font for grad school personal statement

• Affiliate Program

• UNITED STATES
• 台灣 (TAIWAN)
• TÜRKIYE (TURKEY)
• Academic Editing Services
• - Research Paper
• - Journal Manuscript
• - Dissertation
• - College & University Assignments
• Admissions Editing Services
• - Application Essay
• - Personal Statement
• - Recommendation Letter
• - Cover Letter
• - CV/Resume
• Business Editing Services
• - Business Documents
• - Report & Brochure
• - Website & Blog
• Writer Editing Services
• - Script & Screenplay
• Our Editors
• Client Reviews
• Editing & Proofreading Prices
• Wordvice Points
• Partner Discount
• Plagiarism Checker
• APA Citation Generator
• MLA Citation Generator
• Chicago Citation Generator
• Vancouver Citation Generator
• - APA Style
• - MLA Style
• - Chicago Style
• - Vancouver Style
• Writing & Editing Guide
• Academic Resources
• Admissions Resources

Statement of Purpose Format for Graduate School (SOP)

When it comes to applying to graduate school, there are many things students must prepare, including a  graduate school recommendation letter  and graduate school CV.

However, the most important element in your graduate school admissions package is the Statement of Purpose, also known at many universities as the “personal statement.”

In this article, you will learn why the Statement of Purpose is so important for graduate school admissions, how the Statement of Purpose format differs from  college application essay formats , and how to format a successful Statement of Purpose for graduate school–with examples!

Table of Contents

What is a statement of purpose.

• How to Format a Statement of Purpose
• Statement of Purpose Format and Structure
• Statement of Purpose Sample Examples

In graduate school applications, a  statement of purpose (SOP) (or personal statement) is the one part of the application that allows applicants to construct a narrative of their choosing that includes all relevant parts of their academic and personal histories. This includes academic and professional interests and accomplishments, personality, values, and worldview, as well as how both the student and graduate program can add value to each other. 

Difference between the Statement of Purpose and college admissions essays

At the graduate school level, students often have years of research and academic experience. In the case of MBA programs, applicants also often have years of work experience they can include in their essays. 

• How to write an effective MBA admissions essay

This makes graduate school admission essays or personal statements distinct from undergraduate application essays. Graduate school applicants have a significant amount of material and context with which to differentiate themselves and stand apart from other applicants. The scope (how much is covered) and depth (how detailed the experiences are) are both much more complex for a Statement of Purpose.

Do I need to write a Statement of Purpose for college?

The graduate Statement of Purpose allows applicants to summarize non-quantifiable qualities for consideration by an admissions committee. This may include an applicant’s personal or professional strengths, as well as goals or passion for certain subjects. 

The graduate school application process is often competitive. In addition to being academically qualified, students must demonstrate a commitment to the program. Remember, one concern graduate programs have is that students will drop out and not continue to pay tuition.

Effect of Covid-19 on the Statement of Purpose

COVID-19 has reduced the feasibility of standardized testing, and there are increased concerns by wider society over the equitable nature of standardized testing in general. 

For example, NYU Stern School of Business on June 15th became the fourth top-25 business school to announce that its full-time MBA program would  not consider the GMAT or GRE any longer . 

Further, Michael Hunt, director of the University of Maryland McNair Scholars Program has gone on record stating that 

“[My] goal is to “remove barriers and not maintain obstacles under the guise of academic freedom or other university policies. I pray that one day, we will not need committees or a pandemic to determine if something is equitable.”

This leaves the Statement of Purpose, academic background,  resume/CV , and  letters of recommendation  as the primary determinants of graduate admission.

How long should a Statement of Purpose be?

Generally, a Statement of Purpose should be between 500 and 1,000 words long and should not exceed a single page. But this can depend on the school or program to which you are applying, as well as on the extent of your academic experience.

Graduate Statement Of Purpose Format Guidelines

We have already covered  how to write a Statement of Purpose for grad school (with examples).

Read over these resources and watch our Wordvice Webinar Series for  how to write a winning Statement of Purpose :

General Statement of Purpose Formatting Rules

Unlike a college admissions essay, a grad school Statement of Purpose is generally  not  uploaded in a text box or input field in some platforms, as the Common Application essay is.

Applying to graduate school means applying directly to the graduate program and its parent department. Graduate programs are separate entities within their universities. Applying to the College of Arts & Sciences is different than applying to a university’s College of Engineering. 

As a result, most graduate school applications are simply uploaded directly to the program. So, you will likely be uploading a Word .doc or Adobe .pdf file.

Microsoft Word (.DOC) format

Typical file types for a Statement of Purpose are .doc or .docx. There is a downside to Word files being editable, and there are sometimes conflicts among the different Word versions (2010 vs 2016. vs Office365). One benefit of Word files is that anyone can view them.

If maintaining the visual aspects of your essay is important, this is a safe choice. PDFs prevent formatting issues that might arise with older versions of Word documents.

To make the statement easier to read, applicants should follow the following rules:

• Use 1-inch margins . Microsoft Word uses this setting by default.
• Use a traditional Serif font.  These types of fonts include Times New Roman, Courier, and Garamond and are the “classy” fonts you typically see. They add professionalism to your essay. Avoid minimalist sans Serif fonts.
• Use a standard 12-font size. 
• Use 1.5- or double-spacing.  Readability is very important for your Statement of Purpose. Double spaces are not an issue as the essay should already fit on 1 page.
• Add a Header  with your First Name, Last Name, university, and other required information.
• Clearly   separate your paragraphs.  By default, just press ‘ENTER’ twice.

Additional Statement of Purpose Format Tips

• Review and Revise.  Make sure your Statement of Purpose is formatted properly and error-free, including spelling and grammar errors. One great way to prepare your admissions essay is by using an application essay editing service that specializes in Statement of Purpose editing and personal statement editing .
• Write clearly and concisely.
• Avoid clichés and repetitive language.
• Avoid casual, colloquial, and text message-based formatting.  This includes emojis and hashtags!
• Do not write a wall of text.  Admissions counselors only skim statements of purpose . Make your writing readable by adding line breaks and separate paragraphs.

Statement of Purpose Format and Structure Outline

One of the most important characteristics of a strong Statement of Purpose is its structure. Layout the information in such a way that the reader can easily understand it. Well-organized statements keep readers interested.

In general, a Statement of Purpose should follow the  format of an academic essay .

Introduction – State your goals and introduce yourself

The first section of the application should clearly and concisely explain what the student hopes to achieve by completing the program. For a history student, the goal may be to earn a PhD that allows them to take a historian position at a major non-profit institution or museum upon graduation. For a chemistry student, the goal may be to move into a postdoctoral research position at a major university with the hope of becoming a professor later. 

Or perhaps an applicant has goals of going into the private sector. Regardless of the field of study, your professional experience, academic history, prior internships or jobs, and goals should be introduced here.

Tips for writing the Introduction for the Statement of Purpose

• Grab attention.  Your introduction is the first impression you make on your reader.
• Write a compelling first sentence.  Consider using an anecdote, quotation, or gripping personal story.
• Preview.  The second half of your introduction should briefly preview the other sections of your Statement of Purpose. 

Main Body – Academic and career history

In the first part of the body, you must support the idea of you being a qualified candidate with details about your academic and career history as well as examples of projects, accomplishments, and learning experiences.

Start with a brief history of your undergraduate experience and academic results. Then, move on to extracurricular, professional, and career experiences and achievements. As a graduate studies applicant, professional and career experiences will naturally be more diverse and therefore help you stand out. 

You should of course emphasize your academic experience and grades. Mention how you took advantage of your university’s resources and if you developed any special relationships with professors–that is especially what PhD advisors are looking for!

In the second part of the body, support your assertions with examples.

Tips for writing about academic and career history and goals

• Interest in the program.  Why are you interested in this particular graduate program?
• Academic goals.  As a graduate student, you are entering into a research environment. What tangible research goals do you hope to achieve?
• Career and professional goals.  What are your post-graduate plans? Specify if you have academic or private industry goals. 
• Strengths and weaknesses.  Give context to  why  and  how  you developed your strengths and weaknesses. Demonstrate self-awareness as to how your behaviors and personality affect others–collaboration and equity are huge concerns!
• Provide context, not a CV.  Fit your achievements and experiences into your compelling narrative, not as standalone. 
• Give examples.  Extend your personal narrative with compelling examples. The more specific you are, the more convincing your narrative becomes. If you are applying to a program in statistics, write about your poker games with your grandpa and the moment you learned the power of weighted expected value.

Main Body – Why you are a fit for the program ?

Students’ goals and interests must align with the mission and values of a college or university when being considered for admissions. A common tactic is to highlight a few professors in the department, which demonstrates that the applicant has done the research, whereas other students discuss the accomplishments of prominent alumni they admire. 

Students can use this space to create an impressive application by creatively demonstrating their knowledge of the school and department while matching it with their goals. 

Tips for writing about fit with the program

• Align with the program . Use the university’s program description as a guide on how to align your Statement of Purpose with the graduate degree program. Refer to your experience in the context of the program.
• Community and culture.  Nowadays, universities seek students who can be representatives of and contributors to their community. How do your history and goals fit into that program’s city, university, and culture?
• Your benefit to the program.  You are not giving just your money and time to the graduate program; the admission committee wants to know what benefits you seek to get out of it. This is where you can reference specific departments and professors in the program and any academic contributions of theirs you are familiar with.

Conclusion – Summary

The conclusion must accomplish two goals: package everything together and leave the reader interested in knowing more. If you can accomplish the second part, you will likely get a passing grade on your Statement of Purpose.

Reflect on what attending the program would mean to you, both professionally and personally, as you give one final thought or insight. Write about both the impact you hope to have on the world and the impact attending the program would have on yourself. 

Tips for writing the Statement of Purpose conclusion

• Keep it succinct.  This section will usually contain no new information, so don’t repeat any information. 
• (Re)State your value.  You are your own best marketer here. Display confidence not just in your abilities but in your decision to apply and stick with your decision. You also bring a unique profile of academic, career, and personal experiences and goals. You may not gain admission, but make sure it’s because you’re not the right fit, NOT because your value was understated or misunderstood.

Statement of Purpose Format: Structure and Summary

Be sure to check our article on how to write a Statement of Purpose for grad school.

We also have recommendation letter templates and dozens of other useful resources to help you prepare your admissions essays. 

If you need editing or proofreading, you can start by checking out our professional proofreading services , including admissions editing services , SOP editing services , and college and graduate essay editing services .

Testimonials

Free Resources

PrepScholar GRE Prep

Gre prep online guides and tips, 3 successful graduate school personal statement examples.

Looking for grad school personal statement examples? Look no further! In this total guide to graduate school personal statement examples, we’ll discuss why you need a personal statement for grad school and what makes a good one. Then we’ll provide three graduate school personal statement samples from our grad school experts. After that, we’ll do a deep dive on one of our personal statement for graduate school examples. Finally, we’ll wrap up with a list of other grad school personal statements you can find online.

Why Do You Need a Personal Statement?

A personal statement is a chance for admissions committees to get to know you: your goals and passions, what you’ll bring to the program, and what you’re hoping to get out of the program.  You need to sell the admissions committee on what makes you a worthwhile applicant. The personal statement is a good chance to highlight significant things about you that don’t appear elsewhere on your application.

A personal statement is slightly different from a statement of purpose (also known as a letter of intent). A statement of purpose/letter of intent tends to be more tightly focused on your academic or professional credentials and your future research and/or professional interests.

While a personal statement also addresses your academic experiences and goals, you have more leeway to be a little more, well, personal. In a personal statement, it’s often appropriate to include information on significant life experiences or challenges that aren’t necessarily directly relevant to your field of interest.

Some programs ask for both a personal statement and a statement of purpose/letter of intent. In this case, the personal statement is likely to be much more tightly focused on your life experience and personality assets while the statement of purpose will focus in much more on your academic/research experiences and goals.

However, there’s not always a hard-and-fast demarcation between a personal statement and a statement of purpose. The two statement types should address a lot of the same themes, especially as relates to your future goals and the valuable assets you bring to the program. Some programs will ask for a personal statement but the prompt will be focused primarily on your research and professional experiences and interests. Some will ask for a statement of purpose but the prompt will be more focused on your general life experiences.

When in doubt, give the program what they are asking for in the prompt and don’t get too hung up on whether they call it a personal statement or statement of purpose. You can always call the admissions office to get more clarification on what they want you to address in your admissions essay.

Quick side note: we've created the world's leading online GRE prep program that adapts to you and your strengths and weaknesses. Not sure what to study? Confused by how to improve your score? We give you minute by minute guide.

You don't NEED a prep program to get a great GRE score. But we believe PrepScholar is the best GRE prep program available right now , especially if you find it hard to organize your study schedule and don't know what to study .

Click here to learn how you can improve your GRE score by 7 points, guaranteed .

What Makes a Good Grad School Personal Statement?

A great graduate school personal statement can come in many forms and styles. However, strong grad school personal statement examples all share the same following elements:

A Clear Narrative

Above all, a good personal statement communicates clear messages about what makes you a strong applicant who is likely to have success in graduate school. So to that extent, think about a couple of key points that you want to communicate about yourself and then drill down on how you can best communicate those points. (Your key points should of course be related to what you can bring to the field and to the program specifically).

You can also decide whether to address things like setbacks or gaps in your application as part of your narrative. Have a low GPA for a couple semesters due to a health issue? Been out of a job for a while taking care of a family member? If you do decide to explain an issue like this, make sure that the overall arc is more about demonstrating positive qualities like resilience and diligence than about providing excuses.

Specific Examples

A great statement of purpose uses specific examples to illustrate its key messages. This can include anecdotes that demonstrate particular traits or even references to scholars and works that have influenced your academic trajectory to show that you are familiar and insightful about the relevant literature in your field.

Just saying “I love plants,” is pretty vague. Describing how you worked in a plant lab during undergrad and then went home and carefully cultivated your own greenhouse where you cross-bred new flower colors by hand is much more specific and vivid, which makes for better evidence.

A strong personal statement will describe why you are a good fit for the program, and why the program is a good fit for you. It’s important to identify specific things about the program that appeal to you, and how you’ll take advantage of those opportunities. It’s also a good idea to talk about specific professors you might be interested in working with. This shows that you are informed about and genuinely invested in the program.

Strong Writing

Even quantitative and science disciplines typically require some writing, so it’s important that your personal statement shows strong writing skills. Make sure that you are communicating clearly and that you don’t have any grammar and spelling errors. It’s helpful to get other people to read your statement and provide feedback. Plan on going through multiple drafts.

Another important thing here is to avoid cliches and gimmicks. Don’t deploy overused phrases and openings like “ever since I was a child.” Don’t structure your statement in a gimmicky way (i.e., writing a faux legal brief about yourself for a law school statement of purpose). The first will make your writing banal; the second is likely to make you stand out in a bad way.

Appropriate Boundaries

While you can be more personal in a personal statement than in a statement of purpose, it’s important to maintain appropriate boundaries in your writing. Don’t overshare anything too personal about relationships, bodily functions, or illegal activities. Similarly, don’t share anything that makes it seem like you may be out of control, unstable, or an otherwise risky investment. The personal statement is not a confessional booth. If you share inappropriately, you may seem like you have bad judgment, which is a huge red flag to admissions committees.

You should also be careful with how you deploy humor and jokes. Your statement doesn’t have to be totally joyless and serious, but bear in mind that the person reading the statement may not have the same sense of humor as you do. When in doubt, err towards the side of being as inoffensive as possible.

Just as being too intimate in your statement can hurt you, it’s also important not to be overly formal or staid. You should be professional, but conversational.

Graduate School Personal Statement Examples

Our graduate school experts have been kind enough to provide some successful grad school personal statement examples. We’ll provide three examples here, along with brief analysis of what makes each one successful.

Sample Personal Statement for Graduate School 1

PDF of Sample Personal Statement 1 – Japanese Studies

For this Japanese Studies master’s degree, the applicant had to provide a statement of purpose outlining her academic goals and experience with Japanese and a separate personal statement describing her personal relationship with Japanese Studies and what led her to pursue a master’s degree.

Here’s what’s successful about this personal statement:

• An attention-grabbing beginning: The applicant begins with the statement that Japanese has never come easily to her and that it’s a brutal language to learn. Seeing as how this is an application for a Japanese Studies program, this is an intriguing beginning that makes the reader want to keep going.
• A compelling narrative: From this attention-grabbing beginning, the applicant builds a well-structured and dramatic narrative tracking her engagement with the Japanese language over time. The clear turning point is her experience studying abroad, leading to a resolution in which she has clarity about her plans. Seeing as how the applicant wants to be a translator of Japanese literature, the tight narrative structure here is a great way to show her writing skills.
• Specific examples that show important traits: The applicant clearly communicates both a deep passion for Japanese through examples of her continued engagement with Japanese and her determination and work ethic by highlighting the challenges she’s faced (and overcome) in her study of the language. This gives the impression that she is an engaged and dedicated student.

Overall, this is a very strong statement both in terms of style and content. It flows well, is memorable, and communicates that the applicant would make the most of the graduate school experience.

Sample Personal Statement for Graduate School 2

PDF of Sample Graduate School Personal Statement 2 – Musical Composition

This personal statement for a Music Composition master’s degree discusses the factors that motivate the applicant to pursue graduate study.

Here’s what works well in this statement:

• The applicant provides two clear reasons motivating the student to pursue graduate study: her experiences with music growing up, and her family’s musical history. She then supports those two reasons with examples and analysis.
• The description of her ancestors’ engagement with music is very compelling and memorable. The applicant paints her own involvement with music as almost inevitable based on her family’s long history with musical pursuits.
• The applicant gives thoughtful analysis of the advantages she has been afforded that have allowed her to study music so extensively. We get the sense that she is insightful and empathetic—qualities that would add greatly to any academic community.

This is a strong, serviceable personal statement. And in truth, given that this for a masters in music composition, other elements of the application (like work samples) are probably the most important.  However, here are two small changes I would make to improve it:

• I would probably to split the massive second paragraph into 2-3 separate paragraphs. I might use one paragraph to orient the reader to the family’s musical history, one paragraph to discuss Giacomo and Antonio, and one paragraph to discuss how the family has influenced the applicant. As it stands, it’s a little unwieldy and the second paragraph doesn’t have a super-clear focus even though it’s all loosely related to the applicant’s family history with music.
• I would also slightly shorten the anecdote about the applicant’s ancestors and expand more on how this family history has motivated the applicant’s interest in music. In what specific ways has her ancestors’ perseverance inspired her? Did she think about them during hard practice sessions? Is she interested in composing music in a style they might have played? More specific examples here would lend greater depth and clarity to the statement.

Sample Personal Statement for Graduate School 3

PDF of Sample Graduate School Personal Statement 3 – Public Health

This is my successful personal statement for Columbia’s Master’s program in Public Health. We’ll do a deep dive on this statement paragraph-by-paragraph in the next section, but I’ll highlight a couple of things that work in this statement here:

Want to improve your GRE score by 7 points?  We have the industry's leading GRE prep program. Built by world-class instructors with 99th percentile GRE scores , the program learns your strengths and weaknesses through machine learning data science, then customizes your prep program to you so you get the most effective prep possible.

Try our 5-day full access trial for free:

• This statement is clearly organized. Almost every paragraph has a distinct focus and message, and when I move on to a new idea, I move on to a new paragraph with a logical transitions.
• This statement covers a lot of ground in a pretty short space. I discuss my family history, my goals, my educational background, and my professional background. But because the paragraphs are organized and I use specific examples, it doesn’t feel too vague or scattered.
• In addition to including information about my personal motivations, like my family, I also include some analysis about tailoring health interventions with my example of the Zande. This is a good way to show off what kinds of insights I might bring to the program based on my academic background.

Grad School Personal Statement Example: Deep Dive

Now let’s do a deep dive, paragraph-by-paragraph, on one of these sample graduate school personal statements. We’ll use my personal statement that I used when I applied to Columbia’s public health program.

Paragraph One: For twenty-three years, my grandmother (a Veterinarian and an Epidemiologist) ran the Communicable Disease Department of a mid-sized urban public health department. The stories of Grandma Betty doggedly tracking down the named sexual partners of the infected are part of our family lore. Grandma Betty would persuade people to be tested for sexually transmitted diseases, encourage safer sexual practices, document the spread of infection and strive to contain and prevent it. Indeed, due to the large gay population in the city where she worked, Grandma Betty was at the forefront of the AIDS crises, and her analysis contributed greatly towards understanding how the disease was contracted and spread. My grandmother has always been a huge inspiration to me, and the reason why a career in public health was always on my radar.

This is an attention-grabbing opening anecdote that avoids most of the usual cliches about childhood dreams and proclivities. This story also subtly shows that I have a sense of public health history, given the significance of the AIDs crisis for public health as a field.

It’s good that I connect this family history to my own interests. However, if I were to revise this paragraph again, I might cut down on some of the detail because when it comes down to it, this story isn’t really about me. It’s important that even (sparingly used) anecdotes about other people ultimately reveal something about you in a personal statement.

Paragraph Two: Recent years have cemented that interest. In January 2012, my parents adopted my little brother Fred from China. Doctors in America subsequently diagnosed Fred with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). My parents were told that if Fred’s condition had been discovered in China, the (very poor) orphanage in which he spent the first 8+ years of his life would have recognized his DMD as a death sentence and denied him sustenance to hasten his demise.

Here’s another compelling anecdote to help explain my interest in public health. This is an appropriately personal detail for a personal statement—it’s a serious thing about my immediate family, but it doesn’t disclose anything that the admissions committee might find concerning or inappropriate.

If I were to take another pass through this paragraph, the main thing I would change is the last phrase. “Denied him sustenance to hasten his demise” is a little flowery. “Denied him food to hasten his death” is actually more powerful because it’s clearer and more direct.

Paragraph Three: It is not right that some people have access to the best doctors and treatment while others have no medical care. I want to pursue an MPH in Sociomedical Sciences at Columbia because studying social factors in health, with a particular focus on socio-health inequities, will prepare me to address these inequities. The interdisciplinary approach of the program appeals to me greatly as I believe interdisciplinary approaches are the most effective way to develop meaningful solutions to complex problems.

In this paragraph I make a neat and clear transition from discussing what sparked my interest in public health and health equity to what I am interested in about Columbia specifically: the interdisciplinary focus of the program, and how that focus will prepare me to solve complex health problems. This paragraph also serves as a good pivot point to start discussing my academic and professional background.

Paragraph Four: My undergraduate education has prepared me well for my chosen career. Understanding the underlying structure of a group’s culture is essential to successfully communicating with the group. In studying folklore and mythology, I’ve learned how to parse the unspoken structures of folk groups, and how those structures can be used to build bridges of understanding. For example, in a culture where most illnesses are believed to be caused by witchcraft, as is the case for the Zande people of central Africa, any successful health intervention or education program would of necessity take into account their very real belief in witchcraft.

In this paragraph, I link my undergraduate education and the skills I learned there to public health. The (very brief) analysis of tailoring health interventions to the Zande is a good way to show insight and show off the competencies I would bring to the program.

Paragraph Five: I now work in the healthcare industry for one of the largest providers of health benefits in the world. In addition to reigniting my passion for data and quantitative analytics, working for this company has immersed me in the business side of healthcare, a critical component of public health.

This brief paragraph highlights my relevant work experience in the healthcare industry. It also allows me to mention my work with data and quantitative analytics, which isn’t necessarily obvious from my academic background, which was primarily based in the social sciences.

Paragraph Six: I intend to pursue a PhD in order to become an expert in how social factors affect health, particularly as related to gender and sexuality. I intend to pursue a certificate in Sexuality, Sexual Health, and Reproduction. Working together with other experts to create effective interventions across cultures and societies, I want to help transform health landscapes both in America and abroad.

This final paragraph is about my future plans and intentions. Unfortunately, it’s a little disjointed, primarily because I discuss goals of pursuing a PhD before I talk about what certificate I want to pursue within the MPH program! Switching those two sentences and discussing my certificate goals within the MPH and then mentioning my PhD plans would make a lot more sense.

I also start two sentences in a row with “I intend,” which is repetitive.

The final sentence is a little bit generic; I might tailor it to specifically discuss a gender and sexual health issue, since that is the primary area of interest I’ve identified.

This was a successful personal statement; I got into (and attended!) the program. It has strong examples, clear organization, and outlines what interests me about the program (its interdisciplinary focus) and what competencies I would bring (a background in cultural analysis and experience with the business side of healthcare). However, a few slight tweaks would elevate this statement to the next level.

Graduate School Personal Statement Examples You Can Find Online

So you need more samples for your personal statement for graduate school? Examples are everywhere on the internet, but they aren’t all of equal quality.

Most of examples are posted as part of writing guides published online by educational institutions. We’ve rounded up some of the best ones here if you are looking for more personal statement examples for graduate school.

Penn State Personal Statement Examples for Graduate School

This selection of ten short personal statements for graduate school and fellowship programs offers an interesting mix of approaches. Some focus more on personal adversity while others focus more closely on professional work within the field.

The writing in some of these statements is a little dry, and most deploy at least a few cliches. However, these are generally strong, serviceable statements that communicate clearly why the student is interested in the field, their skills and competencies, and what about the specific program appeals to them.

Cal State Sample Graduate School Personal Statements

These are good examples of personal statements for graduate school where students deploy lots of very vivid imagery and illustrative anecdotes of life experiences. There are also helpful comments about what works in each of these essays.

Want to improve your GRE score by 7+ points?

Check out our best-in-class online GRE prep program . We guarantee your money back if you don't improve your GRE score by 7 points or more.

PrepScholar GRE is entirely online, and it customizes your prep program to your strengths and weaknesses . We also feature 2,000 practice questions , official practice tests, 150 hours of interactive lessons, and 1-on-1 scoring and feedback on your AWA essays.

Check out our 5-day free trial now:

However, all of these statements are definitely pushing the boundaries of acceptable length, as all are above 1000 and one is almost 1500 words! Many programs limit you to 500 words; if you don’t have a limit, you should try to keep it to two single-spaced pages at most (which is about 1000 words).

University of Chicago Personal Statement for Graduate School Examples

These examples of successful essays to the University of Chicago law school cover a wide range of life experiences and topics. The writing in all is very vivid, and all communicate clear messages about the students’ strengths and competencies.

Note, however, that these are all essays that specifically worked for University of Chicago law school. That does not mean that they would work everywhere. In fact, one major thing to note is that many of these responses, while well-written and vivid, barely address the students’ interest in law school at all! This is something that might not work well for most graduate programs.

Wheaton College Personal Statement for Graduate School Sample 10

This successful essay for law school from a Wheaton College undergraduate does a great job tracking the student’s interest in the law in a compelling and personal way. Wheaton offers other graduate school personal statement examples, but this one offers the most persuasive case for the students’ competencies. The student accomplishes this by using clear, well-elaborated examples, showing strong and vivid writing, and highlighting positive qualities like an interest in justice and empathy without seeming grandiose or out of touch.

Wheaton College Personal Statement for Graduate School Sample 1

Based on the background information provided at the bottom of the essay, this essay was apparently successful for this applicant. However, I’ve actually included this essay because it demonstrates an extremely risky approach. While this personal statement is strikingly written and the story is very memorable, it could definitely communicate the wrong message to some admissions committees. The student’s decision not to report the drill sergeant may read incredibly poorly to some admissions committees. They may wonder if the student’s failure to report the sergeant’s violence will ultimately expose more soldiers-in-training to the same kinds of abuses. This incident perhaps reads especially poorly in light of the fact that the military has such a notable problem with violence against women being covered up and otherwise mishandled

It’s actually hard to get a complete picture of the student’s true motivations from this essay, and what we have might raise real questions about the student’s character to some admissions committees. This student took a risk and it paid off, but it could have just as easily backfired spectacularly.

Key Takeaways: Graduate School Personal Statement Examples

In this guide, we discussed why you need a personal statement and how it differs from a statement of purpose. (It’s more personal!)

We also discussed what you’ll find in a strong sample personal statement for graduate school:

• A clear narrative about the applicant and why they are qualified for graduate study.
• Specific examples to support that narrative.
• Compelling reasons why the applicant and the program are a good fit for each other.
• Strong writing, including clear organization and error-free, cliche-free language.
• Appropriate boundaries—sharing without over-sharing.

Then, we provided three strong graduate school personal statement examples for different fields, along with analysis. We did a deep-dive on the third statement.

Finally, we provided a list of other sample grad school personal statements online.

What’s Next?

Want more advice on writing a personal statement ? See our guide.

Writing a graduate school statement of purpose? See our statement of purpose samples  and a nine-step process for writing the best statement of purpose possible .

If you’re writing a graduate school CV or resume, see our how-to guide to writing a CV , a how-to guide to writing a resume , our list of sample resumes and CVs , resume and CV templates , and a special guide for writing resume objectives .

Need stellar graduate school recommendation letters ? See our guide.

See our 29 tips for successfully applying to graduate school .

Ready to improve your GRE score by 7 points?

Author: Ellen McCammon

Ellen is a public health graduate student and education expert. She has extensive experience mentoring students of all ages to reach their goals and in-depth knowledge on a variety of health topics. View all posts by Ellen McCammon

How to Write a Statement of Purpose for Graduate School

Congrats! You’ve chosen a graduate program , read up on tips for applying to grad school , and even wrote a focused grad school resumé . But if you’re like many students, you’ve left the most daunting part of the application process for last—writing a statement of purpose. The good news is, the task doesn’t have to feel so overwhelming, as long as you break the process down into simple, actionable steps. Below, learn how to write a strong, unique statement of purpose that will impress admissions committees and increase your chances of getting into your dream school.

What is a statement of purpose?

A statement of purpose (SOP), sometimes referred to as a personal statement, is a critical piece of a graduate school application that tells admissions committees who you are, what your academic and professional interests are, and how you’ll add value to the graduate program you’re applying to.

Jared Pierce, associate director of enrollment services at Northeastern University, says a strong statement of purpose can be the deciding factor in a graduate student’s admission.  

“Your statement of purpose is where you tell your story about who you are and why you deserve to be a part of the [university’s] community. It gives the admissions committee the chance to get to know you and understand how you’ll add value to the classroom,” he says.

How long should a statement of purpose be?

“A statement of purpose should be between 500 and 1,000 words,” Pierce says, noting that it should typically not exceed a single page. He advises that students use a traditional font at a readable size (11- or 12-pt) and leave enough whitespace in the margins to make the statement easy-to-read. Make sure to double-space the statement if the university has requested it, he adds. 

Interested in learning more about Northeastern’s graduate programs?

Get your questions answered by our enrollment team.

REQUEST INFORMATION

How to Write a Statement of Purpose: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you understand how to format a statement of purpose, you can begin drafting your own. Getting started can feel daunting, but Pierce suggests making the process more manageable by breaking down the writing process into four easy steps.

1. Brainstorm your ideas.

First, he says, try to reframe the task at hand and get excited for the opportunity to write your statement of purpose. He explains:

“Throughout the application process, you’re afforded few opportunities to address the committee directly. Here is your chance to truly speak directly to them. Each student arrives at this process with a unique story, including prior jobs, volunteer experience, or undergraduate studies. Think about what makes you you and start outlining.”

When writing your statement of purpose, he suggests asking yourself these key questions:

• Why do I want this degree?
• What are my expectations for this degree?
• What courses or program features excite me the most?
• Where do I want this degree to take me, professionally and personally?
• How will my unique professional and personal experiences add value to the program?

Jot these responses down to get your initial thoughts on paper. This will act as your starting point that you’ll use to create an outline and your first draft.

2. Develop an outline.

Next, you’ll want to take the ideas that you’ve identified during the brainstorming process and plug them into an outline that will guide your writing. 

An effective outline for your statement of purpose might look something like this:

• An attention-grabbing hook
• A brief introduction of yourself and your background as it relates to your motivation behind applying to graduate school 
• Your professional goals as they relate to the program you’re applying to
• Why you’re interested in the specific school and what you can bring to the table
• A brief summary of the information presented in the body that emphasizes your qualifications and compatibility with the school

An outline like the one above will give you a roadmap to follow so that your statement of purpose is well-organized and concise. 

3. Write the first draft.

Your statement of purpose should communicate who you are and why you are interested in a particular program, but it also needs to be positioned in a way that differentiates you from other applicants. 

Admissions professionals already have your transcripts, resumé, and test scores; the statement of purpose is your chance to tell your story in your own words.

When you begin drafting content, make sure to:

• Provide insight into what drives you , whether that’s professional advancement, personal growth, or both.
• Demonstrate your interest in the school by addressing the unique features of the program that interest you most. For Northeastern, he says, maybe it’s experiential learning; you’re excited to tackle real-world projects in your desired industry. Or perhaps it’s learning from faculty who are experts in your field of study.
• Be yourself. It helps to keep your audience in mind while writing, but don’t forget to let your personality shine through. It’s important to be authentic when writing your statement to show the admissions committee who you are and why your unique perspective will add value to the program.

4. Edit and refine your work.

Before you submit your statement of purpose:

• Make sure you’ve followed all directions thoroughly , including requirements about margins, spacing, and font size.
• Proofread carefully for grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Remember that a statement of purpose should be between 500 and 1,000 words. If you’ve written far more than this, read through your statement again and edit for clarity and conciseness. Less is often more; articulate your main points strongly and get rid of any “clutter.”
• Walk away and come back later with a fresh set of eyes. Sometimes your best ideas come when you’re not sitting and staring at your computer.
• Ask someone you trust to read your statement before you submit it.

Making a Lasting Impression

Your statement of purpose can leave a lasting impression if done well, Pierce says. It provides you with the opportunity to highlight your unique background and skills so that admissions professionals understand why you’re the ideal candidate for the program that you’re applying to. If nothing else, stay focused on what you uniquely bring to the classroom, the program, and the campus community. If you do that, you’ll excel.

To learn more tricks and tips for submitting an impressive graduate school application, explore our related Grad School Success articles .

Editor’s note: This article was originally published in March 2017. It has since been updated for thoroughness and accuracy.

Subscribe below to receive future content from the Graduate Programs Blog.

About shayna joubert, related articles.

Why Earn a Professional Doctoral Degree?

5 Tips to Get the Most out of Grad School

Is Earning a Graduate Certificate Worth It?

Did you know.

Advanced degree holders earn a salary an average 25% higher than bachelor's degree holders. (Economic Policy Institute, 2021)

Northeastern University Graduate Programs

Explore our 200+ industry-aligned graduate degree and certificate programs.

Most Popular:

Tips for taking online classes: 8 strategies for success, public health careers: what can you do with an mph, 7 international business careers that are in high demand, edd vs. phd in education: what’s the difference, 7 must-have skills for data analysts, in-demand biotechnology careers shaping our future, the benefits of online learning: 8 advantages of online degrees, the best of our graduate blog—right to your inbox.

Stay up to date on our latest posts and university events. Plus receive relevant career tips and grad school advice.

By providing us with your email, you agree to the terms of our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

Keep Reading:

Should I Go To Grad School: 4 Questions to Consider

Grad School or Work? How to Balance Both

7 Networking Tips for Graduate Students 

• Search All Scholarships
• Exclusive Scholarships
• Easy Scholarships to Apply For
• No Essay Scholarships
• Scholarships for HS Juniors
• Scholarships for HS Seniors
• Scholarships for College Students
• Scholarships for Grad Students
• Scholarships for Women
• Scholarships for Black Students
• Scholarships
• Student Loans
• College Admissions
• Financial Aid
• Scholarship Winners
• Scholarship Providers

Student-centric advice and objective recommendations

Higher education has never been more confusing or expensive. Our goal is to help you navigate the very big decisions related to higher ed with objective information and expert advice. Each piece of content on the site is original, based on extensive research, and reviewed by multiple editors, including a subject matter expert. This ensures that all of our content is up-to-date, useful, accurate, and thorough.

Our reviews and recommendations are based on extensive research, testing, and feedback. We may receive commission from links on our website, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our marketing partners don’t review, approve or endorse our editorial content. It’s accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted. You can find a complete list of our partners here .

How to Write a Graduate School Personal Statement (with example!)

Varonika Ware is a content writer at Scholarships360. Varonika earned her undergraduate degree in Mass Communications at Louisiana State University. During her time at LSU, she worked with the Center of Academic Success to create the weekly Success Sunday newsletter. Varonika also interned at the Louisiana Department of Insurance in the Public Affairs office with some of her graphics appearing in local news articles.

Learn about our editorial policies

Bill Jack has over a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. Since 2008, he has worked at Colby College, Wesleyan University, University of Maine at Farmington, and Bates College.

Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

Congratulations on finishing your bachelor’s degree, and starting the next chapter! You might be thinking about applying to graduate school, and fortunately, it’s very similar to applying to an undergraduate program. However, it’s probably been a few years since you’ve had to write an application essay, so you might be wondering how to write a personal statement for graduate school. If so, this guide is the perfect resource for you! Keep reading below to find out more, and don’t forget to check out the example of a graduate school personal statement.

What is a personal statement?

A personal statement is an essay that encapsulates your personal journey and how that’s shaped who you are as an applicant. They are typically 400-600 words, but can be longer or shorter. 

Be sure not to confuse a personal statement with a statement of purpose as they are two different types of admissions essays. Use this as an opportunity to show colleges what you value and what’s turned you into an ideal student for your desired school. 

What should I write about?

Personal statements are your chance to get, well, personal. While you should answer the prompt in its entirety, you should also write about yourself. Bring a personal element into your essay like family or a story of you overcoming an obstacle. 

Ideally, your story should relate to what you’re trying to accomplish at your graduate school of choice. Tie it all together: your personal experiences, your desired major, and your ideal outcome. 

Tips for writing a personal statement for graduate school

It’s important to start your graduate application as soon as you’re able. Usually, the first round of applications receive the best financial aid packages, so start early! 

Starting sooner can also give you the time to outline your essay and get it read over by your support system. You’ll want it all to be perfect, so don’t rush.

Be transparent

Instead of telling admissions what you think they want to hear, be open and honest about yourself. You want them to understand you, and the only way to do that is to show who you actually are. Offer up personal stories or things that genuinely interest you so that you can show off your sparkling personality!

Be original

Graduate programs are often very competitive since there’s a smaller admissions pool. As a result, your essay should be as original as possible to stand out from the crowd. Tell your story in an organic way, and approach the given prompt with an open mind. 

Related : How to write an essay about yourself

Check your work

It’s extremely important for you to proofread and check for correct spelling and grammar throughout your personal statement. Even simply reading your statement out loud can help you catch any errors and make sure your words flow together. You should also consider having mentors or people within your support system read over your essay to ensure your message is clear.

Common mistakes when writing a graduate school personal statement

Reusing your undergraduate essay .

Reusing your first supplemental essay as a template is a big mistake you want to avoid. Years have passed since then, and you’ve learned new skills and grown as a person and a student. 

The experiences you previously wrote might not resonate with who you are today or tell the graduate team what they want to know about you. It may also have grammatical errors that you might not have noticed before, so take a little extra time to start from scratch and create something new.

Repeating what’s in your resume

It’s likely that your graduate school of choice will require you to upload a copy of your resume as part of your application. Therefore, the admissions committee will already know your professional background, so tell them something else about yourself or provide further depth to a job experience. Repeating yourself only tells them one thing, and you want to be the most well-rounded applicant that you can be.

Graduate school personal statement example

Prompt: Please discuss how your experiences, both personal and professional, have led you to pursue a graduate business degree at this time. What are your short- and long- term goals and how will this program and the J. Mack Robinson College of Business help you achieve these goals? (750 words max)

While many of the applications you receive will detail the many ways that person has been the first to do something, I pose a different perspective: hope to be the last. In other words, you might see me as a first-generation college student, but I see the makings of becoming the last generation to worry about generational wealth in my family. 

Though it is true that I would be the first in my family to get my master’s degree, I’m hoping that my future success means I’ll be the last “first.” It’s not lost on me what this title means, but most of all, it signifies the dawn of an era. A dynasty bred from the struggles and achievements of those before it.

These are big shoes to fill, but I’ve never been afraid of a challenge and the things I’ve learned have helped me secure my future. For example, by observing different business models throughout the years, I found a secret about marketing: people love a product that loves them back. In my case, a product that’s always loved me back were books. I’d fallen in love with bookshelves and bookstores alike, so it only makes sense that a culmination of my love of marketing and books is the goal of one day working in book publishing. I want to know the inner workings of book promotion including design decisions and book tours. Eventually, I plan on working at one of the big publishers such as Penguin Random House, Harper Collins, or Macmillan.

Fortunately, I’ve been given opportunities to decide on my own path, which I hope to execute at Georgia State University. This school’s unique curriculum will be an asset to me since there are classes that specifically cater to buyer behavior, and that’s an area of study I’m particularly interested in. The Social Media Intelligence Lab and social media marketing class will hopefully give me an inside look into influencer marketing and its impact on product profitability. According to your mission statement, GSU educates future leaders, and I want to be a part of that.

As a mentor of mine once said, knowledge is meant to be shared, and if it isn’t, it’s control. I hope to build up the people around me with knowledge and experiences as I go out into the professional world just as I hope this program will do for me. If I’m accepted into this program, I plan on using my creativity and drive for not only my success, but for my family’s as well. There may be times I fall short of a goal, but failure isn’t an option. Each benchmark professors put in front of me will be conquered, and one day, I’ll be one of your notable alumni. 

Why this essay works:

• The writer clearly researched the school and understands its values
• The prompt is answered completely and seamlessly
• The applicant knew their goals and thought of ways to achieve them at the college 
• This statement communicates not only what the college gains from this applicant’s admission, but also what the applicant gains
• It’s also well within the word limit

Frequently asked questions about how to write a graduate school personal statement

Do i have to write a personal statement to get into graduate school, how long is graduate school, do i have to take an exam to get into graduate school, scholarships360 recommended.

10 Tips for Successful College Applications

Coalition vs. Common App: What is the difference?

College Application Deadlines 2023-2024: What You Need to Know

Trending now.

How to Convert Your GPA to a 4.0 Scale

PSAT to SAT Score Conversion: Predict Your Score

What Are Public Ivy League Schools?

3 reasons to join scholarships360.

• Automatic entry to our $10,000 No-Essay Scholarship
• Personalized matching to thousands of vetted scholarships
• Quick apply for scholarships exclusive to our platform

By the way...Scholarships360 is 100% free!

How to Write a Stand-Out Personal Statement for Your Graduate School Application

While deciding to embark on the path to graduate school is an exciting first step toward advancing your career, the application process can sometimes feel daunting and confusing.

One major part of the application that most schools require is a personal statement. Writing a personal statement can be an arduous task: After all, most people don’t necessarily enjoy writing about themselves, let alone at length.

A compelling personal statement, however, can help bring your application to the top of the admissions pile. Below, we’ve outlined what you need to know about crafting a personal statement to make your application shine.

What Is a Personal Statement?

The point of a personal statement is for the admissions board to gain a deeper understanding of who you are apart from your education and work experience. It explains why you’re the right fit for the program and a worthwhile applicant. It’s also an opportunity to highlight important factors that may not be readily available in the rest of your application.

A personal statement is different from a statement of purpose (if you’re asked for that as well). A statement of purpose will touch on your academic and career goals, as well as your past credentials. While those should also be discussed in your personal statement, it’s more about your life experiences and how they’ve shaped you and your journey to graduate school.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Writing a Personal Statement

Before you start crafting your essay, there are a few prompts you can ask yourself to help clarify what you want to accomplish.

• What are the key points you want to communicate about yourself?
• What personal characteristics or skills do you have that make you a strong candidate for this field?
• What exactly are your career goals, and how does graduate school play into them?
• What have you learned about this field already? When did you first choose to follow this path, and what do you enjoy about it?
• What do you think is important for the admissions board to know specifically about you?
• Are there any discrepancies or causes for concern in your application you need to address? For example, is there a career and schooling gap, or a low GPA at one point? This is the time to discuss whether a personal hardship may have affected your academics or career.
• Have you dealt with any unusual obstacles or difficulties in your life? How have they affected and shaped you?
• What sets you apart and makes you unique from other graduate school applicants?
• What factors in your life have brought you to where you are today?

Top Tips for Writing a Graduate School Personal Statement

Pick a few points to emphasize about yourself . Introduce yourself to the admissions board. Select key factors about your background that you want the university to know — elements that reveal what kind of person you are and demonstrate why you’re a strong candidate for the school and field of study.

Be very specific . Again, a personal statement is all about communicating what distinguishes you from other applicants. To accomplish that, you need to share specific anecdotes that underscore your statements. If you say you’re a strong leader, present an example of a time you’ve proven that skill through work, school or your personal life. These specific, personal stories provide a deeper understanding of who you are and prove your intentions.

Do your research . Demonstrate what attracted you to the program. If there is a specific faculty member or class that caught your attention, or another aspect of the program that greatly interests you, convey it. This shows you’ve truly researched the school and have a passion for the program.

“Whatever the topic may be, I would recommend writing in a manner that reflects or parallels the institution’s and/or department’s missions, goals and values,” said Moises Cortés, a graduate/international credentials analyst for the Office of Graduate Admission at USC .

Address any gaps or discrepancies . Explain any factors that may have impacted your academic career. If you had an illness or any other personal hardships that affected your grades or work, discuss them. If there is a discrepancy between your grades and your test scores, you can also take the time to go over any extenuating circumstances.

Strike the right tone . While it’s important to give readers a glimpse of your personality, avoid oversharing or revealing intimate details of your life experiences. You should also avoid making jokes or using humorous cliches. Maintain a professional tone throughout your writing.

Start strong and finish strong . As with any piece of writing, you want to draw in your readers immediately. Make sure to start off with an interesting and captivating introduction. Similarly, your conclusion should be a well-written, engaging finish to the essay that highlights any important points.

“ For a personal statement, I think the first and last paragraphs are most important and should always relate the program they are applying to their own experiences and ideas,” Hoon H. Kang, a graduate/international credential analyst with the Office of Graduate Admission, told USC Online.

Proofread, proofread and proofread again . We can’t emphasize enough the importance of rereading your work. Your personal statement is also an analysis of your writing skills, so ensure you have proper grammar and spelling throughout. In addition, we recommend having multiple people look over your statement before submission. They can help with the proofreading (a second person always catches a mistake the writer may miss), give advice about the statement’s structure and content, and confirm it’s the proper recommended length.

Once you’ve considered all of the above and reviewed and edited your personal statement to perfection, it’s time to submit and check off any remaining application requirements, including your resume and letters of recommendation .

Personal statements are arguably one of the most challenging aspects of applying to graduate school, so make sure to revel in this accomplishment and acknowledge your successes.

For more information, visit the  Office of Graduate Admission at USC  and explore  USC Online ’s master’s degrees, doctoral programs and graduate certificates.

Free PDF: The 4 questions every SOP must answer → Master’s or PhD

How to Format a Statement of Purpose: Quick and Easy Guide

• By Jordan Dotson
• Updated: April 26, 2024

Your SOP for grad school is a work of art. Really, it is. You’ve spent weeks crafting this meticulous, beautiful, persuasive piece of personal literature. You know it’s going to boost your chances of admission. You’ve structured it elegantly (using the SOP Starter Kit for Master’s or PhDs ), and you’ve edited it to perfection. Now, you’re ready to hit “submit,” except for this one last dagger of anxiety: crap…how to format a statement of purpose?!

It’s an important question!

Tiny details can completely derail your applications. If a school demands a single-spaced essay and you submit double-spaced…how does that make you look? Not “good,” I promise you that.

But worry not, gentle reader. Follow the universal standards below, and I promise you’ll submit an SOP that conforms 100% to your dream grad program’s expectations.

Table of Contents:

Warning: Follow Your School’s Instructions

• Font: Times New Roman 12pt
• Line Spacing: Single or Double
• Margins: 1” or 2.5cm
• Can I adjust font sizes/margins to fit a single page?

A Header Template You Can Use

• Course Titles

Citations — Never use them!

• What if I have a weird formatting issue?

While the following guidelines are the closest we have to universal SOP format standards, lots of schools have their own quirky preferences. Before you hit “submit” for any school, you should double- and triple-check the essay prompt — they often tell you which font and line spacing they prefer.

For example, CUNY-Hunter requires applicants to submit their statement of purpose in Times New Roman or Arial font (though I always advise you to stick with Times New Roman):

Also note that at many big public universities like UCLA, you might get mixed messages. The general “Graduate School” and your specific department often have different requirements. You must double-check both to see what they require .

For example, if you’re applying to the MPP program at UCLA’s Luskin School , you’ll find two different word limits!

Always triple-check each school’s requirements for how to format your statement of purpose!

If they don’t list any specific preferences, then you’re good to go. The standards below will keep you perfect, and you’ll have nothing to worry about.

Font: Times New Roman, 12pt

Let’s make this easy: stick with Times New Roman in 12pt size. There is no other option!

You can write your SOP in whatever font you like, but when you submit it, make sure it’s in Times New Roman 12pt. This is the universal standard in virtually every Western industry that processes English text. It’s easy for everyone to read. Everyone expects it. And most importantly, it doesn’t call attention to your quirky personal tastes.

If all the best applicants submit their essays in TNR 12, and you use fancy-pants Chanticleer Roman, how does that make you look? Like the only guy at the job interview who’s wearing a tuxedo.

Line Spacing: Single or Double?

In general, both single- and double-spaced are fine. But be careful . As mentioned above, many schools have their own unique preferences indicated in the essay prompt.

For example, Stanford’s MS in Management Science and Engineering requires a single-spaced SOP:

If your school doesn’t give you any such preference, then honestly, you’re fine with either kind of line spacing (as long as it fits the essay limit).

Margins: 1 inch or 2.5cm

Most applicants never think about the margins for their page layout. But occasionally, I see an applicant who, for some inexplicable reason, prefers a giant moat of white space all around their essay.

Don’t do that.

Keep your margins at 1” or 2.5cm all the way around. This is a universal standard, and it’ll keep your SOP looking nice and professional.

Can I Adjust Font Sizes/Margins to Fit a Single Page?

Maybe your application requires an essay of “no more than 1 page,” and you’ve done everything possible to cut it that short. But still…it’s one line too long. Should you decrease the font size to make it all fit? Should you reduce the margins to 0.5 inches?

No. Absolutely not.

When you employ a formatting gimmick like this, everyone on the admissions committee notices. It’s awkward to read. Ultimately, all it does is call attention to the fact you chose to employ a gimmick instead of smartly editing your language . As one Stanford professor said :

“Succinctness is a virtue in academic as in other writing. When your file is being read by members of the faculty, they will be reading it alongside many other files, and they will typically be reading under severe time constraints. People tend not to be especially tolerant of verbosity under these circumstances, to put it mildly.”

Good writers don’t use formatting gimmicks. They edit their language with deadly precision. I promise you: we can always cut a few more words from an essay. Want to know how? Check out this article for my best tips:  Word Cutting: 7 Editing Tricks for Your SOP Word Limit

If you want to make sure your SOP looks as sharp as possible, I suggest you copy the following format. It’s good luck. One of my students used it for an SOP that earned him 13 master’s admissions! (It’s also simple, elegant, and contains all the information grad programs might want.)

• Right-aligned (CTRL + R)
• “Statement of Purpose” in BOLD on the top line
• University name
• Program name
• Single-space all 4 lines (even if the rest of your essay is double-spaced)

Course Titles: Include Course Numbers and Italicize

In their SOPs, many students describe grad classes they hope to take. Yet, many format the course titles in ways that are difficult to understand. For example, consider the following:

“I look forward to taking CS 4057 Business Process Analysis and Design and CS 4240 Compilers, Interpreters, and Program Analyzers .” “I look forward to taking Business Process Analysis and Design and Compilers, Interpreters, and Program Analyzers.”

That last one is quite confusing, no? Your SOP reader may not be familiar with the exact course names, so give them a helping hand by making it as clear as possible.

If your application allows you to upload a PDF or DOC file, include the course number and italicize the title. It just makes it easier to read and understand.

But what if they require you to past your essay in a text box where the formatting gets wiped? That requires more careful writing. Including the course number will make it easy to understand:

“I especially look forward to two courses: CS4057 Business Process Analysis and Design , as well as CS4240 Compilers, Interpreters, and Program Analyzers .”  

Too often, someone asks me whether they should use footnotes or endnotes in their SOP. Occasionally, they ask if it’s okay to add hyperlinks to a citation. My response is always the same:

No citations!

A statement of purpose is not a research paper. There’s nothing to cite. If you’re attempting to cite something outside your essay, it shows that you don’t understand the function and purpose of the SOP.

If you want to mention an article published by a certain professor, just summarize it in smartly edited language. For example:

“I look forward to working with Professor Bruce Wayne, whose recent publication on heterogeneous decision-making for aerial drones expressed questions similar to those I hope to approach in my capstone.”

What if I have weird questions about how to format my statement of purpose?

Don’t ask me!

Really, I mean that. There’s someone much better to ask: the program to which you’re applying . Call or email them to ask what type of formatting they prefer, and I promise, they’ll tell you directly. It only makes their job easier.

The last thing they want is to read SOPs in Chanticleer Roman size-10 font with 0.5-inch margins.

Summary of How to Format a Statement of Purpose

First, follow your school’s instructions. If you’re not certain what they prefer, email them. They’ll be happy to tell you.

But in general, use these guidelines:

• Times New Roman, 12pt font
• Single- or double-spaced are both okay
• 1-inch or 2.5cm margins
• Never adjust font sizes or margins to fit a single page!
• Add a simple header to the upper right-hand corner
• List course titles with their course numbers and italicize them if possible
• Never use citations!

Follow these guidelines, and rest assured, every school will be happy to read your clean, professional statement of purpose.

Want more advice on how to write the kind of sharp, brilliant essay that earns multiple admissions?

Get Your Free SOP Starter Kit

Learn the exact steps to writing an intelligent, persuasive SOP that earns multiple admissions! These guides will leave you feeling super confident and ready to hit “submit.”

Was this post helpful? Spread the love:

The sop starter kits.

These FREE (and highly insightful) guides will tell you exactly what to write, step-by-step, and leave you feeling super-confident and ready to hit “submit.”

© 2022 WriteIvy

[ninja_form id=3]

100+ Grad School Personal Statement Examples

by Talha Omer, MBA, M.Eng., Harvard & Cornell Grad

In personal statement samples by field | personal statements samples by university.

In this Article

Importance of a Strong Personal Statement

Purpose of this blog post, length and format, tone and style, general tips for success, computer science and engineering, economics and finance, management and business, healthcare and medicine, environment and sustainability, public affairs, international relations and politics, architecture, arts and film, mathematics and statistics, religion and philosophy, phd personal statement examples, scholarship & fellowship personal statements, word count-specific personal statements, prompt-specific grad school personal statements examples, academic achievements and experiences, research experiences, work and internship experiences, volunteer and community service, personal growth and overcoming challenges, future goals and career aspirations, research the program and faculty, emphasize alignment with program objectives, highlight unique program offerings, overused phrases and clichés , excessive self-praise, lack of focus or organization, consulting mentors, and advisors, incorporating feedback and refine, introduction.

A personal statement is essential in the graduate school application process, as it plays a significant role in shaping the admissions committee’s perception of you. In fact, a survey conducted by the Council of Graduate Schools revealed that 64% of graduate admissions officers consider the personal statement to be the most crucial factor in the admissions process. Furthermore, according to a study by Kaplan Test Prep, a well-crafted personal statement can boost an applicant’s chances of acceptance by up to 50%.

The personal statement’s importance stems from its ability to create a lasting impression on the admissions committee. 

Consider this: the admissions committee (adcom) does not know you personally. They have never met or spoken to you, nor have they ever interviewed you. They only know you through quantifiable aspects such as your GPA, test scores, and work experience. However, they lack insight into your thought processes, aspirations, background, and personal experiences. In essence, they need to connect with you on a personal level. The personal statement serves as a bridge, enabling the adcom, who are human beings themselves, to gain insight into your personality, motivations, and aspirations beyond your grades and test scores.

Time and again, adcoms at top universities emphasize the critical role of personal statements in their decision-making process. Drafting a personal statement is your opportunity to market yourself, showcasing your unique qualities and demonstrating your genuine interest in their program. By investing time and effort into creating a powerful personal statement, you can significantly enhance your chances of securing a place in your desired graduate program.

In this blog post, I will be sharing over 100 authentic graduate school personal statement examples from successful applicants across the globe who have secured admission to prestigious programs in the United States and across the world.

These samples encompass a wide range of fields, including MBA, Law, Medicine, Engineering, and Social Work, and originate from esteemed institutions such as Harvard, Stanford, and MIT. You will find examples of personal statements for various degrees, including MSc, MA, LLM, Residency, MBA, and PhD programs. You will also find examples of statements written by applicants who obtained fellowships, and scholarships. By sharing these diverse examples, I aim to achieve the following goals:

• Inspiration and guidance: I want to provide you guys with a wide range of personal statement examples to serve as inspiration and offer guidance for making your own statements.
• Addressing common topics: These samples will cover all the common personal statement elements, helping you understand how to effectively discuss your academic achievements, research experiences, work history, volunteer work, personal growth, and future goals.
• Tips for success: The post will also provide helpful tips on tailoring personal statements to specific graduate programs, avoiding common pitfalls, and seeking feedback to improve the final draft.
• Empowerment: Ultimately, the goal of sharing these for free is to empower you guys to create compelling and unique personal statements that will increase your chances of being accepted into your dream graduate program.

By providing this comprehensive resource, I hope to demystify the personal statement writing process and equip you with the tools and inspiration necessary to craft a captivating narrative that reflects your unique journey and aspirations. 

Personal Statement Basics

When writing your personal statement, it’s crucial to pay attention to three key areas: length and format, tone and style, and general tips for success.

It’s important to create a well-structured personal statement that adheres to the specified word count and follows proper formatting guidelines. Some programs, particularly MBA programs, might not request a single personal statement. Instead, they may pose several questions and require you to write a brief essay for each one. Such programs typically break down a personal statement into multiple short questions, expecting essay responses tailored to each query. 

As a result, it’s crucial to carefully read the guidelines before you start writing, as students often mistakenly create a single personal statement and try to tweak it for various programs without realizing that different requirements exist. By doing so, they lose time and waste considerable effort and energy. 

Adhering to instructions and responding appropriately will leave a positive impression on the admissions committee. To accomplish this, consider these key aspects:

• Word count: Most graduate programs provide guidelines on the desired length of personal statements, typically ranging from 500 to 2,000 words.Adhere to these limits to show that you can follow instructions and communicate concisely.
• Formatting: Use a clear and easy-to-read font (e.g., Times New Roman or Arial) at a standard size (e.g., 11 or 12 points) with 1-inch margins. Ensure your document is well-organized with paragraphs and headings where appropriate.
• Structure: Start with a strong opening paragraph that hooks the reader, followed by body paragraphs addressing the key topics, and conclude with a memorable closing paragraph that reinforces your main points. This structure will ensure a cohesive and engaging narrative that effectively communicates your experiences and aspirations to the admissions committee.

In terms of tone and style, your personal statement should strike a balance between professionalism and authenticity to effectively convey your unique experiences and perspective. To accomplish this, consider the following aspects:

• Professional and confident: Adopt a professional tone in your writing, using clear, concise language. Be confident in presenting your accomplishments without being overly boastful.
• Authentic and personal: Avoid overly formal or academic language that may make your writing feel impersonal. Showcasing your authentic self will help the admissions committee connect with you on a personal level.
• Engaging storytelling: Use storytelling techniques to make your personal statement more engaging and memorable. This can include anecdotes, vivid descriptions, and a strong narrative structure. Starting with a quote that is relevant to your story is also a good way to begin your personal statement.

Lastly, adhering to tried and tested tips can greatly improve your personal statement, ensuring you present a polished and compelling narrative that effectively showcases your strengths and aspirations to the admissions committee. Some general advice is as follows::

• Start early: Give yourself ample time to brainstorm, write, revise, and seek feedback on your personal statement. On average. Grad school applicants spend 20+ hours in perfecting a personal statement of 1000 words. Moreover, they have their personal statement reviewed and redrafted 5 times on average.  
• Be focused and organized: Clearly structure your personal statement, addressing the main topics and ensuring your narrative flows logically from one point to the next. A well-organized statement will demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively and coherently.
• Proofread and edit: Carefully review your personal statement for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. Use free tools like grammarly to remove any unwanted errors in your writing.
• Seek feedback: Share your personal statement with your mentors, or peers, to gather valuable feedback. I especially recommend that you show your essay to someone who has already gone through the process successfully as they know the ins and outs well. Then, incorporate this feedback to refine and strengthen your final draft.

To help you get started and see everything that I just discussed in action, here is a list of 100+ personal statement examples from successful graduate school applicants.

Grad School Personal Statement Examples by Field of Study

• Example Personal Statement Computer Science (Admitted to Oxford with Low GPA )
• Example Personal Statement Computer Science (Admitted to Stanford )
• Example Personal Statement Computer Science (Admitted to Cambridge PhD )
• Example Personal Statement Artificial Intelligence (Admitted to UCLA)
• Example Personal Statement Machine Learning (Admitted to Duke )
• Example Personal Statement Data Science and Analytics (Admitted to CMU )
• Example Personal Statement Data Analytics (Admitted to Georgia Tech )
• Example Personal Statement Advanced Analytics (Admitted to NCSU )
• Example Personal Statement Mechanical Engineering (Admitted to USC , Imperial )
• Example Personal Statement Economics (Admitted to LSE )
• Example Personal Statement Economics (Admitted to Oxbridge )
• Example Personal Statement Finance (Admitted to MIT Sloan )
• Example Personal Statement Financial Engineering (Admitted to UC Berkeley )
• Example Personal Statement Financial Engineering (Admitted to UCLA )
• Example Personal Statement Accounting & Finance (Admitted to Michigan University)
• Example Personal Statement Investment Banking (Admitted to UPenn )
• Example Personal Statement (Admitted to Georgetown )
• Example Personal Statement (Admitted to Harvard LLM )
• Example Personal Statement (Admitted to Northwestern )
• Example Personal Statement (Admitted to NYU , Duke )
• 8 MBA Personal Statements (All IVY LEAGUES )
• Example BA Essays ( INSEAD )
• Example MBA Essays ( Kellogg Northwestern )
• Example Personal Statement Operations Management (Admitted to MIT PHD)
• Example Personal Statement Management (Admitted to Duke )
• Example Personal Statement Marketing (Admitted to NYU , Cornell )
• Example Personal Statement Business Analytics (Admitted to MIT , CMU )
• Example Personal Statement Management & Analytics (Admitted to LBS )
• Example Personal Statement Project Management (Admitted to UT Austin )
• Example Personal Statement Logistics & Supply Chain (Admitted to Boston . Penn State )
• Example Personal Statement Supply Chain Management (Admitted to MIT )
• Example Personal Statement Teaching ( Scholarship US State Department)
• Example Education Personal Statement (Admitted to UPenn , NYU , UCLA )
• Example Personal Statement Education Policy (Admitted to USC )
• Example Personal Statement Special Education Teacher (Admitted to TUFTS )
• Example Personal Statement of an Aspiring Teacher (Admitted to American University )
• Example Personal Statement Residency in Internal Medicine (Admitted to ASU )
• Example Personal Statement Counseling (Admitted to Harvard , Yale )
• Example Personal Statement Psychology (Admitted to NYU Steinhardt)
• Example Personal Statement Nursing (Admitted to Duke , Ohio)
• Example Personal Statement Public Health (MPH) (Admitted to Columbia , Emory)
• Example Personal Statement Social Work (MSW) (Admitted to Columbia )
• Example Personal Statement Veterinary (Admitted to UC Davis , CSU , Edinburgh)
• Example Personal Statement Biochemistry (Admitted to Johns Hopkins )
• Example Personal Statement Biology (Admitted to JHU )
• Example Personal Statement Anthropology (Admitted to Stanford )
• Example Personal Statement Environment and Sustainability (admitted to Stanford , CALTECH )
• Example Personal Statement Environmental Sustainability and Energy Management (Admitted to Yale , Duke )
• Example Personal Statement International Relations (Admitted to Columbia , Cornell )
• Example Personal Statement Political Science (Admitted to Duke , UCLA , NYU )
• Example Personal Statement Public Administration MPA (Admitted to Columbia , Harvard )
• Example Personal Statement Public Policy MPP (Admitted to Harvard , Brown , Erasmus Mundus Scholarship )
• Example Personal Statement Architecture (Admitted to Cambridge , Cornell , Yale )
• Example Personal Statement MFA (Admitted to New School and Rhode Island )
• Example Personal Statement in Filmmaking (Admitted to New York Film Academy )
• Example Personal Statement Fashion and Textile (Admitted to Parsons , Royal College of Arts )
• Example Personal Statement Math (Admitted to Oxbridge )
• Example Personal Statement Statistics (Admitted to NCSU , Cornell )
• Example Personal Statement Religious Studies (Admitted to Columbia , Harvard )
• Example Personal Statement 1 (Admitted to MIT )
• Example Personal Statement 2 (Admitted to Cambridge )
• Example Research Statement (Admitted to JHU )
• Example Statement of Research Interests (Admitted to Scripps )
• Example Statement of Objectives (Admitted to MIT )
• Example Personal StatemenT MS leading to Ph.D. (Admitted to Notre Dame )

These essays are written by applicants who are seeking financial aid or funding to support their graduate studies. In most cases, the program does not require a separate essay or application for the scholarship or fellowship, but in a few cases they do.

Most external donors do require a separate application such as the Fulbright program.

The purpose of these essays is to convince the selection committee that the applicant is the best candidate for the scholarship or fellowship.

• Scholarship Personal Statement Example (Won $250,000 Scholarship )
• Scholarship Personal Statement Example (Won Erasmus Mundus Scholarship )
• Fellowship Personal Statement Example (Won MIT Sloan Fellowship )
• Scholarship Personal Statement Example 1 (Won Fulbright Scholarship )
• Scholarship Personal Statement Example 2 (Won Fulbright Scholarship )

Word Count-Specific Personal Statements have a specific word count limit, which must be adhered to by the applicant. These are often required as part of graduate school applications, where the admissions committee wants to ensure that all applicants are providing the same amount of information and not exceeding or falling short of the specified word count.

Writing a word count-specific personal statement can be challenging, as applicants must balance providing enough detail to adequately convey their story and goals, while also being concise and staying within the specified limit. However, meeting the word count requirement is essential for demonstrating an applicant’s ability to communicate effectively, follow instructions, and prioritize information.

Here are a few examples of word-count specific personal statements.

• 100 Word Personal Statement Example
• 150 Word Personal Statement Example
• 200 Word Personal Statement Example
• 250 Word Personal Statement Example
• 300 Word Personal Statement Example
• 400 Word Personal Statement Example
• 500 Word Personal Statement Example
• 600 Word Personal Statement Example
• 700 Word Personal Statement Example
• 750 Word Personal Statement Example
• 800 Word Personal Statement Example
• 1000 Word Personal Statement Example

Prompt specific personal statements are statements that are tailored to answer a specific question or prompt in a personal statement. These statements are typically used in graduate school applications, especially MBA apps. These essays usually have a word-limit as well.

The purpose of a question specific personal statement is to demonstrate to the admissions committee that the applicant has the skills, knowledge, and experience required to succeed in the program. By directly addressing the prompt or question, the applicant can provide a focused and coherent response that highlights their relevant qualities and accomplishments.

For example, if a prompt asks an applicant to discuss their leadership experience, a question specific personal statement would focus on describing specific instances where the applicant demonstrated leadership skills and qualities, such as problem-solving, decision-making, and effective communication.

Here are some samples on Question or Prompt Specific Personal Statements.

• Prompt-specific Personal Statement on Career Goals
• Prompt-specific Personal Statement on Values that have Influenced You
• Prompt-specific Personal Statement on Leadership
• Prompt-specific Personal Statement on 25 Things You Don’t Know About Me
• Prompt-specific Personal Statement on Describe a Challenge you Faced and How you Overcame it?
• Prompt-specific Personal Statement on My Passion in Life
• Prompt-specific Personal Statement on Why do you want to become a doctor?
• Prompt-specific Personal Statement Example 1 ( Responses to 6 Prompts for Fellowship)
• Prompt-specific Personal Statement Example 2 ( Responses to 5 Prompts for Duke)
• Prompt-specific Personal Statement Example 3 ( Responses to 3 Prompts for MIT)
• Prompt-specific Personal Statement Example 4 ( Responses to 4 Prompts for LBS)
• Prompt-specific Personal Statement Example 5 ( Responses to 4 Prompts for UC Berkeley)
• Prompt-specific Personal Statement Example 6 ( Responses to 4 Prompts for MIT)

Addressing Common Personal Statement Components

In this section, I will explore the various components that commonly make up a well-rounded personal statement.I have also discussed these in a lot more detail in a blog post here . In that post, I have also shared various examples of personal statements that show how you can put these components in an essay form. Furthermore, that blog post also introduces an 8-point framework designed to assist you in evaluating and rating your personal statement draft.

When applying for graduate programs that are academic in nature, such as PhD, Master of Science, or Master of Arts, it’s essential to emphasize your academic achievements and experiences in your personal statement. To effectively showcase your educational background, you can do the following:

• Highlight relevant coursework: Discuss courses that have prepared you for graduate study and demonstrate your passion for the subject.
• Showcase your academic accomplishments: Mention awards, honors, high GPA, or scholarships you’ve received, and explain their significance.
• Share influential academic experiences: Describe any conferences, workshops, or seminars you’ve attended, and explain how they’ve shaped your understanding of your field.

When applying for research-oriented programs such as PhD, post-doc, or research-based masters, it’s crucial to emphasize your research background, experiences, and achievements in your personal statement. To effectively highlight your research accomplishments, consider including the following in your personal statement:

• Describe your research projects: Outline the relevant research you’ve conducted, including the objectives, methodology, and results.
• Emphasize your role: Detail your specific contributions (co-contributor, co-author, lead researcher) to the research project, highlighting your skills and expertise.
• Discuss the impact: Explain how your research has contributed to the field (maybe you got published in a journal, got a patent or published a white paper). You can also discuss how it influenced your career goals.

When composing your personal statement, it’s a good idea to show your work and internship experiences, as they highlight your practical skills and dedication to your chosen field. These experiences are especially significant for those applying to professional programs such as MBA, Project Management, and Masters in Engineering. 

However, they can also add considerable value to applications for academic or research-based programs. To effectively emphasize your work experiences and their relevance to your graduate studies, take into account the following aspects:

• Detail relevant experiences: Discuss any internships, part-time jobs, or full-time positions related to your field, highlighting the skills you’ve gained.
• Demonstrate transferable skills: Show how your work experience has equipped you with valuable skills (e.g., teamwork, leadership, problem-solving) that can be applied to your graduate studies.
• Share meaningful moments: Describe any significant projects, accomplishments, or challenges you’ve encountered during your work experience that have shaped your perspective or goals.

In your personal statement, highlighting your volunteer and community service experiences can be a valuable addition, particularly for programs that emphasize social impact or community engagement, such as social work, public health, or education.

These experiences demonstrate your commitment to making a difference, and they showcase your ability to apply the skills and knowledge gained in real-world situations. Additionally, they reflect your extroverted nature, openness to new ideas, and willingness to engage with people from diverse backgrounds. 

Emphasizing your involvement in volunteer work and community service not only reveals your personal growth and alignment with your field of study but also highlights your ability to work collaboratively, appreciate different perspectives, and contribute positively to society. To give you some idea, you can demonstrate your service to the community by doing the following in your personal statement:

• Showcase your involvement: Discuss volunteer work, community service, or extracurricular activities you’ve participated in that are relevant to your field of study or personal growth.
• Emphasize personal growth: Describe the impact of these experiences on your personal development, such as gaining empathy, cultural competence, or leadership skills.
• Connect to your field: Explain how your volunteer or community service experiences relate to your graduate studies and future career aspirations.

By sharing the obstacles you’ve faced and the lessons you’ve learned from them, you demonstrate your resilience, adaptability, and motivation. Connecting these experiences to your academic and career goals will further emphasize your determination to succeed in your chosen field and your readiness for the rigors of graduate study. Here are some ideas to get you started with this:

• Share your story: Discuss any personal challenges or obstacles you’ve faced and how they’ve shaped your character, values, or motivations.
• Demonstrate resilience: Explain how you’ve overcome these challenges and what you’ve learned from the experience.
• Relate to your academic and career goals: Show how your personal growth and experiences have influenced your decision to pursue graduate studies and your future career aspirations.

Your personal statement should also address your future goals and career aspirations. You should discuss both your short-term (3-5 year) and long-term (10-15 year) goals in your grad school personal statement. 

Explain the motivation behind them, and connect these goals to the graduate program you’re applying to. This will show that you have a clear plan for your academic and professional journey, and that the program is an essential stepping stone toward achieving your goals. Here is a helping hand that will assist you include this element in your essay.

• Outline your short-term and long-term goals: Discuss your objectives for both your graduate studies and your future career, demonstrating a clear vision of your path.
• Explain your passion and motivation: Share the driving forces behind your goals, showcasing your enthusiasm and dedication to your field of study.
• Connect your goals to the graduate program: Illustrate how the specific graduate program you’re applying to will help you achieve your academic and career objectives.

Tailoring your Personal Statement for Specific Schools

One common mistake that applicants make is submitting a generic personal statement to multiple programs. This can significantly reduce their chances of admission. 

Universities appreciate when applicants have taken the time to research the specific program, courses, faculty, and research facilities, demonstrating genuine interest and effort. 

While it’s acceptable to have a core personal statement that outlines your personal story, achievements, and interests, it’s crucial to tailor part of the essay to the particular program you are applying to. By customizing your personal statement, you show the admissions committee that you’ve done your homework.

Here I have some suggestions for you that you can use to tailor your personal statement for the specific program.

To tailor your personal statement for specific schools, it’s essential to thoroughly research the program and faculty at each institution. This involves exploring the program’s curriculum, core and optional course offerings, summer internship placement opportunities, industry-affiliated projects that are available, faculty research interests, and the school’s overall reputation in your field. By understanding these aspects, you can demonstrate your genuine interest in the program and highlight how your background and goals align with the faculty and coursework offered.

Once you have a solid understanding of the program and faculty, emphasize the alignment between your own values, objectives, and the program’s values and objectives in your personal statement. This can include showcasing your commitment to the program’s core principles, highlighting your passion for the program’s focus areas, and demonstrating your enthusiasm for working with particular faculty members on research or projects that align with your interests.

Each graduate program may have unique offerings that set it apart from others, such as specialized courses, research centers, or industry partnerships. In your personal statement, highlight these distinctive features and explain how they will benefit you. By doing this, you show the admissions committee that you have carefully considered the program’s offerings and have a clear understanding of how they will contribute to your academic and professional growth.

Personal Statement Pitfalls to Avoid

When writing your personal statement, you should be watchful of common traps that can diminish the impact of your narrative. Avoiding these mistakes will help you create a nice, well-rounded and unique story that will stand out to the adcom.

I have also discussed these in a lot more detail in a blog post here . In that post, I have also shared various examples of personal statements that avoid these traps and some that fall for them.

Here are some critical pitfalls to avoid:

Avoid relying on common phrases or clichés in your personal statement. Nearly all the personal statement templates use clichés like, such as “I’ve always known that I wanted to…”, “I have a thirst for knowledge.”, “I want to give back to society.”, “Ever since I can remember…”. These can make your writing appear as copy paste, dull and boring. Instead, you should try to be creative and unique and use expressions that genuinely reflect your own individual experiences and motivations.

While it’s essential to showcase your achievements and strengths, be cautious not to overdo self-promotion. Overly boastful or self-aggrandizing language can be off-putting to the reader and you could come across as arrogant and self-conceited. Focus on presenting your accomplishments and experiences in a balanced and authentic manner, highlighting the impact and the lessons learned from them. In short, stay humble.

A disorganized or unfocused personal statement can make it difficult for the admissions committee to grasp your main points or understand your narrative. Ensure your personal statement is well-structured, with clear coherence between paragraphs and a logical progression of ideas. Stay focused on only talking about experiences that are relevant to your field of study. However, if you want to talk about something that you feel is important for the application but is not relevant to the chosen program, just touch upon it in your essay.

Again, I would recommend you to go through this post where I have delved deeper into the things you should avoid. Additionally, in that post I have also provided you with a 7-point framework that you can use to circumvent the common pitfalls often encountered in personal statements.

Seeking Feedback and Revising Your Personal Statement

Before submitting your personal statement, it’s essential to seek and incorporate feedback. Applicants who create successful personal statements spend 20 hours on average on creating the perfect essay. You should consult mentors, advisors, and peers, to refine your narrative. This section will guide you through the process of seeking feedback and making revisions to optimize your personal statement.

Seek input from individuals who know you well and have experience with the application process. I would also recommend that you should ask feedback from people who have successfully gone through the process in the past. Their feedback can help you identify areas for improvement, and ensure your narrative aligns properly.

After receiving feedback from various sources, take the time to thoughtfully consider their suggestions and incorporate them into your personal statement. Remember that not all feedback may be applicable or useful, so use your judgment to determine which revisions will enhance your narrative. Continue refining your personal statement through multiple drafts, ensuring your final version presents a polished and compelling story that showcases your strengths and aspirations.

I hope that these 100+ personal statement examples for graduate school and all the associated tips will provide you with the inspiration, guidance, and ideas you need to create a captivating narrative of your own. As you embark on this journey, remember that dedication, self-reflection, and resilience are key to putting up a persuasive narrative. Remember, there is no short-cut to success. Good luck, and we can’t wait to see where your academic journey takes you!

WANT MORE AMAZING ARTICLES ON GRAD SCHOOL PERSONAL STATEMENTS?

• 100+ Outstanding Examples of Personal Statements
• The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Winning Personal Statement
• Common Pitfalls to Avoid in Your Personal Statement
• Writing a Killer Opening Paragraph for Your Personal Statement
• Ideal Length for a Graduate School Personal Statement
• 100 Inspiring Quotes to Jumpstart Your Personal Statement

Sample Personal Statement for Masters in International Business

Sample Personal Statement for Masters in International Business My journey began amidst the kaleidoscope of Qatar's landscapes, setting the stage for a life attuned to cultural nuances. Transitioning to Riyadh in my teens, I absorbed a mosaic of traditions, sparking a...

Sample Personal Statement for Family Medicine Residency

Personal Statement Prompt: A personal letter is required. We are looking for mature, enthusiastic physicians who bring with them a broad range of life experiences, are committed to providing excellent patient care, and can embrace the depth and breadth of experiences...

Harvard Personal Statement Example

In this article, I will be providing a sample grad school personal statement for Harvard University. This example aims to show how prospective applicants like you can seamlessly weave your passion, skills, and relevant experiences into a compelling narrative. In...

[2024] 4 Law School Personal Statement Examples from Top Programs

In this article, I will discuss 4 law school personal statement samples. These statements have been written by successful applicants who gained admission to prestigious US Law schools like Yale, Harvard, and Stanford. The purpose of these examples is to demonstrate...

Sample Personal Statement Cybersecurity

In this article, I will be providing a sample grad school personal statement in the field of cybersecurity. This sample was written by an applicant who got admitted into George Mason, Northeastern and Arizona State University. This example aims to show how prospective...

WANT AMAZING ARTICLES ON GRAD SCHOOL PERSONAL STATEMENTS?

• 100+ Personal Statement Templates

• Child and Adolescent Specialization
• How to apply
• Tuition and Financial Aid
• Online Experience

Tips and best practices for writing your graduate school personal statement

Your journey to graduate school begins with a single, powerful document—the personal statement. Admissions committees sift through thousands of graduate school applications in a single year, so it’s important to distinguish yourself through your personal statement. This is your opportunity to build a case that you will be a worthwhile addition to their school’s graduate program and explain why. After all, you are much more than a GPA and test scores. So, the story you tell needs to go beyond these metrics. 1

Grab the admissions committee’s attention with an anecdote about an event, individual, or work experience that shaped your worldview, challenged you, and confirmed your goal of being a counselor. 2 Give them a glimpse of who you are—your personality, motivations, and the impact you plan to make on the profession. Convince them that your values and reasons for advanced study match this specific counseling program . With a winning personal statement, you can convince an admissions committee to say “Yes!” to your application.

In this post, you will find tips and best practices for writing your graduate school personal statement, including tailoring it to specific programs, seeking feedback, and revising your draft.

Understanding the application prompt

If the thought of writing personal statements for grad school applications makes you nervous, you’re not alone. Many applicants find this to be one of the most challenging parts of the application process. It’s difficult to know what to expect because the prompts for personal statements (also called “statements of purpose”) can vary from one graduate program to another. You could be asked to write a personal essay or given specific questions, such as:

• What factors have inspired your decision to apply to graduate school?
• What academic and research pursuits have prepared you for this program?
• What have you gained from employment or internship experiences?
• What sets you apart and makes you unique from other graduate school applicants?
• What setbacks or challenges have you overcome, and how have they shaped your life?

If you are given a specific prompt, carefully review it to avoid common pitfalls. If you rush the writing process, you could neglect to include important details or misinterpret the prompt. Start by dissecting the personal statement prompt and even break out a highlighter to focus on key items, including word limits. Second, be sure to take the time to thoroughly understand the question(s) that the admissions committee wants you to answer. Then, organize your ideas in a bulleted list, a graphic organizer, or other method, which will provide a road map for developing your unique story.

Creating a unique and personal narrative

When you begin writing your personal statement for a graduate program, keep your audience in mind and avoid cliches. Chances are the admissions committee has heard it all before.

While it can be helpful to review personal statement examples for graduate programs, remember that the best personal statements are unique. You can tell your story better than anyone else. However, seeking out the perspectives of a family member and friends could help you to create a more authentic, reflective story. Once you’ve put your ideas on paper, include the most relevant anecdotes that showcase your achievements, goals, and experiences. Build the case that you are a strong applicant who can positively impact the profession . 2

If you decide to discuss potential vulnerabilities, such as a low GPA, be sure to communicate the positive lessons learned and what you have achieved since then. 1

In addition to vulnerabilities, some applicants have been confused about whether they can discuss diversity in their college applications following a 2023 SCOTUS decision that banned race-conscious admissions. 3,4 Despite this decision, universities still seek a diverse student body, and many have changed their application prompts so that applicants can address diversity factors, especially as these factors relate to career choices or other life experiences. 3,4

If you are asked to write a personal essay, there are many ways to organize your unique experiences into a compelling story. Consider adapting these guidelines to suit your circumstances: 1,5

• Motivations: In your first paragraph, share a specific anecdote or experience that inspired you to study counseling
• Potential impact: In your second paragraph, outline your goals and discuss how you might use your counseling degree to embark on new mental health research or positively impact mental health treatment in your community
• Grit or persistence: In your third paragraph, share how you overcame a challenge or setback in your life or career. Then, you can convince an admissions committee you are prepared for the responsibilities and rigors of the counseling profession
• Preparation : In your fourth paragraph, discuss prior coursework or relevant experiences to counseling and specific aspects of the university’s program that appeal to you
• Interests/unique experiences : In your fifth paragraph, discuss recent work or volunteer experiences that shaped your decision to become a counselor. Maybe you had an internship at your local congressional representative’s office or served as a resident advisor during your undergraduate years

Clarity in articulating goals

It’s important to frame yourself as a candidate who will positively contribute to your graduate school of choice and the counseling profession, but be sure to clearly communicate what you hope to gain from the program. Maybe you are a teacher, attorney, or military veteran and seeking to transition into a counseling career based on a pivotal experience. Or maybe there is a professor known for their research on treating trauma, and you have a strong interest in this area.

If you are passionate about making an impact as a counselor, let that passion shine through in your statement. Draw a strong connection between your goals and how unique aspects of their graduate program can help you realize them. Anticipate potential questions the committee might have so they don’t have to fill information gaps.

Proofread, seek feedback and revise

The goal is to send a polished personal statement that gets you admitted to a graduate program. Don’t allow spelling mistakes or sloppy writing to get between you and your acceptance. First, allow enough time to write multiple drafts of your statement. Second, seek feedback during the drafting and revision stages.

Reviewers not only catch errors you may have missed in your personal statement, but they also bring new insights based on their own experiences. Enlist the help of trusted peers, family members, or advisors who can provide suggestions for improving your personal statement. Ask your readers to review for specific elements, such as professional tone, clarity, coherence of ideas, and grammatical errors. 1 Then, incorporate feedback to ensure that your writing is polished, error-free, and connects with your intended audience.

Crafting an outstanding personal statement

Now that you have tried-and-true strategies for crafting a strong personal statement, it’s time to put this knowledge into action. Approach your personal statement with confidence and authenticity—these qualities will shine through in your writing. If you follow the tips we have covered, your story will make a lasting impression on admissions officers, opening doors to a rewarding future in counseling.

Become a counselor who makes a difference

You can improve mental health care in your community with the CACREP-accredited online Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marquette University. You’ll get to study the latest counseling practices by taking challenging courses in multicultural counseling, substance abuse counseling, and group counseling . In addition, you get to apply your knowledge by working with clients during an internship.

Marquette’s clinical mental health counseling faculty are leading experts in in-demand areas like addictions, family counseling, and human development. They provide personal mentorship and connect students with their extensive networks. A master’s degree in counseling from Marquette equips you with the skills and knowledge for a rewarding career in professional counseling.

Schedule a call with an admissions outreach advisor for more information.

• Retrieved on January 23, from gograd.org/resources/grad-school-personal-statement/
• Retrieved on January 23, from indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/how-to-write-a-personal-statement
• Retrieved on January 23, from collegeessayguy.com/blog/race-in-college-essays
• Retrieved on January 23, from, time.com/6293513/college-admissions-essays-race-affirmative-action/
• Retrieved on January 23, from gograd.org/resources/grad-school-statement-of-purpose/

Return to Blog

Marquette University has engaged Everspring , a leading provider of education and technology services, to support select aspects of program delivery.

Helpful Tips for Writing a Personal Statement for Grad School Applications

Reviewed by David Krug David Krug is a seasoned expert with 20 years in educational technology (EdTech). His career spans the pivotal years of technology integration in education, where he has played a key role in advancing student-centric learning solutions. David's expertise lies in marrying technological innovation with pedagogical effectiveness, making him a valuable asset in transforming educational experiences. As an advisor for enrollment startups, David provides strategic guidance, helping these companies navigate the complexities of the education sector. His insights are crucial in developing impactful and sustainable enrollment strategies.

Updated: February 29, 2024 , Reading time: 19 minutes

Share this on:

Find your perfect college degree

In this article, we will be covering...

When writing your personal statement for your graduate school application, you must remember that it can make or break your admission!

The simple reason: Aside from your cover letter, it’s the best way to introduce yourself – your academic performance and potential, your research interests, and your career goals, among others, which demonstrates your fit with the graduate program.

Indeed, the way in which you present who and what you are in your personal statement can set your path in graduate school. 

But we also understand that writing your personal statement is a challenging task, to say the least, because of its enormous impact on your admission into graduate school. With that in mind, here are helpful tips that you can keep in mind to write a persuasive personal statement.

Additional Resources:

• How To Build a Great Resume and Cover Letter for Your Grad School Job Search
• How to Get into Grad School with a Low GPA
• What does it take to get into Graduate School?

Be prepared for three steps in making a compelling personal statement that will increase your success in being admitted to the graduate program of your dreams.

• First, you must perform intensive research into the program and your interests, accomplishments and goals.
• Second, you have to write the first draft of your master personal statement – in the same way that you must have a master resume and cover letter – rewrite it a few more times and seek feedback along the way.
• Third, you must tailor your personal statement for every graduate program you’re sending applications to in the hopes of admission. 

Before Writing Your Personal Statement

You must have the right understanding and be in the right mindset before writing your personal statement. With such a strong foundation, you’re in a better position to craft your master personal statement that can be revised according to the requirements and preferences of each graduate program. 

Understand the Purpose of Your Personal Statement

What exactly is the purpose of a personal statement in a graduate school application? What can you do to serve its purpose? These are questions that you must first ask before you can write your personal statement, whether it’s your master personal statement or its tailored version. 

Your personal statement is, first and foremost, a summary of your personal and professional qualifications. You must, however, also keep in mind that it’s an opportunity to tell your story and journey – where you have been, where you are now, and where you want to be.

Your main goal: Demonstrate the ways in which being in the graduate program will contribute to your continuing story and journey – or in other words, highlight your good fit. 

Furthermore, your well-written personal statement will also achieve the following purposes: 

• Highlight your writing skills in particular and your communication skills in general, both of which are crucial to your success as a graduate student.
• Explain the weaknesses in your application, such as gaps in your academic journey or professional history or a less-than-impressive GPA.
• Demonstrate your research interests, skills and contributions, particularly when you’re applying to a research-oriented graduate program. 
• Address specific questions required by the admission committee to be answered in your personal statement.
• Highlight your values and character that will allow the admissions committee to get a holistic perspective of who you are.

Indeed, your personal statement is your opportunity to stand out from the competition and differentiate yourself! 

Reflect on Your Unique Qualities

What can you bring to the table? What past contributions have you made and the potential contributions you can make in advancing the body of knowledge in your chosen field? What are your strengths and weaknesses? What trials have you overcome and what triumphs are you most proud of and why? 

These questions may sound like these are made for beauty pageants but you will find that answering them will result in your ability to stand out from the rest of the applicants! By reflecting on your uniqueness, you’re emphasizing your individuality which strengthens your candidacy for admission into graduate school. 

We suggest listing down the answers to the abovementioned page so you will have a reference when writing your personal statement. You can also use the guide below when reflecting on your unique individuality.

1. Academic achievements

Your academic achievements will not only highlight your commitment to excellence but will also be an indication of your academic potential, List down academic awards (e,g., honors program, Latin honors) as well as distinctive research projects and published works. 

2. Unique background

Your personal challenges that contributed to your success in life, your perspective, and your individuality can also be included in your personal statement. You will be surprised by how people are fascinated by individuals overcoming the odds stacked against them!

3. Research interests

Your research interests should ideally be aligned with the graduate program’s research projects, and it’s possible to determine it by looking at previous published research papers authored by professors and alumni. List down your specific research interests and their uniqueness, usefulness, or innovativeness in the field, as well as a brief explanation of your possible contributions to the field. 

4. Professional experience

Your professional experience is also a crucial contributor to your career path and your desire to earn a graduate degree for career advancement. Better yet, write down the insights you gained that differentiate you from other applicants. 

5. Personal interests and passions related to your chosen field of study

Again, you should align your specific personal interests and passions with the graduate program’s mission. You should list down your extracurricular involvement, too, such as community volunteer work, leadership and membership in industry organizations and professional associations, and even sports – but only in relation to how these contributed to your personal and professional growth. 

6. Life experiences

Your life isn’t just a series of academic achievements and extracurricular activities either! Write down life experiences, such as travel and internships, which shaped your personality and perspectives in life as well as your passion for graduate education. 

7. Unique qualities and skills

You should take pride in skills like creativity and innovation, problem-solving and decision-making skills, and communication skills because these are valued life skills. Inclusivity and diversity are of particular value, too, in the academic community. 

8. Career aspirations

Career aspirations are a huge part of anyone’s decision to pursue a graduate degree, so it makes sense that your personal statement will discuss your career goals. 

If you have yet to make a resume, then the above-mentioned aspects can be incorporated into your master resume. If you already have a resume, then you’re halfway into your personal statement – just take the relevant information from your master resume and incorporate it into your personal statement. 

Research the Program

Your next step is researching the graduate program that you’re interested in. If you’re planning on applying to several programs, then you must make appropriate notes about every single program. 

Your research will also be the basis for the tailored version of your master personal statement. You will find it easier and faster to change specific information, format, and details on your master personal statement to fit each program than to start from scratch. 

What exactly must you know about the graduate programs you’re interested in? Here is the crucial information you should get. 

• Understand the program – what its values and mission are, what its structure and curriculum are, and what its unique features are, including its specializations. These aspects are usually defined in its website and program materials (e.g., brochures, curriculum, and manual/handbook) 
• Get information about the faculty members, including their research publications, interests, and subjects covered. You will also find the information useful when you’re choosing your academic advisor and research advisor. 

Aside from the program’s official information, you may also consider connecting with current students and alumni. Your talks with them, no matter how short, will likely provide valuable insights into the culture and curriculum, among other aspects, of the graduate program you’re interested in. 

Understand and Follow the Prompt

Many graduate programs make it easier – or harder, depending on your perspective – to craft a compelling personal statement by providing essay questions, known as prompts. You should answer all the points provided in the prompts and keep your answers clear, concise, and compelling. 

For this reason, you must carefully read the prompts a couple of times to gain a better understanding of its essence. When you address the points covered, you will demonstrate the following characteristics that contribute to success in graduate school: 

• Ability to follow instructions or pay close attention to detail, which are vital in complying with program requirements
• Enthusiastic interest in the program and a strong commitment to success once admitted since it demonstrates program research and self-reflection
• Highlights your strong fit with the program, particularly if you answered the essay prompts appropriately

Of course, answering the points in the essay prompts makes it easier to craft your tailored personal statement because it will highlight the required and relevant information the admissions committee is looking for in their decision-making process.

You will benefit in terms of getting guidance on the preferred structure for your personal statement while also avoiding the inclusion of irrelevant information. In the case of the latter, you can increase the clear and compelling quality of your personal statement and, thus, make a more memorable impact. 

Start Early

Due to the extensive preparation in writing your personal statement, starting as early as possible is a must! You should have ample time to research the programs, brainstorm your uniqueness, and writing and editing, seeking feedback, and tailor your personal statement.

When Writing Your Personal Statement

Now that you understand the importance of your personal statement and you have the necessary information to write it, your next step is to create your first draft. If you’re overwhelmed and you don’t know where to start, just do it! You will find that it gets easier as you go along. 

Demonstrate Your Good Fit with the Program

The first order of a persuasive personal statement is demonstrating that, indeed, you’re a good fit with the program. This means that you’re most likely to succeed as a graduate student through dynamic class participation, good grades, and contributions to the advancement of knowledge in the field, among other goals of graduate studies. 

Your personal statement must then contain the following qualities that make for a compelling read for the admissions committee. 

Highlight your background.

Your background and experiences, no matter how humble these may be, are crucial contributors in your continuing journey! You must then highlight them in such a way that it explains why and how these aspects of your life led to your decision to pursue graduate education. 

You can highlight your relevant coursework, your participation in research projects (i.e., either with you as the principal author or as a co-author), and your internship experiences. You should also consider highlighting capstone projects that demonstrate your expertise in and passion for your field of study. 

Be sure to relate your background and experiences to the graduate program’s values, vision and mission. Let’s say that the graduate program emphasizes multidisciplinary research collaborations among students, alumni, and professors. Your personal statement should then provide concrete examples of your background and experiences in working with diverse and inclusive teams. 

Discuss your research interests.

Many graduate programs emphasize excellence in research, particularly in fields like public health, biology, public policy, and administration, where a master’s thesis or a doctoral dissertation is a graduation requirement. If you’re applying to a research-centric graduate program, then it’s best to highlight your research interests and contributions, too, and align them with its research areas. 

When discussing your research interests, you can explain the specific questions and/or topics that you’re passionate about, use concrete examples in your research experience that demonstrate your keen interest in them, and provide research areas you’re planning on pursuing in the future.

You should mention relevant research experiences that contributed to your keen interest in these research areas, as well as highlight significant skills acquired and contributions made. 

You may also mention faculty members and/or research centers in the graduate program that you believe are involved in the research areas you’re interested in. You can also discuss your long-term research goals and their impact on your career goals. 

Emphasize your skills.

Your technical and transferable skills are uniquely yours – no one else has its unique combinations, strengths, and potential! It then makes sense to showcase your set of skills that contribute to your suitability as a graduate student in the program. 

Start by identifying the key skills that the graduate program values, such as communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills, aside from research skills. (This is where your list of unique qualities and skills comes in handy)

Then, provide specific examples from your personal, educational, and professional lives that demonstrate these valued skills. Be sure to provide the context, challenges, and outcomes related to these examples. 

For example, in a public health program, you can explain your research paper and/or capstone project that resulted in the development of a more effective measurement of community engagement. You can mention the awards, feedback, and outcomes of your previous work. 

Your professional certifications and specialized training are also useful in highlighting your technical skills and expertise in your field of interest. For example, if you’re applying to a Master of Science in Computer Science program, your Cisco CCNA or CompTIA A+ certifications will be considered favorably. 

Of course, your academic achievements must also be highlighted since these are an indication of your potential for academic success in graduate school. Your above-average GPA, academic distinctions, and Latin honors as well as relevant coursework are worthy of mentioning in your personal statement. 

But since academic achievements aren’t the be-all and end-all of success in graduate school, it’s also crucial to include your extracurricular involvement. But be sure to relate your extracurricular activities with the skills you learned that are, in turn, related to the values of the graduate program. 

You may want to strike a balance between your technical skills and your transferable skills – after all, success in any endeavor is about balance. Being a well-rounded individual with the ability to thrive under pressure and in diverse situations is a valued character trait among the best graduate programs.

Address weaknesses proactively.

If your academic record, professional experiences, and/or life experiences have weaknesses that may have a negative impact on your application, you must address them in a proactive manner.

In doing so, you can influence the way that the admissions committee will look at these weaknesses, namely, see them as strengths-in-the-making. 

But it’s also important to note that unless the essay prompts directly ask applicants about their weaknesses, your personal statement should not discuss your deficiencies.

Your personal statement should ideally discuss your strengths, but if it’s necessary to explain a significant weakness in your application, a brief addendum will suffice. The addendum mustn’t contain tedious excuses but must have a positive tone. 

Here are a few more tips for addressing your weaknesses, whether in the personal statement itself or in an addendum: 

• Openly acknowledge your weaknesses but limit them to one or two, such as a lower GPA or fewer extracurricular activities. 
• Provide a brief context of the weakness, such as a family crisis or a personal health issue
• Demonstrate your resilience, your lessons learned, and your growth
• Share your future plans about addressing your weakness if it’s a concern. 

Even with your weaknesses, you can still emphasize your strengths that offset them. You may also seek feedback and, throughout your brief explanation of your weakness, maintain a positive tone. 

Align with your educational and professional goals.

When you’ve discussed your multiple strengths and a few weaknesses, you can now connect the dots, so to speak. You should state in clear and certain terms the reasons for your good fit for the graduate program. Your personal statement will be stronger if you keep these tips in mind when aligning your goals with the graduate program’s values. 

• Expressly state your reasons why your personal values are a good match for the values that the graduate program promotes. If these are inclusivity and diversity, you can state relevant coursework, previous research, and extracurricular involvement related to these values. If these are business or environmental sustainability, do the same, too. 
• Reflect on the personal and professional experiences, lessons, and growth that contributed to your journey so far and their impact on your future success in the graduate program. 
• Make a convincing conclusion by emphasizing your enthusiasm for and commitment to being part of the graduate program, as well as your keen interest in making meaningful contributions to the academic community.  

You don’t have to get it right the first time – nobody does – but it’s always a good thing to start your personal statement somewhere. 

Write with Clarity and Conviction

Keep in mind that your personal statement isn’t just a summary of your personal and professional achievements – it’s an opportunity to tell your story! You should then write with clarity in mind, with conviction of heart, and with compelling the readers to consider your application favorably. 

Does it sound like a tall order, especially if you have impostor syndrome about your writing skills? Again, the best place to start is just to start writing! You can also keep these tips in mind so that you can write with clarity and conviction. 

Simplicity is key

Use simple and straightforward words instead of complex language (e.g., jargon and terminology), but avoid using slang and street words, too. Being direct in your intentions means your readers will get the essence of your personal statement and determine your fit with the program.

Besides, with thousands of personal statements submitted, being direct to the point means your readers make the most of their time. 

Cliches are just as cringeworthy as irrelevant information, slang words, and overly common phrases in a personal statement. Again, provide concrete examples instead of revising personal statement templates – or worse, copying them word for word. 

Think of a specific person.

While you will not know the names of the admissions committee, you should write your personal statement with a specific person in mind. This means writing in a conversational style yet still maintaining a respectful tone. 

Use the active voice.

Don’t talk about yourself in the third person – you should use “I” in your personal statement because it’s about you and you alone! Your personal statement will also be more compelling when you use the first-person perspective. 

Provide concrete and specific examples.

We cannot overemphasize the need to provide concrete and specific examples when discussing your accomplishments, skills, and qualities! Doing so transforms the abstract into reality and, thus, makes for a compelling personal statement.

Be concise.

Most graduate programs that require a personal statement for admission purposes have either word or page limits. Your first draft will likely be verbose, which necessitates editing to remove fluff and achieve brevity 

Be authentic.

Think of your personal statement as your own introduction to the admissions committee – it’s less formal than your cover letter and resume. You have the opportunity to highlight your individuality, including your standout qualities here. 

Follow Application Instructions

Some graduate programs have specific instructions about the format, layout, and substance of the personal statement – follow them! These include word counts, number of pages, even font type and size, as well as submission deadlines. 

But if there are no specific instructions, the general rule of thumb is a personal statement 1-2 pages in length with 1-inch margins, double space between paragraphs, and formal font and size (e.g., Times New Roman, 12-point).

After Writing Your Personal Statement

When your first draft is done, you should not submit it! There’s a reason it’s called the first draft – it’s still rough around the edges – and must be edited for clarity, brevity, and quality. This is both easy since you already have your first draft and hard because of the input and work required. 

Seek feedback.

Let your trusted family and friends, mentors, and even former professors review your personal statement for constructive criticism. Be open to their feedback, too, but remember that it’s your final decision in the end. 

Proofread and edit.

You may use grammar and spelling apps to detect errors, but your informed judgment is still the best. You must, after all, consider the overall flow and structure of your personal statement. 

Tailor each personal statement.

With your master personal statement, you have a template on which you can create a tailored personal statement for every program. While your personal statement will have many things in common between different programs, there should be differences in them, too. These differences are the result of every program’s unique essay prompts, format and layout requirements, word count limits, and values. 

In conclusion, writing your personal statement isn’t an easy task but it can be broken down into manageable chunks! When you think of it in this manner, your personal statement will tell YOUR story and convince its readers that, indeed, you’re an excellent candidate for your dream graduate program.

Related Posts

We’re certain of one thing—your search for more information on picking the best graduate degree or school landed you here. Let our experts help guide your through the decision making process with thoughtful content written by experts.

Personal Statement Writing

Personal Statement Format

A Complete Guide to a Perfect Personal Statement Format

People also read

How to Write a Personal Statement - Easy Tips & Examples

10+ Personal Statement Examples to Elevate Your Application

Common App Personal Statement Prompts - 2024

Do you struggle with formatting your personal statement? Many students face challenges when it comes to formatting their personal statements.

It's common for students to feel unsure about how to structure their personal statements. Questions like, "How do I organize it? What tone should I use? Am I including the right information?" can be really stressful and confusing, adding more pressure to an already stressful application process.

But don't worry! This blog is here to help. We'll make it easy for you to understand personal statement formatting, so you can create a strong and impressive personal statement. 

So, let’s begin!

• 1. What is a Correct Personal Statement Format?
• 2. How to Format A Personal Statement
• 3. Personal Statement Format Examples

What is a Correct Personal Statement Format?

Like other academic papers, personal statements should also be formatted and structured according to a standard set of guidelines. In this way, you can make sure all the information in your personal statement is in an organized manner.

Usually the guidelines for formatting are provided by institutions where you are applying. Different institutions can have varying requirements so it's important to be mindful of their requirements.

However, here are the basic guidelines that you can follow if you don’t know how to format a personal statement.

• Word Limit: Aim for around 500 words, staying within 495-505 words.
• Spacing: Use single-spacing within paragraphs and add an extra line of space between each paragraph.
• Font Style: Opt for a universally accepted font style, such as Times New Roman.
• Font Size: Maintain a 12-point font size throughout your personal statement.
• Header: Include your name and the page number in the header of each page for easy organization.

A standard formatting convention should be used to make your personal statement readable. Keep in mind that review committees go through hundreds of personal statements so it is important to make sure your personal statement stands out. 

Here is a sample personal statement format template you can use to write a personal statement:

How to Format A Personal Statement

The requirements for writing a personal statement vary, but generally, a personal statement includes certain information in the following format.

Step 1 - Determining Word Limit and Line-Spacing

Knowing the word limit is crucial. Ensure your personal statement aligns with the specified range, that is typically around 500 words. 

Implement double-spacing within paragraphs, adding an extra line of space between each paragraph. This technique creates a visually clear and structured layout for easy reading.

Step 2 - Font Style and Size

Consistency in font style is important for readability. Choose a widely accepted and easily readable font like Times New Roman or Arial. 

Maintain a font size of 12 points throughout your personal statement. This standard size aids in presenting a professional appearance and facilitates smooth reading.

Step 3 - Header Inclusion for Organization

To keep your document organized, consider including the title and page number in the header of each page. 

This simple addition aids in document management and ensures easy navigation, particularly if your personal statement extends across multiple pages.

Step 4 - Structuring the Content

Your personal statement's structure plays a pivotal role in its impact. Here's a breakdown of how to organize your narrative effectively:

• Opening Paragraph - Begin with an introduction that clearly states the purpose of your personal statement. Engage the reader with an attention-grabbing opening statement and specify the program or position you're applying for.
• Body Paragraphs - Detail your academic background, relevant experiences, and accomplishments. Showcase your skills and attributes as a strong candidate, write about any extra activities you took part in high school. Explain why the program or position you're applying for interests you and how it aligns with your ambitions.
• Transition to Goals - Smoothly transition from your experiences to your goals, setting the stage for discussing your academic and career aspirations. Express gratitude for considering your application and end with a memorable statement or closing remark.

Step 5 - Finalizing Your Personal Statement

Ensure your personal statement is signed off with your full name. If submitting a printed copy, include your signature for authenticity. Proofread your document for clarity, coherence, and accuracy before submission.

Remember, each organization may have its own set of rules, so always double-check and follow their specific guidelines for the final touches on your personal statement.

Personal Statement Format Examples

If you are looking for helpful personal statement format examples, you are at the right place. Going through examples is one of the best practices to get an idea of how to write a perfect personal statement.

That’s why we have provided you with some good personal statement format examples to help you know what specific details should be included. 

Personal Statement Format For Grad School

Personal Statement Format For University

Personal Statement Format Law School

Personal Statement Format For College

Personal Statement Format For Masters

Personal Statement Format For Job

Personal Statement Format For Scholarship

Check out more flawlessly formatted personal statement examples to learn more!

Facing formatting hurdles with your personal statement? Even after this guide, if you're still feeling adrift, our writing service is here for you.

Our dedicated team excels at crafting standout personal statements. Our team is skilled at delivering perfectly formatted personal statements. Our essay writing service for students has helped thousands like you by providing winning personal statements.

So , why risk it? Order now to buy personal statement !

Write Essay Within 60 Seconds!

Cathy has been been working as an author on our platform for over five years now. She has a Masters degree in mass communication and is well-versed in the art of writing. Cathy is a professional who takes her work seriously and is widely appreciated by clients for her excellent writing skills.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That’s our Job!

Keep reading

• FRONT MATTER
• TABLE OF CONTENTS

Issues of Length and Form

Normally, the length of a personal statement will be dictated by the application—500 words or 800 words are typical limits, as are one-page or two-page limits. If you’re given, say, a count of 1,500 words, you need not write to the maximum length, but to compose only one-half of the word count might be an opportunity missed. In any case, what matters most is that the material you present conforms as closely as possible to these word or space restrictions—parts of your application might literally not be read if you violate the rules—and that your presentation is aesthetically pleasing and easy to read. To achieve these goals, I promote the following tips:

• If your personal statement is a stand-alone document within your application, open it with a simple heading such as “Personal Statement for Janet Lerner.” Thus, if your documents would get separated somehow, they could more easily be reassembled.
• If there are any pages to your essay beyond one, number them, and perhaps include your name on those pages as well.
• Choose a publishing font that is highly readable, such as Times or Bookman. Some fonts allow for more tightness to the text, which is fine as long as the essay remains readable. Ideally, use no more than a 12-point size and no less than a 10-point size, favoring the larger, and use the same font size throughout the document.
• Allow for ample enough margins that the reader isn’t distracted by cramped-looking text. Margins of at least one inch are standard.
• Single space your text, skipping a line between paragraphs. You can indent paragraph beginnings or not, as long as you’re consistent.

At times, especially when you fill out an application electronically or have to cut and paste, word limits will be defined by physical space. In such a case, keep enough white space between your text and the application text that the material isn’t crowded, and choose a font different from that used in the application if possible. Also, if your application is electronic and requires you to cut and paste text or conform to a word or character count, check the material that you input carefully to be certain that it’s complete and reads just as you wish it to. In some cases, you may lose special characters or paragraph breaks, and words over the maximum allowable count may be cut off. The safest practice is to proofread anything you send electronically within the very form in which it is sent.

Other online sites that give space to the subject of length and form in personal statements are these:

“Applying to Graduate School: Writing a Compelling Personal Statement,” from the International Honor Society in Psychology

“FAQs for Writing Your Graduate Admissions Essay,” from about.com

Writing personal statements

Writing statements for applying to graduate or professional school.

For each specific school and program to which you apply, instructions will be given regarding the topics and length of your statement. Allow sufficient time to write drafts, set them aside, re-read them with fresh eyes, review and revise, and obtain feedback, before finalizing. As you make revisions, it's easy to accidently leave in or leave out words in error. Proofread, proofread, and proofread again! Be scrupulous about grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Simple, avoidable mistakes can weaken or derail your application. Don't rely on spellcheck. You may be applying to multiple schools and writing a similar statement for each, with careful customization for each. Don't make the mistake of sending a statement to XYZ school that says you really want to attend LMN school; that's an error that can strike you from being considered.

Remember that human beings are reading your statement, and they're reading many. Avoid gimmicks. Do sound like a focused adult with realistic goals and expectations, and show that you have done your research on the career field you are pursuing and the school you wish to attend. Do advocate for yourself. In your statement, there is no need for you to apologize for something you don't have in your background, or something you perceive as a weakness. If you have a passion for a field or topic, do share and explain that passion!

For reviews of your personal statement:

You are welcome to schedule an advising appointment with Career and Professional Development . And the  Writing Center at Virginia Tech  is a resource for VT students seeking writing consultations.

Purdue Online Writing Lab Purdue OWL® College of Liberal Arts

Writing the Personal Statement

Welcome to the Purdue OWL

This page is brought to you by the OWL at Purdue University. When printing this page, you must include the entire legal notice.

Copyright ©1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use.

The personal statement, your opportunity to sell yourself in the application process, generally falls into one of two categories:

1. The general, comprehensive personal statement:

This allows you maximum freedom in terms of what you write and is the type of statement often prepared for standard medical or law school application forms.

2. The response to very specific questions:

Often, business and graduate school applications ask specific questions, and your statement should respond specifically to the question being asked. Some business school applications favor multiple essays, typically asking for responses to three or more questions.

Questions to ask yourself before you write:

• What's special, unique, distinctive, and/or impressive about you or your life story?
• What details of your life (personal or family problems, history, people or events that have shaped you or influenced your goals) might help the committee better understand you or help set you apart from other applicants?
• When did you become interested in this field and what have you learned about it (and about yourself) that has further stimulated your interest and reinforced your conviction that you are well suited to this field? What insights have you gained?
• How have you learned about this field—through classes, readings, seminars, work or other experiences, or conversations with people already in the field?
• If you have worked a lot during your college years, what have you learned (leadership or managerial skills, for example), and how has that work contributed to your growth?
• What are your career goals?
• Are there any gaps or discrepancies in your academic record that you should explain (great grades but mediocre LSAT or GRE scores, for example, or a distinct upward pattern to your GPA if it was only average in the beginning)?
• Have you had to overcome any unusual obstacles or hardships (for example, economic, familial, or physical) in your life?
• What personal characteristics (for example, integrity, compassion, and/or persistence) do you possess that would improve your prospects for success in the field or profession? Is there a way to demonstrate or document that you have these characteristics?
• What skills (for example, leadership, communicative, analytical) do you possess?
• Why might you be a stronger candidate for graduate school—and more successful and effective in the profession or field than other applicants?
• What are the most compelling reasons you can give for the admissions committee to be interested in you?

General advice

Answer the questions that are asked

• If you are applying to several schools, you may find questions in each application that are somewhat similar.
• Don't be tempted to use the same statement for all applications. It is important to answer each question being asked, and if slightly different answers are needed, you should write separate statements. In every case, be sure your answer fits the question being asked.

Tell a story

• Think in terms of showing or demonstrating through concrete experience. One of the worst things you can do is to bore the admissions committee. If your statement is fresh, lively, and different, you'll be putting yourself ahead of the pack. If you distinguish yourself through your story, you will make yourself memorable.

Be specific

• Don't, for example, state that you would make an excellent doctor unless you can back it up with specific reasons. Your desire to become a lawyer, engineer, or whatever should be logical, the result of specific experience that is described in your statement. Your application should emerge as the logical conclusion to your story.

Find an angle

• If you're like most people, your life story lacks drama, so figuring out a way to make it interesting becomes the big challenge. Finding an angle or a "hook" is vital.

Concentrate on your opening paragraph

• The lead or opening paragraph is generally the most important. It is here that you grab the reader's attention or lose it. This paragraph becomes the framework for the rest of the statement.

Tell what you know

• The middle section of your essay might detail your interest and experience in your particular field, as well as some of your knowledge of the field. Too many people graduate with little or no knowledge of the nuts and bolts of the profession or field they hope to enter. Be as specific as you can in relating what you know about the field and use the language professionals use in conveying this information. Refer to experiences (work, research, etc.), classes, conversations with people in the field, books you've read, seminars you've attended, or any other source of specific information about the career you want and why you're suited to it. Since you will have to select what you include in your statement, the choices you make are often an indication of your judgment.

Don't include some subjects

• There are certain things best left out of personal statements. For example, references to experiences or accomplishments in high school or earlier are generally not a good idea. Don't mention potentially controversial subjects (for example, controversial religious or political issues).

Do some research, if needed

• If a school wants to know why you're applying to it rather than another school, do some research to find out what sets your choice apart from other universities or programs. If the school setting would provide an important geographical or cultural change for you, this might be a factor to mention.

Write well and correctly

• Be meticulous. Type and proofread your essay very carefully. Many admissions officers say that good written skills and command of correct use of language are important to them as they read these statements. Express yourself clearly and concisely. Adhere to stated word limits.

Avoid clichés

• A medical school applicant who writes that he is good at science and wants to help other people is not exactly expressing an original thought. Stay away from often-repeated or tired statements.

For more information on writing a personal statement, see the personal statement vidcast .

GRFP File Uploads - Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

1.   What file types are allowable for upload in the required fellowship application files?

2.   What are the PDF upload document formatting and compliance requirements in the system?

3.   What should I consider if I include images in my statement files?

4.   My margins are set to one inch. Why am I still getting a margin error for the PDF I am uploading?

5.   Why do I receive a font error upon document upload when the font was set to an acceptable font type and size using “Select All”?

6.   I am exporting a file to PDF. Are there any known issues that may cause PDF errors?

7.   I continue to receive an error message and I know I am using an acceptable font type. How can I determine the font types used in my PDF?

8.   My statement files include equations and special symbols and characters. Will my statement be able to pass the compliance checks?

9.   I am receiving an error message when I attempt to upload my Reference Letter. What should I do?

10.   I am receiving an error message when I attempt to upload my Personal or Graduate Research Statement. What should I do?

11.   I am receiving an error message when I attempt to upload my Transcript. What should I do?

• What file types are allowable for upload in the required fellowship application files?

All fellowship application files must be uploaded only in PDF format. These files include:

• Personal, Relevant Background and Future Goals Statement ( Template )
• Graduate Research Plan Statement ( Template )
• Reference Letters
• Transcripts and Registrar Letters (optional)

Back to Top

• What are the PDF upload document formatting and compliance requirements in the system?

The Personal, Relevant Background and Future Goals Statement and the Graduate Research Plan Statement must conform to the following requirements:

• Times New Roman font for all text, Cambria Math font for equations, and Symbol font for non-alphabetic characters (it is recommended that equations and symbols be inserted as an image)
• Font size no smaller than 11-pt
• No less than single spacing (approximately six lines of text per inch)
• 1" margins on all sides, no text inside 1" margins (no header, footer, or page number)
• Standard letter paper size (8.5" by 11”)
• File cannot be a scanned image
• File size cannot exceed 10 MB
• File cannot be password protected
• File cannot be empty
• Personal, Relevant Background and Future Goals Statement cannot exceed three pages
• Graduate Research Plan Statement cannot exceed two pages

Reference letters must conform to the following requirements:

• File cannot exceed two pages

Transcripts and Registrar Letters (optional) must conform to the following requirements:

• File size cannot exceed 50 MB

Failure to comply with the above rules will result in one or more error messages. You will be required to correct the error(s) and upload the PDF again.

• What should I consider if I include images in my statement files?
• Check and update the font type of each image separately to the acceptable font and size.
• Make sure an image is pasted and not an object (In Microsoft Office Word, double-click an image. If another application opens, this means a non-graphical image was inserted.
• Make sure image text (titles, labels, captions, etc.) is part of the image and not editable.
• Make sure any equations, special characters and symbols are inserted as non-editable images.
• My margins are set to one inch. Why am I still getting a margin error for the PDF I am uploading?

Review inserted images or shapes : Margins can be set to one inch, but a stray image or shape can violate the margin rule. Setting the margin rule to one inch would not automatically correct the images or shapes back within margins.

Remove page numbers:  Be sure that the document has no text in the header or footer including page numbers.

• Why do I receive a font error upon document upload when the font was set to an acceptable font type and size using “Select All”?

This would depend on how word processors export files to PDF and may vary with the word processer being used. For Microsoft Office, “Select All” will not include inserted images, shapes, and numbered lists or bullets.

Check the following:

• Check and update the font type of each image separately to the accepted font and size.
• Make sure any equations, special characters and symbols are inserted as non-editable images
• I am exporting a file to PDF. Are there any known issues that may cause PDF errors?
• OpenOffice inserts an unallowable font for superscript and subscript.
• Google Docs may not properly export bulleted text and should not be used.
• Certain LaTeX-generated PDF elements are not yet supported. PDFs containing formulas and equations with special LaTeX font types are not supported. To ensure that the PDF passes the compliance validations, all text must be Times New Roman 11-pt or higher. Formulas and special characters that must be represented in other font types should be inserted in the file as a non-editable image. This will allow the compliance validation to bypass the font type/size checks in the image.
• Microsoft Office for Macs “Save as PDF” functionality “Best for Printing” may not be supported. Instead, select the “Best for electronic distribution and accessibility (uses Microsoft online service)” option.
• Older versions of Microsoft Word (2007 or earlier) may produce font errors.
• For Microsoft Office, do not use “Print to PDF” to create a PDF. Instead, use “Export” and “Create PDF.”
• I continue to receive an error message and I know I am using an acceptable font type. How can I determine the font types used in my PDF?
• Open the PDF.
• Right click on the document content.
• Select Document Properties from the list.
• Select the Fonts tab (third tab) at the top.
• Review the list of font types.
• Only Times New Roman is accepted. Cambria Math and Symbol fonts may be used for equations.
• My statement files include equations and special symbols and characters. Will my statement be able to pass the compliance checks?

Cambria Math font for equations and Symbol font for special characters will be supported in the file; however, we strongly recommend that equations and special characters and symbols be inserted as a non-editable image to bypass the compliance checking altogether. This will avoid font type and font size errors.

                                                                                                                                                Back to Top

• I am receiving an error message when I attempt to upload my Reference Letter. What should I do?
• Check if there are blank pages within the PDF. If so, complete the following steps:
• Export the PDF to Word
• Delete the blank page(s)
• Re-save the Word document as a PDF
• Upload the PDF to GRFP
• If there are no blank pages, then complete the following steps:
• I am receiving an error message when I attempt to upload my Personal or Graduate Research Statement. What should I do?
• I am receiving an error message when I attempt to upload my Transcript. What should I do?