How do I write a personal statement?

Answer 1

A personal statement is typically written when you are applying as a transfer student to another college or when you are applying to a master's or doctoral program. Here, you are asked to reflect thoughtfully on your life and experiences and explain why you are choosing to pursue a degree in a specific field at a specific school. It is useful, therefore, to begin with a list or chronology of events that led to your application. It is great if you can lead up to the "Aha!" moment where you came to the realization that led you to pursue a particular field of study at a specific school. A personal statement is narrative in its focus and tells your own individual story; It is not a resume. It needs those concrete and specific details that will make your story come alive. You goal is to convince the admissions committee that you are the ideal candidate for a degree.

Answer 2

The personal statement is a crucial part of many applications, yet it is often very challenging to write, for two reasons. First, writing is a talent by itself, that takes time to develop. Second, reflecting in a meaningful way about ourselves is a bit like dressing without a mirror. There is a risk that it will be a bit too much or not enough.

I find that the step most writers overlook with the personal statement is brainstorming. By this I mean, considering the entire closet full of choices, before narrowing down to one. In their haste, the student picks the first thing that looks good, but there are other choices that might be better. That's where a good tutor can come in, to help serve as a mirror.