personal statement examples for civil engineering graduate school

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PERSONAL STATEMENT EXAMPLE Civil Engineering Personal Statement

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Civil Engineering Personal Statement

Fascinated by how infrastructures, that were once design concepts, have become a reality, led me to choose civil engineering as my career path. By researching immense structural projects from The Great Wall of China to the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, I established my interest in civil engineering.

My initial experience of design and construction came from the renovation of my house. I was given an insight into each stage, from the architectural designs to the final construction. This left me with unanswered questions such as what prevented a building from collapsing or how I can access clean water from a tap. These answers lie in civil engineering.

Civil engineering is involved in more than just building construction. I am particularly interested in geotechnics and application of practical skills to make and test materials. The importance of this topic was demonstrated to me when I discovered that the geology of the earth beneath London prevented civil engineers from constructing tall landmarks. I’m also interested in structures, specifically the solutions to foundation problems in a family residence. As a determined individual, I am eager to solve such complications methodically and logically: I enjoy tackling mathematical problems and embracing challenges and so this topic appeals to me most.

I believe my strengths lie in mathematics. I have been taking extra maths classes that have improved my organisation and problem-solving skills. Trigonometry is the area that I enjoy especially because of the challenge of solving problems that incorporate identities, algebraic methods, and trigonometric properties. I chose physics because of its link to engineering and over time I genuinely started to appreciate the subject for its logical reasoning. My mathematical understanding of physics is enhanced by choosing the Mechanics Module. I engaged greatly with the simple harmonic motions topic, more specifically how resonance can affect bridges. Last year I visited the CERN labs in Switzerland, where my passion for physics flourished. This enlightening experience furthered my knowledge of physics and allowed me to communicate with world-leading scientists. The engineering required to build the particle accelerator is truly inspiring and showcased how broad the engineering industry is.

I relished the opportunity to participate in the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award where held a position of responsibility when leading my group on our two-day expedition. Motivation and the ability to communicate effectively was key. I also took part in the National Citizen Service scheme. Project management and critical thinking skills were put to the test when I organised a bake sale, contributing to the money raised for charity, which in total was £1,652. I volunteered to work with the Royal Voluntary Service, in the hospital shops which helped me to develop into a well-rounded person that enjoyed speaking with customers and helping others. I have gained transferable skills, such as responsibility, communication skills, and motivation, that are useful in civil engineering and many other industries.

My career ambition is to become a structural engineer and in doing so becoming a chartered civil engineer. In today’s society, civil engineering changes people’s lives for the better and I want to be a part of that change. I strongly believe that my flair for science, combined with my enthusiasm for problem-solving and overcoming difficult challenges will allow me to excel in this course. I have confidence that engineering is a field where I can apply my skills best and fully realise my potential.

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How to Write a Great Engineering School Personal Statement

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You have spent months researching and identifying the best engineering schools, studying for and completing the SATs, GRE, or other standardized tests, and filling out tedious college applications. You are on the verge of burnout when it hits you: you have to write a personal statement.

How important is it to write a great personal statement? Ask the admissions committee, and they’ll tell you that writing a personal statement is like applying for a job. Stephen J Aguilar, an assistant professor of education at USC, reported in 2020 to Inside Higher Ed that a personal statement should be less revealing and more persuasive. At its core, the personal statement needs to answer these two questions:

• Why are you applying here?
• How do your interests and experiences align with the program or the faculty you’ve identified?

However, the importance of reading and understanding the question prompts cannot be overstated. For example, the University of Iowa College of Engineering, which places 97 percent of its undergraduates in jobs post-graduation and currently has 284 master’s and doctoral students, goes one step further to differentiate personal statements from statements of purpose .

This institution wants to know in the statement of purpose , “Why is this program a good fit for you?” By contrast, the personal statement elicits answers to the question: “Who are you?” and allows applicants to explain themselves to admissions committees regarding academic achievements and life events that have shaped them and will positively influence the campus community.

That said, a personal statement is not just an essay. It has to be intelligent, engaging, typo-free, and capable of convincing admissions reviewers that you are a better fit for their program. Fret not. With lots of research and preparation, you can submit a college essay that reflects your passion and capabilities.

Read on to learn the what, the why, and the how-to of writing great personal statements to gain admission into engineering school.

How Is a Personal Statement Evaluated?

The title "personal statement" is generally synonymous with college essays. However, some admissions professionals use it to refer more specifically to written statements that explore applicants’ program readiness and intentions if admitted. The purpose of these statements for engineering school applicants is three-fold.

First, colleges want to know that they can write well, and not just from a technical perspective. Of course, grammar matters, but perhaps more important is the ability to communicate ideas.

Second, engineering schools want to know who a student is—the nuggets that are not conveyed through a conventional application or school transcripts. This is the written equivalent of the interview question “tell us about yourself” and is the applicant’s chance to share who they are, what they want to do, and how gaining admission to this program will be mutually beneficial.

Finally, colleges want to ensure applicants are familiar with and committed to the program. The best personal statements fulfill these goals, often in 700 words or less.

Does this sound like a tall order? Here are some tips for getting it right.

Six Tips for Writing a Stellar Engineering School Personal Statement

1. Do the research

It may sound simplistic, but one of the most important (and often overlooked) steps toward getting into the right school is taking the time to research a prospective engineering program, review its admissions policies and—this cannot be overstated—read and reread its application essay prompt. Candidates who don’t sufficiently answer an institution’s question or convey some misunderstanding about the prompt or its expectations are unlikely to be admitted.

Prospective students completing the Common Application should take the time to contact each engineering school they are applying to inquire about additional admissions requirements. The Princeton Review emphasizes that a personal statement should not repeat a previously discussed part of your application, nor should its information contradict another part.

2. Go deep, not broad

Personal statement prompts tend to be targeted. Engineering schools want to know what specific qualities or experiences make each student a good fit for their programs. Common inquiries include recalling a time you solved a problem, explaining why you applied, describing your academic goals and intentions, and addressing any extenuating circumstances that might have impacted your school record. Rather than offering a broad synopsis of your life, choose the experience or intent most relevant to the question and explore it in depth.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology Graduate School offers advice for writing an in-depth personal statement for engineering schools using the “qualified match” approach. The steps include:

• Make a statement that fits the essay prompt, like “I am a dedicated and hard-working student.”
• Quantify your statement with specific details about your life. You might, for example, discuss how many hours per week you spend on school work and how you overcome any obstacles to committing that time.
• Interpret how those details make you a stronger applicant. To continue with the above example, that might include writing about the knowledge you gained during your studies, your time-management skills, your passion for learning, and your commitment to succeed despite challenges.

3. Be relevant

If a personal statement has only one goal, it is to be shown to a review committee that you are the right fit for its school. That’s why applicants to Stanford University’s Institute for Computational & Mathematical Engineering are asked to specify their personal and professional goals in their statement of purpose, as well as discuss their developments and intentions for study and life beyond their doctoral program.

Read the mission statements of each program to get a feel for what they are looking for and keep that in mind as you write. Rather than getting carried away detailing the hours you log volunteering each week, discuss experiences and activities as they relate to your academic and career goals or scientific interests. Also, be sure not to waste valuable ink rehashing information available elsewhere on your application, such as extracurricular activities or your stellar GPA.

4. Avoid gimmicks and cliches

Did you love playing with Legos as a kid? Did those plastic bricks lay the foundation for your drive to be an engineer? If so, the College of Engineering at the University of Washington suggests you are in good company, but not in a good way. Every year, the committee reads personal essays on how Legos were the building blocks of a student's career in engineering.

To stand out, engineering school applicants should avoid using cliches in their statements. Of course, setting yourself apart from other applicants is imperative, but you must do so in a meaningful and unique way. Admissions review panels have seen it all and are unlikely to be moved by creative gimmicks and attention-grabbers that do not get to the heart of what makes you a great candidate.

5. Mind your mechanics

This tip refers more to the mechanics of writing than any scientific drive, though the latter undoubtedly has a place in an engineering school personal statement. Remember when we said one of the goals of college essays is verifying applicants can communicate effectively? Applicants should consider the following elements as they prepare their outline (more on that next):

• Voice – Is your voice appropriate for the task? Is it too formal or casual? Are you using active language rather than passive and wishy-washy statements? Do you come across as academic?
• Structure – Do your ideas flow logically and support one main idea? If you are unsure where to start, know that following the reliable five-paragraph essay format is perfectly acceptable: introduction, three supporting paragraphs, and a tidy conclusion.
• Length – Engineering schools usually have a good reason for requesting personal statements with a specific word count. Those that are too short have too little to say, and those that are too long are likely to repeat the same concepts.
• Grammar – College students are expected to know and use basic grammar. Edit, edit, and then edit again.
• Completeness – Have you addressed the admissions essay prompt in full? What about any supplemental school or department-specific requests?

6. Edit, edit, edit

Writing a personal statement may seem like a herculean task, so it is tempting to push it aside when you type that final period and not look back. This is a mistake—and perhaps the biggest one you can make. Sometimes we get so caught up in our thoughts and ideas that we miss lapses in our writing, whether grammatical or contextual. To avoid this:

• Begin with an outline.
• Write the first draft.
• Write a second draft.
• Read the essay out loud.
• Review your essay again a day or two later.
• Ask parents, friends, teachers, and others to read your work.

There is never any excuse for typos, and even the slightest error can turn a committee review member off. Ask a friend or family member to review your essay for grammatical mistakes when in doubt. It may be intimidating, but the process is an excellent way to identify missing words or ideas. What's more, applicants today are blessed with the power of technology. Online tools like Grammarly are free to use and quickly catch any glaring typos.

Starting Your Engineering School Admissions Essay

One of the biggest challenges to writing a stellar college essay is simply getting started in the first place. Personal statements are, by design, personal, and that can be intimidating. Applicants also put significant pressure on themselves to write the perfect essay.

Fortunately, many colleges try to ease the burden by providing tips online. Purdue University’s Online Writing Lab offers examples of successful personal statements. Some engineering schools even post examples of successful personal statements, including MIT , Johns Hopkins University , and Cornell University . While your essay should be wholly original, these resources can guide you through creating a unique and inspirational narrative to impress admissions committees.

Aimee Hosler is a long-time journalist specializing in education and technology. She is an advocate for experiential learning among all ages and serves as the director of communications for a non-profit community makerspace. She holds a degree in journalism from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo.

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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.

Student Good Guide

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• Civil Engineering Personal Statement Examples

Discover an array of compelling personal statement examples tailored specifically for Civil Engineering courses in the UK. Writing a personal statement for a university application can undoubtedly pose a considerable challenge.

With our successful selection of Civil Engineering personal statement examples, we aim to provide you with valuable inspiration to help you conquer the task of writing a successful application for UCAS and your desired university.

Civil engineering has always been an integral part of my family’s identity, and I have been immersed in this world since a young age. Growing up with a father who holds a bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD in civil engineering, as well as running his own engineering and construction company, I have had the privilege of experiencing the fascinating aspects of this field firsthand. Accompanying my father to construction sites and witnessing the entire process from planning to completion has instilled in me a deep admiration for the power of infrastructure projects to transform communities and enhance human quality of life.

Beyond my enthusiasm for building projects, I am driven by a desire to make a meaningful difference in the world. I firmly believe that civil engineering has the potential to reshape the economic prospects of nations and cities, ultimately improving the well-being of their inhabitants. Contributing to such transformational projects would be an honour and a privilege. Moreover, the intellectual challenges posed by complex construction endeavours have always captivated me. I have a natural inclination for problem-solving, and the opportunity to tackle intricate puzzles in the realm of civil engineering is something I eagerly anticipate. Collaborating with a team of dedicated professionals to overcome obstacles and achieve successful outcomes is an aspect of civil engineering that particularly resonates with me.

To further expand my knowledge and experience, I have undertaken two work placements at an engineering and construction company, each lasting two months. These opportunities gave me valuable insights into various aspects of the construction business. In my first placement, I primarily worked in the company’s offices, gaining a deeper understanding of the behind-the-scenes intricacies of construction projects. During my second placement, I had the privilege of working with the surveying team on a housing project, which allowed me to grasp the multifaceted considerations involved in large-scale production projects. Additionally, my part-time job at a local coffee shop has honed important skills such as working under pressure and developing strong interpersonal relationships.

Beyond my academic pursuits, I am an avid participant in a wide range of hobbies, particularly sports. I regularly practice taekwondo and have achieved the level of a blue belt. Swimming, football, tennis, and rugby are recreational activities that bring me joy and foster a sense of discipline and teamwork. At school, I display great enthusiasm for physics and mathematics, both of which I recognise as being integral to the field of engineering. Witnessing how these subjects are applied in the design and construction of infrastructure projects has deepened my appreciation for their practical significance and further fueled my scientific curiosity and problem-solving drive.

As a diligent and committed student, my immediate priority is to achieve the best possible results in my A Levels, thereby ensuring that I am well-prepared for the rigorous demands of studying civil engineering at the university level. Following the completion of my BSc, I aspire to pursue a master’s degree in engineering, followed by a research degree in the field.

The combination of my appreciation for architecture, my passion for creating tangible impact, and my keen interest in project and construction management have solidified my determination to study civil engineering. I am particularly drawn to designing structures that harmoniously integrate with their surroundings. Through my previous work experience, I have been exposed to the practical aspects of the industry and have seen firsthand the direct benefits that well-executed projects can bring to the environment.

Having lived in various countries, I possess valuable adaptability skills and a multicultural background. I am fluent in both Arabic and English, allowing me to effectively communicate and collaborate with individuals from diverse backgrounds. To expand my knowledge in the field, I actively engage in supplementary reading, such as “Structures or how things don’t Fall” by J.E. Gordon, and keep up-to-date with industry developments through the ‘New Civil Engineer magazine.

In addition to my academic pursuits, I have taken on leadership roles, such as being the President and Co-founder of my local Handball Club. This experience taught me the importance of responsibility, teamwork, and effective communication. Leading by example and collaborating with others towards a common goal have equipped me with invaluable skills applicable in both professional and personal settings.

Looking ahead, I envision a career in civil engineering where I can engage in diverse engineering projects. My ultimate goal is to establish my firm specializing in refurbishing and renovating upscale properties. I am confident that by obtaining a degree in civil engineering, I will acquire the necessary tools and knowledge to excel in this field and fulfil my aspirations.

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Civil Engineering Personal Statement

Ever since I discovered my fascination for construction and my passion for mathematics and physics, it was clear to me that pursuing a course in civil engineering was a natural choice. Engineering plays a vital role in our modern world, and I aspire to contribute to society through my knowledge and skills in this field. The opportunity to study in the United Kingdom, a country that has always intrigued me, would be a dream come true, providing excellent career prospects and allowing me to immerse myself in the British way of life.

While I find many subjects at school interesting, my talent undeniably lies in mathematics. Over the past seven years, I have dedicated myself to taking extra math classes, significantly improving my skills. Additionally, since second grade, I have actively participated in various math competitions, consistently ranking among the top three. Collaborating with team members in these competitions has developed my teamwork skills, and I am proud to serve as the captain of my school’s math team, where I have honed my leadership qualities. Through my efforts, I have had the opportunity to represent my school in an international competition in India, where I earned two bronze medals, as well as attending several international summer camps. These experiences have instilled in me a sense of responsibility, as I have often had to balance my academic commitments with competition schedules. My relentless dedication to mathematics and physics has significantly enhanced my analytical and critical thinking abilities, affirming my belief in possessing the technical skills required to excel as a civil engineer.

While I have delved into extensive reading and research on civil engineering, it was only recently that I had the privilege of gaining firsthand experience in the field. My uncle’s profession allows me to interact with civil engineers, and during the summer, I had the opportunity to meet and observe them at work. Witnessing the challenges and demands they face firsthand has been invaluable in shaping my understanding of this discipline. Furthermore, my growing interest in Russian culture and history led me to study the Russian language for the past four years, achieving a high level of proficiency. In May, I plan to take an exam to obtain an internationally recognized Russian language certificate, further highlighting my commitment to embracing diverse cultures and languages.

I am a persistent individual who strives to achieve the goals I set for myself. Engaging in charity work at the local Red Cross branch has not only enhanced my social and organizational skills but has also fostered my ability to propose innovative solutions and remain composed in challenging situations. Balancing my academic pursuits with extracurricular activities has taught me valuable time management skills, allowing me to indulge in non-academic pastimes. I am an avid chess player and have achieved awards in both regional and national tournaments, refining my logical and analytical thinking. Reading has always been a cherished pastime, cultivating a creative mindset within me. Authors such as Dickens, Sienkiewicz, and numerous Russian writers have influenced my love for literature. Additionally, history, particularly British and East European history, captivates my curiosity. In my leisure time, I enjoy jogging and practising archery to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.

Throughout history, civilizations have achieved remarkable engineering feats, from the ancient Giza Pyramids to the modern-day Burj Dubai. I greatly admire how seemingly impossible ideas materialize into some of the world’s most iconic structures. As I discover more applications of civil engineering in our daily lives, my passion and interest continue to grow.

Participating in the ‘Headstart’ program provided me with a profound insight into studying engineering at university. Engaging in team activities centred around civil engineering, we designed, constructed, and marketed a prototype waterslide. This hands-on experience allowed us to replicate the challenges engineers face in the professional world, working with limited resources and time constraints. Our team’s competitive spirit and hard work resulted in us securing first place

The Best Civil Engineering Personal Statement

Growing up on a farm and constructing structures out of straw bales provided me with my first taste of large-scale design. Balancing creativity with stability challenged and captivated my imagination. Combining this passion with my longstanding interest in science and mathematics led me to envision a career in civil engineering. My experiences at Mott Macdonald and Headstart have only solidified my conviction.

During my AS-level studies, I thoroughly enjoyed Mathematics and further pursued AS Further Maths this year. Joining the Further Maths group, I independently delved into topics they had already covered, with Mechanics being a particular highlight. I found practical applications of Maths, such as the use of matrices in analyzing framed structures, intriguing. I am eager to explore this subject in greater depth during my degree. Additionally, while studying environmental issues in Geography, I independently researched the reduction of emissions associated with project production and operations. I discovered projects like the “Round 3” offshore wind energy program, which actively strives to lower carbon dioxide emissions. Reading about the ambitious work on foundations within such projects sparked a special interest in me.

Participating in the Headstart engineering course offered me an opportunity to engage in diverse applications of maths. One memorable group activity involved designing a waterslide for a park, considering factors such as structure, cost, scale, speed, and profitability. This experience allowed me to witness the effectiveness of collaborative problem-solving and the power of group dynamics. Recently, I attended a talk on carbon and the oil industry, which emphasized the importance of engineers, governments, and the public working together to address challenges. Being part of an industry that fosters collaboration across diverse groups greatly appeals to me.

During a two-week work experience at Mott Macdonald, I contributed to an ongoing sewage treatment project. I was surprised by the range of tasks involved, such as analyzing flooding levels, designing electrical kiosks, and calculating gradients for wastewater drains. It was gratifying to learn that my sketches of the electrical kiosks would be utilized in the planning application process. Additionally, I had the opportunity to collaborate with a group working on an internationally funded project in Ghana, focused on improving clean water supply to small communities. Mapping the villages and assessing their needs made me realize the global significance of civil engineering, particularly for developing countries. Further research at home highlighted the rapid expansion of African nations like Uganda and Zambia, presenting opportunities for infrastructure development and local empowerment.

Playing the violin for the past twelve years has taught me the value of perseverance and maintaining a long-term perspective. Balancing daily practice with academic commitments, I achieved Grade Eight and have been part of my county youth orchestra for four years. I possess strong motivation, a diligent work ethic, and the ability to manage demanding responsibilities, as evidenced by my commitment to a morning bakery job that begins at 4:30 am.

Among the various disciplines within civil engineering, I am particularly drawn to environmental, water, and geotechnical engineering. The prospect of using water engineering to address the global challenge of water scarcity showcases the significant impact an engineer can make. Witnessing an example of this during my work experience in Ghana left a profound impression on me.

Choosing civil engineering as my future path involved reflecting on my preferences and aspirations. From a young age, I have been fascinated by physics, eager to explore the mysteries of the world and understand them in everyday contexts. Whenever I encounter massive structures, I ponder their ability to withstand the weight placed upon them and appreciate the supporting components. Mathematics, my second favourite subject, allows me to refine my logical thinking and enjoy the art of calculation. Recognizing the importance of these subjects in engineering, I am driven to study civil engineering.

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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.

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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:

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• 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.

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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

Writing your personal statement

Current UW students and prospective transfer students apply to majors via the capacity constrained application process. The personal statement that you submit as part of your capacity constrained application is your opportunity to present a richer characterization of yourself than what your transcripts can capture.

If you are an ENGRUD student, check out the placement page for more information.

Department-specific questions

Each department that you apply to has provided a prompt (on the application form) that you should respond to with your personal statement. Be sure to address the topics in the prompt but also consider ways in which you can set yourself apart from other candidates.

Writing a well-crafted statement

As you write your personal statement, Ask yourself this important question: “ What evidence can I provide to the admissions committee that I will be successful as an engineering student in their department? ” To answer that question, you must also answer the more basic question, “What do the faculty believe are the qualities of a successful engineering student?” There is certainly a long list of attributes that would answer this question. Your personal statement should highlight the characteristics on that list that you most closely identify with, and that your experience can support.

We encourage you to take the time to write a well crafted personal statement. Such a statement demonstrates proper grammar, a logical organization, college-level language and vocabulary, and even a touch of creativity.

• Start early.
• Write an outline, then write your first draft.
• Read your drafts out loud to yourself. Or ask your friends to read them.
• Visit a writing center on campus.

All of these activities take time, which is a scarce resource in the middle of the quarter when you are busy with your courses. But the effort you invest could make a crucial difference in the impact of your application.

Avoid “cute” or “cliché” descriptions of your motivation and interests

Every year the faculty on the admissions committee read about Legos in the personal statements of several applicants. Many students who pursue engineering enjoyed playing with Lego bricks as children (and maybe even still do). Perhaps you look back at your enjoyment of Legos as an early indicator that you were “meant to be an engineer” but the faculty likely do not believe that a student's attraction to playing with plastic blocks has any correlation with their potential success as engineers.

Civil engineering personal statement example

• Reading time: 3 minutes
• Price: Free download
• Published: 8th November 2021
• Word count: 631 words
• File format: Text

All disciplines of engineering have a vast importance to society. Personally, I believe Civil Engineering has one of the most substantial significance on socioeconomic developments. From the water we drink, roads we drive on, schools we learn in, almost every seemingly elementary function we perform has the involvement of a Civil Engineer.

My interest for engineering began from spending time at my uncle’s workplace as a child. He worked as an engineer, manufacturing beams used for structural frameworks. From a young age I developed a fascination for how individual elements interact. What attracts me to studying Civil Engineering …. I have had a particular interest in the materials used in projects. To further explore this topic, I recently visited the Rugby Cemex Plant, where I discovered how cement is made and the movement that Cemex has made to using alternative fuels and incorporated the use of household waste in the making of cement.

At A Level, I studied Physics , Mathematics and Biology , these subjects have given me the solid foundations   Biology helped me see the involvements of Civil Engineering with the environment. Physics allowed me to apply mathematics to real situations and understand how the theory translates

In school, I have had the responsibility of being a Maths Leader, where I assisted younger students with mathematics during after school sessions. During this role, I was able to adapt myself and work in a versatile manner with students of differing abilities.

I have attended Civil Engineering taster days at 3 universities.

In July 2015, I participated in a 5 day work placement at the Underground Professional Services department at Morgan Sindall.

I learnt how to do calculations to construct a box culvert and check the calculations were correct for a roof slab. I also learnt how to convert a 2D AutoCAD drawing into a 3D hand sketching for a jacking post and how to use the AutoCAD software to draw a 2D and 3D jacking post. In addition to the mathematic and software skills I obtained, I also learnt about the background of the organisation and the services they provide.

As well as my academic work, I have committed a notable time volunteering in the 3rd Sector. In December 2018, I completed a 10 week volunteer placement in Nepal with the charity Raleigh International. During the placement, I was on the Infrastructure Committee and demonstrated leadership, time management and strategy. I had to collaborate with the Nepali volunteers, many of whom did not speak fluent English. Being bilingual, I was adept to communicate in Hindi and relay information across the team.  As a team, we dug 3km of trenches to lay a new water pipeline and assisted with the construction of the water intake. On completion, the pipeline provided over 40 households with a clean water supply. We also built tap stands for 24 households in 5 days. We completed the infrastructure project with two weeks to spare. I expressed  my enthusiasm for learning by working  closely with the civil engineer in order to understand the design and route of the pipeline.

There was a noticeable lacking of infrastructure, sewage systems consisted of a large hole dug beneath the toilet, waste was disposed by burning contributing to harmful pollutants. Visiting Nepal outlined the importance that infrastructure has on advancing a country. This experience has cemented my decision on leading a career in Civil Engineering and driven me to do something that improves the lives of individuals.

Outside of my education, I work part-time at Next as a Home Sales Consultant, where I have learnt to coordinate with different staff members and effectively run the shop floor. I have a great passion for sports; Powerlifting, Pole Fitness and Tae Kwon Do are the regular sporting activities I do. Powerlifting has taught me patience, positivity and perseverance, skills which I have transferred

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Personal Statement for Engineering: Examples and Advice

In this article, we look at how to write a personal statement for engineering courses with examples and advice.

A roller coaster helped one student to decide to specialise in engineering, and her experience in coaching younger students helped her application.

Why did a student volunteering in Mississippi decide to study structural engineering? How much of your family history should you add in? Keep reading for useful tips and great examples.

Table of Contents

What is a personal statement for engineering, how to write an engineering personal statement, engineering personal statement example 1 – structural engineering, engineering personal statement example 2 – general engineering, engineering personal statement example 3 – marine engineering, faq (frequently asked questions), more personal statement tutorials.

It’s an important document used by universities to evaluate a student’s strengths, skills, experience and ambitions.

It is also used to show a student’s enthusiasm for engineering (either in general, or for a specific type such as civil or aeronautical), and what aspects of the subject they enjoy and why.

It is essential for an applicant to craft a 100% unique, yet effective personal statement as it allows universities to make an informed decision on who to admit to their engineering course.

Step 1: Start with your proudest achievement

Volunteering to help construct houses in Mississippi through Habitat for Humanity was a life-changing experience that made me want to become a structural engineer.

Starting with your proudest achievement in your engineering personal statement can help make your application stand out.

By mentioning your most impressive achievements first, the admissions committee will be able to quickly recognize your capabilities, dedication, and skills.

Step 2: Describe your ambitions and experience

In an engineering personal statement, it is important to clearly explain your ambitions and experiences that demonstrate your skills and passion for the field.

A good framework to follow is to first explain your motivation and enthusiasm for the course, and provide examples of any specific knowledge you already have.

Then, outline any relevant experience, insights, interests or achievements you have that relate to engineering, starting with the most impressive.

Step 3: Show evidence of being capable, by describing a project in depth

When writing a personal statement for engineering, it’s important to showcase your capabilities (skills) and qualifications to potential admissions committees or employers. Here are a few tips to help you demonstrate your capabilities in your personal statement:

• Highlight your technical skills: As an engineer, you will need to have a strong foundation in technical skills. Make sure to list the technical skills you possess and provide examples of how you have used them in your past experiences.
• Showcase your academic achievements: Highlight your academic achievements, including your GPA and any awards or honours you have received. This demonstrates that you have a strong academic foundation and are capable of handling challenging coursework.
• Discuss relevant work experience: If you have relevant work experience in engineering, make sure to discuss it in your personal statement. Highlight any projects you have worked on, problems you have solved, or skills you have developed in your previous roles.
• Emphasize your problem-solving skills: Engineers are problem solvers, so make sure to emphasize your ability to analyze and solve problems. Provide examples of how you have approached problems in the past and the steps you took to solve them. These can include time management, teamwork, or leadership

By focusing on one project and exploring it in depth, you can demonstrate your understanding of the subject and show that you are ready and committed to study engineering.

Step 4: Leave out (most of) your family history

Growing up, it was my job to fix anything that broke around the house. My father, a third-generation oil rig supervisor, was often away for months at a time and he taught me resilience and problem-solving along with practical DIY.

Why is it important to leave out (most of) your family history in an engineering personal statement?

The personal statement is an opportunity to tell a university or college about yourself and why you are a suitable candidate for the program.

Every word you spend writing about your family’s history and experiences is a word that you’re not using to tell the university about your own achievements, plans and passions.

Your family’s history and experiences may be influential on your choice of course, but keep it very brief – less than a sentence, to give a bit more context to your achievements, plans and aspirations.

By doing so, you can demonstrate to the university that you have the necessary skills and qualifications to succeed in their program.

Step 5: Include your hobbies

While hobbies may not be directly related to engineering, they can still be included in your personal statement to showcase your personality, interests, and skills.

Here are some tips on how to effectively include hobbies in your engineering personal statement:

• Choose relevant hobbies: Make sure to choose those that are relevant to your engineering career or showcase your technical or problem-solving skills. For example, if you enjoy building and programming robots as a hobby, you could mention this as evidence of your technical skills.
• Explain how your hobbies relate to your engineering goals: For example, if you enjoy designing and building furniture as a hobby, you could mention how this has honed your ability to create complex designs, which could be applicable to engineering projects.
• Showcase your teamwork and leadership skills: If you participate in team sports or volunteer in leadership roles, make sure to mention this in your personal statement.
• Avoid irrelevant or controversial hobbies: I f you enjoy partying or binge-watching TV shows, these hobbies may not be seen as relevant or professional.

Overall, including hobbies in your engineering personal statement can help the panel to get to know you a bit better and showcase your skills and interests beyond your academic achievements and work experience.

Step 6: Edit and proofread your statement

Editing and proofreading your engineering personal statement is an important part of the application process. To ensure your statement is professional and free of errors, follow these tips:

• Read your statement aloud slowly to catch any minor spelling or grammatical errors.
• Ask a friend or colleague to read it for you and provide feedback.
• Analyze your document with an online application to provide suggestions for improvement.
• Have a mentor, professor, or trusted friend look it over before you submit it.
• Make sure you dedicate enough time to the process by planning ahead and leaving time for editing and proofreading.
• Be truthful and concise, and ensure it is 100% unique.
• Avoid including unrelated information, maintain your professionalism, and make it a reflection of yourself.

By following these tips, you can make sure your engineering personal statement is as polished and professional as possible.

Growing up, it was my job to fix anything that broke around the house. My father, a third-generation oil-rig supervisor, was often away for months at a time and he taught me resilience and problem-solving along with practical DIY.

Volunteering to help construct houses in Mississippi through Habitat for Humanity was a life-changing experience. I worked with a group that included veterans being trained in construction skills and volunteers from all over the country. I saw first-hand how important it is to have a safe, well-run construction site and communicate clear expectations to the whole team.

As a result of an incredible team effort, families are able to transition from temporary, unsafe accommodation to having their own homes. I want to combine my love of construction, design and problem-solving in a career that makes a positive difference to people.

Already drawn to civil engineering, my fascination with designing made me want to become a structural engineer, specifically to design buildings. Majoring in structural engineering will allow me to further develop my IT skills by using computer-aided design technology, which I have been fortunate enough to learn to use during an internship with a local company this summer. I am already confident with using the AutoCAD program.

My time-management skills have been honed this year as I have combined volunteering, my internship and working 16 hours a week on a local construction crew to save for college while maintaining a 3.7 GPA. I am confident that I am well able to handle any workload asked of me.

I am highly analytical and can approach a problem from several angles. I am particularly drawn to your structural engineering program because of its reputation for hands-on, practical experience. I am confident that I will be a positive addition to the team and your program will provide me with the skills and experience I need to achieve my dream of becoming an outstanding structural engineer.

I am excited by the prospect of applying fundamental principles to real-world design challenges. Of all things, it was the mechanics of roller coasters, which I learned about in a lecture, that highlighted the practical applications of engineering principles and sparked my interest in pursuing a career in this field.

Studying engineering has always appealed to me because of its heavy reliance on problem-solving and its integration of two of my favourite subjects, Math and Science. The ability to apply logical reasoning to create solutions to complex problems is what attracts me to engineering as well as the huge range of specialisms to choose from further down the road.

My academic background has prepared me well for a degree in engineering. I have excelled in my Math and Science coursework, receiving high grades in all of my relevant subjects. I have also participated in extracurricular activities, such as robotics competitions and science fairs, where I have had the opportunity to apply my knowledge and skills in practical settings while mentoring and coaching younger students.

I am eager to pursue a degree in engineering to further develop my problem-solving skills and gain a deeper understanding of the principles and concepts that underpin this field. I believe that a degree in engineering will enable me to make a positive impact on society by contributing to the design and development of innovative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges, in a field in which women are still under-represented.

In addition to my academic and extracurricular experiences, I bring a strong work ethic, determination, and a passion for learning to my studies. I am confident that my skills, combined with the resources and opportunities provided by your engineering program, will enable me to excel in my studies and make meaningful contributions to the field.

I look forward to the opportunity to pursue a degree in engineering and whether I will be designing roller coasters or factory equipment, I will be making a positive difference in the future and hopefully, inspiring other young women to become engineers.

As an aspiring engineer, I am driven by the opportunity to apply fundamental principles to the design of complex systems. With a fascination for engineering plants and an interest in the sea, I have been drawn to the marine industry as a way to combine my passions with the challenge of problem-solving.

I have chosen a major in marine engineering because it will allow me to further explore the fascinating findings of physics and put my mathematical knowledge into practical application. It is my ambition to work in the submarine design industry and gain Chartered Engineer status, and I believe that pursuing a graduate degree in marine engineering will help me achieve these goals.

Throughout my academic and professional career, I have demonstrated a strong work ethic, determination, and a passion for learning. I have excelled in my coursework and participated in research projects, internships, and other extracurricular activities that have allowed me to apply my knowledge and skills in practical settings.

My own experience in the marine industry has given me a unique perspective on engineering and the challenges of designing complex systems in a dynamic environment. As a mature student, I am excited by the opportunity to further develop my skills and knowledge in a graduate engineering program and to apply these to real-world challenges in my chosen field.

I am particularly drawn to your graduate engineering program because of its reputation for academic excellence and its focus on hands-on, practical experience as well as strong links with the outstanding teams at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyards. I am confident that your program will provide me with the resources and opportunities I need to achieve my goals and make meaningful contributions to the engineering industry.

In conclusion, I am passionate about engineering and am committed to pursuing a career in this field. I am excited about the prospect of joining your graduate engineering program and am eager to continue developing my skills and knowledge in this dynamic and challenging field. Thank you for considering my application.

Some of these questions were already covered in this blog post but I will still list them here (because not everyone carefully reads every paragraph) so here’s the TL;DR version

What are the key components of a personal statement for engineering?

The key components of a personal statement for engineering include:

• expressing your enthusiasm for engineering
• conveying your strengths, skills, experience and ambitions
• being truthful, concise, and authentic
• providing specific examples of your interests, goals, and strengths.

Additionally, you should explain why you want to study engineering at the university level, back up everything with examples, and have a good introduction, middle, and conclusion. Finally, be sure to save time for editing and proofreading the statement.

What qualifications should I include in my personal statement for engineering?

In your engineering personal statement, you should include qualifications that are related to engineering as well as other academic or practical qualifications, such as project management.

What skills should I demonstrate in my personal statement for engineering?

In your personal statement for engineering, you should aim to demonstrate a range of skills that are important for success in this field. Some of the key skills that you may want to highlight include:

• Problem-solving: Engineering is all about solving problems and coming up with creative solutions to complex challenges.
• Technical knowledge: Engineering is a technical field, and it is important to demonstrate that you have a strong foundation in math, science, and other related subjects.
• Communication: Engineering often involves working in teams and communicating complex ideas clearly to a range of stakeholders.
• Creativity: While engineering is a technical field, it also requires a certain level of creativity and innovation. Highlight any projects or activities that have allowed you to demonstrate your creativity or come up with innovative solutions to problems.
• Leadership: As you progress in your engineering career, you may be called upon to lead teams or manage projects. Show that you have leadership potential and are able to work effectively with others.
• Adaptability : Engineering is a dynamic and ever-changing field, and it is important to demonstrate that you are adaptable and can handle uncertainty and change calmly and flexibly.

How should I structure my personal statement for engineering?

Writing a successful engineering personal statement can seem like a daunting task. But by breaking it down into smaller steps, you can make the process much easier. To get started, here are some steps you can take to structure your engineering personal statement:

• Start with an introduction: This should take up about 15-20% of your statement and answer the question “Why do you want to study engineering?” Talk about the experiences that shaped your love of the subject and the things about it that you find interesting.
• Add in body paragraphs: In these paragraphs, address questions such as “What have you done that has prepared you for this course?” “How have you cultivated the knowledge you need to succeed in this field?,” and “Did you receive high marks in the classes relevant to an engineering course?”
• End with a conclusion: Here you’ll sum up your personal statement and bring it to a close. Include any other extracurricular activities that might not be directly related to engineering, but are impressive enough that you want the admissions team to know about them.

What should I do to make my personal statement for engineering stand out?

To make your engineering personal statement stand out, follow these steps:

• Be truthful, concise, and authentic. Avoid plagiarism and cheating.
• Start your statement by explaining why you want to study engineering and which aspects of the field you enjoy.
• Back up everything with examples.
• Write your statement clearly and concisely, with a good introduction, middle, and conclusion.
• Take inspiration from engineering personal statement examples, but make sure yours is unique.

How do I avoid plagiarism in my personal statement for engineering?

In order to ensure that your engineering personal statement is completely original, here are some steps to take to avoid plagiarism:

• Research: Spend some time researching engineering topics and schools before writing your statement. This will help you to get a better understanding of the field and come up with unique points and ideas.
• Brainstorm: Take the time to brainstorm some ideas for your statement before putting your pen to paper. This will help you to come up with unique ideas, rather than using someone else’s.
• Outline: Create an outline for your statement that includes all of the points that you want to make. This will help you to stay organized and make sure that your statement flows naturally.
• Write: Once you have your outline and research, start writing your engineering personal statement. Be sure to use your own words and phrase each sentence the way you would say it.
• Check: Once you have finished your statement, it is important to double-check that all of your words and phrases are unique. Use a plagiarism checker (such as this one) to make sure that there are no similarities to any other statement.
• Proofread: Finally, make sure to dedicate enough time to the editing and proofreading stages after you have finished your first draft. This will help to ensure that there are no errors or mistakes in your statement.

By following these steps, you can be sure that your engineering personal statement is unique and free from plagiarism. Remember to be truthful, concise, authentic, and professional when writing your statement. Good luck!

What should I research when writing my personal statement for engineering?

When writing your personal statement for engineering, it is important to conduct thorough research to ensure that you are able to tailor your statement to the specific program or institution you are applying to. Some areas to research include:

• Curriculum: Look into the specific courses and areas of focus within the engineering program. This can help you highlight relevant coursework or projects you have completed that align with the program’s focus.
• Faculty and research: Look into the faculty members within the engineering program and their areas of expertise. This can help you tailor your personal statement to align with specific research areas or interests within the program.
• Industry partnerships and internships: Look into any partnerships the program may have with industry organizations or companies, as well as any internship or co-op opportunities offered through the program. This can help you highlight any relevant industry experience you may have and demonstrate your interest in pursuing practical experience in the field.
• University values and culture: Research the university’s overall mission and values, as well as the culture of the campus community. This can help you tailor your personal statement to demonstrate your fit with the university and program culture.

By conducting thorough research on these areas, you can tailor your personal statement to align with the specific program and institution you are applying to, demonstrating your interest and fit for the program.

How can I check my personal statement for engineering for errors?

Checking your engineering personal statement for errors is an important step in the application process. You should:

• Read your statement aloud to catch any minor spelling or grammatical errors.
• Ask a friend, colleague, or mentor to read your statement and provide feedback.
• Use online applications to analyze the document and suggest improvements.
• Seek advice from a careers centre or advisor to help polish the statement.
• mxddasasProofread and edit the statement multiple times.

By following these steps, you can ensure your engineering personal statement is professional and error-free before submitting your application materials.

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Civil engineering personal statement example 1.

Modern life is almost wholly dependent on engineering. It is everywhere and it is always changing, and it is this in particular which attracts me to civil engineering.

I hope that in this field I can combine my knowledge and skills in physics and maths, two subjects which particularly interest me, and also work in an area which is both diverse and exciting.

I am attracted to the prospect of a job which enables me to shape the world around me for the future and make a difference to people’s lives. Whilst I anticipate a challenging and demanding career, I also expect it to be very rewarding, especially when I can see projects I have worked on being built from start to completion.

I first encountered civil engineering during work experience with a local firm in October 2003. Whilst there, I was inspired by the opportunity to apply my existing skills to real-life problems, and as a result decided to participate in the Engineering Education Scheme.

As part of a team of five, I worked closely with qualified engineers on a railway embankment stabilisation project, and relished the chance to become fully involved in an actual engineering problem from start to finish. I experienced project management and report writing and gained invaluable team-working, time-management and presentation skills, producing a report which was commended by a number of senior engineers.

Following this I attended a Headstart course at Heriot Watt University, and also visited Fairfield Mabey, where I saw ongoing work on various bridges, both in the design office and on site. During the summer I was interviewed by Costain and subsequently offered a Building Awareness Sixth Form Scholarship for my academic achievements and keen interest in civil engineering.

In March 2004 I was one of thirty students selected to participate in a five-day maths and physics event at Oxford University, and this Easter I also attended a maths course at Leeds University. At both of these I enjoyed developing my problem-solving ability and adapting my knowledge to new and challenging situations beyond the scope of my schoolwork.

At Leeds I found I was not attracted to the more theoretical approach of studying maths and preferred problems relating to real-life situations, particularly a lecture on the instability of London’s Millennium Bridge, and I hope that this is something I can continue to enjoy throughout my engineering career.

I am currently working towards my Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award, in which I particularly enjoy the challenge of planning and undertaking the expeditions, and the sense of achievement afterwards.

As part of the award I have set-up and run my school’s first sixth form netball team, further utilising my team-working and organisational skills. I am working towards the European Computer Driving Licence in order to extend my IT skills, and I am also a Young Leader at a local Guide Unit, where I enjoy working with the girls and motivating them to acquire new skills.

Last October I was one of twenty Guides and Scouts who participated in the 12th International Space Olympics in Moscow, achieving one of the highest non-Russian scores in the competition’s history. This involved exams and a group presentation, and through research and preparation for these I was able to extend my knowledge of maths and physics into new, more advanced areas.

Through my experiences I am already beginning to appreciate the diversity which civil engineering will offer, and I hope to build on this by securing a work placement next summer as well as sponsorship for my degree. I have enjoyed my time at school and now look forward to the challenge of university and to a varied and exciting career in civil engineering.

Profile info

This personal statement was written by lisa_2k for application in 2006.

lisa_2k's university choices Cambridge University The University of Durham University of Newcastle Upon Tyne The University of Warwick The University of Nottingham The University of Manchester

Green : offer made Red : no offer made

Degree MEng Engineering at Cambridge University

lisa_2k's Comments

Used this PS to apply for 3 civil engineering courses and 3 general ones. Must have worked cos I came out with 6 offers

Related Personal Statements

Great- puts mine to shame

Tue, 19/09/2006 - 00:00

Tue, 24/10/2006 - 20:20

this cool let's keep helping each other

civil engineering

Wed, 06/12/2006 - 01:47

applying to uni to do civil engineering and i really need help to write a neat PS.

Regarding PS...

Wed, 07/03/2007 - 07:04

Remember, when constructing your PS, it may be a good idea to reflect on your mathematical skills. For example, within the PS, identify your mathematical experience - that doesn't include General Mathematics.

My GF's friend works within the universities Admission Centre and stated "the markers like to see the potential student reflect on their mathematical experiences"...

first paragraph states the

Sat, 15/09/2007 - 11:28

first paragraph states the obvious, failed to mention who you are going to "secure a work placement with" which gives it a poor start and finish, apart from that its quite good

i really like this personal

Tue, 16/10/2007 - 10:54

i really like this personal statement, it looks and sounds good, well done, glad u got into ur 1st choice...

helps being sorta way

Sun, 21/10/2007 - 22:10

helps being sorta way intelligent but this is a damn good ps.

I am so jealous of the

Tue, 27/11/2007 - 17:54

I am so jealous of the content. How can I compare without utterly lying about my achievements?

Hmmm, you think the

Tue, 11/12/2007 - 14:46

Hmmm, you think the university read this statement or just looked at the AAAAA this girl most likely had!

I've seen much better personal statements!!

Nice, very nice!

Thu, 10/01/2008 - 13:30

beautiful....

Tue, 15/04/2008 - 09:08

Wed, 28/05/2008 - 19:26

i am still trying to come out with one like this great job

daniel swain

Fri, 20/06/2008 - 11:47

god your bloody brill:P i love you

lisa 2k, what were your a

Sat, 28/06/2008 - 13:35

lisa 2k, what were your a-level grades?

Absolutely blooody fanstastic

Thu, 02/10/2008 - 12:42

Absolutely blooody fanstastic. After reading that and re-reading mine I have definitely realised that mine is absolutely bloody crap

WOW. Very nice. u hve done so

Thu, 09/10/2008 - 00:19

WOW. Very nice. u hve done so much around the subject before u even started uni. I however, hve done nothing cause i am lazy, so i hve got nothing much to write about. NOOO!!

did u have to do any

Sun, 19/10/2008 - 17:32

did u have to do any interviews ???????????????????????????????

Univerisities dont always

Sun, 02/11/2008 - 16:08

Univerisities dont always want someone like this 'perfect' student with her 5 A's. they want people who have lives outside their work aswell, and people who are not wholly obsessed with what thier doing. well balanced people is what their looking for!

Thu, 26/11/2009 - 23:26

Congrats... you have ruined all hope of me getting an education anywhere other than the bloody adult learning centre... but seriously, good job 5*

Fri, 27/11/2009 - 10:57

Get a life mate!!

Mon, 23/08/2010 - 15:42

This is a really good one. I think its funny to see the comments like:

"Univerisities dont always want someone like this 'perfect' student with her 5 A's. they want people who have lives outside their work aswell, and people who are not wholly obsessed with what thier doing. well balanced people is what their looking for!"

There just jealous ;)

I like this personal

Fri, 15/10/2010 - 04:06

I like this personal statement help me construct my personal statement..nice

really good statement, i

Thu, 15/12/2011 - 15:17

really good statement, i picked up many tips from it. Thank you.

plz help me to write a nice

Thu, 03/01/2013 - 17:23

plz help me to write a nice ps

European Computer Driving

Thu, 17/01/2013 - 02:20

European Computer Driving Licence!? Fresh out of school and can't use a computer, gets into Cambridge eek.

its not that good I guess you

Wed, 18/09/2013 - 21:34

its not that good I guess you got accepted because of your A's :O

Add new comment

Graduate School Personal Statement

Criteria for success.

• Your personal statement convinces a faculty committee that you are qualified for their program.
• It convinces them that you a good fit for their program’s focus and goals.
• You show a select group of skills and experiences that convey your scientific accomplishments and interests.
• Your experiences are concrete and quantitative.
• Your personal statement is no more than 3 pages.

Structure Diagram

The graduate school personal statement tells your story and demonstrates that you are a good match for a particular department or program. Matching goes both ways: they should be interested in you, and you should be interested in them. Your personal statement should make this match clear.

Analyze Your Audience

Your personal statement will be ready by a graduate committee, a handful of faculty from your program. They’re trying to determine if you will be a successful graduate student in their department, a positive force in the department’s intellectual life, and a successful scientist after you graduate. They are therefore interested in your qualifications as a researcher, your career goals, and how your personality matches their labs and department.

The graduate committee probably reads hundreds of applications a year. To make it easy for them to figure out that you are a good fit, make direct, concrete statements about your accomplishments and qualifications. To make it easy for them to remember you, create a narrative that “brands” you.

Create a personal narrative

PhD programs invest in the professional and scientific growth of their students. Get the committee excited about investing in you by opening your essay with a brief portrait of what drives you as a scientist. What research directions are you passionate about, and why? What do you picture yourself doing in 10 years?

Close your essay with a 2-3 sentence discussion of your career interests. No one will hold you to this; this just helps your committee visualize your potential trajectory.

Describe your experiences

Experiences are the “what” of your essay. What experiences led you to develop your skill set and passions? Where have you demonstrated accomplishment, leadership, and collaboration? Include research, teaching, and relevant extracurriculars. State concrete achievements and outcomes like awards, discoveries, or publications.

Quantify your experiences to show concrete impact. How many people were on your team? How many protocols did you develop? How many people were in competition for an award? As a TA, how often did you meet with your students?

Describe actions, not just changes in your internal mental or emotional state. A personal statement is a way to make a narrative out of your CV. It is not a diary entry.

Explain the meaning of your experiences

Meaning is the “why” or “so what” of the document. Why was this experience important to your growth as a scientist? What does it say about your abilities and potential? It feels obvious to you, but you need to be explicit with your audience. Your descriptions of meaning should also act as transition statements between experiences: try to “wrap” meaning around your experiences.

Demonstrate match to your target program

Demonstrate an understanding of the program to which you’re applying and about how you will be successful in that program. To do this:

• Read the program’s website. See what language they use to describe themselves, and echo that language in your essay. For example, MIT Chemical Engineering’s website points out innovative research areas and interdisciplinary opportunities.
• Get in contact with faculty (or students) in your target program. If you have had a positive discussion with someone at the department, describe how those interactions made you think that you and the department may be well-matched.
• State which professors in the program you would be interested in working with. Show how their research areas align with your background and your goals. You can even describe potential research directions or projects.

Resources and Annotated Examples

Annotated example 1.

These 2021 short answer responses are from an MIT ChemE graduate student’s successful application to the MIT ChemE program. 237 KB

Annotated Example 2

This is the personal statement from an MIT ChemE graduate student’s successful application to the MIT ChemE program. 121 KB

Annotated Example 3

This is the personal statement from an MIT ChemE graduate student’s successful application to the MIT ChemE program. 361 KB

Personal Statement

Ai generator.

A personal statement is a vital component of college and job application . It showcases an individual’s unique experiences, skills , and aspirations, providing a narrative that highlights their strengths and goals. Crafting a compelling personal statement allows applicants to express their personality and motivations, helping them stand out in a competitive field. It’s an opportunity to reflect on past achievements and outline future ambitions, making a memorable impression on selection committees.

What Is a Personal Statement?

A personal statement is a crucial part of college and job applications, allowing individuals to highlight their unique experiences, skills, and aspirations. It serves as a narrative that showcases strengths and goals, helping applicants stand out. By reflecting on past achievements and outlining future ambitions, a well-crafted personal statement makes a lasting impression on selection committees.

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Personal statement format

A personal statement is a crucial component of applications for college, graduate school, scholarships, or jobs. It is your opportunity to highlight your achievements, experiences, and goals. Here is a format for writing an effective personal statement:

• Begin with a strong opening sentence that grabs the reader’s attention.
• Introduce yourself and state the purpose of your personal statement.
• Mention what you are applying for (e.g., a specific program, scholarship, job).
• Discuss your academic achievements and experiences.
• Mention relevant courses, projects, or research that have prepared you for the program or job.
• Highlight any honors or awards you have received.
• Detail your work experience, internships, or volunteer work.
• Focus on experiences that are relevant to the program or position.
• Emphasize any skills or knowledge you have gained.
• Include any extracurricular activities, hobbies, or interests that demonstrate your well-rounded character.
• Mention leadership roles, community service, or other achievements.
• Show how these experiences have shaped you and your aspirations.
• Clearly state your short-term and long-term goals.
• Explain how the program or job aligns with your career aspirations.
• Describe what you hope to achieve and how you plan to contribute to the field.
• Summarize the key points you have made.
• Reiterate your enthusiasm and readiness for the program or position.
• Thank the reader for considering your application .

Example Personal Statement

Personal Statement for University Introduction : I am excited to apply for the Master’s program in Environmental Science at XYZ University. With a strong academic background in biology and a passion for environmental conservation, I am eager to contribute to cutting-edge research in sustainability and climate change mitigation. Academic Background : I graduated with honors from ABC University with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology. During my undergraduate studies, I completed a research project on the impact of urbanization on local wildlife, which sparked my interest in environmental science. I have taken courses in ecology, environmental policy, and data analysis, providing me with a solid foundation for advanced study. Professional Experience : Over the past two years, I have interned at the Green Earth Organization, where I assisted in conducting field surveys and analyzing data on endangered species. This experience has honed my skills in data collection, statistical analysis, and report writing. Additionally, I volunteered with Clean Water Initiative, where I led a team to organize community clean-up events and educate the public on water conservation. Personal Achievements and Extracurricular Activities : Outside of academics and professional work, I am an avid hiker and nature photographer. I have also been a member of the university’s environmental club, where I served as president and organized several successful campus-wide sustainability events. These activities have strengthened my leadership and teamwork skills. Goals and Aspirations : My short-term goal is to gain in-depth knowledge and research experience in environmental science through the Master’s program at XYZ University. In the long term, I aspire to work as an environmental consultant, helping businesses and communities implement sustainable practices. I am particularly interested in developing innovative solutions to reduce carbon footprints and protect natural habitats. Conclusion : In conclusion, I am confident that my academic background, professional experience, and passion for environmental conservation make me a strong candidate for the Master’s program in Environmental Science at XYZ University. I am eager to contribute to your esteemed program and am grateful for your consideration. Thank you for taking the time to review my application.

Personal Statement Examples

Personal statement for resume.

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Personal Statement for University

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Personal Statement for Jobs

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Tips for an Effective Personal Statement

When writing a personal statement, always bear in mind that you write to impress. So we have outlined for you some tips for an effective personal statement.

• Understand Your Goal. Bear in mind what your goal is in writing a personal statement . Remember that you are not the only one who is trying to grab that position or admission, so make it a point to put your best foot forward. This is what you do when you have a goal. It keeps your steps solid and for sure you won’t lose your track.
• Create an Outline. Like a college essay, your personal income statement should have a layout. Use the funneling technique on this one. Start from the most general points and narrow it down to the specific ones. It also helps you organize your thoughts better so your words will not jumble.
• Be Genuine. This is not the hardest thing to do in the world. All you need to do is tell honestly what your skills and accomplishments are. A personal statement is an overview about your personality. Even if it is a written letter, an employer or a supervisor will know if you are telling the truth or not.
• Be Specific. Some schools or business statement establishments would send a list of questions that they need you to answer and include on your personal statement. Answer those questions concretely and with substance. Do not veer away from your main point. Focus on your answer and be straightforward.
• Maintain a Positive Tone. A personal statement is not the place for you to vent out your frustrations in life nor an opportunity to show your weaknesses and appeal for emotions. Make your words sound positive. Provide energy and liveliness when sharing about a certain lesson you learned or an obstacle in your life and how you were able to overcome it.
• Check and Revise. Sometimes when we are writing, we often misspell things or use inappropriate words especially when we are in our deep thoughts. So before you put your letter in an envelope and put it in your mailbox, be sure to proofread your work. Check your spelling, choice of words and arrangement of thoughts.

How Important Is a Personal Statement?

University admissions hold interviews based on the applications they receive. How you write your personal vision statement will be a determining factor for you to land in an interview and consequently get into college. So if you are planning to write a personal letter of poor quality, you better think twice. Here are the reasons why you need to write a compelling personal letter.

1.  It gives you a better shot.

Whether you are aiming for a university admission or landing a job at a prominent income statement for company , an effective personal letter gives you a better shot compared to others. Remember that you are not the only participant in the race. In order for you to win, you need to give it with an undivided attention.

2.  It gets your name on the list.

Yes, it does. The truth is your personal letter is your only key to have your name on the master list. Some universities are a little picky when it comes to admitting new applicants. They do filtering to ensure that they choose the right students for the right program. Not only that. They are very selective because the applicant they choose will soon become a fruit of their own tree and they certainly don’t want it to be a bad one.

3.  It boosts your confidence.

A personal statement is always given a head of time during an application examples or admission process. This gives the school or a company an overview of who to select from the many applicants. Writing a bold and convincing personal letter could get you ahead of others. You get picked from the basket of people longing for that post. Then in the process you get called for an interview.

You know that your personal statement caught the attention of the school board or the employer and so you are confident that you are just a few steps away from landing that position you always hoped for.

A personal statement need not be a novel-long narrative of yourself. Just as long as the important words and details are there, that’s fine. However, never settle for less. Always aim for the best. Have you ever seen an advertising brochure?

It usually comes as a single sheet example in pdf , a cardboard or a photo paper maybe, folded into half or a quarter, but contains all the necessary information you want to know about a certain product. That is how your personal statement should be, brief, concise, and effective.

What should be included in a Personal Statement

A personal statement is a critical component of many applications, providing an opportunity to showcase your qualifications, experiences, and motivations. Here is a comprehensive guide on what should be included in a personal statement:

1. Introduction

• Compelling Opening : Start with an engaging story, quote, or anecdote to capture the reader’s attention.
• Brief Overview : Introduce yourself and state your purpose for writing the personal statement. Mention the program or position you are applying for.

2. Academic Background

• Educational Qualifications : Detail your academic achievements, including your degree(s), GPA, and any honors or awards.
• Relevant Coursework : Highlight specific courses that are pertinent to the program or role.
• Research Projects or Theses : Discuss any significant research projects, theses, or academic papers, emphasizing their relevance to your field.

3. Professional Experience

• Internships and Jobs : Describe your professional experiences, focusing on internships, jobs, or volunteer work that relate to your application.
• Responsibilities and Achievements : Outline your roles, responsibilities, and key accomplishments in these positions.
• Skills Gained : Highlight the skills and knowledge you acquired, and how they prepared you for the role or program.

4. Personal Qualities and Skills

• Key Attributes : Mention personal qualities that make you a strong candidate, such as dedication, motivation, and resilience.
• Technical and Soft Skills : List relevant technical skills (e.g., programming languages, lab techniques) and soft skills (e.g., leadership, communication).

5. Motivations

• Passion for the Field : Explain why you are passionate about the field or profession. Share any personal experiences or events that sparked your interest.
• Career Aspirations : Discuss your long-term career goals and how the program or role fits into your career plan.

6. Future Goals

• Short-term Objectives : Describe what you hope to achieve in the immediate future, such as completing a degree or gaining specific experience.
• Long-term Vision : Outline your long-term professional aspirations and how the program or role will help you achieve them.

7. Conclusion

• Recap Main Points : Summarize the key points of your statement, reinforcing your enthusiasm and readiness for the opportunity.
• Thank You : Express gratitude for considering your application and indicate your eagerness to discuss your application further.

How to Write a Personal Statement.

Writing a personal statement can be a challenging task, but it’s an essential part of many applications. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you craft a compelling and effective personal statement:

Step 1: Understand the Purpose

• Purpose : A personal statement is a narrative that highlights your background, achievements, motivations, and goals. It aims to show why you are a suitable candidate for the program or position you are applying for.
• Audience : Consider who will be reading your statement and what they are looking for in a candidate. Tailor your content to meet their expectations.

Step 2: Brainstorm and Outline

• Self-Reflection : Think about your experiences, achievements, and goals. Identify key themes and stories that showcase your strengths and motivations.
• Outline : Create an outline to organize your thoughts. A typical personal statement includes an introduction, academic background, professional experience, personal qualities, motivations, future goals, and a conclusion.

Step 3: Write the Introduction

• Hook : Start with a compelling opening that grabs the reader’s attention. This could be a personal anecdote, a quote, or a unique experience related to your field.
• Overview : Briefly introduce yourself and state the purpose of your statement. Mention the program or position you are applying for.

Step 4: Discuss Your Academic Background

• Education : Detail your academic achievements, including your degree(s), GPA, and any honors or awards.
• Research Projects : Mention any significant research projects, theses, or academic papers, emphasizing their relevance to your field.

Step 5: Describe Your Professional Experience

Step 6: highlight personal qualities and skills, step 7: explain your motivations, step 8: outline your future goals, step 9: conclude your statement, step 10: revise and edit.

• Proofread : Carefully proofread your statement for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.
• Feedback : Seek feedback from mentors, professors, or colleagues to improve the clarity and impact of your statement.
• Polish : Make necessary revisions to ensure your statement is concise, coherent, and compelling.

What is a personal statement?

A personal statement is a written description of your achievements, skills, interests, and goals, typically used for university or job applications.

How long should a personal statement be?

Generally, a personal statement should be 500-800 words, but always check the specific guidelines of the application.

What should be included in a personal statement?

Include your introduction, academic background, professional experience, personal qualities, motivations, future goals, and conclusion.

How should I start my personal statement?

Start with a compelling hook, such as an anecdote, quote, or personal experience, to grab the reader’s attention.

How personal should my personal statement be?

Be personal enough to reflect your unique experiences and motivations but maintain a professional tone throughout.

Can I use the same personal statement for different applications?

Tailor each personal statement to the specific program or job to address their unique requirements and expectations.

Should I mention weaknesses in my personal statement?

If relevant, briefly mention weaknesses, but focus on how you have addressed and overcome them.

How do I make my personal statement stand out?

Highlight unique experiences, demonstrate passion for the field, and provide specific examples of your achievements and skills.

Is it okay to use quotes in a personal statement?

Yes, but use them sparingly and ensure they are relevant to your narrative and add value to your statement.

How do I conclude my personal statement?

Summarize your key points, reiterate your enthusiasm for the opportunity, and thank the reader for considering your application.

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Questions to Ask Before Heading to Law School

Some research and self-assessment can help J.D. hopefuls make the best decision about law school, experts say.

Questions to Ask Ahead of Law School

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Asking yourself some difficult questions about your law school aspirations can provide clarity.

Earning a law degree is a crucial step in the path to a legal career and requires a significant investment of money, time and energy. Before heading to law school , prospective law students should reflect on their motivations and determine if they'd find a legal job fulfilling, experts say.

This means asking questions that require self-assessment, such as why they want to be a lawyer, which school is best for their goals and when it would be best to start. It's also wise to speak with practicing attorneys and alumni of target programs, experts say.

"When you meet, find out why they are in their current careers and practice areas," says Katherine Scannell, vice dean for institutional success at Washington University in St. Louis School of Law in Missouri. "Learn what they do on an average day, what they love about their careers and what is the most challenging. Understanding both what does and does not interest you is incredibly valuable."

Here are some questions experts say J.D. hopefuls should ask before heading to law school.

Do I Really Want to Be a Lawyer?

Because law school requires a major time and financial investment, law school hopefuls should seriously consider why they want to be a lawyer, experts say.

"Are you attracted to law for the income potential, skill development, because you like a legal television series or you just don’t know what else to do with your undergrad degree?" Scannell says. "Think carefully and be intentional. You don’t have to have it all figured out, but you should consider the financial and time investment."

How Do I Know if I Should Become a Lawyer?

Unlike how it may appear on television, being a lawyer isn't always glamorous. For example, some lawyers spend the majority of their time drafting, researching and writing, Scannell says. Others, like criminal defense attorneys, spend significant time in court and meeting with clients.

Because there's a broad range of types of lawyers and practices, law school hopefuls should understand what drives them personally and then determine if there is a practice area that fits their personal values, experts say.

"If your reason to pursue a legal career is not in synch with your personal values, then you have to take a step back and reassess your career goals," Ro Lee, a prelaw adviser at Pitzer College and associate director of career and professional development at Claremont Graduate University in California, wrote in an email. "For example, if you are passionate about assisting underserved communities, you can become a legal advocate, or if you enjoy working with paperwork and not interacting much with others, you can do some document work in mergers and acquisitions."

Those considering law school should have long-term career goals in mind and know whether a law degree is necessary to reach them. J.D. hopefuls should identify specific jobs or areas within the legal profession that interest them and talk with those already working to confirm it's something they want to do and that a law degree is required.

“I think there are a lot of people who go to law school without that specific of an interest, just saying, ‘I’m interested in the law and I’m a good writer,’" says Andrew Willinger, executive director of the Duke Center for Firearms Law and a lecturing fellow at Duke University School of Law in North Carolina. "But I think the best thing you can do is make a list of specific lawyer jobs and try to reach out to those people to talk to them about their day-to-day life and figure out if it’s something you want to do.”

Before applying, it may be beneficial to shadow practicing attorneys or volunteer at a legal clinic or government office. This will not only help applicants determine if law is truly the field they want to pursue, but "gaining field experience before diving into writing a personal statement for law school can be really beneficial," says Kristen Willmott, senior private counselor and graduate school admissions director at Top Tier Admissions.

What Makes a Good Lawyer?

Successful lawyers are passionate and driven about their work, but they're also skilled in several specific areas, experts say. Strong reading comprehension and writing and analytical skills are key, as are the abilities to debate and think critically and creatively.

"A good lawyer has excellent communication skills, which requires strong listening skills and the ability to simplify and explain complex issues," Scannell says. "They will possess integrity and professionalism. They are able to strategize and problem-solve multifaceted issues. They have a strong work ethic and are self-motivated."

Those who don't enjoy reading will likely not cut it as a lawyer, Lee says. "Reading cases, facts, testimonies, applicable laws and reports all require an analytical mind to pick up information that favors your client and case."

Which Law School Is Best for Me?

Many J.D. hopefuls may have their sights set on attending a highly ranked program , but experts say applicants should focus more on finding the right fit for their goals .

That decision may also depend on which schools an applicant can realistically get into based on their academic profile. While law schools consider an applicant’s extracurriculars and “ soft skills ” gained through work or military experience, admissions decisions are largely based on an applicant's undergraduate GPA and their scores on the Law School Admission Test, or LSAT , or the Graduate Record Exam .

Some schools have adopted a test-optional approach. Schools that require or accept scores typically publish on their website the median scores of accepted students.

Law school hopefuls "should have three categories of law schools – our dream schools , realistic admissions and safety schools ," Lee says. "Schools in each of these categories should also be ranked."

In addition to considering which school is the best fit academically, applicants should determine which school is best for them socially and culturally and will provide the best opportunities for launching a legal career, experts say.

"Consider the school's specialty courses, reputation and alumni network," Lee says. "Most applicants put too much emphasis on the ranking of a school without researching on the law school's programs and connections within a certain field or industry."

How Will I Pay for Law School?

In addition to finding the right academic and cultural fit, students should determine which school, if any, fits their budget. Law school can be expensive , from tens of thousands of dollars to more than $200,000 total in some cases.

Students should consider schools where their LSAT score and GPA can help them land scholarship money , experts say. Some programs also offer tuition help through grants to help offset the cost.

“If you’re going somewhere you don’t have scholarship money, generally you’d be taking out loans and that can be something where you limit the options you have after you graduate,” Willinger says. "If you take out loans, generally that means you’re going to go to a bigger law firm to make the money to pay them back, or potentially public interest."

In some cases, students can complete internships or jobs with local law firms, legal clinics or judges that can count as class credit, but it's important to weigh the trade-offs of working on top of attending classes, he says.

When Should I Go to Law School?

Whenever you decide to attend law school, it's best to apply early in the cycle because the rolling admission process of evaluating applications roughly in the order they are received could improve your odds the earlier you apply, experts say.

While some students go straight from an undergraduate degree to law school, that's not always necessary, and some may benefit from a gap between the two for various reasons. Law school hopefuls can use that time to ensure their LSAT or GRE scores align with their target schools' median scores and to bolster their resume, Willmott says.

Some may do that by taking time to work, and it's not always necessary for that to be in the legal field, Willinger says.

"I really think that experience of being out in the real world and working a 9-to-5 job is quite valuable in terms of time management," he says. "Having that experience when you apply to law firms or government jobs and even going into those internships, I think it can give you a leg up to have the experience of working a job for a full year or longer."

Tips to Boost a Law School Application

Tags: law school , law , LSAT , graduate schools , education , students , GRE

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