Tips For Writing Your Personal Statement

If you’re a prospective student looking to apply to universities abroad, you must have come across the personal statement as an integral requirement of your application process.

A personal statement is indeed one of the most important aspects of a student’s college/ university application. But how do you write a personal statement that stands out?

In this blog, we will discuss everything you need to know about curating a personal statement, from key tips to how to get help. Whether you are applying for undergraduate or graduate programs, these tips will help you write a personal statement that reflects your true self and potential.

Let’s start off by understanding what a personal statement basically is:

What is a Personal Statement

A personal statement is a written essay or narrative that is typically required as part of the application process for colleges, universities, scholarships, or postgraduate programs. It is usually around 500 to 1,000 words long, depending on the requirements of the institution or the organization

It is an opportunity for applicants to introduce themselves to the admissions committee or program selection panel, highlighting their experiences, motivations, aspirations, and potential contributions to the institution or field of study.

The purpose of a personal statement is to show who you are beyond your grades and test scores, and to demonstrate your fit for the program or the scholarship.

What is the Best Way to Start a Personal Statement

The first sentence of your personal statement is one of the most important aspects. It should grab the admissions committee attention and make them want to read more. You can start your personal statement with a catchy hook which is relevant to your subsequent point and tone.

The key to an effective opening is to avoid clichés, generic statements, and overused phrases. You should strive for originality, authenticity, and a strong connection to your overall narrative when curating their personal statement. Hence, this is why the opening of the personal statement is so important as it sets the stage for a compelling personal statement that highlights your unique qualities and potential contributions.

What to Include in a Personal Statement

Much like any other essay, a personal statement too primarily consists of an introduction, body, and conclusion sections. The introductory section introduces the students and lays the foundation for the subsequent parts of the personal statement.

Then comes the body, which is the engine of any personal statement. The body paragraphs of your personal statement is where you need to talk about your personal experiences, motivations to apply to the particular institution, and relevant achievements. Each paragraph in the body section must have a separate topic sentence that introduces the main point that will be addressed in it alongside a concluding sentence that wraps up the point.

Following that, comes the conclusion section in which you should briefly summarize your most significant experiences, strengths, and motivations that you’ve highlighted throughout the personal statement. This can serve as a reminder of your unique qualities and potential to the admissions committee member reading your personal statement.

Remember, your personal statement is your opportunity to showcase your individuality, potential, and fit with the university or program you’re seeking admission to. By carefully crafting a compelling narrative that highlights your unique experiences, aspirations, and contributions, you can make a lasting impression on the admissions committee and increase your chances of success.

Tips for Writing a Good Personal Statement

Here are some tips to help you write a good personal statement:

Tip 1- Be yourself:

Don’t try to impress the reader with exaggerated or false claims. Be honest and authentic, and show your personality and voice. This will give off a sense of genuineness and authenticity, allowing the admissions committee to connect with you on a personal level.

They will appreciate your willingness to be yourself and showcase your unique qualities, rather than trying to fit into a mould of what you think they want, which will help you stand out from the crowd.

Tip 2- Be specific:

Don’t use vague or generic statements. Use concrete details and examples to illustrate your points and make them more convincing. Don’t include irrelevant or unnecessary information. Focus on what the program or scholarship is looking for, and how you match their criteria and expectations.

As the word count limit of a personal statement is very stringent, it’s important to maximize the impact of each word by directly addressing your unique experiences, achievements, and aspirations.

Tip 3- Be polished:

Don’t submit your personal statement without proofreading and editing it. It is also important to use transitions to connect your paragraphs and create a smooth flow of ideas. Check your grammar, spelling, punctuation, and formatting. A wise move can be to ask someone else to read your personal statement and give you feedback.

Contact Us

If you need help with writing your personal statement, you can contact us at AS Overseas. We are a leading education consultancy that helps students from all over the world to pursue their higher education abroad.

We offer free consultation, guidance and support throughout the application process. We can help you with choosing the right course and institution, preparing your documents, writing your personal statement, applying for scholarships and visas, and more.

We have a team of experienced and qualified consultants who can assist you with your specific needs and goals.