How to write a personal statement
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Deniz Akcaoglu
- September 23, 2023
A personal statement is essential for graduate school applications because it enables applicants to showcase their individuality, explain their fit for the program, show their passion and commitment.
By its most straightforward description, a personal statement is a short essay in which you tell the reader about:
- Your motivation for the application
- Your reasons/desire to enroll in the program and the institution
Although it looks like detailed and crafty work, writing a personal statement isn’t that hard. You are good to go as long as you follow our step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Analyze a 5-paragraph personal statement
Before we dive into the steps of writing a great personal statement, let’s first analyze an engaging example. Simply hover over on the sentences to see how they stand in the academic writing context.
5-Paragraph Personal Statement Example
Personal Statement for Harvard MBA
Introduction
From an early age, I have been driven by a passion for business and entrepreneurship.
An emotional and impressive opening
As a young girl, I started a small baking business in my community, and through dedication and hard work, I was able to grow it into a thriving enterprise. This experience sparked a lifelong interest in business, and I have since worked in various roles in the corporate world, including finance, marketing, and management.
An interesting/impressive story about yourself
Now, as I consider pursuing an MBA, I am drawn to Harvard University for its unparalleled reputation and commitment to excellence.
An explanation about your motivation
Body Paragraphs
So, why should Harvard choose me for its MBA program? Firstly, my academic record and professional experience demonstrate my exceptional proficiency in business management. Answer why they should choose you I have consistently achieved high grades, held leadership positions, and completed several successful projects, including a marketing campaign that generated record sales for my company. Give evidence on your background Additionally, I am a collaborative and dedicated team member, as evidenced by my experience leading cross-functional teams and driving successful outcomes. Keep explaining your competencies
Furthermore, I have a clear moral compass and am committed to using my knowledge and skills to make a positive impact on society. My ultimate goal is to start my own socially responsible business that will help address global issues such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. Correlate your morals with your aims With an MBA from Harvard, I believe I will be better equipped to achieve this goal and make a real difference in the world. Explain how Harvard will help you with your goals
Looking towards the future, I am excited about the opportunities that an MBA from Harvard will provide me. I am particularly interested in the school's focus on entrepreneurship and its network of successful alumni who have gone on to create some of the world's most innovative companies. I am confident that Harvard will provide me with the skills and knowledge I need to succeed in my future endeavors and make a meaningful contribution to society. Keep expanding on your motivation and how Harvard will help you
Conclusion
I believe that I am an outstanding candidate for Harvard's MBA program due to my exceptional academic record, my collaborative and dedicated nature, and my commitment to using business to make a positive impact on society. Wrap up your personal statement I am excited about the opportunity to learn from and contribute to Harvard's community of scholars and innovators and am confident that an MBA from Harvard will provide me with the tools and resources I need to achieve my long-term goals. End with a memorable and strong closing sentence
First of all, don’t disregard the fact that the reader isn’t a passionate reader of yours. In other words, you aren’t a famous writer of any bestseller.
That’s why your personal statement should be exact, accurate, and to the point. If you are asked to answer a set of specific questions, try to meet the instructions in your paper.
As seen from the example above, a well-organized personal statement consists of the three following parts: introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
Let’s now continue with each part, starting from the introduction.
Step 2: Write an attention-grabbing introduction
- Start with a hook: Use an attention-grabbing hook at the beginning of your introduction to draw the reader in. The goal is to stimulate the reader’s curiosity and encourage them to keep reading.
- Provide context: Provide some context for your personal statement after the hook sentence. Give a brief explanation why you want to apply for a certain job or graduate program.
- Express your motivation: Indicate clearly why you are pursuing this opportunity. Share your inspirations and aspirations, and the significance of this particular path in your life.
- Mention your thesis statement (optional): You can end your introduction with a brief thesis statement. This statement previews the main themes or arguments you will discuss in the body of your personal statement. But, it might not always be necessary.
Personal statement introduction example
Introduction
As an avid problem solver with a passion for technology, my interest in Computer Science began as a mere fascination with the endless possibilities of coding.
An impressive opening that hints the reason for interest
However, it wasn't until I embarked on a project to develop a website that would help underprivileged children gain access to education that I fully realized the transformative potential of technology.
An impressive story about yourself
I was amazed at the impact that a simple tool could have on the lives of children and families, and since then, I have been driven to pursue a career in Computer Science that will enable me to make an even greater difference in the world.
A brief explanation of your motivation
As you see from the example, a successful introduction would include the following:
- An outstanding opening
- An impressive story about yourself
- A brief explanation of your motivation
Once again, the introduction paragraph is the part that provides the biggest opportunity to catch the reader’s attention. Don’t forget to stand out among others.
Step 3: Build compelling body paragraphs
- Start with a clear topic sentence: The topic sentence should clearly state the main point or theme of the paragraph. This is where you set the tone.
- Provide specific examples and anecdotes: Cite specific examples and anecdotes to support your points. These should be thorough and demonstrate your abilities, life experiences, or personal development.
- Relate to your goals: Relate each example or anecdote to your academic and career goals. Describe how your experiences have shaped your goals and why you’re a good fit for the program.
- Address potential concerns: Use a body paragraph to address any weaknesses in your application, such as a lower GPA or a career change. Be honest and concise in your explanation.
- Show why you're fit: Make sure that each body paragraph highlights how well-suited you are to the particular graduate school you are applying to. Mention professors, programs, or special opportunities that fit your interests.
Personal statement body paragraphs example
Body Paragraphs
So, why should I be chosen for MIT's Computer Science program?
Highlight/answer: whey they should choose you
Firstly, my academic record demonstrates my exceptional proficiency in Mathematics, Science, and Computer Science. I have consistently achieved high grades, participated in numerous competitions, and completed several research projects, including a machine learning project that predicts COVID-19 symptoms. Additionally, I am a collaborative and dedicated team member, as evidenced by my experience leading the robotics team at my school and working as a mentor for underprivileged students who are interested in Computer Science.
Give evidence of your competencies
Furthermore, I have a clear moral compass and am committed to using my knowledge and skills to make a positive impact on society.
State your morals
My ultimate goal is to develop technology that will help address global issues such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. With a degree from MIT's prestigious Computer Science program, I believe I will be better equipped to achieve this goal and make a real difference in the world.
Be clear and descriptive about your future plans
Pro tips for writing body paragraphs
- Answer the question “Why should you be chosen?”
- Give evidence of your competencies
- Address potential concerns and how you'll overcome
- Be clear and descriptive about your future plan
Step 4: Write an effective conclusion
In the conclusion part of your statement, you wrap your ideas, ambitions, and stories up. In this part, you are expected to correlate what you’ve written until this part and remind the most important points to the reader.
- Summarize your key points: Start your conclusion by briefly summarizing the main ideas covered in your personal statement. Remind the reader of your most important accomplishments, experiences, and motivations.
- Reiterate your motivation: Reiterate your passion and motivation for the program or position you’re applying to. Describe why it fits your goals and aspirations well.
- Connect to the future: Talk about how the opportunity you’re after fits with your long-term goals and how it will help you achieve them. Draw an image of the future you want.
- Reflect on personal growth: If applicable, consider how you have improved personally and what you have learned through difficulties or failures. Show how your growth from these experiences has made you a stronger applicant.
- End with a memorable concluding sentence Craft a memorable closing thought that leaves a strong impression. It could be a thought-provoking remark, a call to action, or a declaration of your persistent commitment.
Personal statement conclusion example
Introduction
After all, I believe that I am an excellent candidate for MIT's Computer Science program due to my exceptional academic record, my collaborative and dedicated nature, and my commitment to using technology to make a positive impact on society.
Restate your competencies and slowly wrap up
I am confident that MIT's program will provide me with the skills and knowledge I need to achieve my long-term goals and contribute to creating a better world.
Finish your personal statement with a strong closing sentence
Pro tips for writing a conclusion
- Avoid repetition or introducing a new idea in this part
- The conclusion is the part where you wrap up your points
- Avoid using cliched statements or generalizations that are commonly found in conclusions
Step 5: Proofread and edit
The last, and maybe the most underestimated, part of a successful statement of purpose is to check your grammar (active and passive, capitalization, headings, etc.) and proofread your paper for common mistakes.
Don’t hesitate to use a simple language. As long as you aren’t applying to a PhD program in literature or linguistics, your main concern should be forming clean and understandable statements.
Lastly, follow these tips to finalize your personal statement essay.
- Re-read your statement a couple of times
- Use a grammar checking softwares.
- Ask for other’s opinions
Key takeaways
- A personal statement is a written document that highlights your personal experiences, achievements, and aspirations, often used for college or job applications.
- When writing a personal statement, focus on showcasing your unique qualities, skills, and experiences that make you a strong candidate.
- Begin your personal statement with a compelling introduction that grabs the reader's attention and provides an overview of your journey.
- Use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate your strengths and accomplishments, and explain how they have shaped your goals and aspirations.
- End your personal statement with a strong conclusion that summarizes your key points and emphasizes your enthusiasm and readiness for the opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of a personal statement?
A personal statement serves as almost like an essay, where you highlight your qualifications, experiences, and motivations. It is often used for job or scholarship applications, or college admissions. Its goal is to provide insights into who you are, your accomplishments, and the reasons you make a strong candidate.
How long should a personal statement be?
A personal statement’s length can vary depending on the specific requirements, but it’s generally advised to be focused and concise. Personal statements for graduate or college applications are typically 500-800 words long. It’s important to follow any word or character restrictions listed in the application criteria.
What should I include in a personal statement?
You should include your background, accomplishments, experiences, motivations, and long-term goals in your personal statement. It’s a chance for you to highlight your special skills and how they connect to the program or job you’re applying for. Make sure to explain why you’re a good fit for the position and what makes you stand out from the competition.
