A personal statement is an essential part of your application for programs like MS, PhD, or jobs. It’s where you tell admissions committees or employers who you are, why you’re a good fit, and what makes you passionate about the opportunity. In this guide, we’ll explain how to write a personal statement, how to structure it, and provide you with tips on how to avoid common mistakes. We’ll also answer questions like how many words for a personal statement and what is included in a personal statement.
What Is a Personal Statement and Why Do You Need It?
A personal statement is a written piece that describes who you are, why you want to join a specific program or company, and how your background and skills make you a great fit. Whether you are applying for a school program like a PhD or an MS, or looking for a job, your personal statement is your chance to stand out from other candidates. Admissions committees, hiring managers, and other decision-makers use the personal statement to assess your compatibility with their program or organization.
Why is it important?
- First Impressions Matter: Admissions tutors or recruiters may review numerous applications. Your personal statement is the first place they will get to know you, making it crucial to make a strong impression.
- Demonstrate Your Fit: It provides an opportunity to explain how your academic background or professional experience aligns with your goals for the future.
3. Stand Out from the Crowd: It allows you to highlight specific skills, experiences, and passions that set you apart from other candidates.
For example, if you’re applying for a PhD in Computer Science, you could mention a specific project you worked on during your MS program that made you interested in artificial intelligence. This shows that you’re not just passionate but also experienced in the field.
How to Structure a Personal Statement
How to structure a personal statement is an important question when writing your application. Here’s a simple format for a personal statement:
Introduction
- Briefly introduce who you are and why you are applying.
- Mention your passion for the subject or role.
Academic and Professional Background
- Talk about your qualifications, including your education and any relevant work experience.
- Provide specific examples that show you’re ready for the program or job.
Skills and Experience
Explain the skills you’ve gained and how they are useful to the program or job you are applying for.
Use concrete examples to back up your skills.
Future Goals
- Explain your academic or professional goals and how this opportunity will help you achieve them.
Conclusion
- Summarize why you’re a good fit and express enthusiasm for the opportunity.
How to Open Your Personal Statement
The opening of your personal statement is crucial. Admissions tutors or employers read a lot of these statements, so you need to grab their attention right away. Here’s how to begin:
- Show enthusiasm: Explain why you’re interested in the field or role.
- Avoid clichés: Don’t start with overused phrases like “I’ve always wanted to be a doctor.” Be specific about your experiences and motivations.
- Be clear and direct: Introduce yourself and state why you’re applying. Keep it simple and to the point.
For example, instead of saying “I’ve always wanted to study biology,” you could say:
“During my undergraduate studies, I became fascinated by the impact of genetics on human diseases, particularly cancer, which is why I want to pursue a career in biomedical research.”
How to Write a Personal Statement: Step-by-Step Guide
Be Specific and Show Your Knowledge
When writing your personal statement, focus on specific experiences and achievements that make you qualified. Don’t just list your skills—explain how they relate to the program or job you’re applying for.
For example, if you’re applying for a PhD in Environmental Science, mention a project where you studied climate change and explain what you learned and how it prepared you for the program.
Align Your Goals with the Program or Job
For example, if you’re applying for an MS in Data Science, you might write:
“I’m excited to apply for the Data Science program at XYZ University because of its focus on machine learning, which is a key area I want to specialize in to help solve real-world problems in healthcare.”
Use a Strong Conclusion
For example: “I am confident that my research background and passion for environmental science will make me a strong candidate for the PhD program at XYZ University. I look forward to contributing to your research community.”
Personal Statement Tips
Keep it concise: Most applications limit you to a personal statement word limit of around 500-1,000 words, or 4,000 characters. Stick to the word count and make sure every sentence adds value to your application.
Don’t use clichés: Avoid overused phrases and be specific about your experiences and goals. This will make your statement stand out.
Proofread and edit: After writing your personal statement, always proofread it for spelling, grammar, and clarity. A clear and error-free statement shows you are careful and professional.
Seek feedback: Have someone else read your statement, whether it’s a mentor, professor, or friend. They can point out areas that need improvement.
Personal Statement Word Limit: How Many Words Should It Be?
The personal statement word limit is often specified by the application guidelines. It’s common to have a personal statement word limit of about 500 to 1,000 words. Make sure you follow this limit to ensure your statement is within the acceptable range.
Personal Statement Word Limit: How Many Words Should It Be?
FAQs About Personal Statements
Personal statements are typically 500–1,000 words. Always follow the specific word limit provided.
It depends on the application guidelines. For example:
- University Applications: Around 500–800 words.
- Job Applications: 300–500 words.
It’s better to customize each statement for the specific opportunity.
