Writing a Personal Statement

woman writing a letter on a laptop while sitting on a couch next to an empty cup of coffee

Writing an effective personal statement for a graduate school application is crucial to showcasing your qualifications, experiences, and motivation to pursue advanced research. Here's a list of ideas to consider as you work through the writing process. The following concepts should not be viewed as an outline or as mandatory to every personal statement, rather, it should be viewed as a guide for writing a comprehensive personal statement.

1. Introduction:

Hook: Begin with a captivating opening that draws the reader's attention. This could be a personal anecdote, a thought-provoking question, or a relevant quote.
Your Background: Briefly introduce yourself, mentioning your name, academic background, and the program/field you're applying to.

2. Academic Motivation and Research Interest:

Explain Your Interest: Clearly state why you're interested in pursuing a postgraduate degree in your chosen field. Discuss what specific research questions or problems intrigue you.
Academic Influences: Mention influential researchers, courses, or books that have shaped your academic perspective and fueled your interest.
Connection to Program: Explain how the program aligns with your research interests and why it's the ideal place for your doctoral studies.

3. Academic and Research Experience:

Academic Achievements: Highlight academic accomplishments, such as honors, awards, scholarships, and high grades. Briefly explain their relevance to your postgraduate application.
Research Experience: Detail any research projects you've been involved in, including your role, methodologies used, and outcomes achieved. Emphasize skills gained and their relevance to your research pursuits.

4. Relevant Skills and Qualifications:

Technical Skills: List and briefly elaborate on technical skills essential for your field, such as programming languages, lab techniques, data analysis tools, etc.
Soft Skills: Highlight skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and communication that are vital for successful doctoral research.

5. Future Goals and Research Aspirations:

Long-term Goals: Describe your aspirations beyond graduate school. How does obtaining this postgraduate degree align with your career and personal goals?
Research Plans: Outline your intended research focus during the program to which you are applying. Discuss potential research questions, methodologies, and expected contributions to the field.

6. Fit with the Program:

Program Highlights: Mention specific aspects of the program, such as faculty expertise, facilities, research centers, or collaborative opportunities, that attracted you.
Faculty Members: Identify professors whose work aligns with your interests. Discuss how their research aligns with your own and how you'd like to collaborate.

7. Contribution to the Academic Community:

Diversity and Inclusion: Explain how your background and experiences contribute to diversity and inclusion within the academic community.
Community Involvement: Discuss any outreach, mentoring, or leadership roles you've had within academic or community organizations.

8. Conclusion:

Summarize: Recap your key points regarding your motivation, research interests, qualifications, and fit with the program.
Reiterate Commitment: Express your genuine enthusiasm for the program and your dedication to contributing meaningfully to research and the academic community.

9. Proofreading and Editing:

Grammar and Clarity: Ensure your writing is clear, concise, and free from grammatical errors.
Structure and Flow: Check that your personal statement flows logically from one section to another, creating a coherent narrative.

10. Seek Feedback:

Peer Review: Share your personal statement with mentors, professors, or peers to get constructive feedback.
Professional Review: Consider seeking advice from a professional in your field or a career counselor.

Remember that your personal statement should reflect your unique journey, passion, and potential contributions to the academic world. Tailor each section to highlight your strengths and alignment with the program you're applying to.