Your ability to write well is a physical expression of your ability to think….
Q. WHAT IS A PERSONAL STATEMENT?
A. A personal statement is a common part of the graduate/professional school application process. The personal
statement allows you to create a more complete picture of who you are as a person, in addition to your
application and transcript. A personal statement should tell a story, your story.
Q. WHAT DO I WRITE ABOUT?
A. Many schools will list topics to address on their application websites. Make sure that you answer all questions
the school asks as well as provide some details about what makes you unique as a candidate. Some schools will
not provide any criteria for the personal statement; in this case, you have more freedom with your content, but
reference the “general advice” on the back page of this handout for greater clarification about what to include in
your statement.
Q. HOW LONG SHOULD MY PERSONAL STATEMENT BE?
A. Unless otherwise specified on the school’s admission website, most personal statements are between 2-3 pages
in length. Personal Statements are typically 1.5 or double spaced and adhere to regular one inch margin space.
Use a font that is common and easy to read (Calibri, Times New Roman, etc.).
Q. CAN I USE THE SAME PERSONAL STATEMENT FOR EVERY INSTITUTION I AM APPLYING TO?
A. The personal statement needs to be targeted to each individual school. You need to relate your experiences and
qualifications to each individual institution. Make sure the reader knows why you are choosing their school and
their program. It is EXTREMELY important to answer all of the questions the school has posed in their essay
prompt.
Q. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE PERSONAL STATEMENT AND THE STATEMENT OF PURPOSE?
A. A statement of purpose will contain much of the same information a personal statement contains (i.e. Your career
goals, reasons for applying to the program, what you hope to learn, etc.), but a statement of purpose lacks the
story telling element of the personal statement. The personal statement is a more engaging and literary
document, whereas a statement of purpose is typically a more concise way to answer the questions asked by the
school.
THE HARDEST PART ABOUT WRITING A PERSONAL STATEMENT IS GETTING STARTED. BEFORE YOU START
TYPING, THINK ABOUT THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS.
What's unique or distinctive about you?
Who are your role models or major influences?
What interests you about your field?
How have you learned through your field?
What other experiences have been influential in
college?
What are your career goals?
What do you need to explain (GPA, gaps in
education, etc.)?
Have you overcome obstacles?
What personal characteristics/skills do you possess?
Why are you the right candidate for admittance?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
BEFORE YOU WRITE
GUIDE TO
WRITING A PERSONAL STATEMENT
