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How to write a personal statement
Learn how to write a standout personal statement step by step.
When you are applying for college, you will find yourself taking time to learn how to write a college essay. Several essays are typically involved in a single application, but one of these essays stands out from the rest and requires a unique approach. Similar to learning how to write a cover letter can increase your chances of securing a role, writing an effective personal statement is key to unlocking not only academic but also career and personal opportunities.
Whether you’re applying for your undergrad or graduate school, your dream job, or a scholarship, your personal statement is your chance to show off your personality, values, and ambitions. In this article, you will learn how to write a personal statement, explore tips for doing your best writing, and see examples of how to craft a compelling narrative.
What is a personal statement?
The best place to begin is understanding what is a personal statement. This written essay highlights who you are, what you care about most, and why you’re applying for a particular program, school, or role. Personal statements are common in applications for higher education and are also a key part of the application and hiring process for jobs, internship programs, fellowships, scholarships, and grant programs.
In general, a personal statement answers four main questions:
- Who are you, the writer, beyond your resume and GPA?
- What experiences have shaped you and your goals?
- Why are you applying for this opportunity, and what do you hope to achieve?
- Why are you a fit for this opportunity?
How to write a personal statement.
Writing a personal statement is just as it states — personal. Unlike learning how to write a thesis statement, think of this task as an opportunity to take time for sincere introspection. It’s also a chance to tell a story and analyze how your background and experiences align with your target audience and their expectations. Getting started can feel intimidating. Follow these steps to guide you through the process.
1. Understand the prompt.
In most situations where you are asked to write a personal statement, you will be given specific guidelines. These could include length, questions to answer, or themes to address. Taking time to understand these requirements will ensure your personal statement meets expectations.
2. Develop your story.
Unlike cover letters or resumes, personal statements are narrative. The goal isn’t to simply list experiences. Instead, you are sharing your experiences and explaining why they matter. You may ask yourself what experiences you have had in your life that have shaped your goals. Or, think of a time when you overcame an obstacle. Brainstorm the times in your life when you have felt the most inspired and motivated. Focus on one or two key moments. You don’t need to include everything, and your statement will be more powerful if you hone in and dive deep.
3. Draft your introduction.
Your opening paragraph is your chance to grab the reader’s attention and draw them in. It should be memorable and set the tone for the rest of your essay. It may be helpful to begin with a specific story, quote, or reflection. Don’t generalize or list what’s already in your resume or transcript.
For example, saying, “I’ve wanted to be a lawyer for a long time,” lacks impact. Instead, get personal and precise. “The first time I set foot in a courtroom, I was 15 years old. I was a debate student watching my cousin’s trial unfold. That day changed the course of my life.”
4. Build the body.
The body of your essay aligns your experiences with your goals. Expand on the story you shared in your introduction, and weave in other experiences or achievements when applicable. You may consider using the STAR method — situation, task, action, result — to frame experiences in a meaningful way. You can reference academic achievements, internships or work experience, personal challenges you overcame, or volunteer and leadership roles.
5. Conclude with a clear vision.
A strong ending leaves a lasting impression. In your conclusion, state your long-term goals, how this opportunity aligns with your ambitions, and a brief reference to what you hope to contribute to the organization.
6. Edit and refine.
Begin the editing process by reviewing your statement yourself. Make sure it answers the prompt, has the correct tone, flows logically, and doesn’t have any grammatical errors.
When you are ready for feedback, save your personal statement as a PDF and share it with friends, family, and mentors. This format ensures design consistency across programs and devices. Your reviewers can use a free PDF editor to leave comments and make suggestions.
Tips for a great personal statement.
As you draft your personal statement, keep the following tips in mind:
- Tailor your statement to the specific institution or role.
- Show growth and self-awareness.
- Use active voice instead of passive voice.
- Include measurable outcomes when possible.
- Avoid using jargon or sounding overly academic.
- Don’t repeat your resume.
- Steer clear of oversharing unrelated personal stories.
Personal statement examples.
The way you approach your personal statement will vary depending on the type of role you are applying for. The same steps and tips apply, but the types of stories you choose to tell may differ. Here are a few examples of personal statement excerpts to spark your inspiration.
Job application
“As a human resources intern, I learned not just how to solve problems, but also how to understand them with empathy. Seeing each person as an individual with a unique background and unknown struggles continues to drive my approach to HR.”
College admissions
“Growing up in a bilingual household taught me how language shapes perception. For me, studying linguistics isn’t just an interest. It’s the foundation of my identity.”
Graduate program
“My undergraduate thesis on renewable energy exposed me to the power of research. Now, I want to further that pursuit of knowledge by pursuing a master’s in environmental engineering.”
Frequently asked questions.
How do you start your personal statement?
What are the 3 parts of a personal statement?
Is a personal mission statement different from a personal statement?
A personal statement and a personal mission statement are two different things. Though they may sound similar, once you understand what is a personal mission statement and how to write a personal mission statement, you’ll see how the two things differ.
A personal mission statement is a short, internal-facing document. It’s an introspective and concise declaration of your core values, goals, and purposes. A personal mission statement is meant to act as your guide, like a compass helping you navigate decision-making in your academic pursuits and career path. It can be used as a self-assessment tool to make sure you are on the right track. Personal mission statements are typically included in professional portfolios and leadership bios.
How long should a personal statement be?
Can I use AI to help me write my personal statement?
You can use AI in education in many ways. While writing your personal statement on your own is important — after all, it’s meant to be personal — you could use AI to help in your creative process. For example, if the organization you are applying to has provided materials to teach you about its program, AI can help summarize the main points and tell you common themes that appear repeatedly and could be a good indicator of the values you should match in your personal statement.
And, remember, if you are working on your college applications, you can use AI while you are in school. Try using AI tools for exam prep. It can synthesize your notes or summarize the key points of the required reading more easily. You can also try taking your study sessions to the next level with an AI quiz generator to prepare you for any in-class pop quizzes. You can also use an AI flashcard maker to help you study group drill crucial information.
Can I use the same personal statement for multiple applications?
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