Writing Personal Statements
What is personal statement?
The personal statement (also known as a statement of purpose) is an essential piece of your application to graduate or professional school. It usually consists of a brief history about yourself while addressing your academic and career goals. It offers the admissions committee to hear your “voice” and portray relevant experiences that showcase your strengths and preparation.
How to I get started?
- Use clear organization and the mechanics of an academic essay by including a strong opening or thesis, details to support your claims, and a clear summarization.
- Read each prompt carefully and make every effort to understand and respond to it.
- Remember that this isn’t a research paper, it’s a personal essay—using clear, easy to understand language is more important than trying to sound “academic.” The committee is trying to get to know YOU so be as authentic as you can.
What should I write about?
Here are some questions to help you shape your composition (allow yourself some time to free write and get your ideas flowing):
- What are your career goals?
- When did you originally become interested in the field?
- What people or life events shaped or influenced your goals?
- How have you learned about and explored the field?
- What work or volunteer experiences contributed to your knowledge?
- Are there gaps or discrepancies that should be explained?
- Have you overcome any unusual obstacles or hardships?
- What personal characteristics enhance your performance?
- What skills and traits do you bring to the program?
- Why are you interested in “x” school?
What are some other writing tips?
Be selective and don’t bore the reader with too much detail
Capture attention but do not use quotes.
Show the committee that you have thought carefully about your application and have specific experiences and reasons why you are applying to this particular program.
For example, medical school applicants saying they are good at science or statements such as “I like working with people.”
Readers may have differing opinions from yours—such as religion and politics.
See how it flows; remember that admission committees will read many of these, so make yours compelling and easy to read.
DO NOT rely upon spell-check. Have others review your statement.
- Your first draft doesn’t have to be perfect initially. Seek feedback and be prepared to edit.
- Useful resources include professors, friends, family, professionals you have worked with.
- You can also connect with the Hacherl Research & Writing Studio, located in Wilson Library’s Learning Commons area.
We are here to help!
As you develop your personal statement, remember that we are here to help! Ensure that your resume will earn you an interview by scheduling an appointment with a graduate school advisor or requesting written feedback via email.
Not that the story need be long, but it will take a long while to make it short.
Henry David Thoreau