Crafting a Winning MCIT Personal Statement: A Systematic and Proven Way to Boost Your Odds of Getting Accepted Into an Ivy League Graduate Program

David K. Tian, who holds three degrees from Ivy League caliber and type universities (The University of Chicago, Georgetown University, and Johns Hopkins University) and is currently studying for his fourth Ivy League degree from The University of Pennsylvania, is clearly an expert about the graduate school admissions process, based on his own success in securing admission to some of the top universities in the United States and indeed in the world. In his guide to the graduate school admissions essay or personal statement, Crafting a Winning MCIT Personal Statement, Tian shares his best advice, and indeed tells the reader how to crack the code for the personal statement, an essential and crucial element for any successful graduate school application. His advice for prospective graduate students extends from a broader account of how the overarching purpose and strategy of the personal statement must be an essential element to a winning application, to more particular advice and consideration of the nitty gritty details of writing, such as grammar and syntax. While geared primarily for the STEM graduate student, I personally, as someone trained in the social sciences and political theory at Tian’s alma mater, The University of Chicago, found that much of the advice provided in this concise and very readable volume applies to prospective graduate students in my own field of expertise and others outside STEM. I highly recommend that any prospective graduate student, both in STEM and in other fields, read this book of essential advice before crafting one’s own essay. The author has received numerous well-deserved communications of thanks and praise from the great number of readers who have utilized the advice provided in this book to gain admission to The University of Pennsylvania and top tier schools. Whether you are aiming for the Ivy League or not, this is one book you must read before you write and craft your winning personal statement.

Preordered this book even before it was officially released and I have to say it is well worth it. The book accounts for all necessary concerns and points of emphasis that people working on a grad application may have. It's easy to comprehend throughout, which I thought was impressive given that it's not easy to explain well about "writing" through "writing". I believe this book will come in handy for personal statements in general, not just the specific program that the author focuses on. Recommended!

If you are applying to MCIT, you need to buy this book. It gives a comprehensive step by step framework to help write your personal statement while still tailoring it to your personal story. The author David is an incredibly intelligent individual and it feels as if you are getting coached through your paper as you are reading. One of the most exceptional parts of the book is the detail and optionality for writing a hook and introduction. The methods David provides can be applied to any grad school and it shows by his impressive acceptances to: UChicago, Georgetown, Johns Hopkins, and Penn MCIT. Save time and work smart!

Clear, succint, and extremely practical. It goes thought a step by step process in helping you ideate your essay until all you have to do is type. This is a treasure for anyone applying to MCIT. Can't recommend it enough.

David simplified the seemingly daunting process of writing a personal statement. Although the book is written specifically for the MCIT, I feel like it is perfectly applicable to other graduate programs as well. Helpful and definitely worth a read.

When I first looked at the personal statement criteria for the MCIT program, I was definitely concerned about how to even start the essay. My writers block was not going away until I found this book. The book goes step by step through each PS question thoroughly and provides very good examples. A very impressive book not only for MCIT, but also for other Masters in CS programs! Note: I got into MCIT!

I just got accepted into the MCIT program for Spring 2024. I read this book to craft a compelling personal statement. Inside the book, David gives examples of common mistakes students make and also specific things that the MCIT Program looks for in its applicants. He also included his own personal statement, and this is important because if you read the statements of people who got accepted, then you know the standards in which the University has to accept students into the program. This book can also be used to write compelling essays for other Master's programs as well. If you really want great results, you can also reach out to David himself and he will assist you with what you can be doing throughout the year to maximize your chances to get accepted, and he can review your statement.

This book does an excellent job of providing the tools and resources needed to create a masterful masters application regardless of if it's for Penn's MCIT program. There is a logical thought process behind every recommendation outlined by David and his suggestions have given me ideas on how to craft my own personal statement. Personally speaking, I was having trouble figuring out how to properly organize my essay and the layout David provided in the book has done wonders in helping me organize my thoughts and experiences. I also had questions regarding some of the content and he was also prompt in replying and gave me a clear answer with helpful tips on top. Overall I'm feeling optimistic of my outlook for some of the masters programs I'm applying for!

A great book to continuously reference as you go through multiple drafts in your personal statement journey. David establishes his credibility early on in the book given he is an MCIT alumni himself and currently works as an admissions consultant. He then goes on to emphasize the structure to take and provides examples throughout which help inspire your own thoughts.

This is a must have for writing personal statements! I do not have much experience writing for school applications but referencing this book helped structured my statement. I feel much more confident after reading through his content, especially with his helpful examples. EDIT: I came back to edit my review since I was admitted to my program. I felt that my personal statement made a difference in my application and I owe it to this book for crafting that great statement!