How Do I Stand Out In My Personal Statement?

Question

In short, I personally believe that the best college personal statements are advertisements of why you are a good fit for a particular institution. Yes, of course the starting point should begin with the prompt however you should also use this opportunity to "sell yourself" and give the application reader an understanding of who you are as an individual and a student.

Here's a few questions to consider...

1) Why would you be a great addition to said campus community?

2) How do you uphold and abide by the school's mission statement?

3) Are there any organizations on campus that you are excited about possibly getting involved with? If so, why and how do you see that contributing to the greater campus experience?

All of these are essential questions that can and should be answered in detailing who you are in your personal statement!

Answer 1

A personal statement should be just that—personal. It should convey what’s special about you, what makes you tick, and what unique perspective you bring to the table.

A common pitfall I see is the urge to “check boxes.” Understandably, students want to show they have all the right qualities: empathy, drive, leadership, resilience. So they select stories that showcase those traits in a kind of list-like fashion, thinking that’s what admissions committees want.

Here’s the catch: most applicants—especially at competitive levels—do have those qualities. And there are other parts of the application (like the activities section) where you can show them. The personal statement is different. It’s your space to go inward and reflect on what’s truly meaningful to you—not what you think they want to hear, but what actually shaped you.

When you focus on experiences and values that have deeply influenced your identity or journey, you naturally write with a kind of depth and clarity that’s hard to replicate. That’s where the magic happens. That’s what makes your story memorable.

It’s not always easy to get there. But that’s where I come in—not as someone who dictates what to write, but as a partner who takes the time to understand your story like a close friend would. Together, we’ll shape a statement that reflects you, not a checklist. If that kind of collaboration resonates with you, I’d love to help. With over 3 years of experience supporting students through undergrad and grad applications, I’m here to help your story stand out.

Answer 2

I also want to add that it should be a captivating read. Everyone that is applying to the same thing that you're applying to is passionate, has grown, and shows that they're a fit to the program. However, what makes you, you? People who read personal statements want to remember your personal statement, and that makes you shine above other applicants. Tell me about what made you decide this career path for the first time? What were the smells, sights, feelings, tastes, etc.? Paint me a picture, and that image will stay in my head for a lot longer than words on a screen.

Answer 3

As someone who has read and reviewed countless graduate school personal statements—both as a professor and mentor—I can tell you that the strongest statements aren’t just well-written. They’re purposeful, reflective, and tailored to the specific program. Graduate admissions committees aren’t just evaluating your qualifications; they’re asking: Is this someone who will thrive here? Will they contribute meaningfully to our academic community? When I read a personal statement, I’m looking for a few key things:

1. A clear sense of academic direction. I want to understand your intellectual interests, research goals, and what questions drive you. A strong statement doesn’t just say “I’m passionate about X”—it shows why that passion matters and how it developed over time.
2. Fit with the program. The best statements show that you’ve done your homework. Mention specific faculty whose work aligns with your interests, methodologies you want to explore, or unique resources the program offers. Explain how those align with your goals—not just in a sentence, but in a thoughtful, specific way. I cannot overstate the importance of this when reading a personal statement!
3. A coherent story of growth. Your statement should connect past experiences with your present goals and future ambitions. Even if your path has had twists and turns, frame them as part of your journey toward graduate study. What have you learned, and how have those lessons shaped the kind of scholar or practitioner you want to be?
4. Professional polish and authenticity. Graduate programs expect strong writing skills. I pay attention to structure, clarity, and tone—but also to your voice. Be genuine. You don’t have to sound like someone else. You just have to sound like you, with intention and care behind every word.

When I work with students on their statements, I help them strike the balance between personal and professional, specific and big-picture. I also provide detailed tracked changes and a clean final version, so you can feel confident that your statement reads smoothly, sounds like you, and aligns with the expectations of your intended program.