How to Write a Personal Statement That Will Help Your Future

The personal statement is a vitally important component of the application process, and it can make or break your chances of getting accepted. You may have written what seems like an excellent resume for this position, but if your personal statement isn’t good enough, then you might be rejected. If you apply for a job or your dream university, it’s important to know how to write a perfect personal statement. That’s why we want to give you some tips on how to write it successfully.

How to Write a Personal Statement: A Comprehensive Guide

Your personal statement is your chance to make the admission committee feel like they know you. It’s your chance to show the admissions committee who you are and what makes you special. It should be a concise, well-written essay that will speak to the reader and get them interested in learning more about you. A general personal statement about clichés like “I’m a perfect candidate” should be crossed out.

A personal statement is a written document that provides the admissions committee with a deeper understanding of the applicant’s qualifications, goals, and motivations. In the context of graduate school applications, personal statements are crucial as they highlight the applicant’s fit for the program and can range from broad responses to specific questions posed by the programs.

Here’s an example of a strong opening:
“Since studying Economics at GCSE level, I knew that the world of finance would become my career focus. Helping my father with his business gave me a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship, reinforcing my passion for pursuing a career in finance.”

This example highlights personal motivation and real-world experience, essential elements of a successful personal statement.

Definition and Purpose

A personal statement is a written document that accompanies a college or graduate school application, providing the admissions committee with a deeper understanding of the applicant’s qualifications, goals, and motivations. A personal statement aims to demonstrate why the applicant is a good fit for the program and what they can bring to the institution and showcase their writing skills, creativity, and ability to communicate effectively. It’s your opportunity to go beyond your academic record and show the admissions officers who you are as a person, what drives you, and how you envision your future career. By crafting a compelling personal statement, you can make a memorable impression on the admissions committee and set yourself apart from other applicants.

How to Write a Personal Statement for Graduate School Applications

The first thing you need to do when writing your personal statement is figure out what you are trying to accomplish. Is it meant for an application for a university, a scholarship, or maybe for a job? How much time are you giving yourself until the deadline? What things should be included in a personal statement? The writing process is crucial here, involving multiple drafts, brainstorming, and careful consideration of structure and content to craft a compelling narrative.

Once these questions have been answered, begin with an introductory paragraph. Introduce yourself and share something interesting about who you are as a person. It should catch the reader’s attention and make them interested in your story. One of the best personal statement tips you can get is that it’s important to be honest when writing. Don’t make yourself look like a perfect candidate- be honest and real. Show your frustrations or struggles to make them see you know hard work.

One of the most common mistakes people make when they write a personal statement is making it too short or too long. It’s not your autobiography- but it’s also not a short note to a friend. Don’t try to hide any information or lie; a simple, on-point structure is what makes a good personal statement.

Remember that a good personal statement is consistent in tense. You can choose it freely, but once you do, stick to it!

Structure of a Personal Statement: Emphasizing Self-Reflection

To help you make figuring out the structure easier, here are a few questions you should ask yourself before you start writing your personal statement:

Why do you want to apply for this particular Uni/scholarship?
Why do you think you will do well in this course?
What kind of hobbies/interests of yours match this specific course?
Do you have any previous experiences/certificates that make you more fitting for this place?

When you know the answers to those questions, it should be easier for you to figure out the answer to your biggest question – “How do I write a personal statement?”. A clear structure makes sense and helps in effectively communicating your narrative. In creating the structure, try to focus on your strengths and abilities- mainly if you apply with UCAS personal statement for prestigious universities, like Cambridge or Oxford.

Key Components of a Personal Statement

A well-written personal statement typically includes several key components that work together to create a compelling narrative. Here’s what you should include:

A clear and concise overview of your background, interests, and aspirations: Start by introducing yourself and providing a snapshot of who you are. This sets the stage for the rest of your statement.
A demonstration of your passion, motivation, and goals: Explain why you are passionate about the field you are applying to and what motivates you to pursue this path. Share your long-term goals and how the program aligns with them.
Evidence of your skills, qualifications, and experiences relevant to the program: Highlight your relevant experiences, whether academic, professional, or extracurricular. Provide examples that showcase your problem-solving skills, leadership, and other qualities that make you a strong candidate.
A clear and concise writing style, free of errors and clichés: Your personal statement should be well-written and free of grammatical errors. Avoid clichés and generic statements; instead, focus on creating a unique and authentic narrative.
A unique and memorable story that showcases your personality and character: Share a personal story or anecdote that illustrates your character and makes your statement memorable. This helps the admissions committee connect with you on a personal level.

By including these key components, you can create a personal statement that effectively communicates your strengths and makes a positive impression on the admissions committee.

Length of a Personal Statement

In general, the length of your personal statement should be around one side of the A4 paper. This size is more than enough to cover everything when you write an application for the undergraduate program. Any personal statement writer will know how to deliver your statement in a consistent and easy-to-read manner.

If you apply for some more challenging postgraduate programs, it might be necessary to write a bit more than one page. It all depends on what you put in a personal statement; if you have a lot of fitting experience, you might need more space to use.

Remember that it can’t be too long. Your admission officers have many other personal statements to read, so make sure they won’t get frustrated with your way-too-long submission. It’s crucial to make a lasting impression on the admissions officer with a concise and well-structured personal statement.

Do’s and Don’ts of a Personal Statement

When it comes to what to write in a personal statement, there are a few general rules to follow. Here are a few hints on what to say in a personal statement:

Show that you know your strengths and abilities.
Proofread your finished personal statement a few times; ask others to do it, too.
Show your interest in the University and program you are applying to.
Keep it within the recommended length.
Include your previous experiences and skills (if you have any).

Now, here’s a list of things you should avoid:

Confusing structure and unclear message.
Talking about personal or irrelevant things.
Exaggerate your skills or lie.
Leaving writing your personal statement at the last minute.

If you keep in mind those tips when writing your personal statement, you should be good to go. Remember, many other students are also applying, so it’s crucial to make your personal statement stand out. If you’re unsure how to end a personal statement, you should simply sum up what you said before. Don’t say thank you or express your hope to be admitted; that might come across as ignorant.

Practical Tips for Crafting a Standout Personal Statement

Start with a Strong Introduction:
- Your introduction sets the tone for the entire statement. Devote about 25% of it to extracurricular activities that reflect your personality and 75% to qualifications and academic achievements that demonstrate your fit for the program.
Be Selective with Your Story:
- Share an uplifting or meaningful personal story. Avoid overly dramatic or sensitive topics that might make the reader uncomfortable. Keep it authentic and relevant.
Frame Your Statement as a Story:
- Admissions committees value personal connections. Instead of writing a rigid essay, structure your statement as a narrative that highlights your passion and dedication.
Use Quotes Thoughtfully:
- If you include a quote, ensure it’s professional and directly relevant to your message. Avoid casual or overly inspirational quotes and explain how the quote connects to your personal journey.
Highlight Accomplishments with Subtle Confidence:
- Showcase your achievements without arrogance. Back up your claims with evidence and specific examples of your skills and dedication.
Stay Realistic:
- Avoid over-exaggerating your achievements or making grandiose claims. Admissions committees value honesty and authenticity.
Proofread and Gather Feedback:
- Review your statement multiple times for errors and clarity. Ask mentors, teachers, or peers to provide feedback—they may spot areas for improvement that you missed.
Avoid Slang and Humor:
- Maintain a professional tone. While it’s tempting to use humor or casual phrases to stand out, these often detract from the message and professionalism of your statement.
Skip Clichés:
- Avoid generic phrases like “I have a thirst for knowledge.” Instead, express your motivations and aspirations in a fresh, creative way.
Refine and Rewrite:
- Your first draft is just the beginning. Write, edit, and rewrite until you’re satisfied with the final version. Polishing your work ensures clarity and professionalism.
Show, Don’t Tell:
- Instead of simply listing qualities like leadership or determination, illustrate them through specific actions. For example, describe a project where you demonstrated initiative or teamwork.
Be Unique and Authentic:
- Your experiences make you stand out. Use your own voice to create a statement that’s personal and original. Avoid copying others’ work, as universities use plagiarism detection software.
Proofread for Perfection:
- Ensure your final version is error-free. Check for grammar issues, awkward phrasing, or inconsistencies. A polished statement reflects your attention to detail.

Admissions Tutors’ Perspective on Personal Statements

Admissions tutors play a crucial role in the application process, and their perspective on personal statements can provide valuable insights for applicants. According to admissions tutors, a good personal statement should:

Demonstrate enthusiasm and commitment to the course: Show that you are genuinely interested in the program and committed to pursuing it. Your passion and enthusiasm can make a significant impact.
Show evidence of self-reflection and awareness of your strengths and weaknesses: Reflect on your experiences and what you have learned from them. Acknowledge your strengths and areas for improvement, demonstrating self-awareness and a willingness to grow.
Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the program: Provide examples of your skills and experiences that are directly relevant to the course. This shows that you have the necessary background and are prepared for the challenges ahead.
Provide a clear and concise overview of your goals and motivations: Clearly articulate your goals and why you are motivated to pursue this particular program. This helps the admissions committee understand your long-term vision.
Showcase your writing skills and creativity: A well-written personal statement reflects your ability to communicate effectively. Use this opportunity to showcase your writing skills and creativity.

Admissions tutors also emphasize the importance of originality and authenticity in personal statements. They want to see applicants who are genuine, passionate, and committed to their chosen field of study. A well-written personal statement can make a significant difference in the application process and can often be the deciding factor in securing an interview or admission to a program.

In terms of what admissions tutors look for in a personal statement, they typically want to see evidence of:

Academic record and potential, backed up by a reference: Your academic achievements and potential should be supported by a strong reference.
Enthusiasm for the course being applied for: Show that you are excited about the program and eager to contribute.
Self-reflection into why you would be suitable to study the course: Reflect on your suitability for the course and what makes you a good fit.
Value you can add to the course: Highlight how you can contribute to the program and the institution.
Where you would like to go after graduation: Share your future career aspirations and how the program will help you achieve them.

By understanding the key components of a personal statement and the admissions tutors’ perspective, you can increase your chances of writing a successful personal statement that showcases your skills, qualifications, and motivations.

Example of a Good Personal Statement

“I have always been driven to be involved in everything connected to the business. I’m an entrepreneur at heart, and as such, want my future profession to reflect that. This is why I spent a lot of time determining what course would best suit me, which would allow for the development of skills outside of business management or marketing and communication and social work! My interest in social justice aligns with my career goals, highlighting my passion and purpose for using my skills to promote social equity. When considering my skills, interests, and values – Business Management & Marketing made sense as a potential career path because it would allow me to use skill sets like entrepreneurship, communication, and marketing. I’ve recently managed to gain valuable insight into business through various work experience placements, including Mitsubishi and running my own food catering business. I also had responsibility for customer care emails, which were often sent from customers who wanted general information about our company or feedback based on personal encounters with our employees. During my whole school experience, I was keen to participate in various sports and musical extracurricular activities. It taught me how to be a team player, which I believe is an essential skill in my future career.”

Conclusion

As you can see, writing a personal statement requires quite a lot of work and preparation. It could be worth considering getting some additional help to make sure your personal statement is outstanding. By following these practical tips, you can craft a personal statement that is professional, compelling, and uniquely reflective of your story. Take your time, revise diligently, and focus on presenting the best version of yourself to the admissions committee.