8197]

How long was your PS?

[@truthbetold7464]

I am applying for an MSW and I have four essays with a maximum word count of 250 words per essay. Can you help me with something like that? I have topics I want to write about for two fo rate four but need help with execution.

[@LaurenValdez]

Short essays are definitely harder. Each word needs to provide value and be making a case for you. Come to office hours and I can give you feedback. In the group I give lots of feedback on what to cut and you will see themes of when students are overly wordy.

[@LaurenValdez]

Also here is the link for office hours www.laurenlunavaldez.com/events

[@truthbetold7464]

Lauren Valdez are there other hours? I work 9-6 Mondays through Fridays and 8-12 on Saturdays. Thank you for reaching back out to me so quickly.

[@LaurenValdez]

@@truthbetold7464 Next Wed is week is 6:30 PM PST

[@bethannecard4055]

@@LaurenValdez The link did not work. I'm interested in your office hours. Where can I sign up?

[@afraalmuhairi1326]

What if I don’t have a noble reason for why I picked my career?

[@LaurenValdez]

You don’t need to have a noble reason, but you probably have something that motivates you. Talk about why you are interested in the career, show your curiosity for the topic.

[@sawdameher4770]

Is letter of intent and sop same?

[@LaurenValdez]

Generally yes, but refer to the specific prompt of the school

[@SapnaJain525]

do u provide one -one consulting too for SOP?

[@LaurenValdez]

Yes you can find details here laurenvaldez.ticketspice.com/private-essay-review

[@SamuelWairimu]

Thanks a lot for this. Would you mind reviewing my SOP?

[@LaurenValdez]

My office hours are currently on hold while I'm on maternity leave. If you sign up for my email list you will get notified when my office hours resume which will likely be in Nov/Dec

[@LaurenValdez]

Also here is the link to sign up for my email list landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/i0p4x3

[@008shivali]

Hey! Is this a 1000 word SOP or 1500?

[@LaurenValdez]

I'm not sure. I think the limit was 2-pages.

[@assitasylla8743]

Hi im currently applying was your essay single or double spaced? Does it matter

[@LaurenValdez]

If they don't mention a standard to follow, then either works.

[@davenbishnoi1145]

I am currently pursuing the 4.5 year course bachelor of physiotherapy.. and I have completed third year ..but now I have realised that I want to make my career in public health care So I don't want to continue physiotherapy and I have decided to change my course for graduation.. In 2015 i had completed my 12th with 65 percentage in medical with cbse board,then after one year gap I took admission in medical University . I want addmission in sept2022 so please help me suggest me something anything to start with and how i pull it off , i had watched many videos on KZbin but nothing related to my condition .

[@LaurenValdez]

It's very common for people to go into an MPH program with a background that is not in public health. I suggest you just make a case for why you want to switch to public health.

[@mohabd7]

I need urgent help

[@VladUSA2000]

About 1230 words in this essay

[@LaurenValdez]

thanks!

[@thehottake8197]

which essay?