Grad School Admissions: Personal Statement

A personal statement, sometimes called a statement of purpose, is a crucial component of graduate school applications, offering a platform to translate the unique and transformative experiences gained during service into a compelling narrative for admissions committees. Crafting a thoughtful, reflective personal statement can set you apart, making a strong case for your readiness and suitability for your chosen program.

WorldView asked university admissions leaders for their hot tips on putting together a personal statement that will make you shine.

Hot Tip #1

I feel that statements of purpose have a similar reputation to the cover letter. It can be frustrating to feel like you have to write a new and unique essay for each school and each application when it may not be valuable. But there is a lot of value in your statement of purpose. A lot of tips and tricks for the statement of purpose focus on grammar and essay structure, and while that is very important, I recommend focusing on your storytelling. Your statement of purpose tends to be the main aspect of your application that allows you to tell your story. This is your ability to tell the university you’re applying to why you want to attend, confront any issues you may see in your application, and explain what you want to do in the future. This is a value point that you should not overlook. I recommend trying to make your statement of purpose as specific to each university and program as you can. This goes a long way with the review committee because it shows that effort you’ve put into your essay.

—Tereza Lopez, Assistant Director, Graduate Recruitment, Clark University

Hot Tip #2

The statement of purpose has the goal of convincing the admissions committee that the applicant is ready and will succeed as a graduate student. Please search and include the requirements for the school you are applying to. Overall, the admissions committee will be looking for your self-motivation, readiness for the program, and ability to complete the program successfully. Here are some specific things to consider when creating an effective statement of purpose.

Structure:
Consider writing your statement of purpose in four parts. These are not required but suggested topics in addition to what would be program specific: 

1. Brief introduction
   In this section you should tell the committee what motivated you to pursue your graduate study and what you intend to study. Share personal qualities, professional background, and skills that will help you to be successful in the program. It should be short and objective. Do not spend more than a paragraph in this section. Don’t just simply list everything that is on your CV.  
2. Academic experience
   Summarize your undergraduate academic experience or any previous graduate degree experience. Briefly describe projects and activities, important papers, and research experience. Indicate who you worked with, the title of the project, what your responsibilities were, and the outcome. Also, make sure to comment on your work experience or an internship if they were in areas related to what you wish to study in graduate school. 
3. Recent activities
   Briefly describe your activities after graduating. This could include an internship or current work. Regarding work experience, what did you learn and how did this experience inspire you to pursue your graduate study? Include any volunteer experiences or internships that were part of your preparation or motivated you to apply for the program. 
4. Describe your academic and career goals and how the program will help you reach them.
   Based on your academic and professional experiences, let the committee know how you are prepared to pursue the particular graduate program. Make sure you research the school’s unique curriculum and current faculty research and how it matches your interests. Some programs recommend mentioning a faculty member you would like to work with or be advised by during your program. If applicable, explain any circumstances that impacted your academic career and how you overcame any obstacles.     

Themes:
In simple terms, why? What? How? Explain why you want to obtain the degree, what your plans are to do with it, and how the degree will help you get there.  

Length:
Each school will have specific length requirements, but usually around 500-600 and general format (double-spaced, times new roman, 12pt., etc.). 

—Renata Ximenes, Assistant Director, Graduate Admissions and Recruiting, Indiana University

Hot Tip #3

Applicants should focus on their motivations for graduate school, sharing specific stories or examples that explain why the program is a good fit. Connect your goals with the school’s strengths, explaining the problems you want to solve and skills you want to develop. Avoid merely reciting resume details or referencing faculty work inauthentically. RPCVs have unique experiences, so use relevant stories to enrich your narrative.

—Stephanie Worden, Assistant Dean for Enrollment, Marketing and Communications, Josef Korbel School of International Studies, University of Denver

Hot Tip #4

The first step is to follow the guidelines offered by the admissions office such as length, format and how to submit. If a theme or question prompt is offered, be sure to address it in your essay. If no prompt is given, you may want to explain how this program fits with your academic goals: you could explain how you became interested in the subject, how this particular program fills any skill gaps, and what you hope to accomplish after graduating. Draw on your Peace Corps experience to demonstrate skills such as how you perform on a team, intercultural / second-language competence, working in ambiguous situations, and your own reflections about how that experience relates to the program you’re applying to. 

—Jill Stoffers, Senior Director of Institutional Partnerships, Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey