How to Write a Personal Statement

 

How to Write a Personal Statement

Hi guys, 

To contextualize this page, I have been mentoring and reviewing applications to both Russel Group and Ivy League universities for quite some time now. Consequently, I want to share with you how to make your University applications stand out, given that it is the application season. 

The Three Golden Rules for the Ideal Application: 

1) Strike a balance between the application being a story and a professional document

I have read a range of different applications and it seems that some individuals struggle to maintain a balance. A personal application should read as a story BUT should not be too emotive or sensational. The best applications will contain a professional tone and therefore avoid adjectives such as "Tremendous", "Superior" or "Undying" or anything else that is a more sensational adjective.  Think of the Personal Statement being a report which will detail your story in a professional manner whilst stating your strengths which relate to the course. If you storyboard your report it will ensure that the personal statement flows, which is fundamentally important. I will detail an example structure further down this page. 

2)  Ensure you have an epiphany moment in your introduction

This should highlight where your academic interest and passion stems from. Everyone has their own reason, ensure you do too. And above else, make this personal. From my own example, I come from a dual heritage and therefore spent a lot time between Malta and the United Kingdom. Malta has developed exponentially since then, but the difference between the two countries were very clear when I was younger. Malta had regular blackouts, the politics and culture were very different and what I gradually understood as the economic climate were even more so. My interest in Economics and Politics stemmed from my heritage and my passion came from understanding why these differences took place. As my knowledge grew, I was able to solve the puzzle that had interested me since a young age. And this had grew my interest evermore. 

3) Focus on the "So what?"

Your wordcount in the personal statement must mean you should have a reason for putting forth statements and writing. Ensure your writing style is not merely descriptive which would simply state what you have done but instead the focus is on why and how you did it. Moreover, stay away from lists of modules you have studied. Pick one you can talk about in more detail, for example one in which you achieved top marks and how that developed your interest in that course further. For example, if you are studied X but now wish to switch to Y instead of listing me the skills you have gained from X (Which may not be relevant!) and apply this to Y which will tell me how that is beneficial. Essentially, that would solve the "So what?" question. If you cannot answer the "So, what?" question for a sentence or paragraph then this would mean you should rationalize whether the text is relevant to your application. 

The Ideal Structure for a Personal Statement

1) Introduction: 

This should explain where your personal interest in the subject stems from

2) Theoretical Knowledge: 

Tell me what you have studied, how has this deepened your interest in the subject matter and whether you identify with any school of thought (Ie politics: where on the political spectrum? Economics: Keynesian or Laissez Faire?) Tell me about something contemporary that interests you (i.e. If Politics / International Relations The Russian - Ukraine War) and highlight the theoretical toolkit you want to develop further (For example, what theories / concepts and analysis can you bring?)

3) Extra-curricular Activities Related to the Subject Matter: 

In this paragraph you should focus on telling me about how you have gone beyond the curriculum to deepen your knowledge about the subject matter.   What books have you read that interested you? Did you partake in any activities related to the subject? How did this make you further realize this is something you want to pursue? 

4) Professional Experience: 

Highlight any professional experience you have gained that might be of benefit. For example, something I take seriously is the gap between theory and reality. Demonstrate how you were able to tap into your theoretical toolkit  and apply this in reality. Did you discover any gaps? Did this raise any questions? Did you develop any skills related to academia? If you do not have any professional experience related to the subject matter, this is okay. Focus more on what you may do at the university, for example societies which can offer a chance to develop some professional skills. 

5) Highlight the university: 

Mention how you have done your research and you are most interested in the course that the university offers. Mention how the university stands out the most to you due to its content, innovative modules etc.  Tell me about your future aspirations and how the university will be able to generate a toolkit that you can use to get to your ultimate aspiration. 

Final Points

• Ensure your personal statement is personal. There should be a clearly identifiable reason for why you want to pursue what you want to pursue, and this should be personal to you. 
• Ensure you have a strong structure and storyboard. This will ensure the document will flow. The structure above is a guide and is not prescriptive. 
• Ensure that your language is not just descriptive. You should not just tell me what you have done, you need to tell me why and how you did it. 
• Ensure your text is not sensational. Keep it professional and do not use over-the-top adjectives. The tone of your document needs to be professional. 
• Ensure your language on the word document is suitable. If you are applying for a British university ensure the word document's language is on English (United Kingdom) and not English (United States), and of course, vice versa. 
• Ensure each paragraph flows and clearly answers the main point of the document; you want to pursue your chosen subject matter. 

I really hope that helps and wish you the best in your future endeavors. 

Cheers,

Demitrius