How to Write a Personal Statement

Adapted from a talk by Professor of History Jim Farrell

① THINK!
Before you write, conduct a thorough self-examination of the reasons why you want to go to graduate school. 

Review the CEL’s webpage on what graduate school admissions committees are looking for and take a peak at The Structure and Organization of a Personal Statement handout.

② BE YOU!

Brainstorm the skills you possess that would make you an appealing candidate for the program you are applying for.

BE POSITIVE – don’t shy away from saying what you are good or even great at.  At the same time, don’t claim to be perfect or you’ll come off as delusional.  Find a good balance.
③ CONSIDER THE PURPOSE OF THE ESSAY!
What do the classes that make up your transcript actually mean to you?  How can you incorporate these academic experiences into your character or personality?  Reflect upon the skills you have developed as an undergrad, and how you want to utilize and expand upon them in graduate school.

④ TELL A STORY!

If you can, include a memorable story that will place you in the minds of the faculty and staff reading your personal statement.

⑤ SPEAK WELL!

Grammar, punctuation, syntax, etc. should be PERFECT when you send your personal statement.  Use vivid language, active voice, appeal to the senses.  DON’T use clichés.  Also be careful of phrases like “uniquely qualified”.  How do you know for certain that the admissions committee hasn’t seen hundreds of applications like yours? 

⑥ IF THERE IS A SPECIFIC PROMPT, MAKE SURE YOU ANSWER EVERY PART OF THE PROMPT!

If you’re feeling at a loss as to how to start writing, making an outline based on what the prompt asks you is the perfect place to start.  Each graduate program wants to know that you wrote this essay specifically for them, so make sure you answer the question the way they ask it.

⑦ WRITE MULTIPLE DRAFTS!

One draft is not enough – sometimes 10-12 drafts are necessary.  Have people who know you well read and edit your drafts.
STRUCTURE

❶ BEGIN WITH A HOOK
"Because the hook brings you back, I ain’t telling you no lie” – Blues Traveler

The hook is a provocative statement at the beginning of your personal statement that gets the reader’s attention. 

For example:  “I’m applying to law school because I think that Thomas Moore still matters”

Or

“I had a vocation once, but I lost it.” 

This seems intimidating until you actually do it—brainstorm a few hooks, or conceptualize/write your essay first and then think of a hook.
❷ THE BODY
Explain why this graduate program is good for you and vice versa.
  • What does this program possess that interests you?
  • Are there any specific faculty or researchers that you’d like to work with?
  • Don’t be afraid to cite books/articles that led/attracted you to these people. E.g. “Interested in working with ________, read her book ________, etc.
Why are you good for the program?
  • What are your disciplinary skills (research, etc.) and where have you best expressed them?
  • Mention relevant awards, presentation, and programs - don’t just list them; explain what you got out of them.
  • Include other things you might be good at:  writing, research, being a catalyst for class discussion, working well in groups, knowing how to apply what you know, etc.
INFUSE YOUR CHARACTER AND PERSONALITY INTO THESE PARAGRAPHS
  • Graduate programs are looking for more than a mind; they are looking to admit a person who will get along with other people and could work with for a number of years.
  • They want to know your personality in context of the kind of work you might do with other researchers, faculty, or graduate students.
WEAKNESSES: IF THEY ASK FOR THEM
  • Either address weaknesses head on, explaining how you plan to overcome them, or talk about strengths as weaknesses.  E.g. “I’m a perfectionist, and sometimes take a lot of time to complete a project.” or “I can’t say no to a good conversation.”  Don’t say things that will be directly detrimental to your work in/goals for the program.
❸ FINAL THINGS TO REMEMBER
Work hard on your personal statement, but don’t obsess over it.  Although it may not seem like it now, you can make a good home for yourself in lots of places.