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NUR 645: PMHNP Preparation
Personal Statement Rubric
Area Excellent (4) Competent (3) Needs Development (2)
Poor (1) Score
Thesis, Theme, Focus Is able to write a clearly articulated, original thesis/theme/focus/purpos e.
Is able to state a thesis/theme/focus/pur pose; may be either somewhat unclear or somewhat lacking in originality.
Is able to articulate a thesis/theme/focus /purpose; may be unclear or lacking in originality.
Is unable to articulate any purpose of applying for career position.
Organization & Flow Is able to write a well- organized statement of purpose, including a clearly written intro., main body, and conclusion. Introduction includes thesis or introduces theme. Each body paragraph has a topic sentence, develops one main idea, and has a transition sentence linking it to the next paragraph. The conclusion brings everything together plus adds a little more.
Is able to write an intro., main body, and conclusion. The intro includes a thesis. 1-2 body paragraphs may lack a topic sentence, include more than one idea, or lack a transition sentence. The conclusion summarizes the main argument but may not add a little more.
Is able to write an intro, main body, and conclusion. The intro includes a thesis. Multiple body paragraphs may lack a topic sentence, include more than one main idea, or lack a transition sentence. The conclusion may not clearly summarize the argument or add a little more.
Statement of Purpose has no clear organizational Pattern.
Style, Mechanics Is able to use correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Writing is clear and concise, without unnecessary jargon.
Is able to write a statement with minor errors in grammar, spelling or punctuation. Writing is still clear and concise, without unnecessary jargon.
Is able to write a statement with moderate errors in grammar, spelling or punctuation; or in some places writing is unclear, wordy, or uses unnecessary jargon.
Writes a statement with major errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation; or in a number of places writing is unclear, wordy, or uses unnecessary jargon.
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Area Excellent (4) Competent (3) Needs
Development (2) Poor (1) Score
Creativity Is able to write an original statement. Statement strongly conveys student’s individual voice and personality and powerfully sets candidate apart from other candidates.
Is able to write an original statement. In most places, statement conveys student’s individual voice and personality and sets candidate apart from other candidates.
Statement may be somewhat original. In some place, statement conveys student’s individual voice and personality and sets candidate apart from other candidates. In other places, the statement may sound formulaic and/or relies on clichés.
Statement of Purpose is formulaic and/or relies on clichés. Statement does not convey individual uniqueness or set candidate apart from other candidates. Student’s voice and personality are not evident in statement.
Reflective Examples Describes a number of relevant experiences, which are all vividly illustrated through detail, dialogue, and/or imagery. Student thoughtfully reflects on each experience, thoroughly explaining the lessons he or she learned from each experience and how the experience has shaped him or her into the person he/she is today.
Describes a number of relevant experiences, most of which are vividly illustrated through detail, dialogue, and/or imagery. Student reflects on each experience, explaining the lessons he or she learned from each experience and how the experience has shaped him or her into the person he/she is today. Reflection may not be very thoughtful or thorough in some places.
Describes relevant experiences, some of which are illustrated through detail, dialogue, and/or imagery. Student reflects on some of the experiences, explaining the lessons he or she learned from each experience and how the experience has shaped him or her into the person he/she is today. Reflection may be missing from some examples.
Does not describe relevant experiences OR experiences are not vividly illustrated through detail, dialogue, and/or imagery. Student may not reflect on any of the experiences he or she describes OR reflection is not thoughtful or thorough.
Total Score