Introduction
Applying to grad school can be a stressful process, and one of the most critical components of the application is the personal statement. This document is your chance to shine, to show the admissions committee who you are, and to explain why you’re the best candidate for the program. But how do you craft a winning personal statement? In this article, we’ll cover tips, dos and don’ts, examples, and a step-by-step guide to help you get started.
10 Tips for Crafting a Winning Personal Statement for Grad School
Whether you’re applying to a PhD program or a master’s degree, the following tips will help you create a personal statement that stands out.
Start Early
The earlier you begin working on your personal statement, the better. Give yourself plenty of time to brainstorm, draft, and revise your essay. This allows you to research any questions you may have and ensure you have followed the directions carefully. It also ensures that you have adequate time to iterate and improve your essay.
Strong Opening Sentences
Your first sentence is essential to grabbing the reader’s attention. Make it strong and engaging, and you’ll give yourself the best chance of keeping the reader’s attention throughout your essay.
Show Your Passion
One of the most crucial steps in crafting a personal statement is demonstrating your passion for your chosen field of study. Let your excitement and commitment shine through in your writing.
Focus on Relevant Experiences
Select experiences that demonstrate your passions and interests while showcasing the qualities that your target program values most.
Be Authentic
One of the characteristics that admissions committees look for in personal statements is authenticity. Don’t try to be someone you’re not; instead, let your personality and experiences shine through in your writing.
Address Your Weaknesses
If you have any gaps in your academic or work history, make sure you address them explicitly in your personal statement. Explain any challenges you’ve faced, and highlight what you learned or how you grew from it.
Avoid Cliches
Try to avoid overusing cliches or buzzwords in your writing. Instead, focus on telling your unique story and showcasing your strengths.
Carefully Proofread
A personal statement riddled with errors will not leave a favorable impression on the admissions committee. Proofread it carefully and have someone else do the same. Every word counts.
Follow the Guidelines
Make sure to follow the guidelines provided by the program carefully. If they ask for a specific length, make sure your essay adheres to it. If they ask for specific topics to cover, be sure to address each one and make it clear how you are qualified.
Edit and Refine
Editing and refinement are critical components of any writing process. Reread your statement often, continually refining it, and asking for feedback from mentors, writing tutors, or friends.
The Dos and Don’ts of Writing a Personal Statement for Grad School
In addition to the tips above, here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind as you craft your personal statement.
Dos
Be Clear and Concise
Avoid using long, flowery sentences that detract from your message. Instead, write in clear, concise language that is easy for readers to follow.
Address Gaps
If you have any gaps in your academic record or work experience, make sure to address them explicitly in your statement. Explain any circumstances that may have contributed to these gaps.
Use the Active Voice
Using the active voice in your writing makes your essay more dynamic and engaging. It also makes it easier for the reader to understand your ideas.
Be Specific
The more specific and detailed your personal statement is, the better. Specific examples and experiences showcase your qualities much better than generalizations.
Follow the Prompt
Make it clear that you have answered the questions provided in the prompt. Ensure that you understand the question/s before starting to answer them.
Don’ts
Copy and Paste from Other Essays
Admissions committees are quite adept at recognizing copied material. Avoid copying and pasting information from other essays or websites. It’s dishonest and is not accepted.
Avoid Overly Technical Language
Even if the graduate program is technical in nature, avoid using jargon or technical terms that readers outside of your field may not understand.
Don’t Make Unsupported Claims
Make sure to back up your claims with examples and experiences, where possible.
Avoid Discussing Controversial Topics
It’s best not to discuss controversial topics or personal issues that may be divisive or polarizing.
Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
Procrastination can work weightily against you in this endeavour. Start your personal statement early so that you have enough time to fine-tune it to perfection.
5 Inspiring Personal Statement Examples for Grad School
Here are five inspiring personal statement examples that demonstrate the tips provided above.
Ella, MSW Program Applicant
Ella is a passionate social worker who went back to school to build on her experience and education. Her personal statement demonstrates her passion and commitment to the field.
What Made This Statement Strong
Ella’s personal statement is strong because it utilizes a personal experience to demonstrate her passion for the field. She also showcases her long-standing involvement in the work the social work field.
Incorporating Personal Experiences
Ella did an excellent job of using a personal experience to demonstrate her passion for social work. She tells a story that showcases her commitment and experience.
Takeaways
Demonstrate your passion through a moving, personalised story. Highlight your experience and any actions that showcase you as a go-getter.
John, MBA Program Applicant
John’s personal statement demonstrates his extensive work experience and his commitment to business ethics.
What Made This Statement Strong
John’s statement is strong because it expertly balances information about his professional experience and his personal values.
Incorporating Personal Experiences
John did a great job showcasing his honesty and his commitment to ethics.
Takeaways
Craft your personal statement with a balanced representation of professional experience and personal values. Use this to demonstrate your ability to solve problems in your chosen field.
Sara, PhD Program Applicant
Sara’s personal statement demonstrates her passion for her chosen field, geology.
What Made This Statement Strong
Sara’s personal statement is outstanding because it showcases her passion for her chosen field, how she’s gained experience over time, and what her future expectations are.
Incorporating Personal Experiences
Sara shared a story about her trip to Shanghai that showcases her experience in the field.
Takeaways
Sharing a story about something you’ve done or accomplished is an excellent way to showcase your passion. However, make sure it’s relevant to your field, tying up experience and future expectations in the process.
Alice, MFA Program Applicant
Alice’s personal statement demonstrates her love for writing and her commitment to the craft.
What Made This Statement Strong
Alice’s personal statement is strong because it expertly highlights her passion for writing and what led her to pursue it.
Incorporating Personal Experiences
Alice did a great job of showcasing her passion for creative writing through a story about her childhood and colleges years.
Takeaways
Tell a compelling personal story about how you became interested in your field. This helps showcase your writing skills and your passion for the area of study in your program.
Carl, Psychology Program Applicant
Carl’s personal statement demonstrates his extensive experience in the psychology field, including how he plans to use it in the future.
What Made This Statement Strong
Carl’s statement is strong because it highlights his experience in the field and how he plans to use that experience moving forward.
Incorporating Personal Experiences
Carl did a great job of sharing a story about his experience with patients with PTSD.
Takeaways
Make sure you are specific about how your experience in the field relates to your chosen program. Using specific examples can help showcase your experience and your passion for advancing in the field.
The Importance of Telling Your Story in a Grad School Personal Statement
One of the essential elements of any personal statement is storytelling.
Set Yourself Apart
Storytelling can help set you apart from other applicants by allowing you to show the admissions committee what makes you unique.
Focusing on Specific Anecdotes
Select experiences and anecdotes that demonstrate your strengths and qualities that you want showcased. Remember to show your experiences in a good light but never outright lie about them.
Using Storytelling to Highlight Strengths
Storytelling is an excellent way to highlight your strengths by providing examples of your experiences and accomplishments.
Balance Storytelling with Academic Achievements
Balancing storytelling with academic achievements is crucial. Be sure to emphasize how those anecdotal experiences are connected to the chosen field of study.
From Brainstorming to Submission: A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Personal Statement for Grad School
The following is a step-by-step guide to writing your personal statement.
Step 1: Brainstorming
List all your relevant personal stories and experiences. Try to identify your strengths and weaknesses, highlighting your skills and accomplishments.
Step 2: Outlining
Organize your ideas and experiences into sections. Differentiating the sections helps provide better clarity of your ideas at the outset. Determine the main themes and use topic sentences to tie with the essay’s central theme.
Step 3: Writing the First Draft
Now that you have organized your thoughts, begin writing your first draft. Focus on the flow and coherence of your ideas and pay less attention to the length.
Step 4: Revision and Editing
Refine the draft and make necessary additions and revisions. Focus on precision and clarity in your writing style. Always ask for feedback and suggestions to ensure your writing is impactful.
Step 5: Final Check
edit your draft for any remaining grammatical or spelling errors. Make sure you have followed all guidelines and do a final check to ensure the statement is a perfect fit.
Conclusion
Crafting a personal statement for grad school can be a daunting task, but by following the tips, dos and don’ts, examples, and the step-by-step guide provided in this article, you’ll set yourself up for success. Your essay is an opportunity to showcase your strengths and experiences, so be authentic, tell your story, and be proud of what you’ve accomplished thus far.
