Let’s face it, if you’re preparing for a university degree and want to stand out in the admissions process, you need to learn how to write a compelling personal statement.
But how do you sum up who you are, what drives you, and what you want to achieve in just a few paragraphs? That’s exactly what you’ll find here: a step-by-step guide on how to write a standout personal statement, along with some examples to inspire you.
Writing a personal statement can be a big challenge, but it can also be an opportunity to move beyond grades and show everybody the person behind the application.
What is a Personal Statement?
A personal statement is a short piece of writing that presents your student’s profile and your reasons for studying a specific degree program. It is your chance to share your motivations, values, and the goals that drive you.
Think of it as a personal story that highlights your experiences, aspirations, and what makes you unique. In other words, it’s not just about telling what you’ve done, but why you’ve done it and how it has shaped who you are today.
But, above all, it’s all about showing the admissions team what kind of person you are and why you’re a perfect match for the college. Don’t forget that your personal statement can become your passport to study what you love at the institution of your choice, so it’s worth learning how to write it correctly.
How to Write a Personal Statement: Step-by-Step Guide
Writing a personal statement can feel like a huge task, but breaking it down into smaller steps makes the process much more manageable. Here’s how you can approach it, step by step:
- Start with a Strong Introduction
Your introduction is the first impression you’ll make on the admissions team, so make it count. Start with something that grabs attention, like an experience or a moment that ignited your passion for your field of study. Don’t be afraid to show your personality. This is your chance to stand out from the crowd!
- Highlight Your Motivation and Interests
Explain why you’re passionate about the subject you want to study. What inspired you to pursue this field? Maybe it was a specific experience, a mentor, or a personal interest. Let the admissions committee understand what drives you and why.
- Showcase Relevant Skills and Experiences
Here is where you connect your background with the program you’re applying to. Talk about any academic achievements, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or part-time jobs or internships that have prepared you for this degree. Show how these experiences have shaped your goals and how they align with the university’s offerings.
- Discuss Your Future Goals
Explain what you would like to accomplish and how the program you’re applying to will help you achieve it. This will show the admissions team that you are not seeking just any degree, but are focused on a meaningful career path.
- Finish with a Strong Conclusion
Wrap up your personal statement by reinforcing why you’re a perfect fit for the program and why you’re excited to be part of the university. You can also tie it back to your introduction to bring everything full circle. Just make sure your conclusion is convincing and forward-looking.
Doesn’t seem so complicated now, does it? But to truly understand what makes a great personal statement, let’s take a look at some examples.
Personal Statement Examples: What Makes a Great One?
Looking at personal statement examples is the best way to understand how to develop the steps we have just shared. So, here are three examples with different scenarios that we hope will serve as inspiration.
Personal Statement Example 1: The Passionate Future Doctor
1. Introduction:
Ever since I was a child, I’ve been fascinated by the way the human body works. So my interest in science started early, but it was the day I saw a doctor save a life in a small clinic that confirmed my desire to pursue medicine as a way to contribute to others’ well-being.
2. Motivation and Interests:
In addition, I thrive on problem-solving and enjoy being in environments that push me to grow. And, beyond my passion for science, medicine allows me to combine my desire to help others with my love of tackling complex challenges to improve people’s lives.
3. Relevant Experience:
Throughout high school, I excelled in several subjects, particularly in biology and chemistry, the foundation of medicine. I also volunteered at a local hospital, assisting doctors and patients, which gave me invaluable insight into the daily life of medical professionals. There, I learned firsthand the importance of patience, empathy, and resilience in the healthcare system.
4. Future Goals:
Upon completion of my degree, I would like to specialize in surgery, where I can combine my technical skills and passion for problem-solving. So, I believe that the biomedical sciences program will provide me with the academic training and hands-on experience I need to achieve my goals.
5. Conclusion:
I am confident that my passion for medicine, combined with my determination and strong academic foundation, will allow me to thrive in the program and become a compassionate, skilled healthcare professional.
Personal Statement Example 2: The Creative Entrepreneur
1. Introduction:
I’ve always had a drive to create, whether it was designing a logo for a school event or starting my own online jewelry business. Over time, I realized that my true passion lies in entrepreneurship, the process of turning ideas into reality. That’s why I want to pursue a degree in Business and Entrepreneurship: to take my creative ideas and develop them into successful ventures.
2. Motivation and Interests:
Entrepreneurship excites me because it’s about more than just making money—it’s about creating something valuable from scratch. I am inspired by innovative thinkers who change the world by offering solutions that others overlooked, and I would like to develop the skills necessary to become one of them.
3. Relevant Experience:
Over the past few years, I’ve run a small online store selling handmade jewelry, where I learned about the challenges of managing a business. I also interned with a local startup, gaining hands-on experience in business strategy and operations. These experiences have taught me how to manage finances, lead a team, and market products effectively.
4. Future Goals:
In the future, I would like to launch a tech company that solves real-world problems, and I think this program will help me develop the skills to make that vision a reality and build a career where I can combine creativity with practical problem-solving.
5. Conclusion:
I’m excited to attend a university that fosters creativity and entrepreneurship. I’m confident it will provide the perfect environment to grow and develop the skills I need to succeed as an entrepreneur.
Personal Statement Example 3: The Compassionate Social Worker
1. Introduction:
Growing up in a community where many families faced hardships, I witnessed firsthand the impact of poverty and inequality. Thanks to my family’s support, I was able to escape that reality and access a better future. But many of my neighbors were not as fortunate. That’s why I’m applying for the Social Work program: I know how hard it is to get out of that environment, and I would like to help other young people do so.
2. Motivation and Interests:
Social work is more than just a profession to me; it’s a calling. I am passionate about creating equitable opportunities for everyone, and I believe that social work is the best way to turn that passion into a meaningful career.
3. Relevant Experience:
Over the years, I’ve volunteered at local community centers, assisted in youth mentoring programs, and worked with various non-profits to address issues like homelessness and mental health. These experiences have taught me how to communicate effectively, build trust, and create lasting relationships with those I serve.
4. Future Goals:
My long-term goal is to work in policy and advocacy, focusing on legislation that supports marginalized communities, and I believe the Social Work degree will equip me with the knowledge and skills to make a lasting impact through policy reform.
5. Conclusion:
I am ready to dedicate my life to social work and I can’t think of a better start than studying at a university as committed as yours, since you have several NGOs.
What do you think of these personal statements? We hope these examples are meant to inspire and guide you as you craft your own story.
And now you know how to write a personal statement, how about taking the next step?
If you’re ready to join a university that values your story, passion, and dreams, we invite you to apply to CIS University.
