Writing a personal statement can be a crucial step in the college or university application
process. It’s your opportunity to share who you are, why you want to pursue a particular course,
and what makes you a strong candidate. Here’s a guide on how to write an effective personal
statement:
1. Understand the Purpose of the Personal Statement
Before you begin writing, it’s essential to understand the purpose of your personal statement.
Admissions committees read personal statements to:
Learn more about you as a person and as a student.
Understand why you want to study the course or program.
See if your experiences, goals, and values align with what the university or program
offers.
Think of your personal statement as an opportunity to stand out. It’s your chance to go beyond
your grades and test scores and show your passion, personality, and commitment to your chosen
field.
2. Brainstorm and Reflect
Before you start writing, take time to brainstorm and reflect on the following:
Why do you want to study this subject? Think about what sparked your interest in this
field and what excites you about it.
What are your goals? Consider how the program will help you reach your personal and
professional goals. How does the course align with your future aspirations?
What experiences have shaped you? These could be academic achievements, personal
experiences, or extracurricular activities. Highlight moments that have prepared you for
the challenges of university-level study.
What skills and strengths do you possess? Consider your skills, such as leadership,
teamwork, problem-solving, and time management, and how they have been developed
through your experiences.
3. Create an Outline
Once you’ve gathered your thoughts, create an outline to organize your ideas. A typical structure
for a personal statement might look like this:
1. Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself and mention the course you want to study. You
can include a personal anecdote or experience to hook the reader's attention.
2. Why This Subject? Explain why you want to study this field in more detail. Discuss any
relevant experiences, challenges, or passions that led to your decision.
3. Relevant Experiences and Skills: Describe the experiences (academic, extracurricular,
volunteer, etc.) that have helped you develop the skills required for the course. Use
examples to demonstrate your abilities and strengths.
4. Why This University? Mention why you’ve chosen this particular university and how it
aligns with your goals. This section can also include specific features of the program,
faculty, or resources that appeal to you.
5. Conclusion: Conclude by summarizing your goals and reaffirming your commitment to
the program. Express your enthusiasm for the opportunity to join the university and
contribute to its community.
4. Write the First Draft
Now that you have an outline, start writing your first draft. Focus on getting your ideas down
without worrying too much about perfect grammar or phrasing. The goal is to express your
thoughts clearly and honestly.
Be personal and authentic: A personal statement should reflect your voice, not a
version of you that you think the admissions committee wants to hear. Be genuine about
your motivations, experiences, and aspirations.
Be specific: Instead of general statements, provide concrete examples. For example,
rather than saying, “I am passionate about science,” explain how a specific project,
experience, or class sparked your passion.
Keep it focused: Avoid going off on tangents. Stick to the main points and stay relevant
to the subject you want to study.
5. Edit and Revise
Once you’ve written the first draft, take a break before revising. Afterward, read through your
personal statement with fresh eyes and ask yourself the following:
Does it clearly explain why you want to study this subject?
Does it showcase your skills and experiences in a meaningful way?
Does it reflect your personality and enthusiasm?
Is it well-structured and easy to follow?
Make revisions to improve clarity, flow, and coherence. If you can, ask a teacher, mentor, or
family member to review it as well. They can provide feedback on areas that need improvement
and point out any typos or grammatical errors.
6. Focus on Your Strengths
While it’s important to be honest and reflect on your personal journey, focus on what makes you
a strong candidate for the program. Highlight your strengths and achievements, and demonstrate
how they will help you succeed at university. If you have any challenges or setbacks, frame them
in a positive light—discuss how you overcame them and what you learned from the experience.
7. Tailor It to Each University
If you’re applying to multiple universities, it’s important to tailor your personal statement to each
one. Research the programs carefully and include specific details about why you’ve chosen that
university and how it aligns with your goals. Mention any unique aspects of the program or
opportunities the university offers, such as specializations, internships, or research initiatives.
8. Keep It Concise
Admissions committees read thousands of applications, so your personal statement needs to be
concise and to the point. Most personal statements are limited to a specific word or character
count (e.g., 400-600 words). Make every word count, and avoid unnecessary repetition or overly
detailed descriptions.
9. Proofread
Finally, before submitting your personal statement, proofread it multiple times to catch any
spelling or grammatical mistakes. A well-written and error-free personal statement reflects your
attention to detail and professionalism.
Final Thoughts:
Your personal statement is a reflection of who you are, what motivates you, and why you're
passionate about your chosen field. Writing a great personal statement involves not only
highlighting your strengths and achievements but also demonstrating your genuine enthusiasm
for the course and university. Take your time to craft a statement that authentically represents
you and shows why you would be a valuable addition to the academic community.
