A Guide to Writing a Personal Statement for Grad School Applications

A great personal statement capture who you are as a person.

• Your story is unique. The more authentic you are, the better.
• Your personal statement should be complete. You want to give your audience all the information they might need to decide on your application.
• It should be mistake-free.

1. Include examples. Back up any claims you make. For example, you can prove that you're driven by sharing that you balanced a job with school to pay down student loans.
2. Be yourself. Be authentic when crafting your personal statement. 
3. Do your research. Ensure you know what you're getting yourself into.
4. Grab their attention. Think of an instance that shaped you and jump right into the story. Keep it short and engaging,
5. Remember your audience. Stay professional.
6. Address the prompt in your personal statement.
7. Revise and proofread

1. Don’t be presumptuous. “I know my personal statement for grad school is the best, and I have no doubt that I’ll get in everywhere I apply.”
2. Don’t use platitudes or clichés. Avoid starting your essay with a quote, definition, or anything else that signals the obvious fact that time has passed and you’re now applying for graduate school. "From a young age..." or "I've always been interested in ..."
3. Don’t overshare. It is not an autobiography. Pick one or two life events that shaped your desire to apply to grad school, but don't share your entire life story.

Start with an outline:

• Introduction. Include a hook that captures your reader's attention.
• Body paragraphs. The paragraphs explain your motivations for applying. Include examples of characteristics you want to share, such as a challenge you overcame.
• Conclusion. Discuss future plans and why acceptance into your desired program would benefit you.

The final paragraph should be just as good as your hook. You want the audience to remember your paper.