Learn how to write a personal statement correctly

Coming up with a great idea is difficult, especially when learning how to write a personal statement that will stand out and impress people. This article will help you see the most common use cases and understand what levels can be achieved. We shall focus on the personal statement structure and what must be done to prepare it. To help you overcome writing challenges, our guide will explain things step by step with a list of things to observe and avoid. Finally, a personal statement example will help you learn from the actual sample below! 

How to Write a Personal Statement: What is it?

A personal statement is often called a statement of purpose and can be used for education and professional employment. In most cases, you are dealing with an essay about your personality and future academic or job-based plans. Unlike traditional college essays, personal statements offer a unique opportunity to showcase a student’s character, experiences, and aspirations to admission committees. Crafting a strong personal statement is particularly important for grad school applications, as it allows applicants to narrate their experiences and demonstrate their suitability for the program. Here, you must share details of your work experience, existing skills, volunteering, or specific professional background that may play a significant role. Therefore, learning the tricks of how to write a personal statement can become challenging! The solution is to set your goals and narrow things down to a particular employer or a special workshop you wish to attend. Thus, your personal statement essay must become a mission you deliver in writing!

For example, when writing a personal statement, you must deal with personal statements for different levels, including writing for a job and adjusting things for a company or working for an undergraduate school. The significant difference between a personal statement and a job is that you must talk about your professional qualities and showcase how you can be helpful to the company. Unlike an educational piece, knowing how to write a good personal statement must include something to impress your future employer. Apparently, it has to show your expertise as you must compete with others, unlike when you are an applicant for an academic institution. It is a significant difference.

Understanding Personal Statements

A personal statement is a crucial component of college and graduate school applications and scholarship applications. It’s an opportunity for applicants to showcase their skills, qualities, values, and interests and to demonstrate how they can contribute to the academic community. A strong personal statement can significantly impact the application process, providing a unique perspective on the applicant’s background, experiences, and goals. By presenting a compelling narrative, you can effectively convey your readiness and enthusiasm for the program you are applying to.

Definition and Purpose

A personal statement is a written essay that showcases an individual’s unique qualities, skills, and experiences. It is a crucial component of college and graduate school applications, especially for grad school applications where demonstrating your suitability for the program and scholarship and fellowship programs are essential. The purpose of a personal statement is to provide a comprehensive and compelling narrative that highlights the applicant’s strengths, passions, and goals. Sharing your personal journey can give the admissions committee a deeper understanding of who you are and what drives you.

Importance of a Personal Statement

A personal statement is essential in the application process because it allows the admissions committee to get to know the applicant beyond their academic credentials. It allows the applicant to showcase their personality, values, and motivations and demonstrate how they can contribute to the academic community. A well-written personal statement can make a significant difference in the application process, as it can help the applicant stand out from the competition and increase their chances of acceptance. For grad school applications, a strong personal statement is crucial. It allows applicants to narrate their experiences and demonstrate how they embody the qualities the admissions committee seeks, thereby illustrating their suitability for the program. You can communicate your unique story and aspirations effectively by presenting a solid personal statement.

The structure of a personal statement 

Since a personal statement has the primary purpose of getting you noticed, the structure can be basically anything that can get the message across. Accordingly, you must show something unique to help you stand out and tell a personal story beyond your grades or diploma achievements. Still, not knowing what to include in a personal statement can be quite daunting! The trick is to see what must be achieved and what kind of person will see your application. Since thousands of personal statements are seen weekly, do it in a non-ordinary way! Choosing a personal statement topic that captures your identity and values is crucial, as it should reflect personal experiences and insights that resonate emotionally with the reader to create a compelling narrative. For grad school applications, it is essential to narrate your experiences and demonstrate how you embody the qualities the admissions committee seeks, thereby illustrating your suitability for the program. Here is what you must include and brainstorm what do colleges look for in essays as they have to look through quite a lot of seemingly compelling personal statements:

• An introduction with a hook sentence (depending on your personal statement format and the case).
• A reason to choose a specific subject/university/job/internship. You can provide examples of what the school or a company has achieved.
• A brief introduction of your current studies and how your experience matches your choice.
• Your interests and responsibilities concerning your academic objectives for a personal statement for university purposes.
• The way you see your future and social life after graduation.
• A summary should discuss why you shall make a good student or a perfect employee.

Although no perfect formula will work (think about an IT college, an English Literature internship, or a Christian college!) for every case, you must think about what makes a good personal statement to impress people. Ask yourself about what will be an easy structure to read as you tell a story. It should not be only about existing accomplishments because it has to be humble at the same time. Focus on those aspects that can talk about how and why something has been achieved and sort things from most to least important.

How to prepare before writing a personal statement for graduate school?

As you might already know, preparation is always a key because you must have an outline and provide a list of essential ideas. At least two things must be present when you plan to learn how to write a letter of intent that impresses you. Indeed, the engaging content and the factual information help to connect the dots. Thus, it has to be emotional and clear to help you sound human instead of becoming a dry list of facts. Before you start with a college essay personal statement, you must think about what you would like people to know about you and talk about things that make you look and sound different! Tailoring your personal statement to the specific requirements of grad school applications is crucial to demonstrate your suitability for the program.

Additionally, ask yourself about the reasons for choosing a particular course and the things that excite you, or talk about how your prior life has motivated you to make a certain choice. Talk about your experiences and consider how the chosen course can help you. Highlight your personal characteristics, shaped by your upbringing and experiences, to show how they have influenced your identity and values. If you have a life experience that has inspired you, consider including it. It will help you see how to format a personal statement by making it engaging all through the way.

When discussing your academic merits, describe how these have been achieved. The same applies to skills when describing your ambitions and future career regarding a chosen program. Do not just promise too much or talk about what you could do; think about what you have already done! As you work on a personal statement structure, make it like a news report that will help your audience feel inspired right until the statement’s end.

Brainstorming and Planning

Before starting to write a personal statement, it’s essential to brainstorm and plan the content. This involves identifying the key themes, experiences, and qualities you want to highlight. Reflect on your academic background, personal growth, and future career aspirations. It’s also crucial to research the institution and program you are applying to to understand their values, mission, and requirements. Doing so can tailor your personal statement to showcase your alignment with the institution’s goals and values. This preparation will help you create a focused and impactful narrative.

Choosing a Topic

Choosing a topic for a personal statement can be a challenging task. Selecting a topic that is meaningful and relevant to your experiences and goals is essential. The topic should also be specific and focused, allowing you to provide a detailed and compelling narrative. Some common topics for personal statements include overcoming challenges, pursuing a passion, or exploring a personal interest. Reflect on your growth and consider how your chosen topic can highlight your strengths and aspirations. Additionally, choose a topic that demonstrates your suitability for grad school, showcasing how you embody the qualities the admissions committee seeks.

How to write a personal statement: step-by-step guide 

The most challenging part of writing a personal statement is coming up with the first bit of an introduction that either catches on or leaves an audience uninspired. As you look at the list of ideas and wonder how to start a personal statement correctly, the first step is the hook (attention grabber). Please don’t overthink this part; do your best to make it accessible. You should introduce yourself and narrow things down to clarify what you wish to tell! For grad school applications, it's crucial to tailor your introduction to highlight your suitability for the program and demonstrate how you embody the qualities the admissions committee seeks.

Let’s narrow things down to the steps that must be taken:

1. Explain why you are applying for a college or university course using an exciting hook to make your writing sound interesting.
2. What makes you interested in this particular university or college?
3. What makes you a unique applicant for your future choice?
4. Discuss your personal skills and achievements. As you approach this part, use transition words for essays to help you transition from your unique skills for the course to what you have already accomplished.
5. List unique experiences and projects you have been involved with (volunteering, workshops, travels, etc). Seemingly distinct topics or experiences can effectively intertwine in your narrative, highlighting the exact same thing about your character or goals.
6. Talk about your plans, which is an obligatory part of a personal statement for college. This part should include how you plan to use the knowledge you gain as you graduate.
7. Offer thanks and discuss your hopes, intentions, and dreams. Make it memorable, but don’t boast too much!

If you already have a personal statement prompt to follow, this personal statement outline will help you see what to include. Even if something makes you feel confused, discuss what you want to achieve and why by discussing your life and plans.

Key Elements of a Personal Statement

A great personal statement should have several key elements, including:

• A clear and concise writing style: Ensure your writing is easy to read and jargon-free.
• A strong narrative structure: Whether you choose a narrative or montage style, make sure your story flows logically.
• A focus on your core values, skills, and qualities: Highlight what makes you unique and how these attributes align with the program.
• Evidence of personal growth, insight, and self-awareness: Show how your experiences and academic interests have shaped you.
• Demonstrate your academic background, research interests, and career goals: Provide specific examples of your achievements and aspirations.
• A showcase of your unique experiences, challenges, and achievements: Use anecdotes to illustrate your journey and resilience.

How to make a strong personal statement stand out: dos and don'ts

The secret ingredient is knowing yourself well and checking the university or college (or job) requirements well. This way, you can write things correctly and ensure nothing has been missed. Speaking of personal statement tips, let’s see what must be done and what things must be avoided:

DO:

• Read the entry requirements. It is one of the most important parts you should not ignore, as skipping an essential bit can result in discarding your text.
• Follow the word count. It will help you to create an outline and avoid all the unnecessary facts.
• Check the formatting as you learn what is a personal statement type of writing.
• Provide information about yourself in the beginning.
• Talk about your interests and hobbies.
• Tailor your personal statement to the requirements and expectations of grad school applications. Highlight your experiences and demonstrate how you embody the qualities that the admissions committee is looking for.

DON’T:

• Do not repeat your diploma or provide information that is easy to obtain.
• Do not talk about some event in your life by adding too much.
• Do not ask or complain, even if you belong to certain minorities.
• Do not turn your personal statement into narrative or overly dramatic writing.
• Please do not copy from a personal statement template, as it leads to plagiarism risks.

Avoid promising too much or discussing something you cannot yet do. Keep things realistic even as you discuss your future plans!

If you cannot narrow things down and see what elements must be included, you can always hire writer and discuss your plans and achievements. This will help you save time and nerves as you learn what to include and avoid plagiarism risks! It is also possible to talk to a specialist who can guide you towards the perfect outcome. Enlisting the help of a professional writer can significantly enhance the quality of your personal statement, improving your chances of acceptance by educational institutions.

Editing and Revising Your Personal Statement

Editing and revising a personal statement is crucial in the application process. It is essential to review the statement carefully to ensure it is well-written, concise, and error-free. Additionally, ensure that your personal statement meets the requirements and expectations of grad school applications. Seek feedback from others, such as teachers, mentors, or peers, to gain new insights and perspectives. Revising the statement multiple times can help you refine your ideas and create a stronger narrative. Remember, a polished and well-crafted personal statement can leave a lasting impression on the admissions committee.

Getting Help with Your Personal Statement

Writing a personal statement can be a challenging task, especially for those who are not familiar with the process. Fortunately, many resources are available to help you write a strong personal statement. These include:

• Professional writing services can provide guidance, editing, and proofreading support to enhance your statement.
• Online resources: Utilize writing guides, tutorials, and personal statement examples to gain insights and inspiration.
• Academic advisors, counselors, and mentors: Seek feedback and advice from those who know you well and understand the application process.
• Peer review: Sharing your personal statement with fellow applicants can provide valuable insights and suggestions for improvement.

A good personal statement example 

Nothing can be compared to seeing an actual sample, especially if you do not know what a personal statement looks like or what the formatting should be like. For this purpose, we have included a sample to assist you:

When you wish to assist people, becoming a nurse is often a course that a student tends to choose. What makes me feel unique about X Medical School is the opportunity to focus on volunteering and practical workshops where a person can become involved in social activities. I believe it is exactly what helps to find an inner voice and what makes a person better. Looking at my personal and academic achievements, I want to join this course and continue with my nursing education. The presence of ER unit studies and the lab workshops have been especially interesting to me. As a high school student, I have always participated in first-help activities and provided help during camping trips, mainly using my gained skills.

I believe this course will help me address my confidence and help me see the psychological aspect of a nursing course. This classic approach to studies aligns with my personal vision. The community spirit in this medical field is one of the reasons why I have narrowed down my academic choices. I believe that always working hard will make me a good part of the student family.

Of course, this is only a sample for a medical school that a person can compose. Look at the attention hook at the very beginning because it helps to make things look interesting. Reviewing personal statement examples can provide valuable insights and guidance for crafting your own statement. For grad school applications, it is crucial to narrate your experiences and demonstrate how you embody the qualities the admissions committee seeks, thereby illustrating your suitability for the program. If you wish to compose something special, consider a customer service personal statement agent who can guide you toward a specialist who will help you discuss your most personal aspects. You will also learn how to avoid discrepancies and address the logic. Even if you need to learn how to write a personal statement for a job, an expert at EduBirdie will also provide you with immediate assistance! You can also get various examples to inspire you and help you to continue writing and avoid stress!

Graduate School Personal Statements

A graduate school personal statement is a written essay that is submitted as part of the application process for graduate school. It is typically longer and more detailed than a college personal statement and is designed to showcase the applicant’s academic background, research interests, and career goals. The statement should demonstrate your expertise and knowledge in your field and your potential for success in graduate school. Tailoring the statement to the specific program and institution and highlighting your unique strengths and qualifications is essential. Additionally, it is crucial to demonstrate your suitability for grad school by narrating your experiences and illustrating how you embody the qualities the admissions committee seeks. You can effectively convey your readiness for advanced study and research by presenting a compelling and focused narrative.

Final Checklist

Before submitting your personal statement, reviewing and editing the content carefully is essential. Here’s a final checklist to ensure that your personal statement is complete and adequate:

• Is the writing style clear, concise, and engaging?
• Is the narrative structure strong and well-organized?
• Are the key themes, experiences, and qualities clearly highlighted?
• Is the personal statement tailored to the institution and program you are applying to?
• Are there any grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors?
• Has the personal statement been reviewed and edited by multiple people?

Following these guidelines and checklists ensures that your personal statement is strong and effective and showcases your unique qualities and experiences. A well-crafted personal statement can leave a lasting impression on the admissions committee and significantly enhance your chances of acceptance.

Whenever you are feeling stuck! 

Even by getting advice from a personal statement and looking at the example above, it is easy to feel stuck and confused. The good news is that you can get affordable help by sending a simple “write my essay for cheap” message and completing your unique work on time. When you are one of those students who feel desperate and cannot continue with the following personal statement sentence, we are here for you! Writing a personal statement for grad school can be particularly challenging, and seeking help can make a significant difference. The same applies to simple editing or when you have trouble with a personal statement for graduate school format. We know what the committee members look for, so we can assist you as you reach for the stars.

Just let us know what must be done, and the success is just a few clicks away!