In graduate school admissions, the personal statement is often an elusive component, but in the eyes of the admissions committee, it serves a concrete and important purpose.
A well-prepared personal statement can help an applicant secure a spot in their desired graduate program.
So, how do you write an outstanding personal statement?
Read the Requirements
Some applications provide little guidance, asking prospective students to elaborate on why they want to pursue this program or provide information about their background and interests.
Others, however, give specific instructions on content, format, word count, and submission method. It is crucial that applicants read and understand what their personal statement should contain.
Self-Awareness
Before sitting down to write, applicants should spend considerable time reflecting on their strengths and what they want to convey to the admissions committee. They must think seriously about what makes them unique and take time to reflect on their "personal brand."
What qualities can you bring to a graduate cohort that the program didn't even know it needed? When students are confident about their positive attributes, it becomes easier to convince admissions officers of the value they can add to any graduate program.
Talk to Family and Friends
Sometimes it's difficult to figure out how to write about yourself or which elements to highlight. This is where friends and family can be immensely helpful.
Talk to those who know you best—people who have been with you on your life journey. Ask them for feedback on who you are and what they've observed. For example, how would they describe you in five words? This is your "core self"—what sets you apart.
Be Authentic
We always hear this advice: be yourself, keep it real, but it truly is the best advice. Admissions professionals are keenly perceptive; they can tell when you're using vocabulary beyond your own or when you're exaggerating the significance of an experience. They read thousands of personal statements each year and can spot a "fake" instantly.
Don't try to sell yourself to the admissions committee. Offer a description that is both graceful and genuine about who you are and what you care about. That way, the right schools will recognize what you can bring to their community.
Stay Relevant
The focus of the application should be on why the student is qualified for that specific program. Admissions officers want to get to know their applicants, but they especially want to ensure that the students they select value the program and have specific reasons for applying.
For instance, a student might be drawn to a program because one or two faculty members conduct research that aligns with the student's interests. This is something worth mentioning in the statement. A personal statement brings a personal touch, but it should also include practical, academic, and career-related details.
Use Specific Examples
Graduate school applicants should avoid making generic statements or simply listing their experiences and qualifications. Use concrete examples and powerful stories to draw readers into your life and make them care about it by the end.
For example, if you're applying to medical school, tell a specific personal story about something that happened while volunteering at a hospital—something that changed your worldview, challenged you, and confirmed your goal of becoming a doctor.
Address Potential Weaknesses
The personal statement is an excellent opportunity for candidates with less-than-stellar credentials to stand out and offer context for their "shortcomings." If a student's undergraduate grades weren't great, they can provide some background in the personal statement. Students may not feel this is necessary or comfortable, but it is an option.
Applicants should handle weaknesses tactfully. Explanations should not sound like excuses but should be framed in a way that demonstrates perseverance, growth, or lessons learned from challenges.
Use Space Effectively
Personal statements are usually short, typically between 500 and 1,000 words. This means filler words and phrases like "the truth is" or "it's my personal belief that" take up precious space and might even prompt an admissions interview.
It's important to convey a clear image in just a few paragraphs, so be concise and precise. For statements with generous word limits, remember that more words isn't always better. Admissions committees read thousands of personal statements each year, and longer essays are more likely to be skimmed than read thoroughly.
Edit Relentlessly
Depending on the program, a student's personal statement may carry varying weight. It should not be thrown together at the last minute. Allowing enough time to write multiple drafts, edit, and proofread thoroughly is a must. Before submitting, have others proofread and check for grammar—they may catch errors that were glossed over in earlier drafts.
Finally, we hope every applicant can craft a personal statement they're proud of, adding the perfect finishing touch to their application!
