- How To Write Your Postgraduate Personal Statement
![](http://serviteca.online/777/templates/cheerup2/res/banner1.gif)
Postgraduate study
- Qualification types
- What are the differences between an undergraduate and postgraduate personal statement?
- Why study postgraduate?
What's on this page?
What is a personal statement, preparing to write your personal statement, opening your personal statement, work experience and future plans, ending your personal statement.
Your postgraduate personal statement is your chance to get noticed for your expertise and experience you’ve gathered. It’s an important part of the application process as it allows you to talk about yourself and your passions and prove the value you can bring to your chosen university.
In this article, we’re going to talk you through how to write a postgraduate personal statement that stands out and gives you the best chance of being offered a place on the master’s programme you’re applying for.
Shona Barrie – Director of Admissions, University of Stirling
You’ll have already written a personal statement for your undergraduate study, so you’ll know the importance of preparation. There are two things to think about when you’re planning:
- The practical and factual information you need to get across.
- Then, the more emotional, human parts of you that make you different to everyone else.
Before you start writing, take some time to think about the key things you’d want your chosen university to know about you, and get them down on paper.
Questions to focus your mind
- Why have you chosen this master’s programme?
- Why are you passionate about this subject matter?
- How has your undergraduate study influenced your decision to apply?
- Have you got any work experience that might help you?
- What life experiences have you had that you could talk about?
- What achievements can you talk about to support your application?
- Why do you want to study at this particular university?
- What plans and ambitions do you have for your future career?
![how to write your postgraduate personal statement how to write your postgraduate personal statement](https://www.ucas.com/sites/default/files/styles/content_panel/public/media-brightcove/6312298270112.jpg?itok=MPz_dtre)
Three top tips
Be specific.
Remember that a postgraduate personal statement needs you to talk specifically about the university you’ve chosen.
Demonstrate experience
Universities will be looking for postgraduate students who are able to demonstrate expertise in a particular subject – so include that.
Show what you've learnt
Tell the university about your university life as an undergraduate and include any clubs or societies you were involved in.
Admissions tutors will be reading a lot of personal statements so it’s important to grab their attention right from the start.
You can find a full guide on How to start a personal statement: The attention grabber but here are the main things for you to think about.
- Don’t overthink the opening . Just start by showing your enthusiasm for the subject, showcasing your knowledge and understanding, and sharing your ambitions of what you want to achieve.
- Avoid cliches . Remember, this opening part is simply about introducing yourself, so let the admissions tutor reading your personal statement get to know you.
- Keep it relevant and simple . You’re limited on how much you can include so avoid long-winded explanations. Why use 50 words when ten can make your point?
Talking about the course
Now you’re ready to start talking about the course and subject you’re applying for.
There are four main areas you’ll need to cover in this section of your personal statement.
- Why are you applying for this master’s? Think about your undergraduate study and how this master’s will develop your expertise further. Do you have career aspirations this course will help you achieve?
- Why does the subject interest you? This is your chance to show your passion and really demonstrate who you are. If you have work or volunteering experiences related to the subject, include them here.
- Why do you think you’ll be an asset to the university? Your personal and practical skills combined together create a unique picture of who you are and why you’ll be a successful postgraduate student, so include both.
- How does your previous undergraduate study relate to the course? Showcase your enthusiasm for your current study and take the opportunity to demonstrate your skills and knowledge now, and how you want to build on that.
Next, you’ll need to write about your personal skills and achievements.
Universities like to know the abilities you have that’ll help you on the course, or generally with life at university. Don’t forget to include evidence to back up why you’re so passionate about the programme you’ve chosen.
Your personal skills and achievements
Be bold and talk about the achievements you’re proud of., include positions of responsibility you hold, or have held, both in and out of school., what are the things that make you interesting, special, or unique .
Your work experience and future plans are important to include in your personal statement. You should share details of jobs, placements, work experience, or voluntary work, particularly if it's relevant to your course.
- Try to link any experience to skills or qualities that’ll make you successful on your course.
- If you know what you’d like to do after as a career, explain how you plan to use the knowledge and experience you’ll gain.
It’s always good to connect the beginning of your statement to the end and a great way to reinforce what you said at the start. You want to see the ending as your chance to end in a way that’ll make the university remember you.
This final part of your personal statement should emphasise the great points you’ve already made and answer the question of why you should be offered a place on the course.
Read our full guide on How to finish your statement the right way .
Aakriti Labra – MSc Occupational and Organisational Psychology, University of Surrey
Now you’ve written your postgraduate personal statement, you’ll need to do a couple of final things before you submit it.
- Have you proofread your personal statement? Don’t just rely on spellcheckers. We’d recommend reading it out loud as that’s a great way to spot any errors as well as checking it sounds like you.
- Have you asked for feedback? Ask friends, family or your undergraduate university tutors to have a read through your personal statement and take their feedback on board.
- Check out our personal statement dos and don'ts Have a look at the common pitfalls against your final draft to make sure you haven't made any obvious errors!
Postgraduate
More advice.
Use the UCAS’ personal statement tool alongside this guide to help you structure your ideas.
Do you want to understand the differences between an undergraduate and postgraduate personal statement? Take a look at our guide here.
Why study a postgraduate course? Find out here.
What funding is there for postgraduate courses?
Sponsored articles UCAS Media Service
Five reasons to sign up to the ucas newsletter, how to find a job, student finance for postgraduate loans.
Have a language expert improve your writing
Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.
- Knowledge Base
- Applying to graduate school
- How to Write Your Personal Statement | Strategies & Examples
How to Write Your Personal Statement | Strategies & Examples
Published on February 12, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on July 3, 2023.
A personal statement is a short essay of around 500–1,000 words, in which you tell a compelling story about who you are, what drives you, and why you’re applying.
To write a successful personal statement for a graduate school application , don’t just summarize your experience; instead, craft a focused narrative in your own voice. Aim to demonstrate three things:
- Your personality: what are your interests, values, and motivations?
- Your talents: what can you bring to the program?
- Your goals: what do you hope the program will do for you?
This article guides you through some winning strategies to build a strong, well-structured personal statement for a master’s or PhD application. You can download the full examples below.
Urban Planning Psychology History
Table of contents
Getting started with your personal statement, the introduction: start with an attention-grabbing opening, the main body: craft your narrative, the conclusion: look ahead, revising, editing, and proofreading your personal statement, frequently asked questions, other interesting articles.
Before you start writing, the first step is to understand exactly what’s expected of you. If the application gives you a question or prompt for your personal statement, the most important thing is to respond to it directly.
For example, you might be asked to focus on the development of your personal identity; challenges you have faced in your life; or your career motivations. This will shape your focus and emphasis—but you still need to find your own unique approach to answering it.
There’s no universal template for a personal statement; it’s your chance to be creative and let your own voice shine through. But there are strategies you can use to build a compelling, well-structured story.
The first paragraph of your personal statement should set the tone and lead smoothly into the story you want to tell.
Strategy 1: Open with a concrete scene
An effective way to catch the reader’s attention is to set up a scene that illustrates something about your character and interests. If you’re stuck, try thinking about:
- A personal experience that changed your perspective
- A story from your family’s history
- A memorable teacher or learning experience
- An unusual or unexpected encounter
To write an effective scene, try to go beyond straightforward description; start with an intriguing sentence that pulls the reader in, and give concrete details to create a convincing atmosphere.
Strategy 2: Open with your motivations
To emphasize your enthusiasm and commitment, you can start by explaining your interest in the subject you want to study or the career path you want to follow.
Just stating that it interests you isn’t enough: first, you need to figure out why you’re interested in this field:
- Is it a longstanding passion or a recent discovery?
- Does it come naturally or have you had to work hard at it?
- How does it fit into the rest of your life?
- What do you think it contributes to society?
Tips for the introduction
- Don’t start on a cliche: avoid phrases like “Ever since I was a child…” or “For as long as I can remember…”
- Do save the introduction for last. If you’re struggling to come up with a strong opening, leave it aside, and note down any interesting ideas that occur to you as you write the rest of the personal statement.
Once you’ve set up the main themes of your personal statement, you’ll delve into more detail about your experiences and motivations.
To structure the body of your personal statement, there are various strategies you can use.
Strategy 1: Describe your development over time
One of the simplest strategies is to give a chronological overview of key experiences that have led you to apply for graduate school.
- What first sparked your interest in the field?
- Which classes, assignments, classmates, internships, or other activities helped you develop your knowledge and skills?
- Where do you want to go next? How does this program fit into your future plans?
Don’t try to include absolutely everything you’ve done—pick out highlights that are relevant to your application. Aim to craft a compelling narrative that shows how you’ve changed and actively developed yourself.
My interest in psychology was first sparked early in my high school career. Though somewhat scientifically inclined, I found that what interested me most was not the equations we learned about in physics and chemistry, but the motivations and perceptions of my fellow students, and the subtle social dynamics that I observed inside and outside the classroom. I wanted to learn how our identities, beliefs, and behaviours are shaped through our interactions with others, so I decided to major in Social Psychology. My undergraduate studies deepened my understanding of, and fascination with, the interplay between an individual mind and its social context.During my studies, I acquired a solid foundation of knowledge about concepts like social influence and group dynamics, but I also took classes on various topics not strictly related to my major. I was particularly interested in how other fields intersect with psychology—the classes I took on media studies, biology, and literature all enhanced my understanding of psychological concepts by providing different lenses through which to look at the issues involved.
Strategy 2: Own your challenges and obstacles
If your path to graduate school hasn’t been easy or straightforward, you can turn this into a strength, and structure your personal statement as a story of overcoming obstacles.
- Is your social, cultural or economic background underrepresented in the field? Show how your experiences will contribute a unique perspective.
- Do you have gaps in your resume or lower-than-ideal grades? Explain the challenges you faced and how you dealt with them.
Don’t focus too heavily on negatives, but use them to highlight your positive qualities. Resilience, resourcefulness and perseverance make you a promising graduate school candidate.
Growing up working class, urban decay becomes depressingly familiar. The sight of a row of abandoned houses does not surprise me, but it continues to bother me. Since high school, I have been determined to pursue a career in urban planning. While people of my background experience the consequences of urban planning decisions first-hand, we are underrepresented in the field itself. Ironically, given my motivation, my economic background has made my studies challenging. I was fortunate enough to be awarded a scholarship for my undergraduate studies, but after graduation I took jobs in unrelated fields to help support my parents. In the three years since, I have not lost my ambition. Now I am keen to resume my studies, and I believe I can bring an invaluable perspective to the table: that of the people most impacted by the decisions of urban planners.
Strategy 3: Demonstrate your knowledge of the field
Especially if you’re applying for a PhD or another research-focused program, it’s a good idea to show your familiarity with the subject and the department. Your personal statement can focus on the area you want to specialize in and reflect on why it matters to you.
- Reflect on the topics or themes that you’ve focused on in your studies. What draws you to them?
- Discuss any academic achievements, influential teachers, or other highlights of your education.
- Talk about the questions you’d like to explore in your research and why you think they’re important.
The personal statement isn’t a research proposal , so don’t go overboard on detail—but it’s a great opportunity to show your enthusiasm for the field and your capacity for original thinking.
In applying for this research program, my intention is to build on the multidisciplinary approach I have taken in my studies so far, combining knowledge from disparate fields of study to better understand psychological concepts and issues. The Media Psychology program stands out to me as the perfect environment for this kind of research, given its researchers’ openness to collaboration across diverse fields. I am impressed by the department’s innovative interdisciplinary projects that focus on the shifting landscape of media and technology, and I hope that my own work can follow a similarly trailblazing approach. More specifically, I want to develop my understanding of the intersection of psychology and media studies, and explore how media psychology theories and methods might be applied to neurodivergent minds. I am interested not only in media psychology but also in psychological disorders, and how the two interact. This is something I touched on during my undergraduate studies and that I’m excited to delve into further.
Strategy 4: Discuss your professional ambitions
Especially if you’re applying for a more professionally-oriented program (such as an MBA), it’s a good idea to focus on concrete goals and how the program will help you achieve them.
- If your career is just getting started, show how your character is suited to the field, and explain how graduate school will help you develop your talents.
- If you have already worked in the profession, show what you’ve achieved so far, and explain how the program will allow you to take the next step.
- If you are planning a career change, explain what has driven this decision and how your existing experience will help you succeed.
Don’t just state the position you want to achieve. You should demonstrate that you’ve put plenty of thought into your career plans and show why you’re well-suited to this profession.
One thing that fascinated me about the field during my undergraduate studies was the sheer number of different elements whose interactions constitute a person’s experience of an urban environment. Any number of factors could transform the scene I described at the beginning: What if there were no bus route? Better community outreach in the neighborhood? Worse law enforcement? More or fewer jobs available in the area? Some of these factors are out of the hands of an urban planner, but without taking them all into consideration, the planner has an incomplete picture of their task. Through further study I hope to develop my understanding of how these disparate elements combine and interact to create the urban environment. I am interested in the social, psychological and political effects our surroundings have on our lives. My studies will allow me to work on projects directly affecting the kinds of working-class urban communities I know well. I believe I can bring my own experiences, as well as my education, to bear upon the problem of improving infrastructure and quality of life in these communities.
Tips for the main body
- Don’t rehash your resume by trying to summarize everything you’ve done so far; the personal statement isn’t about listing your academic or professional experience, but about reflecting, evaluating, and relating it to broader themes.
- Do make your statements into stories: Instead of saying you’re hard-working and self-motivated, write about your internship where you took the initiative to start a new project. Instead of saying you’ve always loved reading, reflect on a novel or poem that changed your perspective.
Your conclusion should bring the focus back to the program and what you hope to get out of it, whether that’s developing practical skills, exploring intellectual questions, or both.
Emphasize the fit with your specific interests, showing why this program would be the best way to achieve your aims.
Strategy 1: What do you want to know?
If you’re applying for a more academic or research-focused program, end on a note of curiosity: what do you hope to learn, and why do you think this is the best place to learn it?
If there are specific classes or faculty members that you’re excited to learn from, this is the place to express your enthusiasm.
Strategy 2: What do you want to do?
If you’re applying for a program that focuses more on professional training, your conclusion can look to your career aspirations: what role do you want to play in society, and why is this program the best choice to help you get there?
Tips for the conclusion
- Don’t summarize what you’ve already said. You have limited space in a personal statement, so use it wisely!
- Do think bigger than yourself: try to express how your individual aspirations relate to your local community, your academic field, or society more broadly. It’s not just about what you’ll get out of graduate school, but about what you’ll be able to give back.
You’ll be expected to do a lot of writing in graduate school, so make a good first impression: leave yourself plenty of time to revise and polish the text.
Your style doesn’t have to be as formal as other kinds of academic writing, but it should be clear, direct and coherent. Make sure that each paragraph flows smoothly from the last, using topic sentences and transitions to create clear connections between each part.
Don’t be afraid to rewrite and restructure as much as necessary. Since you have a lot of freedom in the structure of a personal statement, you can experiment and move information around to see what works best.
Finally, it’s essential to carefully proofread your personal statement and fix any language errors. Before you submit your application, consider investing in professional personal statement editing . For $150, you have the peace of mind that your personal statement is grammatically correct, strong in term of your arguments, and free of awkward mistakes.
A statement of purpose is usually more formal, focusing on your academic or professional goals. It shouldn’t include anything that isn’t directly relevant to the application.
A personal statement can often be more creative. It might tell a story that isn’t directly related to the application, but that shows something about your personality, values, and motivations.
However, both types of document have the same overall goal: to demonstrate your potential as a graduate student and s how why you’re a great match for the program.
The typical length of a personal statement for graduate school applications is between 500 and 1,000 words.
Different programs have different requirements, so always check if there’s a minimum or maximum length and stick to the guidelines. If there is no recommended word count, aim for no more than 1-2 pages.
If you’re applying to multiple graduate school programs, you should tailor your personal statement to each application.
Some applications provide a prompt or question. In this case, you might have to write a new personal statement from scratch: the most important task is to respond to what you have been asked.
If there’s no prompt or guidelines, you can re-use the same idea for your personal statement – but change the details wherever relevant, making sure to emphasize why you’re applying to this specific program.
If the application also includes other essays, such as a statement of purpose , you might have to revise your personal statement to avoid repeating the same information.
If you want to know more about college essays , academic writing , and AI tools , make sure to check out some of our other language articles with explanations, examples, and quizzes.
College essays
- College essay examples
- College essay format
- College essay style
- College essay length
- Diversity essays
- Scholarship essays
Academic writing
- Writing process
- Avoiding repetition
- Literature review
- Conceptual framework
- Dissertation outline
- Thesis acknowledgements
- Burned or burnt
- Canceled or cancelled
- Dreamt or dreamed
- Gray or grey
- Theater vs theatre
Cite this Scribbr article
If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.
McCombes, S. (2023, July 03). How to Write Your Personal Statement | Strategies & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved July 27, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/graduate-school/personal-statement/
Is this article helpful?
Shona McCombes
Other students also liked, how to write a graduate school resume | template & example, how (and who) to ask for a letter of recommendation, master's vs phd | a complete guide to the differences, get unlimited documents corrected.
✔ Free APA citation check included ✔ Unlimited document corrections ✔ Specialized in correcting academic texts
![how to write your postgraduate personal statement ScholarshipTab](https://www.scholarshiptab.com/images/scholarshiptab-logo.png)
How To Write A Personal Statement For Masters (17 PDF Sample Examples)
Published: 14 Mar 2022 Study Abroad 106,831 views
![How To Write A Personal Statement For Masters (17 PDF Sample Examples) How To Write A Personal Statement For Masters (17 PDF Sample Examples)](https://www.scholarshiptab.com/pictures/blog/700/456497956_how-to-write-a-personal-statement-for-masters.png)
A personal statement for masters program is one of the most important parts of your college application and writing a good one is what’s the exception between receiving an offer and being rejected.
If you’ve been tasked with presenting a personal statement, you should keep in mind that whatever you submit must put you forward as the right candidate for the course. Additionally, it should convince the admissions officers that you deserve a place on your program of study.
Achieving the above, is a skill most postgraduate students are yet to acquire but thankfully this article on How To Write A Personal Statement For Masters covers everything you need to know on doing this.
In this article you’ll learn:
- What is a personal statement?
- Tips for making your personal statement for masters stand out
- How to write a personal statement for masters
- Personal statement for masters sample
- Examples of personal statement for masters
- Conclusion – things to avoid when writing a personal statement for masters
Read: Admission Interview Tips .
What Is a Personal Statement?
A personal statement AKA admissions or application essay or statement of purpose is a type of essay or written statement a candidate presents to a college, university, or graduate school they are applying to, explaining why they want to attend that school, study a particular course, and why they would be a perfect fit for these things.
A personal statement for masters is an essay you submit specifically for your postgraduate application. Writing one presents the opportunity for you to promote yourself to a school and show the admissions teachers that you are the perfect candidate for a course.
Tips For Making Your Personal Statement For Masters Stand Out
Before we get into how you should write a statement of purpose for masters, we would first like to share with you certain tips to include in your essay to make it stand out from that of other applicants and be convincing enough to any admissions officer that reads it. The tips we have mentioned here, cover general things like starting and ending your personal statement, timing, length, and what to include and what not to include in the essay, etc.
1. Starting And Ending A Personal Statement
When starting a personal statement, you would want to right off the bat grab the reader’s attention. To do this, start the statement by writing about your degree of choice, next why you want to study it and then how you got interested in it.
The next 2 sentences after that should cover a summary of your background in the chosen field, and you conclude by saying what you plan to do once you acquire your graduate degree.
Also start with that the evaluators reading want to hear first, then every other information should come second. You will notice we’ve used in the sop examples for masters we will share with you later in this article.
2. Plan Ahead
A personal statement is not something you rush while writing, which means if you want to get something good before you application then you must start to decide things like the length and how long it should take to complete.
Let us throw more light on this…
For length, a personal statement should be brief ranging somewhere between 500 -700 words, although schools often detect how long it should be. So, this is dependent on the institution you are applying to.
In terms of what to say in a statement, you could include personal experiences like why you were driven to apply for the program, an experience you had with a scholar in your chosen discipline, a course you took that inspired you to pursue masters, or a key moment during your studies which further motivated you.
No matter what you decide to write, just keep in mind that you need to take your time to craft something good even if it means creating several drafts before the real thing and do not forget to proofread the statement for errors.
3. Research Your Program Of Study
Researching your program of study is one way to establish that you truly understand the discipline you’re getting into and prove to the admissions officer that you thoroughly thought about it before applying.
And because you want to put yourself forward as a serious candidate, one way to make you research easier is for you to visit the website of the department you are applying to. This page will contain information about faculty members, their specialisation, and publications.
From the intel, you gathered there you can now identify which professors match your interests and which ones you will benefit the most from learning under. After you’ve found this out, relate the same in a sentence or two in your statement of purpose for masters.
Example: “I would be honoured to study under the tutelage of Professor Nadia whose work I found resonated strongly with my beliefs and intended projects in this course”.
4. Avoid Clichés, Junks, And Many Details
When writing a statement of purpose for master degree try to avoid clichés, junks, and unnecessary details so that you don’t lose or bore your readers in between. Be as concise as possible, even if it’s your chance to express yourself.
A personal statement is an opportunity for the admissions committee to get information that tells the that you are suitable for the course. So, when you overpower your statement with too many words, stories, and useless details, you come off as someone who is just trying to meet the word count.
5. Include Your Personal History Only If It Adds To The Statement
Do not include your personal history in your statement of intent for masters if it is not relevant to your purpose of study. This means no need for you to tell that story about that time you helped someone treat a cut and immediately realised that you wanted to be a doctor or nurse or how you developed a taste for reading at a very young age.
We can guarantee you that the hundreds of other applications competing for the same spot you are felt the same way, so saying those things really doesn’t make you unique.
On the other hand, if you are going to add personal history to your statement, you can put in things like an internship you did and the experience you got from the job, a major research project you ran by yourself, publications you’ve read or published, conferences you’ve attended or presentations you’ve done. These experiences are more concrete and are directly related to your program of study. They also set you apart from other applicants.
6. Don't Use The Same Personal Statement For All Your Applications
One common mistake applicant make that you shouldn’t is using the same statement of purpose for master degree for all your applications. Using the same information repeatedly even if you are going to change the university names is risky and could land you in a big mistake on a day you forget to be thorough.
All programmes have their own unique set of questions they want to see answered and information they need in your personal statement.
And even if some of them like extracurricular activities, proposal for project, why you are applying to the school, your unique qualities, and research works you’re doing might appear the same, do not use one statement to respond to all of them.
Write a new unique personal statement every time you want to apply.
Check out: How to Write a Good CV for Students - Resume Examples for Students (PDF).
How To Write A Personal Statement for Masters
When writing a personal statement for masters there are several steps and ground rules you need to follow to ensure that it comes out good enough to impress the admissions team of a school, and ultimately convince them to give you a spot on your program of study.
If writing one is something you are currently struggling with and can’t seem to get down the process of it right no matter what, this section on how to write a personal statement for masters, discusses in detail everything you need to get help with yours.
There are 4 parts to consider when writing your personal statement and we have listed them below:
1. Planning A Personal Statement
A personal statement is a piece of writing showing your academic interests and is only for application purposes which means there is no room for any autobiographical information in it about your personal life. Be as to-the-point as possible when writing it and stick to telling the school why you are the right person for the course, plus any other extra information detailing your achievements.
Before You Start:
Allot plenty of time to write your msc personal statement so that you don’t rush it. Remember, this simple piece of writing is your one shot at convincing a school that you are the best applicant they’ve seen and as such can either make or break your application.
Read the information expected of you from the university, rules and guidelines given, selection criteria and understand what they mean. Also research the institution.
Do a thorough research on the course you are applying for; this will help you explain better why you want to study it. The tutors interviewing you can tell when you are lying and presenting yourself as uninformed can cost you the admission.
Ensure that you don’t use the same personal statement for all your applications.
When Writing:
When writing the statement there are some questions to ask yourself that can help you plan it better. Those questions are:
- Why you want to study a master’s and how does it benefit you in future?
- How does the course you have chosen fit into your pre-existing skill set?
- How do you stand out from the crowd as an applicant - e.g., work experiences you’ve had in the same field you are applying for?
- What do you aspire to do or be as a future career and how will the course help you achieve that?
- How can your work or skillsets contribute positively to the department/ university you are applying to, or society at large?
On the other hand, if you are applying for the masters to change from the field you studied in your undergraduate to another field, you should tell the school why you decided to take a different path in your studies.
Questions to ask yourself for this include:
- Your reason for deciding to change your discipline.
- How your undergraduate degree will be material for bringing fresh insights into your masters course.
- How changing your study path will help you attain your future career.
2. Structuring A Personal Statement
Having good structure for your personal statement for master degree is important because it ensures that everything from the beginning, middle, and ending of the statement is written and equally falls in place perfectly.
We’ve left some tips for you below to help you:
Start your personal statement with an attention-grabbing introduction that is not dramatic or cliché. That means you should not begin with any of these over-used phrases we’ve listed out below:
For as long as I remember…
Since my childhood…
I want to apply to this course because I’ve always felt a strong connection to it…
All my life, I have always loved…
My interest in (course) always ran deeper than…
I’ve always been zealous about…
Ever since I was a child, I’ve always wanted to pursue a career in…
My past educational experiences have always…
'My passion for Child Psychology is influenced by my curiosity in how autism affects the personality of children living with this condition. That's why I dedicated the 3rd year of my undergraduate study interning with the Child Rehabilitation Centre in my community, which caters to the patients and work closely with their families in developing care plans that work for their child. |
You would want to be as snappy as possible with your opening because the admission officer has over a hundred applications to read and can’t waste all their time on yours. This means you should avoid overpowering it with unnecessary facts, quotes, and stories from your life.
The middle part of your ma personal statement is where the main content of the write-up should be. This is where you show your dedication to the course you’ve chosen, what motivated you to choose it, and why you are the right candidate for it.
When writing the middle part of a graduate personal statement, you should:
- Give concrete reasons why you want to study a course at the University. The reason could be because of how the course is aligned to your future career or the University’s reputation in teaching that program.
- Mention relevant things like projects, dissertations, or essays you’ve done, and any work experience you have.
- Show proof of your core skills like and how they can contribute to the department.
- Prove what makes you a unique candidate.
- Discuss who your main influences for wanting to study the course are and why.
- Add experiences like memberships to clubs that are related to your field, papers you’ve written before, awards, scholarships, or prizes.
- Draw focus to how the course links to your past and future.
- Mention your academic and non-academic skills and how they fit the course.
For Formatting:
- Keep the statement length between 250 -500 words or as directed by the school.
- Sentences should be no more than 25-30 words.
- Use headings to break up the content – Why this university? Why this subject? Etc.
- Make claims and provide evidence to back each of them up. This can be done by discussing your work experience and academic interests.
Language and tone to use:
- The tone for your masters application personal statement should be positive and enthusiastic, to show you eagerness to learn and so that you convince the evaluators that you have what it takes to succeed.
- Use exciting and refreshing language, and an engaging opening line.
- Ensure you grammar, punctuations, and spellings are accurate.
- Avoid exaggerated claims you cannot backup.
- Don’t use cliché generic terms and keep your focus on the course.
Keep the ending of your essay for master degree application concise and memorable, leaving no doubt in the admission officers mind that you deserve a spot on the program.
To create the best ending summarise all your key points without dragging it our or repeating yourself. The ending should be simple, end on a positive note and make it clear that the school will be lucky to have you on their program.
Personal Statement for Masters Sample
In this section, we have left a masters personal statement example for you, which you can use as material to write yours for any course of study you are applying to a school for.
My passion for Filmmaking, was influenced by my growing up reading novels and plays by my idols William Shakespeare, Tennessee Williams, and Maya Angelou, which graciously provided me with the opportunity to not just hear good stories, but also appreciate great storytellers whose plays still shake the foundations of the film industry. Growing up, I loved movies and found myself fascinated by the stories, the characters and most importantly the realization that the human mind could create something so beautiful and gripping. I studied each film like a guide and whenever they ended, I would act out the scenes on my own, putting on a one-woman show for myself whenever I was alone at home. These things would later form the basis of me writing my first published book which was a drama titled The Reward of Evil Deed. To me, loving literature and chasing it down all these years was something that made me different, but I also enjoyed it because films are more than something I just wanted to watch and forget, it is something that I wanted to be a part of. I didn’t just want to appreciate great films, I wanted to make them. During my bachelor’s degree in India, I had the privilege of taking Literature classes stemming from British, American, and Indian literature to broaden my mind. I was also opportune to read great authors like John Donne, John Milton, Emily Dickinson, Charles Dickens, Mark Twain, Anton Chekov, Virginia Woolf, and of course Margret Atwood who I follow closely on Instagram. Three years later not only did I graduate as one of the best students in the school, but I did so with a first-hand knowledge of what it means to be a passionate storyteller whose art transcends time, language barrier, and location. In addition to devouring Literature and watching satirical films like it’s the news, I am also an avid reader and prolific writer who throws herself into whatever she sets her heart on. I am the proud author of Forgetting Bangalore which is a personal memoir about my three years of studying in India, read amongst my closest friends who I shared those times with. In school, I also wrote the script for a short film for the class Psychology assignment titled The Ordeal which I uploaded to my YouTube page and uploaded to my application form. Apart from writing for myself, I also function as a content creator/marketer for companies I have worked for in the past and is still working for now. I play the Bass guitar well and occasionally dabble in Lead guitar. For far too long, I have aspired to be, but now I want to become a filmmaker and I strongly believe that through your institution that I would be able to learn and master all the aspects associated with filmmaking. I hope to attend Central Film School next year, enrolling in MA Practical Filmmaking under the tutelage of the amazing Faculty members. Although I don’t have the professional skills or much of a background in filmmaking, I am passionate and have a zeal burning strongly that it will set the film industry on fire. I am a good storyteller, I am brilliant, resilient, and determined to succeed, and when I want something, I push until I get it, I am also a fast learner. I strongly believe that these attributes are what will help me successfully complete this master’s program. |
Personal Statement PDF
You can also download this statement of purpose sample for masters degree pdf here and take your time to read it later – Personal Statement For Masters Sample .
See Also: Student CV Template .
Examples of Personal Statement for Masters
We have taken the time to source for some of the best postgraduate personal statement examples, which you can use in addition to the personal statement for masters program example as a template to write yours.
While you scroll through our list, you will find the perfect masters essay example for any field you wish to apply for, from business administration, to Psychology, to information technology, and lots more.
1. msw personal statement
We have found one of the best msw personal statement examples out there for you.
social work masters personal statement .
2. personal statement for masters in public health
mph personal statement examples
3. personal statement for masters in management
Personal statement for master degree sample for masters in management . , 4. personal statement for masters in education example.
personal statement for masters in education example
5. psychology masters personal statement
psychology masters personal statement example
6. sample personal statement for masters in data science data science masters personal statement
7. speech and language therapy personal statement statement of purpose for masters sample: speech and language therapy
8. business administration personal statement personal statement for masters in business administration
9. personal statement for masters in cyber security pdf masters degree personal statement examples for cyber security
10. personal statement for masters in finance msc finance personal statement examples
11. statement of purpose for masters in information technology pdf msc personal statement examples for information technology
12. international development personal statement statement of purpose for masters example
13. msc international business management personal statement international business management personal statement examples
14. computer science masters personal statement
statement of purpose for masters in computer science pdf
15. personal statement for masters in economics statement of purpose sample for masters degree in economics
16. mha personal statement statement of purpose format for masters in health administration
Conclusion – Things to Avoid When Writing A Personal Statement For Masters When writing a personal statement for university masters, there are some things you should avoid, so that you don’t ruin your essay. We have listed out those things below: • Avoid negativity. • Following an online template blindly. • Do not include unnecessary course modules, personal facts, or extra-curricular activities in your personal statement. • Do not lie or exaggerate an achievement or event. • Do not include inspirational quotes to your statement. • Avoid using clichés, gimmicks, humour, over-used word such as 'passion' or ‘driven’. • Do not make pleading statements. • Avoid mentioning key authors or professors in your field without any explanation. • Avoid using sentences that are too long. • Avoid flattering the organisation or using patronising terms. • Do not repeat information in your statement that you have already listed in your application. • Avoid waffling i.e., writing at length. • Don’t start writing your personal statement at the last minute.
Related Articles:
How to Write a Good Letter of Recommendation for Students (10 PDF Sample Examples).
How to Write a Good Financial Aid Appeal Letter (13 PDF Sample Examples).
How to Write a Good Personal Statement for a Scholarship ( 7 PDF Sample Examples).
How To Write A Good Motivation Letter For Scholarship (4 PDF Sample Examples).
How To Write A Letter Of Intent For Scholarship (4 PDF Sample LOI Example).
Latest Blog Posts
- US Visa Types Fees & Requirements
- 20 Free Social Media Marketing Course
- 30 Best Medical Universities In The US 2024
- Tips To Find And Apply For Scholarships Online
- 30 Best Study Techniques To Try This 2024
- 26 Best Country To Teach English 2024
- 26 Best Free AI Chatbot 2024
- 20 Best Countries To Relocate 2024
- Best Scholarships
- American Council of Learned Societies HBCU Faculty Fellowship 2025 (Up to $50,000 Stipend)
- DAAD-MIDE Master’s in International Development Scholarship for Developing Countries 2024
- University of Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship 2025
- University of Queensland Liveris Academy Undergraduate Scholarship 2024
- Ireland Fellows Programme Africa 2024
- University Of Bonn International Fellowships 2024 (Germany)
- Commonwealth Professional Fellowships for Mid-Career Professionals from Low and Middle Income Countries 2024
- United Nations 2024 Nippon Foundation Fellowship
Scholarship Tips
Scholarships by country to study.
- United Kingdom
- United States
- South Africa
- New Zealand
- Netherlands
Scholarships by Category
- Postgraduate
- Undergraduate
- College School
- Entrepreneurs
- Bachelors Degree
- Women Scholarships
- Fully Funded
Scholarships by Country of Origin
- African Students
- Developing Countries
Scholarships by Institution / Company
- Flinders University
- German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
- University of Edinburgh
- The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS)
Scholarships by School
- University of Melbourne
- University Of Queensland, Australia
- University of Kent
- University of East Anglia
- Privacy Policy
- Terms of Use
Scholarships
- Undergraduate Scholarships
- Masters Scholarships
- MBA Scholarships
- Ph.D Scholarships
- Fellowship Scholarships
- Fully Funded Scholarships
- F1 Visa Interview Questions And Answers
- Scholarship Application Letter
- Letter Of Intent For Scholarship
- Personal Statement For Masters
- Motivation Letter For Scholarship
- Scholarship Acceptance Letter
Other Locations
- Scholarships in UK
- Scholarships in Canada
- Scholarships for Nigerian Students
- Scholarships for African Students
- Study Abroad Community
![how to write your postgraduate personal statement Wisteria around a window](https://www.ox.ac.uk/sites/files/oxford/styles/ow_large_feature/s3/field/field_image_main/Oxford_PAD000064-01_SuperRes.jpg?itok=kbISA_sh)
How to write a personal statement
How to approach writing your personal statement for graduate applications.
If you’re applying for a grad course that requires a personal statement (sometimes also called a ‘statement of purpose’), it can be difficult to know where to start and what to include. Read on for tips from some of our masters’ students about their process and what they found helpful.
1. Before you start
The academic work is the most important reason why we’re here, but that also translates into work experiences, internships, volunteering. I think a big part of the personal statement is crafting that narrative of academic self that fits alongside your professional experiences, to give that greater picture of who you are as an academic. Lauren (MSc Modern Middle Eastern Studies)
Start by thinking about the skills, knowledge and interests you’ve acquired over time and how the course at Oxford will take them forward.
Your statement is the story you want to tell about yourself and your academic work to the department you are applying to.
Most of your application and its supporting documents communicate plain facts about your academic career so far. Your personal statement is your best opportunity to put these facts into context and show assessors how you’ve progressed and excelled.
Make sure you highlight evidence of your achievements (a high grade in a relevant area, an award or scholarship, a research internship).
Presenting yourself
When I was writing my personal statement, I went onto my course website. I looked at what they emphasised and what kind of students they were looking for, and I wrote about my experiences based on that. Kayla (MSc in Clinical Embryology)
Make it easy for an assessor to see how you meet the entry requirements for the course (you can find these on each course page ).
Don’t make any assumptions about what Oxford is looking for!
Get to know your department
You want to study this particular subject and you want to study at Oxford (you’re applying here, so we know that!) but why is Oxford the right place for you to study this subject? What interests or qualities of the academic department and its staff make it attractive to you?
Use your academic department’s website for an overview of their research, academic staff and course information (you'll find a link to the department's own website on each course page ).
I said, ‘why do I actually want to be here? What is it about being at Oxford that’s going to get me to what I want to do? Sarah (Bachelor of Civil Law)
Talk it out
Talking to others about your statement can be a great way to gather your ideas and decide how you’d like to approach it. Sarah even managed to get benefit out of this approach by herself:
“I spent a lot of time talking out loud. My written process was actually very vocal, so I did a lot of talking about myself in my room.”
2. The writing process
Know your format.
Make sure you’ve read all the guidance on the How to Apply section of your course page , so you know what’s needed in terms of the word count of the final statement, what it should cover and what it will be assessed for. This should help you to visualise roughly what you want to end up with at the end of the process.
Make a start
When it comes to writing your personal statement, just getting started can be the hardest part.
One good way to get around writer’s block is to just put it all down on the page, like Mayur.
First - write down anything and everything. In the first round, I was just dumping everything - whatever I’ve done, anything close to computer science, that was on my personal statement. Mayur (MSc Computer Science)
You’ll be editing later anyway so don’t let the blank page intimidate you - try writing a little under each of the following headings to get started:
- areas of the course at Oxford that are the most interesting to you
- which areas you’ve already studied or had some experience in
- what you hope to use your Oxford course experience for afterwards.
3. Finishing up
Get some feedback.
Once you’ve got a draft of about the right length, ask for feedback on what you’ve written. It might take several drafts to get it right.
This could involve getting in touch with some of your undergraduate professors to ask them to read your draft and find any areas which needed strengthening.
You could also show it to people who know you well, like family or friends.
Because they’re the first people to say, ‘Who is that person?’ You want the people around you to recognise that it really sounds like you. It can be scary telling family and friends you’re applying for Oxford, because it makes it real, but be brave enough to share it and get feedback on it. Sarah (Bachelor of Law)
Be yourself
Finally - be genuine and be yourself. Make sure your personal statement represents you, not your idea about what Oxford might be looking for.
We have thousands of students arriving every year from a huge range of subjects, backgrounds, institutions and countries (you can hear from a few more of them in our My Oxford interviews).
Get moving on your application today
To find out more about supporting documents and everything else you need to apply, read your course page and visit our Application Guide .
Applicant advice hub
This content was previously available through our Applicant advice hub . The hub contained links to articles hosted on our Graduate Study at Oxford Medium channel . We've moved the articles that support the application process into this new section of our website.
- Application Guide: Statement of purpose
Can't find what you're looking for?
If you have a query about graduate admissions at Oxford, we're here to help:
Ask a question
Privacy Policy
Postgraduate Applicant Privacy Policy
Our cookies
We use cookies for three reasons: to give you the best experience on PGS, to make sure the PGS ads you see on other sites are relevant , and to measure website usage. Some of these cookies are necessary to help the site work properly and can’t be switched off. Cookies also support us to provide our services for free, and by click on “Accept” below, you are agreeing to our use of cookies .You can manage your preferences now or at any time.
Privacy overview
We use cookies, which are small text files placed on your computer, to allow the site to work for you, improve your user experience, to provide us with information about how our site is used, and to deliver personalised ads which help fund our work and deliver our service to you for free.
The information does not usually directly identify you, but it can give you a more personalised web experience.
You can accept all, or else manage cookies individually. However, blocking some types of cookies may affect your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.
You can change your cookies preference at any time by visiting our Cookies Notice page. Please remember to clear your browsing data and cookies when you change your cookies preferences. This will remove all cookies previously placed on your browser.
For more detailed information about the cookies we use, or how to clear your browser cookies data see our Cookies Notice
Manage consent preferences
Strictly necessary cookies
These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems.
They are essential for you to browse the website and use its features.
You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not then work. We can’t identify you from these cookies.
Functional cookies
These help us personalise our sites for you by remembering your preferences and settings. They may be set by us or by third party providers, whose services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies, then these services may not function properly.
Performance cookies
These cookies allow us to count visits and see where our traffic comes from, so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us to know which pages are popular and see how visitors move around the site. The cookies cannot directly identify any individual users.
If you do not allow these cookies we will not know when you have visited our site and will not be able to improve its performance for you.
Marketing cookies
These cookies may be set through our site by social media services or our advertising partners. Social media cookies enable you to share our content with your friends and networks. They can track your browser across other sites and build up a profile of your interests. If you do not allow these cookies you may not be able to see or use the content sharing tools.
Advertising cookies may be used to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on other sites. They do not store directly personal information, but work by uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will still see ads, but they won’t be tailored to your interests.
How to write a postgraduate personal statement
29 th September 2021
- Post on Facebook
- Send to a friend
- Recommend 0
Applying for postgraduate study? This guide supports you in writing a great postgraduate personal statement that’s tailored to your course.
- What do admissions tutors look for
How to write a personal statement
- What to write
Check and check again
What do admissions tutors look for in a postgraduate personal statement.
A personal statement is part of your university application. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate your suitability for a course. Admissions tutors want to know why you want to study the course and how your experiences make you the ideal candidate.
The difference between a postgraduate application from an undergraduate one is that it is fully tailored to a particular university’s course. As an undergraduate, your statement is more generic as it can be sent to five universities. Whereas your postgraduate personal statement is for one course only – it should be a lot more specific to what and where you’re applying for.
Postgraduate study is also a significant level up from undergraduate, so avoid using the statement you wrote for your bachelor’s course as a template. The admissions team is interested in how you’ve grown since your previous studies.
Writing a personal statement for university is different to writing one for a job application. It should show your academic interests and explain why the university will help develop your learning and research. You’re not trying to charm the reader. Instead, you're providing insight into who you are, your achievements and your enthusiasm for the course.
Before putting pen to paper, read through all information about the course and what you need to do to apply.
If you can, arrange to speak with one of the course tutors or a current student to discuss what admissions tutors are looking for. Are you able to see examples of successful personal statements from previous applicants?
- Your relevant academic and practical experiences
- The bits about the course that particularly interest you
- Anything else the university has asked you to include
You can then use this to structure your plan.
Carefully plan what you’re going to write in each paragraph to ensure you include all the important information and present it coherently. Your course will demand effective communication from you, and admissions tutors will look for evidence of this in your writing.
- An interesting introduction that outlines your academic background and relevant experiences
- Engaging middle paragraphs that detail, with examples, how your interests, achievements and experiences make you right for the course
- A strong conclusion that pulls together the main points and summarises why you want to study it
Each paragraph and sentence should flow logically into the next. If you want, you can split up sections with headings (like ‘Academic achievements’ or ‘Career goals’) to make the statement easy to navigate.
For the word count, check with the university you’re applying to, as each may ask for different things.
What to write in a personal statement
You want to show how your interests and experiences make you the right person.
- How will the course help with your future goals?
- What experiences do you have that provide evidence of your interest in the course?
- What modules or projects in your undergraduate degree really challenged your thinking?
- How has any employment shaped your ambitions?
- Have any personal or public events inspired you?
- Which books have you read, or activities have you been involved in, that have influenced you?
Rather than just listing experiences, explain how they shaped you and how they will help you succeed. There’s no need to write down your qualifications as the admissions tutor will have these details with the rest of your application.
- What are your hobbies?
- Are you part of any sports teams or societies?
- Do you volunteer?
This builds a picture of who you are and what you’ll be like as a student. If you want to and if relevant, refer to challenges you encountered during the pandemic – but in a positive way.
You don’t need to include everything in your statement. It should highlight the key information and leave the reader wanting to interview you to find out more.
The admissions team will be looking through many personal statements – they want to see a variety of experiences and stories. You can reflect this in your writing style; avoid repetition and use a variety of words to paint a unique picture.
Try not to use obvious phrases such as ‘I have always been interested in...’ or a gimmicky opening line like a famous quote. Instead, get to the point quickly and say in your voice why you’re excited about the course.
Be concise and make every word count. What you write should be relevant and honest, demonstrating your potential. Everything should be balanced; you can be confident in your abilities but try not to come across as arrogant. Show why you should be given the place, but don’t beg.
- First-person narrative
- Correct use of spelling, grammar and punctuation
- Varied and interesting vocabulary
- A positive and friendly, yet professional tone
- Paragraphs that flow logically into the next
- Clear and concise points backed up with evidence
- Clichéd language
- Waffle or too much irrelevant information
- Vague or confusing sentences
- Excuses for gaps in your experience
Proofread your statement to check that your points are clear and there are no spelling or grammatical errors. You can use spellchecking tools and free writing assistants like Grammarly or Hemingway Editor to perfect your work. Reading your statement aloud can be helpful to see if it makes sense and flows well.
Ask at least one other person to read through and check it. This could be a friend, family member, careers adviser or a tutor if you’re still at university. A second pair of eyes may spot anything that doesn’t make sense or errors that you’ve missed.
Personal statement tips
- Give yourself plenty of time to write, edit and check
- Take lots of breaks and return to your work with fresh eyes
- Make sure your statement is unique and written by you
- If you’re an international student, say why you want to study in the UK
- Be prepared to talk about what you’ve written in an interview
- And if you’re applying for more than one course, make sure to write a different, tailored statement for each application!
DON'T MISS OUT
Receive regular newsletters packed with useful tips.
Converting a Postgraduate Certificate to a Masters
PG certificates are a perfect stepping stone to a Masters degree as you’ll not only...
Law and Legal Studies - Postgraduate Guide
As it is a subject that touches many other sectors, there are various postgraduate...
A Postgraduate Timeline
"Where on earth do I start?" That’s generally the first thought that runs through...
Similar articles and videos
Best universities for business studies, best universities for aeronautical and aerospace engineering, best universities for chemistry, best universities for sports science, don't miss out.
- Log in
- Site search
Personal statements for postgraduate applications
Your Masters personal statement is an essential part of your postgraduate application as it's this document that will convince admissions tutors that you're worthy of a place on a course. Discover how to write a Masters personal statement and take a look at some examples for inspiration
What is a personal statement?
A Masters personal statement is a piece of writing that you submit as part of your postgraduate application . It's your first real chance to sell yourself to the university and to demonstrate to admissions tutors that you're right for the course.
It's likely that you've already written a personal statement for your Bachelors degree , so this should give you some idea of what to expect. However, don't be tempted to use your undergraduate personal statement as a template. You will have progressed academically since then and admissions tutors will want to see evidence of this.
Your postgraduate personal statement should be unique and tailored to the course that you're applying to. Use the opportunity to show off your academic interests and abilities, and to demonstrate that the programme will benefit from your attendance as much as you'll benefit from studying it.
'Personal statements have a two-way function in the application process,' explains Steve Carruthers, head of postgraduate admissions and student visa compliance at the University of East Anglia (UEA). 'They are critical to demonstrating the student is right for the course, showing their experience, knowledge, background and personality, as well as their interest in the subject. They also enable the admissions team to ensure the selected course is the best fit for the student's aspirations and goals, or to make alternate recommendations to ensure all options have been equally considered.'
How long should a postgraduate personal statement be?
A Masters personal statement should be around 500 words. This equates to one side of A4. However, some universities require more, often two sides. Some institutions also set a character limit instead of a specific word count, so it's important that you check the application guidelines before starting to write your statement.
As they're relatively short, don't waste words on autobiographical information. This isn't necessary in postgraduate personal statements. Instead, focus on why you want to study a particular programme and your potential to successfully complete the course.
What should I include in a Masters personal statement?
'The statement is a snapshot of who you are and why you've chosen your course, so include everything that helps an academic or admissions team see that clearly,' advises Steve.
You should tailor your personal statement to fit the course you're applying for, so what to include will largely depend on the course requirements. However, in general you should write about:
- Your reasons for applying for a particular programme and why you deserve a place above other candidates - 'demonstrate your interest and passion for the course and subject. This tells admissions staff you're more likely to fully engage in your studies,' says Steve. Discuss your academic interests, career goals and the university and department's reputation, and write about which aspects of the course you find most appealing, for example particular modules or work experience opportunities. Show that you're ready for the demands of postgraduate life by demonstrating your knowledge and experience.
- Your preparation - address how undergraduate study has prepared you for a postgraduate course, mentioning your independent work (e.g. dissertation) and topics that most interested you.
- Evidence of your skillset - 'show your writing skills, intellect and ability to succeed academically, as well as the effect and impact you may have on the cohort as a leader, influencer, or enthusiastic team member,' adds Steve. Highlight relevant skills and knowledge that will enable you to make an impact on the department, summarising your abilities in core areas including IT, numeracy, organisation, communication, time management and critical thinking. You can also cover any grades, awards, work placements, extra readings or conferences that you've attended and how these have contributed to your readiness for Masters study.
- Your goals - 'Your long-term plans and aspirations are also important to cover, as they both help ensure you've selected the best course to achieve these, but also give the academic team an understanding of how they might best support you through your studies,' says Steve.
Address any weaknesses, such as lower-than-expected module performance in your undergraduate degree or gaps in your education history. The university will want to know about these, so explain them with a positive spin. Cover how these gaps and weaknesses have been addressed and what will be different in your postgraduate studies.
How should I structure my personal statement?
Your personal statement should follow a logical, methodical structure, where each paragraph follows on from the one before. Make sure paragraphs are short, succinct, clear and to the point. Remember, you only have 500 words so use them wisely.
Capture the reader's attention with an enthusiastic introduction covering why you want to study a particular Masters. Then, engage the reader in your middle paragraphs by summing up your academic and employment background, evidencing your knowledge and skills and demonstrating why the course is right for you.
Your conclusion should be concise, summarising why you're the ideal candidate. Overall, aim for five or six paragraphs. You can use headings to break up the text if you prefer.
The majority of postgraduate applications are submitted online directly to the university. If this is the case, present your personal statement in a standard font such as Arial, Calibri or Times New Roman, text size 11 or 12. If your course application is submitted through UKPASS (UCAS's postgraduate application service) font style won't matter, as personal statements are automatically formatted.
How can I write a good postgraduate personal statement?
- Give yourself plenty of time and don't rush . Your personal statement can make or break your application so it needs to be right. Tutors can tell if you're bluffing, and showing yourself up as uninformed could be costly. Before you start, read the rules and guidelines provided, check the selection criteria and research the course and institution.
- Use AI tools responsibly - 'Remember, this is a 'personal' statement, so make sure it's all about you,' stresses Steve. 'Using AI such as ChatGTP or Google Bard to generate a statement may be easier, but generalised statements that miss out you, your personality and experiences will never be as effective. Personal stories and experiences really bring your statement to life, and this is one of those times it's ok to talk boldly about all you've achieved, and your qualities.'
- Adopt a positive, enthusiastic and professional tone and write in clear, short sentences . Avoid elaborate or overly complicated phrases. Unless otherwise stated, all postgraduate personal statements should be written in English and your spelling, grammar and punctuation must be spot on, as the personal statement acts as a test of your written communication skills..
- Don't use the same supporting statement for every course . Admissions tutors can spot copy-and-paste jobs. Generic applications demonstrate that you have little understanding of the course. In order to stand out from the crowd, Masters personal statements must be unique and specific to the course and institution.
- Draft and redraft your statement until you're happy . Then ask a friend, family member or careers adviser to read it. Proofreading is incredibly important to avoid mistakes. Memorise what you've written before any interviews.
What do I need to avoid?
- follow online examples too closely, use them as a guide only
- use your undergraduate UCAS application as a template
- be negative
- lie or exaggerate
- use clichés, gimmicks, humour, over-used words such as 'passion' or Americanisms
- include inspirational quotes
- make pleading/begging statements
- needlessly flatter the organisation
- include irrelevant course modules, personal facts or extra-curricular activities
- use overly long sentences
- repeat information found elsewhere in your application
- leave writing your personal statement to the last minute.
How should I start my Masters personal statement?
Steve believes there is no right way to start a personal statement so try not to waste too much time coming up with a catchy opening. The more you try, the more contrived you'll sound and the more likely you are to fall into the trap of using clichés. 'A good rule of thumb is to make it interesting, personal (avoiding bland generalisms) and enthusiastic for your choice of study.’
'Your opening lines could include how your current interests (we're less interested in you as a six year old) have led you to apply for this course, and how you see it helping you achieve both your full potential and future aspirations,' says Steve.
Avoid using overused phrases, such as:
- For as long as I can remember…
- From a young age…
- I am applying for this course because…
- Throughout my life I have always enjoyed…
- I have always been interested in…
- I have always been passionate about…
- I have always wanted to pursue a career in…
- Reflecting on my educational experiences…
Admissions tutors read hundreds of applications per course so the opening paragraph of your personal statement needs to get straight to the point and make a real impact. Avoid overkill statements, gimmicks and popular quotes.
If you're really struggling, come back and tackle the opening once you have written the rest.
How should I end my personal statement?
Conclusions should be short, sharp and memorable, and leave no doubt in an admissions tutor's mind that you deserve a place on a course.
The perfect ending should pull all of your key points together without waffling or repeating yourself.
Like the rest of your Masters personal statement, keep the ending simple. Be succinct and make it clear why you'll be an asset to the university and end on a positive note, with a statement about why the institution would be lucky to have you as a student.
What are admissions tutors looking for?
'Passion for the subject, and an understanding of the key challenges and problems it's currently facing, as well as the research being undertaken to solve these or to move the field forwards, really endears you to the academics who you'll be interacting with,' explains Steve.
'Strong writing skills are a gift, so be clear and concise about what you want to say, and always get a second pair of eyes to check spelling and grammar as well as readability.'
Make sure you also provide:
- an explanation of how the course links your past and future
- an insight into your academic and non-academic abilities, and how they'll fit with the course
- evidence of your skills, commitment and enthusiasm
- knowledge of the institution's area of expertise
- reasons why you want to study at the institution.
Personal statement examples
The style and content of your postgraduate personal statement depends on several variables, such as the type of qualification that you're applying for - such as a Masters degree , a conversion course or teacher training . Here are some postgraduate personal statement templates to help you get started:
Business management personal statement
Postgraduate courses in business management are popular among graduates. To make your application stand out your personal statement needs to cover your motivations for choosing a specific course at a particular university, your career goals and how the Masters will help you achieve them. Be sure to mention relevant transferrable skills and work experience. Read up on management courses .
Computer science personal statement
If you'd like to complete a Masters but studied an unrelated subject at undergraduate level you'll need to explain why you'd like to change disciplines. In the case of computer science your personal statement will need to show that you possess the technical, mathematical and analytical skills necessary, as well as demonstrate your knowledge of the subject area. Gain an insight into the information technology sector .
Law personal statement
You'll apply for an LLM the same way you would for any other Masters, directly to the university. Whether you're undertaking a general LLM or a more specific programme, such as an LLM in human rights or international business law, you'll need to convey why you want to study the law in more depth and how this could potentially aid your career. Discover more about LLM degrees .
Nursing personal statement
If you didn't study the subject at undergraduate level but you'd like to apply for a postgraduate course in nursing your personal statement needs to convey your reasons for choosing this career path, as well as demonstrate a specific set of skills, knowledge of the working environment and relevant experience. Find out more about working as an adult or children's nurse .
Psychology personal statement
Applications for conversion courses such as these are fairly straightforward and made directly to individual institutions. You need to explain why you want to change subjects and how your current subject will help you. Explain what experience you have that will help with your conversion subject, and what you hope to do in the future. Learn more about psychology conversion courses .
Social work personal statement
If your Bachelors degree was in an unrelated subject but you now have ambitions to work as a social worker you'll need a Masters in social work (MSW) to qualify. Social work Masters have a substantial work placement element so you'll need to cover what you hope to achieve during this time as well as demonstrate other relevant experience. Find out more about social work courses .
PGCE primary personal statement
As well as detailing why you want to work with this particular age group, a PGCE primary personal statement should highlight the ways in which your educational background has inspired you to teach. You'll need to cover relevant skills you have gained and any related work experience, as well as demonstrate your knowledge of the primary national curriculum. Read up on PGCEs .
PGCE secondary personal statement
You'll need to cover why you want to teach at secondary level while also acknowledging the pressures and challenges of working with older pupils. As you'll be teaching a specific subject, you'll need to evidence your knowledge in this area and demonstrate how your first degree was relevant. It's also essential to highlight any related work or voluntary experience. Learn more about teaching personal statements .
Find out more
- Search postgraduate courses .
- Find out what else you must consider when applying for a Masters degree .
- Completed your application? Discover what postgraduate interview questions you may be asked.
How would you rate this page?
On a scale where 1 is dislike and 5 is like
- Dislike 1 unhappy-very
- Like 5 happy-very
Thank you for rating the page
How to write your postgraduate personal statement
Are you applying for a postgraduate degree and want to know how to write a strong master's statement we have all the answers, tips and tricks for you , charlotte lynsdale, .css-76pyzs{margin-right:0.25rem;} ,, yasmin bell.
![how to write your postgraduate personal statement Girl receiving results happy](https://www.timeshighereducation.com/student/sites/default/files/styles/default/public/2022-09/iStock-1311638353.jpg?itok=wKKCEavW)
Writing a personal statement for your postgraduate university application can be daunting. So we have asked two experts, Charlotte Lynsdale from the University of Kent and Yasmin Bell from the University of Reading , to share their advice and help you write the best personal statement for your postgraduate university application.
What is a postgraduate personal statement?
Charlotte Lynsdale, internationalisation and recruitment manager of Kent Business School at the University of Kent , explains that a postgraduate personal statement “is a supporting statement required as part of your formal application for postgraduate study. It provides the university with an overview of who you are and why you are applying to study at that particular university and for that particular course. It should not be generic but specific to the university in question.”
Yasmin Bell, the postgraduate student recruitment officer at the University of Reading , agrees that “the personal statement is a document that allows you to sell yourself to the admissions officer reviewing your application and tell them why you deserve a place on your chosen course – much like a covering letter for your CV tells companies why you should be hired. While your undergraduate personal statement broadly expressed why you wanted to study a particular subject, a postgraduate personal statement is more in-depth as you now have more insight into your academic interests, and more life experience.”
How long should it be?
Both Yasmin and Charlotte agree that the personal statement should aim to be around one side of A4 paper, but to always check admissions requirements with your university before starting your personal statement.
“The application software your chosen institution uses may have an embedded text box with a word or character limit for you to input your personal statement. In these cases, it is worth checking with the university in question what the limits are to ensure your personal statement is submitted in its entirety,” adds Yasmin.
How to write a postgraduate personal statement?
Charlotte’s tips on structuring a personal statement:
- A good personal statement is one that has been clearly thought through, highlighting clear evidence of research into the university and course by the student. Do not simply cut and paste elements of a university’s website as this demonstrates poor independent writing ability and will not help your application.
- You should start by providing an overview of yourself and the course that you are applying for. This could include what has inspired you to study your chosen subject and where your interest stems from.
- This should lead itself into providing more detail about your chosen course, highlighting key elements of the course structure, the modules you will study, specific areas of interest etc. You could note subjects that you studied at undergraduate level that may have sparked your interest and why you may wish to continue learning at a higher level, within a specialist masters. You can also list modules that interest you in a change of subject direction for those conversion master’s courses.
- If you have undertaken any relevant work experience or internships this could also be highlighted, elaborating on skills and knowledge gained that could enhance your master’s study.
- Likewise, any skills you’ve gained from extracurricular activities. If you’re not involved in any extracurricular activities, you could reference any books, articles and journals that are specific to your subject of interest and explain why you’ve found them engaging.
- You should ensure that you highlight the key reasons why you wish to study at the university – such as location, accreditations, ranking, personal recommendation etc. Again, ensure this is not generic but shows that you have undertaken research in this area.
- You should finish with an overall conclusion as to why you should be considered for the course. This doesn’t need to be lengthy, just a sentence or two. Some students use their conclusion to share what they want to pursue in the future, others use it to emphasise their motives for going to university.
“Your writing should be clear and concise; with all the points you mention serving your overarching purpose: to convince the person reviewing your application that you are the ideal candidate for the programme. Therefore, you should only include information that is relevant to this goal,” Yasmin adds.
Top tips on writing a personal statement
The University of Kent has some extra tips on writing your personal statement:
- Plan before you write. This will allow you to collate your thoughts before writing to ensure you mention all the things you want to/ensure you have included a wide range of topics that allow the reader to get a sense of who you are as a person.
- Check your spelling and grammar. I know this sounds like an obvious one, but universities don’t only want to see your academic record, achievements and what you have to offer, but also if you are careful and precise when providing work. They will not care how clever you are if you have not taken the time to read over your work and ensure it has been submitted to the highest standard possible.
- Go into detail about why you deserve a place at the university. You do not have to make it overly personal but showing that you are an individual who truly cares about their education and advancing to be the best they can be will always impress others and make your personal statement stand out among the rest.
- Provide mini conclusions after every major point. Not only will this help navigate around your personal statement, make it easier to read and digest and ensure you clarify each point, but it will also ensure that your writing remains focused and on topic.
- Showcase your current skills and how enrolling on to this course will enhance them. Postgraduate education is all about enhancing your current skill set, adding new ones and accomplishing things that are not possible at undergraduate level. It is important to note your excitement of growing into an individual fully versed within their chosen field of topic, and how you are looking forward to being at the top of your game.
If you'd like more t ips on writing your personal statement for university this guide will help.
How do postgraduate personal statements compare to undergraduate statements?
Charlotte points out that “postgraduate statements are very similar to undergraduate ones apart from the fact that you will need to showcase how your undergraduate degree has equipped you with the essential skills to advance to the next level.”
Yasmin wants to remind postgraduate applicants to “remember from your undergraduate studies, universities take plagiarism very seriously. The expectation to submit purely your own work similarly applies to your postgraduate personal statement. While reading example statements online can help you understand how to structure your writing, you should avoid copying someone else’s work. The decision to accept or reject your application may be affected by this behaviour.”
How should I end the statement?
Charlotte says that your final paragraph doesn’t need to be lengthy, just a sentence or two. Some students use their conclusion to share what they want to pursue in the future, others use it to emphasise their motives for going to uni. Whatever you choose, make sure you get across your ambition and passion for the subject.
You may also like
![how to write your postgraduate personal statement Student celebrating](https://www.timeshighereducation.com/student/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.timeshighereducation.com%2Fstudent%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fstyles%2Fdefault%2Fpublic%2Fstudent_success.jpg%3Fitok%3DeMqxX0dX&w=3840&q=75)
.css-185owts{overflow:hidden;max-height:54px;text-indent:0px;} Top tips for writing an original personal statement
Hannah Morrish
![how to write your postgraduate personal statement Students writing](https://www.timeshighereducation.com/student/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.timeshighereducation.com%2Fstudent%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fstyles%2Fdefault%2Fpublic%2Fstudents-writing.jpg%3Fitok%3DQ5tDr9yy&w=3840&q=75)
11 most common opening lines in Ucas personal statements
Carly Minsky
![how to write your postgraduate personal statement Woman standing at a fork in the road](https://www.timeshighereducation.com/student/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.timeshighereducation.com%2Fstudent%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fstyles%2Fdefault%2Fpublic%2F2022-01%2FiStock-1155167788.jpg%3Fitok%3DNTzwbGay&w=3840&q=75)
What is the difference between a postgraduate taught master’s and a postgraduate research master’s?
Richard Carruthers
Register free and enjoy extra benefits
- Home »
find your perfect postgrad program Search our Database of 30,000 Courses
Postgraduate personal statement.
A postgraduate personal statement is one of the most important steps to consider when applying for a masters course or applying for a PhD .
Writing a postgraduate personal statement is a standard part of the admissions and entry requirements process. Your personal statement and your references are the two main sources of information in your postgraduate application, and the personal statement is the one you have control over.
So, how do you write a postgraduate personal statement that stands out?
How to write a postgraduate personal statement
Follow this process to write the perfect personal statement.
Check the course criteria
Firstly, you’ll need to check the course criteria. It is important that you become familiar with what the program involves, as well as its entry requirements, and the kind of skills that will be required from you in order to gain a place on the course.
This will provide you with key information to cover in your postgraduate personal statement, and give you an idea of the kind of student that the university accepts on that particular course.
Key information that will help you write your postgraduate personal statement includes:
Course modules - Are there any specific course modules that will play to your strengths? Mention how you can bring knowledge, passion and discussion to these particular areas of the course in your masters personal statement, and relate this to your previous experience at undergraduate level.
Teaching and assessment style - Does the course specify particular teaching or assessment styles? Show the university that you are well suited to those styles. For example, if the course uses group presentation assessments, mention your previous experience with this during undergraduate study.
Key skills - Do the course details specify any desired skills or requirements from students? Tailor your personal statement to demonstrate your ability in these skills.
Entry requirements - Most masters and postgraduate courses will specify entry requirements. This usually relates to the grade, or predicted grade, you have at undergraduate level. It is a good idea to mention this in your postgraduate personal statement when applying for a course.
Outline your skills and experience
The next step is to outline your skills, knowledge and experience. You can do this by drafting out a rough mind map of the skills that you think would be relevant to your chosen postgraduate course.
This will also help demonstrate your passion for the subject, and give the university a strong impression of why you want to study that particular course.
When including these skills in your statement, mention your intention to develop your skills at postgraduate level . This will help reflect your intentions to engage with the course content and thrive in an academic setting.
Answer key admission questions
The easiest way to start writing a postgraduate personal statement is to make a plan. Work out what sort of things the university wants to know about you, and then answer those questions. Good questions to look at include:
Why do you want to study this particular course?
Why do you want to study at this particular university?
What part of the course in particular appeals to you? e.g. certain modules or work opportunities.
What previous experience do you have in the area you are applying to study?
What skills do you have that’ll lend themselves to postgraduate study? e.g. if you apply for a research masters , what did you learn from doing a dissertation?
What career path or further study route would you like to take after your postgraduate study?
Write with a positive tone
As well as thinking about what to write in your postgraduate personal statement, it’s just as important to consider how to write it.
Your postgraduate or masters personal statement should be received with a positive tone, demonstrating your passion and drive to the reader. Create a positive sentiment using confident language.
Here’s an overview of action verbs to include in your personal statement:
Established
Write in an active voice to demonstrate your active participation in projects.
What do you mean by active voice?
Take a look at the two examples below:
Active voice: I developed key interpersonal skills through group work.
Passive voice: Key interpersonal skills were developed through group work.
Add personality
This doesn’t mean you need to write something that no-one has ever read before, but that you need to make sure some of your personality comes across in your statement.
Did you get into philosophy thanks to a certain work of fiction? Mention it (briefly). Did a particular incident doing undergrad biology make you want to study medicine ? Write it down! Remember, whilst there’s a set amount of things you need to include (like answering the questions above); don’t restrict your personal template to a template you find online if you see opportunities to make your writing stand out.
Tailor to individual universities
Remember that a postgraduate personal statement is different to an undergraduate statement as you can tailor it to each individual university. You shouldn’t send out the same masters personal statement to each university.
There are two good ways to do this – either write one for each university, or write a basic template, and adjust it to focus on each university you apply for.
Create your first draft
Once you have all of your thoughts and key points together, it’s time to write the first draft of your masters personal statement. Don’t worry about perfecting it at this point. The aim of a first draft is to revisit it later on and identify any areas that need improvement.
How long should a postgraduate personal statement be?
A postgraduate personal statement should have a word count of around 500 words, or one side of A4 . Some universities will specify personal statement word count requirements in the application details, and some will use online submission forms with set character limits.
It is important that you adhere to this and make sure that your postgraduate personal statement is the ideal length. This will show that you can interpret and deliver a brief. Some universities require much more than the standard personal statement length, such as the University of Oxford , so make sure you check!
How do you start a postgraduate personal statement?
Starting your personal statement can be the hardest part of writing your first draft. It is best to keep your opening statement simple . University admissions will have to read through a lot of applications, so it’s helpful to get to the point and demonstrate your interest in the course from the beginning.
Here are some top tips for writing your personal statement intro:
Avoid clichés. Admission staff will have read these a thousand times. Cliche openings can include sentences like “For as long as I remember…”, or “I have always wanted to be a…”
Show your passion for the topic and explain the reasons you want to study that course
Why are you excited about studying that course? Be specific.
Don't always start at the beginning. Try writing your introduction as the last step in the writing process.
Proofread and edit your statement
Finally (and the most important part of all!), proofread your personal statement. Take a few days away from it, and then go back and read it again.
After you’ve edited it, find someone else to take a look too. Ideally, if you can find a tutor willing to help, they’re your best bet. If not, a friend already on a postgraduate course should have an idea of how to write a postgraduate personal statement successfully.
Once you’ve done all of this, your statement should be ready. Take a deep breath, upload the file (or put it along with your printed copy), and finish the rest of your application.
Make sure you keep a copy on file, just in case you need to refer to it later!
Postgraduate personal statement tips
Another important thing to remember when writing your postgraduate personal statement is to be 100% honest and true - don’t just make things up !
In the same way that you should NEVER lie on your postgraduate CV , you shouldn’t do this on your postgraduate personal statement either. It’s not just important to make sure you don’t make things up about yourself – make sure anything you say about the university and the postgraduate course you’re applying to has been thoroughly researched.
After all, the university is definitely the expert on what it offers, and the admissions office will certainly know if you’re making it up.
Make sure you’re memorable
Of course, there are also ways to help your postgraduate personal statement get noticed beyond what you actually write, and that’s to make yourself memorable in other ways .
Name-dropping is probably not the solution here, but dropping in references to subjects you know their department specialises in is definitely worthwhile. Just make sure you know what you’re talking about and haven’t just picked something at random!
Fill in the gaps
But what if you’ve got some weak spot that comes up? Perhaps you did worse than expected on a certain module, or you have an unexplained gap in between leaving university and applying for further study? You simply need to own it.
The university might want to know about these things, and the best thing you can do is explain it, and put a positive spin on it. Did you get worse results than expected because you were ill? Say as much – and then mention how much extra reading you’ve done since, and how much you’re looking forward to improving in that area!
The university will understand this and appreciate your additional efforts in other areas.
Keep it concise
A personal statement shouldn't be too long, there'll be many other personal statements that need to be read and considered, so you should ensure you make your points in a concise and engaging fashion.
Start early
This advice may be common sense but it is crucial. By starting early you will reduce the stress of writing a personal statement by a long way. This will give you plenty of time to get a head start and reduce your stress when applying for a masters or other course.
Use consistent structure
Keep your masters personal statement structure clear and consistent. If the overall structure and layout of your personal statement is poor, you will drastically decrease your chances of getting an offer.
You can easily solve the problem of poor layout by following this simple check-list:
Ensure all margins are the same
Ensure the font is the same throughout
Ensure the size of the font is the same throughout (except subheadings)
Ensure spacing is the same throughout
You will need to plan the structure of your statement and make sure that it flows – with the best way of checking this being to read your personal statement out loud a number of times. This will enable you to weed out any sentences or words that just don't quite fit.
![](http://serviteca.online/777/templates/cheerup2/res/banner1.gif)
Things to avoid in your postgrad personal statement
So far in this article we’ve looked at how to write your postgraduate personal statement, but what about the things that you should avoid? Here’s our rundown of the top eight postgraduate personal statement no-nos!
- Misinformation & exaggeration – stick to the facts and don't lie, sounds fairly straightforward, right? But it's all too easy to write what you would like to have done rather than what you actually have done. Even easier than a little misinformation, is a little exaggeration. Stretching work experience to cover a gap or inflating your responsibility can get you caught out. Ultimately exaggerating or making up information in your personal statement can end up in you losing your place on the course or your funding – so stick to the truth.
- Typos – obviously, you need to proofread your personal statement and not just for the information you've contained in it. Don't rely on spell checkers to get it right, read through it a few times just for errors and get someone you trust to do the same as sometimes you can read and re-read something and not spot a small error. Small typos could have a big impact on the admissions panel.
- Passionless personal statement – try to convey your passion for your postgraduate subject through your personal statement, however be careful as you don't want to overdo it and come across as being insincere. It's a difficult balance, but an important one. Again, get someone you trust or who has experience of the course you're applying for to give your personal statement a read through and give you their honest opinion.
- Slang words – keep your language formal and avoid slang words as well as impenetrable technical language. You've already successfully applied for an undergraduate degree and you've probably also successfully applied for a job, so you should understand what clear language to use. Some courses, like law or medicine, might require more formal language than some of the arts, but check with trusted colleagues or those who've already completed the course. Which leads us onto…
- Ignoring feedback – if you ask someone to read through your personal statement, then you should probably take the time to listen to what they really think about it. If you disagree with them remember it is your personal statement and it is you who will be doing the course you're applying for, but, do listen to the advice in the first instance.
- Repetition – you'll want to include a short introduction and a short conclusion, but avoid repeating yourself in the main body of your personal statement. You will only need to explain a point once – again it is always useful to get someone else to read through to check you're not repeating yourself at any point.
- Plagiarism – unless you completed your undergraduate degree a long time ago, then you should know that almost everything you submit will be run through plagiarism software. Many universities and the system used in the UK for undergraduate applications use plagiarism software on personal statements already. Stay away from copying and pasting anything, even if you plan to rewrite it, as it is easy to forget or not notice the plagiarised sections once you've finished.
- Bitterness & negativity – avoid complaining about any past experiences you’ve had, especially educational ones, you will never know where the person reviewing your application has worked or studied before. Negativity reflects badly on you, and you should try instead to demonstrate any positive outcomes that you have had from a bad experience.
Masters personal statement examples
Personal statement example: psychology masters .
"I have always been fascinated by the human mind and its intricate workings, which is why I am excited to pursue a Masters in Psychology. My previous studies in psychology at undergraduate level have inspired my interests in this field, and I am now eager to take my understanding of the subject to the next level.
Areas that particularly interested me at undergraduate level include cognitive psychology and neuroscience. I am fascinated by the ways in which the brain processes information, and the impact this has on human behaviour. By studying a masters degree in psychology, I hope to further explore these areas and develop a deeper understanding of the subject.
Alongside my academic studies, I have volunteered for a local mental health support charity, where I gained experience in a practice-based setting. This experience helped me develop valuable insight into real-life applications of psychology, and has inspired me to pursue a career in this field.
I am excited about the opportunity to study psychology in more depth, and am confident that I have the skills and motivation to succeed at masters level. I am committed to making a positive impact with my skills and knowledge, and believe that this course will provide me with the necessary tools to achieve this.”
Personal statement example: engineering masters
“As an ambitious and driven individual with a strong passion for engineering, I am excited to apply for the Master of Engineering program at XYZ University. My undergraduate studies in mechanical engineering provided me with a solid foundation in the field, and I am now eager to take my knowledge and skills to the next level.
Throughout my studies, I have had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through various internships and research projects. These experiences have not only confirmed my passion for engineering but also allowed me to develop important skills such as problem-solving and critical thinking.
I am particularly interested in the area of sustainable energy and am eager to explore this field further through the Master of Engineering program. I am confident that the program's emphasis on research and hands-on learning will provide me with the knowledge and skills necessary to make a positive impact in this field.
Furthermore, I believe that the diverse student body and faculty at XYZ University will provide a valuable learning environment and endless opportunities for personal and professional growth. I am excited to be a part of this community and contribute to the university's mission of advancing the field of engineering.
I am confident that the Master of Engineering program at XYZ University is the perfect next step in my academic and professional journey – and I am eager to begin this new chapter of my life.”
Personal statement example: linguistics masters
“Having always been fascinated by language, I am thrilled to apply for the Linguistics masters course at XYZ University. My undergraduate studies in English Language and Linguistics have given me a solid foundation of knowledge in this field, and I am now ready to delve deeper and gain a more comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of human language.
Throughout my undergraduate degree, I have been particularly interested in phonology and syntax, and have had the opportunity to conduct independent research in these fields of study. This experience further inspired my passion for linguistics and helped me develop important skills – such as analytical thinking and data analysis.
I am excited for the opportunity to continue developing my knowledge in these areas, as well as expand my understanding in other areas of linguistics. I am drawn to the program’s focus on computational linguistics, as this is not something that I have had the opportunity to explore at undergraduate level, despite being an area I find fascinating.
The diverse student body and renowned linguistics faculty at XYZ University will provide a valuable learning environment and promising opportunities for personal and professional development. I hope to be a part of this community and contribute to the faculty’s aims to advance the field of linguistics.
I am confident that the program offers the perfect next step in my academic journey, and I am excited to begin this new chapter of my life.”
In conclusion, a personal statement is important to get right because it gives the university admissions panel their very first impression of you. Take your time, be proud of your skills and achievements. Your statement could make the difference between securing a spot and not, so make sure your application stands out from the crowd.
Related articles
UCAS Postgraduate & Postgraduate Applications
Things To Avoid In Your Postgrad Personal Statement
Preparing For Your Postgraduate Application
How To Apply For A Masters
Entry Requirements For Postgraduate Students
How To Choose A Masters Degree
Postgrad Solutions Study Bursaries
![how to write your postgraduate personal statement Postgrad.com](https://www.postgrad.com/static/src/images/footer-logo.png?v=2)
Exclusive bursaries Open day alerts Funding advice Application tips Latest PG news
Complete Our Destination Survey
![Destination Survey Destination Survey](https://media.postgrad.com/filer_public_thumbnails/filer_public/29/07/29070676-12b6-4c03-a04b-20a48e309276/destination_balloons.jpg__300x201_q85_subsampling-2.jpg)
Take 2 minutes to complete our Destination Survey for the chance to win a Postgrad Study Bursary worth £2,000.
All we need to know is:
- Your university
- Your PG course
- FindAMasters
- Postgraduate Personal Statements
Written by Ben Taylor
Once you’ve found the perfect Masters programme, the next step is to begin the application process. You’ll usually have to write a postgraduate personal statement that highlights your strengths, skills and experience, giving you the perfect opportunity to sell yourself and to show the admissions tutor that you’ll thrive at their university.
This page provides some practical tips on writing a successful personal statement for a Masters application, from the typical structure to avoidable mistakes – along with some examples of what to do and what not to do! We’ve also included links to several postgraduate personal statement examples in subjects including Business, Psychology and International Relations.
On this page
What is a masters personal statement.
If you’re applying for a Masters, it’s likely that you’ve already written a personal statement for a Bachelors degree and will have a good idea of how one works. Normally, a Masters personal statement won’t be wildly different to what you wrote back then.
You should say why you’re applying for this particular course and institution , talking about what makes it such an appealing place to study. Perhaps there’s a member of staff who you’re especially excited about working with, or a unique element of the curriculum that jumps out at you.
Demonstrate how and why you are invested in your subject. It’s important to mention your academic and employment history, explaining its impact on your choice of a postgraduate course.
What should I include in a Masters personal statement?
Give examples of some of the skills and experience you’ve developed at university or at work, and how they’ll help you succeed with a Masters degree. These could include:
- Time management
- Communication
- Internships
- Public engagement
- Conference attendance
- Relevant extracurricular activities
Your personal statement is an opportunity to write about your future career goals, and how you think this Masters will help you achieve them. You can also discuss preliminary ideas you might have for your Masters dissertation , giving the admissions tutor an indication of the specialist knowledge you have in your discipline.
If there are any significant gaps in your education or employment, you should offer a brief explanation of those extenuating situations (for example, illness or a gap year). Don’t dwell on any unfortunate circumstances though – always strike a positive, optimistic tone.
In most (but not all) cases, you’ll apply directly to the university for a Masters rather than through a centralised system like UCAS. This means you can tailor each personal statement to the institution and programme in question (rather than submitting a single personal statement for five courses, like at undergraduate level in the UK).
You don’t necessarily have to a completely new personal statement for each Masters programme you apply to (there will usually be a degree of overlap between them), but it’s worth putting the extra effort in to make sure your application doesn’t seem like a generic copy-and-paste job to the admissions tutor reading it. You can do this by mentioning the university and department by name, and by providing specific examples of their syllabus that you find intriguing. Pay attention to what makes this particular Masters unique and refer to this in your statement.
How long should a Masters personal statement be?
When writing a postgraduate personal statement, you should aim for a word count of around 500 words (one A4 side of text). Some universities will have more specific requirements, however – for example, they might ask you to submit your personal statement via a form on their website with a character limit.
The relatively short nature of a Masters personal statement means that you should focus on being as succinct as possible, getting straight to the point and avoiding unnecessary detail.
Frequently asked questions about Masters applications
If you have any other questions or concerns about applying for a Masters, our FAQ page features lots of useful information on the application process and beyond. Find out more .
How should I write a personal statement?
How you write your personal statement is just as important as the content; a clear, structured statement is proof of your ability to communicate effectively.
These are some of the most essential attributes of a successful postgraduate personal statement:
- Positive, enthusiastic language
- Professional tone of voice
- Compelling evidence to back up your claims
- Concise and clear sentences
Meanwhile, this is a list of the tendencies to avoid in your personal statement:
- Clichés – think of a way to put it that the admissions tutor won’t have seen lots of times before!
- Waffle – don’t use meandering, vague sentences
- Poor spelling and grammar – check, check and check again, running it past someone with a trustworthy pair of eyes
Don't : After falling in love with the Artemis Fowl series as a young child I have been driven to pursue the study of literature and I think your Masters would be the perfect place for me to continue my journey, given it’s world-leading status and your outstanding academic staff who’s expertise is aligned with my own personal interest in novels and poetry.
Do : Since graduating in 2015 with a First in Advertising from the University of Ogdenville, I’ve been working full-time as a copywriter for Hutz&co (one of Shelbyville’s largest marketing agencies). I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at the company, learning a great deal about the importance of clear, compelling language. I’ve honed the communication skills I developed at university and feel well-equipped to continue my studies at North Haverbrook University.
Don’t make the mistake of using your undergraduate personal statement as a template for your Masters application. A Masters is a big step up from your undergraduate degree, and the admissions tutor will be looking for evidence that you’ve developed academically since then. Find out more about the differences between undergraduate and postgraduate courses .
Always give yourself enough time to complete your personal statement (and the application process in general) well before the deadline — don’t leave things to the last minute! It’s crucial to get another pair of eyes on your statement, so ask a friend or relative to proofread the text. It’s also worth checking if you have access to a careers adviser through your current (or previous) university who can help you with the application.
How should I structure a personal statement?
By carefully structuring your personal statement, you’ll present the admissions tutor with a logical and easy-to-follow text that shows exactly why you’re a perfect fit for a Masters. Make sure there’s a clear thread of argument linking each paragraph – avoid jumping from topic to topic.
Jot down a short plan before you begin working on the statement (don’t make it up as you go along!). In general, you should aim to write around five or six paragraphs, covering three broad categories:
- An attention-grabbing introduction that sums up your academic and employment background. Don’t be tempted to use a gimmicky inspirational quote or cheesy opener, you’ll stand out for all the wrong reasons!
- An engaging middle section that expands on your interests and provides concrete evidence of your strengths and skills.
- A concise conclusion that draws together the most important elements of your application and will leave a lasting, positive impression of your motivation for study on this particular Masters programme.
Bear in mind that admissions tutors will be reading dozens (if not hundreds) of personal statements. They’ll appreciate a well-organised, methodical text that signposts all the significant parts of your experience and skills.
Postgraduate personal statement examples
We’ve written a selection of postgraduate personal statement samples for several popular subjects.
If you’re working on a personal statement for your Masters application, hopefully they’ll give you some inspiration – but don’t forget that they’re certainly not a substitute for your own unique experiences and background!
- Business Studies
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Engineering
- Forensic Psychology
- Graphic Design
- International Relations
- Library Science
- Public Administration
- Public Health
Want more advice on postgraduate applications?
Check out our full guide to applying for a Masters or visit our pages on entry requirements and postgraduate references .
Find your perfect Masters!
Search from over 20,000 Masters degrees on our website to find one that is right for you
Our postgrad newsletter shares courses, funding news, stories and advice
![how to write your postgraduate personal statement how to write your postgraduate personal statement](https://fau-res.cloudinary.com/image/upload/w_475,c_scale/common/images/generic/cards/HURL28.png)
Thinking of applying for a Masters? Our guide explains the process, personal statements, references and deadlines for Masters applications.
![how to write your postgraduate personal statement how to write your postgraduate personal statement](https://fau-res.cloudinary.com/image/upload/w_475,c_scale/common/images/generic/cards/HURL51.png)
The main requirement to apply for a Masters is usually a Bachelors degree in a relevant subject. Our guide explains the admissions requirements for postgraduate courses.
You may need a language certificate to apply for a Masters abroad. A range of tests are accepted in different countries around the world.
![how to write your postgraduate personal statement how to write your postgraduate personal statement](https://fau-res.cloudinary.com/image/upload/w_475,c_scale/common/images/generic/cards/HURL74.png)
Applying for a Masters can feel a bit daunting. Here is a checklist of all the things you need to do to make sure you have everything covered in your Masters application.
![how to write your postgraduate personal statement how to write your postgraduate personal statement](https://fau-res.cloudinary.com/image/upload/w_475,c_scale/common/images/generic/cards/HURL08.png)
Masters programmes are delivered in English at universities around the world, but you may need to submit a test score if this isn't your first language. Common tests include the IELTS, TOEFL, PTE and Cambridge English.
![how to write your postgraduate personal statement how to write your postgraduate personal statement](https://fau-res.cloudinary.com/image/upload/w_475,c_scale/common/images/generic/cards/HURL53.png)
Find out more about how different graduate entry tests for Masters degrees work, with information on the GMAT, GRE and other admissions exams.
FindAMasters. Copyright 2005-2024 All rights reserved.
Unknown ( change )
Have you got time to answer some quick questions about Masters study?
Select your nearest city
- Aberystwyth
- Beaconsfield
- Bishop Burton
- Bournemouth
- Bridlington
- Chatham Maritime
- Cirencester
- East Malling
- Hemel Hempstead
- High Wycombe
- Huddersfield
- Isle of Man
- Jordanstown
- London Central
- London East
- London South
- London West
- Londonderry
- Loughborough
- Middlesbrough
- Milton Keynes
- Musselburgh
- Northampton
- Potters Bar
- Saffron Waldon
- Scarborough
- Southampton
- St Leonards on Sea
- Stoke on Trent
- Wolverhampton
You haven’t completed your profile yet. To get the most out of FindAMasters, finish your profile and receive these benefits:
- Monthly chance to win one of ten £10 Amazon vouchers ; winners will be notified every month.*
- Access to our £6,000 scholarship competition
- Weekly newsletter with funding opportunities, application tips and much more
- Early access to our physical and virtual postgraduate study fairs
Or begin browsing FindAMasters.com
or begin browsing FindAMasters.com
*Offer only available for the duration of your active subscription, and subject to change. You MUST claim your prize within 72 hours, if not we will redraw.
![how to write your postgraduate personal statement how to write your postgraduate personal statement](https://fau-res.cloudinary.com/image/upload/common/bespoke-pages/custom-pages/bpid6458/img2020114135.png)
Do you want hassle-free information and advice?
Create your FindAMasters account and sign up to our newsletter:
- Find out about funding opportunities and application tips
- Receive weekly advice, student stories and the latest Masters news
- Hear about our upcoming study fairs
- Save your favourite programmes, track enquiries and get personalised subject updates
![how to write your postgraduate personal statement how to write your postgraduate personal statement](https://fau-res.cloudinary.com/image/upload/common/images/login-facebook.png)
Create your account
Looking to list your Masters programmes? Log in here .
![how to write your postgraduate personal statement Modal image](https://fau-res.cloudinary.com/image/upload/c_scale,w_400/v1625478599/mas/modal-image.jpg)
Let us help you find a Masters
Never miss a course
Enter our ambassador competition
Get funding news, tips and advice
Hear about upcoming events
Sign up to our newsletter today
We've been helping students find the right postgraduate course for over a decade.
Login to your account
Enter your username below to login to your account.
Search suggestions update instantly to match the search query.
![how to write your postgraduate personal statement University of Portsmouth logo](https://www.port.ac.uk/themes/custom/portsmouth//images/logo-mobile.png)
Writing a personal statement for your Master's
![how to write your postgraduate personal statement Postgrad students on campus](https://www.port.ac.uk/sites/default/files/styles/hero_mobile/public/media/images/Writing%20a%20personal%20statement%20for%20your%20Master%27s%20hero.png?h=dca8aacd&itok=sGdKxppB)
Your Personal Statement
See our checklist for the essentials to include.
Your Personal Statement is a great opportunity for you to introduce yourself and outline why you're a compelling candidate for a course. It should be about 1,000 words, or one side of A4.
In your personal statement, you should demonstrate your enthusiasm for the course and highlight the skills you've gained from your academic studies and your work or life experience. If you're not currently studying you should include information about if you've taken a year out, and why, and details of your current or previous employment.
Your personal statement checklist
Your personal statement should convey your views and be written in your style. To be successful, make sure you're clear, concise and factual. Don't get someone else to write it for you. In your personal statement, you should include the following:
Your reasons for choosing the course
Think about:
- Relevant previous academic study, achievements and projects
- Academics skills you've already developed and want to develop further
- If the course links to your dissertation
- Anything that has significantly influenced your choice
- Why you want to study at the University of Portsmouth - are you interested in a particular research focus or quality of research?
Outline your reasons for doing postgraduate study and specifically the course you've chosen. Demonstrate your enthusiasm for further study and/or research.
Write about relevant previous academic study, achievements and projects. Focus on academic skills you've developed and wish to develop further. Does the course link to your dissertation? Mention anything that significantly influenced your choice. Why do you want to study at the particular institution you're applying to? Are you interested in a particular research focus or quality of research?
Your interest in your chosen subject
Demonstrate that you're clear about what the course will involve. Ask yourself the following questions:
- What is it about this course that interests you?
- Are there any features of this course that particularly attract you and why?
- What sparked your interest in this study area?
- What have you done so far to develop your interest?
- What have you learned about yourself in the process?
Give details of any relevant jobs, work experience, placement or voluntary work you have done. Include the skills and the experience you've gained from these activities.
Reflect on work experience and how this has influenced your choices. What will you bring to the course as a result? Consider the skills you'll need to be successful on your course and give evidence you have these skills.
Your future career plans
Do you have a clear career goal? How does your course choice fit with this? This could demonstrate commitment to the programme to achieve a specific outcome. Where your chosen course is of a vocational nature, this section will be especially important. You'll need to include evidence of work experience and career exploration.
Your social, sports or leisure interests
For some courses it might be useful to provide evidence of additional skills that are useful in your studies. For challenging courses it demonstrates that you have an outlet outside your studies.
International students
If you're an international student you may also like to include the following:
- Your reasons for studying in the UK – this could include the course, research, cultural experience, and/or a desire to improve language skills
- Your language skills – what evidence do you have to show that you can complete a higher education course that is taught in English?
- Evidence of previous studies in an English–speaking environment
Make sure your personal statement is written to a high standard with good spelling and grammar and make sure the meaning is clear. Don't get someone else to write your personal statement for you – you have to demonstrate that you have the right level of English to support your studies.
If you studied your undergraduate degree at the University of Portsmouth, the Careers and Employability Service can offer support with writing your Master's Personal Statement. Find out how you can get feedback on your application .
Study Postgraduate
Guide to writing your personal statement.
![how to write your postgraduate personal statement](https://warwick.ac.uk/personal-statement.jpg)
What is a personal statement?
Your personal statement is an important part of your postgraduate taught application. This is your chance to engage the Course Selectors and demonstrate your passion, enthusiasm and commitment for your chosen course. You can use it to clarify and expand on any information in your application and highlight what you want us to know. It should be personalised for the specific course you are applying for.
Personal Statements should be approximately 1-2 pages. It must be in English and in your own words.
Do your research
When applying for any course, we strongly recommend you view the course pages on the relevant Warwick department's webpages to read more information on the course description, content, entry requirements and any additional requirements.
Additionally, some departments such as WBS and WMG have particular requirements for what they want you to write about in your personal statement. Please make sure you visit the course pages on your department's website to check for any additional requirements.
What should you write about?
Here are some themes you should consider when writing your personal statement. Please note this list is not complete, but includes useful questions you may wish to explore:
Why are you interested in the course?
What are your reasons for choosing this specific course at the University of Warwick? What motivates you? Why do you want to undertake postgraduate study at this point in your academic or professional career?
How are you qualified for the course?
This may be about your prior study, work experience, internships, skills, achievements or research and how they relate the course. How did your previous experiences give you the skills or knowledge you will need for this course specifically? What did you learn and how would this help you on this course? What might you contribute to your cohort?
How will the course benefit your future career plans?
What are your goals? What skills do you want to develop? How would this course prepare you for the future you envision for yourself?
- Try to avoid vague statements such as 'I have always wanted to go to your University because I have a passion for study' or 'I want a better job'.
- You don't need to repeat information you have already given us. For example, we already know the details of your undergraduate degree from your transcripts.
- Likewise, you can include information about your employment, hobbies and voluntary work, but you need to add more detail to explain how they are related to the course you are applying for.
- Donʼt submit the same generic statement for many different courses. You must tailor the statement for each specific course.
- You may use your personal statement to address any gaps in your knowledge and how you have or plan to address them.
- Make sure your personal statement has a clear introduction (beginning), body (middle), and conclusion (the end). Check your grammar and spelling, and keep your sentences short and concise.
Frequently Asked Questions
![how to write your postgraduate personal statement how to write your postgraduate personal statement](https://sites.exeter.ac.uk/careerzone/wp-content/themes/UOE-blog-theme/images/uoe-logo-header.png)
Career Zone
How to Write a Great Postgraduate Personal Statement
![how to write your postgraduate personal statement](https://sites.exeter.ac.uk/careerzone/wp-content/uploads/sites/127/2023/01/Untitled-design-11-1-300x251.png)
Clare Johnson is the Career Zone Officer, based on the Streatham Campus.
Getting started:
- You’ve done some research about choosing postgraduate study on our website: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/careers/pgstudy/
- You may have discussed your options with a Careers Consultant, by contacting us to book an appointment via our live chat at https://www.exeter.ac.uk/careers/ in person at your Career Zone, or by phone on 01392 724493.
- You’ve decided postgraduate study is for you.
Now all that stands between you and that fantastic postgraduate course is a great application, particularly the crafting of a persuasive personal statement. The statement is your chance to show what you have to offer and how good a match you are for the course.
How can you maximise your chances of success? Here are some tips to help you:
Preparation:
- Plan ahead as you’ll often need to submit your application early, particularly if the course is very competitive. Think about who you might ask for references and who could give you feedback. Start doing some research on the institution and the course.
- Read the Rules and Guidelines provided by the Institution. Many universities will have a particular procedure they want you to adopt and will give you advice about this. Also check the selection criteria.
Getting Started: 3 top tips
- Keep the focus on why you want to study a particular programme and your potential to successfully complete the course.
- Use a positive, enthusiastic and professional tone and aim for clarity of expression. If you enjoy writing the statement, that will shine through.
- Tailor your statement to the course you’re applying for and make it unique.
Structure your Personal Statement
Although there’s no single way to write a personal statement, the following guidelines are useful to consider:
- Your statement should have an introduction, main body and conclusion and follow a clear methodical structure.
- The introduction should get straight to the point, to grab the reader’s attention from the beginning, and show your enthusiasm for studying the course.
- The main body should cover your academic and employment background, giving evidence of your knowledge and skills and showing why you’re a good match for the course.
- The conclusion should summarise why you’re the ideal candidate and how you would be an asset to the University.
- Length: C heck the guidelines given by the university you’re applying for. A statement can be as short as 500 words, or as long as around 1500 words. If it’s not specified, go for about one and half sides of A4, around 1000-1500 words. Some institutions set a character limit instead.
Show you’re ready to undertake postgraduate study
- Give the admissions tutors evidence of your enthusiasm, commitment and motivation for further study and research.
- Demonstrate your skills, and how they’ll fit with the course, e.g. time management, critical thinking, resilience, communication.
- Cover any grades, awards, work placements, extra readings or conferences that you’ve attended and how these have contributed to your readiness for Masters study. Show how you’re motivated to do high levels of independent research, and mention completed projects and dissertations.
- Address any obvious weaknesses, such as lower-than-expected module grades in your undergraduate degree or gaps in your education history. The university will want to know about these, so explain them with a positive spin.
Do your homework on the institution and the course.
- Show admissions tutors you know something about the institution you’re applying to. Say why you want to study there and what makes the institution stand out from others. Be specific, and if you’ve visited the institution or would like to work with a particular academic, for example, remember to mention it in your application.
- Explain why the course at this particular university appeals to you. The course may have a distinct structure, modules which are exclusive to this course or links to industry, for example.
Show how the course links to your past studies and your future career
- If the course is a development of what you’ve studied before, you can demonstrate how your academic study to date, is relevant. Evidence your interest in the subject, perhaps including some academic references or readings. Outline any particular skills you have to offer.
- If the course a completely new direction you can show how you will deal with the academic challenges which might arise.
- Giving some indication of which career you might want to get into will show selectors you have a good motivation for doing well on this course. Show evidence that this is an informed career decision.
Thoroughly check your grammar, spelling and punctuation
- Your written communication skills are also being assessed so taking the time to get these right will be time well spent.
Ask for feedback
- You may have read your statement a hundred times over, but it always helps to have others look over it too. The Career Zone offers one to one appointments for feedback on postgraduate personal statements, bookable via the methods outlined at the start of this blog.
- It’s also a good idea to show your statement to an academic in the field.
References
- In many cases you’ll need to give the names of two academic referees. These would usually be a tutor and a lecturer from your course since they’ll need to comment on your academic capabilities and suitability for the programme of study you’re applying for.
A great personal statement will show the value you’ll add to the programme, as much as what you’ll gain from it, and why you’re worthy of a place on the course.
There’s plenty more useful information and advice here:
https://www.exeter.ac.uk/careers/research/helpwith/helpwithapplyingforpostgraduatestudy/
I hope you’ve found these tips on writing a great postgraduate application helpful. Allowing yourself time to complete your application will give you the best chance of success. Good luck with your applications.
At home, abroad, working, interning? Wherever you are this summer, contact OCS or make an appointment for a virtual advising session. We are available all summer!
- Undergraduates
- Ph.Ds & Postdocs
- Faculty/Staff
- Prospective Students & Guests
- Student Athletes
- First Generation and/or Low Income Students
- International Students
- LGBTQ Students
- Students with Disabilities
- Students of Color
- Student Veterans
- Advertising, Marketing & PR
- Finance, Insurance & Real Estate
- General Management & Leadership Development Programs
- Law & Legal Services
- Startups, Entrepreneurship & Freelance Work
- Environment, Sustainability & Energy
- Media & Communications
- Policy & Think Tanks
- Engineering
- Healthcare, Biotech & Global Public Health
- Life & Physical Sciences
- Programming & Data Science
- Graduate School
- Business School
- Health Professions
- Cover Letters & Correspondence
- Interview Preparation
- Professional Conduct & Etiquette
- Job Offers & Salary Negotiations
- Navigating AI in the Job Search Process
- Yale Career Link
- CareerShift
- Gap Year & Short-Term Opportunities
- Planning an International Internship
- Funding Your Experience
- Career Fairs/Networking Events
- On-Campus Recruiting
- Resource Database
- Job Market Insights
- Informational Interviewing
- Peer Networking Lists
- Building Your LinkedIn Profile
- YC First Destinations
- YC Four-Year Out
- GSAS Program Statistics
- Statistics & Reports
- Meet with OCS
- Student Organizations Workshop Request
- Office of Fellowships
- OCS Podcast Series
- Contact OCS
- OCS Mission & Policies
- Additional Yale Career Offices
- Designing Your Career
- Faculty & Staff
Writing Personal Statements for Graduate School
- Share This: Share Writing Personal Statements for Graduate School on Facebook Share Writing Personal Statements for Graduate School on LinkedIn Share Writing Personal Statements for Graduate School on X
Personal Statements
Preparing a well-written and effective personal statement (sometimes referred to as statements of purpose or personal essays) that clearly articulates your preparation, goals, and motivation for pursuing that specific graduate degree is critically important. You will need to spend a considerable amount of time and effort in crafting these statements. The focus, structure, and length of personal statements vary from program to program. Some will have prompts or questions you need to answer, while others will leave the topic open-ended. The length varies widely as well. Read instructions carefully and make sure to adhere to all parameters laid out in the application guidelines.
Clear writing is the result of clear thinking. The first and most important task is to decide on a message. Consider carefully which two or three points you wish to impress upon the reader, remembering that your audience is composed of academics who are experts in their fields. Your statement should show that you are able to think logically and express your thoughts in a clear and concise manner. Remember that the reader already has a record of your activities and your transcript; avoid simply restating your resume and transcript. Writing your statement will take time; start early and give yourself more than enough time for revisions. If no prompts are given, you can use the questions below to begin brainstorming content to include in your statement.
- What experiences and academic preparation do you have that are relevant to the degree you’re seeking?
- Why are you choosing to pursue a graduate degree at this time?
- Why do you want to pursue this particular degree and how will this degree and the specific program fit into your career plans and your long-term goals?
- What specific topics are you aiming to explore and what does the current literature say about those topics?
After you’ve written a first draft, start the work of editing, refining, simplifying, and polishing. Provide specific examples that will help illustrate your points and convey your interests, intentions, and motivations. Is any section, sentence, or word superfluous, ambiguous, apologetic, or awkward? Are your verbs strong and active? Have you removed most of the qualifiers? Are you sure that each activity or interest you mention supports one of your main ideas? Spelling and grammatical errors are inexcusable. Don’t rely on spell-check to catch all errors; read your statement aloud and have it reviewed by multiple people whose opinion you trust. If possible, have your statement reviewed by a writing tutor. For individual assistance with writing your personal statement, consult with the writing tutor in your residential college or the Writing Center within the Yale Center for Teaching and Learning .
![how to write your postgraduate personal statement ' src=](https://cdn.ocs.yale.edu/wp-content/uploads/users/967224/avatar-50x50-center-top.jpg?v=1591813841)
Office of Career Strategy
Visiting yale.
![how to write your postgraduate personal statement Stanford University](https://www.stanford.edu/su-identity/images/brandbar-stanford-logo@2x.png)
Writing Your Personal Statements
Your personal statement must demonstrate to the admissions committee that you have considered graduate school and their specific program seriously. It’s your opportunity to summarize your academic and research experiences. You must also communicate how your experiences are relevant to preparing you for the graduate degree that you will be pursuing and explain why a given program is the right one for you.
The personal statement is where you highlight your strengths. Make your strengths absolutely clear to the reviewers, because they will often be reading many other statements. Your self-assessments and honest conversations with peers and advisors should have also revealed your strengths. But you must also address (not blame others for) weaknesses or unusual aspects of your application or academic background.
Your personal statement should focus on two main aspects: your competence and commitment.
1. Identify your strengths in terms of competence that indicate that you will succeed in the grad program and provide examples to support your claims. Start your statement by describing your strengths immediately. Because faculty will be reading many statements, it’s important to start off with your strengths and not “bury your lede.” Consider traits of successful graduate students from your informational interviews, and identify which of these traits you have. These traits could involve research skills and experiences, expertise in working with techniques or instruments, familiarity with professional networks and resources in your field, etc.
- Check your responses from the exercises in the self-assessment section. You may wish to consult notes from your informational interviews and your Seven Stories . Write concise summaries and stories that demonstrate your strengths, e.g. how your strengths helped you to achieve certain goals or overcome obstacles.
- Summarize your research experience(s). What were the main project goals and the “big picture” questions? What was your role in this project? What did you accomplish? What did you learn, and how did you grow as a result of the experience(s)?
![how to write your postgraduate personal statement Vannessa Velez's portrait](https://humsci.stanford.edu/sites/default/files/styles/embed_350w_medium_1x/public/Vannessa%20Naomi%20Velez.jpg?itok=RrdcWkfl)
My research examines the interplay between U.S. domestic politics and foreign policy during the Cold War. As a native New Yorker, I saw firsthand how dramatically my city changed after 9/11, which prompted my early interest in U.S. policy at home and abroad. As an undergraduate at the City College of New York, I planned to study international relations with a focus on U.S. foreign affairs. I also quickly became involved in student activist groups that focused on raising awareness about a wide range of human rights issues, from the Syrian refugee crisis to asylum seekers from Central America.
The more I learned about the crises in the present, the more I realized that I needed a deeper understanding of the past to fully grasp them. I decided to pursue a PhD in history in order to gain a clearer understanding of human rights issues in the present and to empower young student-activists like myself.
— Vannessa Velez, PhD candidate in History
Addressing weaknesses or unusual aspects
- Identify weaknesses or unusual aspects in your application—e.g., a significant drop in your GPA during a term; weak GRE scores; changes in your academic trajectory, etc. Don’t ignore them, because ignoring them might be interpreted as blind spots for you. If you’re unsure if a particular issue is significant enough to address, seek advice from faculty mentors.
- Explain how you’ll improve and strengthen those areas or work around your weakness. Determine how you will address them in a positive light, e.g., by discussing how you overcame obstacles through persistence, what you learned from challenges, and how you grew from failures. Focusing on a growth mindset or grit and this blog on weaknesses might also help.
- Deal with any significant unusual aspects later in the statement to allow a positive impression to develop first.
- Explain, rather than provide excuses—i.e., address the issue directly and don’t blame others (even if you believe someone else is responsible). Draft it and get feedback from others to see if the explanation is working as you want it to.
- Provide supporting empirical evidence if possible. For example, “Adjusting to college was a major step for me, coming from a small high school and as a first-generation college student. My freshman GPA was not up to par with my typical achievements, as demonstrated by my improved GPA of 3.8 during my second and third years in college."
- Be concise (don’t dwell on the issues), but also be complete (don’t lead to other potentially unanswered questions). For example, if a drop in grades during a term was due to a health issue, explain whether the health issue is recurring, managed now with medication, resolved, etc.
2. Explain your commitment to research and their graduate program, including your motivation for why you are applying to this graduate program at this university. Be as specific as possible. Identify several faculty members with whom you are interested in working, and explain why their research interests you.
- Descriptions of your commitment should explain why you’re passionate about this particular academic field and provide demonstrations of your commitment with stories (e.g., working long hours to solve a problem, overcoming challenges in research, resilience in pursuing problems). Don’t merely assert your commitment.
- Explain why you are applying to graduate school, as opposed to seeking a professional degree or a job. Discuss your interest and motivation for grad school, along with your future career aspirations.
![how to write your postgraduate personal statement Jaime Fine's portrait](https://humsci.stanford.edu/sites/default/files/styles/embed_350w_medium_1x/public/Jamie%20Michelle%20Fine.jpg?itok=6zvV87GU)
I am definitely not your traditional graduate student. As a biracial (Native American and white), first-generation PhD student from a military family, I had very limited guidance on how best to pursue my education, especially when I decided that graduate school was a good idea. I ended up coming to this PhD in a very circuitous manner, stopping first to get a JD and, later, an MFA in Young Adult Literature. With each degree, I took time to work and apply what I’d learned, as a lawyer and as an educator. Each time, I realized that I was circling around questions that I couldn’t let go of—not just because I found them to be fascinating, but because I did (and still do!) feel that my research could help to bridge a gap that desperately needs bridging. Because my work is quite interdisciplinary, I strongly feel that I wouldn’t have been able to pursue this line of research without the degrees and life experience I gained before coming to this program.
— Jamie Fine, PhD candidate in Modern Thought and Literature
Statement of Purpose: subtle aspects
- Think in terms of engaging faculty in a conversation rather than pleading with them that you should be admitted. Ask reviewers to read drafts with this concern in mind.
- With later drafts, try developing an overall narrative theme. See if one emerges as you work.
- Write at least 10 drafts and expect your thinking and the essay to change quite a bit over time.
- Read drafts out loud to help you catch errors.
- Expect the "you' that emerges in your essay to be incomplete. . . that’s OK.
- You’re sharing a professional/scholarly slice of "you."
- Avoid humor (do you really know what senior academics find funny?) and flashy openings and closings. Think of pitching the essay to an educated person in the field, but not necessarily in your specialty. Avoid emotionally laden words (such as "love" or "passion"). Remember, your audience is a group of professors! Overly emotional appeals might make them uncomfortable. They are looking for scholarly colleagues.
![how to write your postgraduate personal statement Stanford University](https://www.stanford.edu/su-identity/images/footer-stanford-logo@2x.png)
© Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305
- Applying to Uni
- Apprenticeships
- Health & Relationships
- Money & Finance
- Personal Statements
- Postgraduate
- U.S Universities
- University Interviews
- Vocational Qualifications
- Accommodation
- Budgeting, Money & Finance
- Health & Relationships
- Jobs & Careers
- Socialising
- Studying Abroad
- Studying & Revision
- Technology
- University & College Admissions
Guide to GCSE Results Day
Finding a job after school or college
Retaking GCSEs
In this section
Choosing GCSE Subjects
Post-GCSE Options
GCSE Work Experience
GCSE Revision Tips
Why take an Apprenticeship?
Applying for an Apprenticeship
Apprenticeships Interviews
Apprenticeship Wage
Engineering Apprenticeships
What is an Apprenticeship?
Choosing an Apprenticeship
Real Life Apprentices
Degree Apprenticeships
Higher Apprenticeships
A Level Results Day 2024
AS Levels 2024
Clearing Guide 2024
Applying to University
SQA Results Day Guide 2024
BTEC Results Day Guide
Vocational Qualifications Guide
Sixth Form or College
International Baccalaureate
Post 18 options
Finding a Job
Should I take a Gap Year?
Travel Planning
Volunteering
Gap Year Blogs
- Top Rated Personal Statements
Personal Statement Examples
Writing Your Personal Statement
- Postgraduate Personal Statements
- International Student Personal Statements
- Gap Year Personal Statements
Personal Statement Length Checker
Personal Statement Examples By University
Personal Statement Editing and Review Service
- Personal Statement Changes 2025
- Personal Statement Template
Job Interviews
Types of Postgraduate Course
Writing a Postgraduate Personal Statement
Postgraduate Funding
Postgraduate Study
Internships
Choosing A College
Ivy League Universities
Common App Essay Examples
Universal College Application Guide
How To Write A College Admissions Essay
College Rankings
Admissions Tests
Fees & Funding
Scholarships
Budgeting For College
Online Degree
Platinum Express Editing and Review Service
Gold Editing and Review Service
Silver Express Editing and Review Service
UCAS Personal Statement Editing and Review Service
Oxbridge Personal Statement Editing and Review Service
Postgraduate Personal Statement Editing and Review Service
You are here
- Mature Student Personal Statements
- Personal Statements By University
- Personal Statement Editing Service
- Personal Statement Writing Guide
- Submit Your Personal Statement
- Personal Statement Questions 2025
Postgraduate Personal Statement Examples
![how to write your postgraduate personal statement](https://www.studential.com/sites/default/files/Postgraduate%20Personal%20Statement%20Examples%20Banner.png)
What is a postgraduate personal statement?
A postgraduate personal statement is a piece of creative writing that should tell the universities you are applying to all about your strengths and where you see yourself in the future.
It should give admissions tutors a good idea of who you are and why you would make a valuable candidate for their course.
Remember that a postgraduate course is a higher level of study than an undergraduate degree, so be prepared to share your knowledge and expertise in your chosen subject.
How do I write a postgraduate personal statement?
We always recommend starting your postgraduate personal statement by brainstorming ideas. Your notes should cover the following:
- achievements
- academic results
- part-time or Saturday jobs
- volunteering
- wider reading
- extracurricular activities
as well as anything else you can think of that is relevant to the course you are applying for.
Take a look through our collection of postgraduate personal statement examples above to give yourself an idea of what a successful statement looks like.
Once you have put together an initial draft, it's a good idea to ask for feedback from family, friends and tutors. They will be able to look at your statement objectively and suggest ways it could be improved.
Incorporate their comments, and ask for further feedback. Don't worry if you have to do this three or four times - it's important you get your statement as perfect as possible before sending it off on your UCAS form.
What should I include in my postgraduate personal statement?
- Look at the content of the course and make sure your statement addresses the specific apect(s) you are interested in.
- Talk about your motivations for wanting to study the course and mention any projects you've completed, awards you've received or other achievements.
- Demonstrate important skillls that are required for a postgraduate course, e.g. problem-solving, teamwork, analytical, communication etc. Talk about how you have developed these, either at school/college, at your job or during hobbies or other activities.
- Most applicants spend the opening of their statement talking about why they want to study a postgraduate course in their subject, e.g. to improve their career prospects, or as a stepping stone to a PhD.
- Don’t include any over-used phrases or quotes in your statement that university admissions tutors will have seen and heard before.
- Now is also not the time for jokes or humour - it often doesn't work well and admissions tutors might not be impressed!
- Pay attention to detail and use good vocabulary and grammar throughout.
- Try to keep the tone positive and enthusiastic - tutors want to see passionate students that will be a valuable asset to their department.
- Start writing your personal statement as soon as you know which course you want to apply for and which universities you want to approach.
For more help and advice on what to write in your postgraduate personal statement, please see:
- Personal Statement Editing Services
- Personal Statement Tips From A Teacher
- Analysis Of A Personal Statement
- The 15th January UCAS Deadline: 4 Ways To Avoid Missing It
- Personal Statement FAQs
- Personal Statement Timeline
- 10 Top Personal Statement Writing Tips
- What To Do If You Miss The 15th January UCAS Deadline.
How long is a postgraduate personal statement?
A postgraduate personal statement is normally around 500 words long, which is roughly one side of A4. Some universities may require more, such as up two sides. Other institutions also set a character limit instead of a specific word count, so check the guidelines before you start writing.
Postgraduate personal statements shouldn't include personal information that is already elsewhere on your UCAS form. Instead, focus on why you want to study a particular postgraduate course and your potential to successfully complete your studies.
How do I structure my postgraduate personal statement?
Your Masters personal statement should have a clear, logical structure, where the paragraphs flow coherently from one to the next.
For the opening paragraph, you should try to grab the admission tutor's attention with an positive and passionate introduction that tells admission tutors why you want to study this course.
Your middle paragraphs should tell the reader all about your knowledge and skills and demonstrate why this course is the next step for you.
Around half of the main body should focus on you and your interests, and the other half about the course content and where you hope it will take you in the future.
Your conclusion should round off your statement by explaining why you are a great candidate. Most students aim to write between four and six paragraphs in total, although remember not to waffle - every word needs to count!
It's a good idea to mention any potential red flags, such as a gap in your education history, or low grades at school or college, and explain the reasons why as positively as possible.
For example, talk about how you plan to increase your wider reading to make up for your lower than expected exam results, or how you spent a year out from education volunteering at a local animal centre.
Most postgraduate applications are submitted online via the UCAS Postgraduate service or directly through the university's website. If you are doing the latter, make sure it is formatted correctly before submitting it.
How do I begin my postgraduate personal statement?
The first rule here is not to include any typically over-used phrases such as "since a young age" or "I have always wanted to be a...".
Remember that admission tutors read hundreds of statements every week, so you need to cut to the chase and grab their attention straight away.
Looking through some of our postgraduate personal staetment examples will inspire you, and help give you an idea of what makes a good opening sentence.
How do I conclude my postgraduate personal statement?
Your conclusion is just as important as your opening, so it's worth spending as much time as you can rounding your statement off with something memorable.
Talk about your ambitions and how you hope your postgraduate course will allow you to achive your career ambitions.
The end of your statement should also include a concise summary of why you are a good fit for the course.
Keep it succinct and on point, and think about why you will be a valuable asset to the university. After all, you are up against many other candidates, so why should the tutors offer you a place over them?
Once you've completed an initial draft, including an opening, middle and end, make sure you pass it on to family, friends or anyone else that can provide feedback.
You can then incorporate any suggestions or comments to try and improve it.
Be aware that it will probably take at least three or four rounds of revisions before you have a final, polished draft.
If you follow these tips your personal statement should leave a lasting impression.
Where can I find more information about postgraduate personal statements and applying for a course?
There are lots of great resources out there with tips and advice on postgraduate university personal statements and UCAS applications, including:
- Should I apply for a postgraduate course?
- Types of postgraduate course
- Writing a postgraduate personal statement
- Benefits of postgraduate study
- Postgraduate entry requirements
- Research vs Taught Masters
- Taught Masters
- Research Masters
- UCAS Postgraduate Applications
- FindAMasters
Related resources
How to write a masters statement.
![how to write your postgraduate personal statement how to write your postgraduate personal statement](https://www.studential.com/sites/default/files/writing-Masters-personal-statement.jpg)
Find out more
Masters Personal Statement Tips
![how to write your postgraduate personal statement how to write your postgraduate personal statement](https://www.studential.com/sites/default/files/Postgraduate-Personal-Statement-Tips.jpg)
Should I Do A Masters?
![how to write your postgraduate personal statement how to write your postgraduate personal statement](https://www.studential.com/sites/default/files/Should-I-Do-A-Masters.jpg)
Types Of Postgraduate Degree
![how to write your postgraduate personal statement how to write your postgraduate personal statement](https://www.studential.com/sites/default/files/Types-of-postgraduate-course.jpg)
Research Vs Taught Masters
![how to write your postgraduate personal statement how to write your postgraduate personal statement](https://www.studential.com/sites/default/files/Research-Vs-Taught-Masters.jpg)
Choosing A Postgrad University
![how to write your postgraduate personal statement how to write your postgraduate personal statement](https://www.studential.com/sites/default/files/Choosing-A-Postgrad-University.jpg)
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
![how to write your postgraduate personal statement how to write your postgraduate personal statement](https://www.studential.com/sites/default/files/Postgraduate-Entry-Requirements.jpg)
7 Ways To Fail A Graduate Interview
![how to write your postgraduate personal statement how to write your postgraduate personal statement](https://www.studential.com/sites/default/files/7-ways-to-fail-graduate-job-interview.jpg)
Uni Open Day Tips
![how to write your postgraduate personal statement how to write your postgraduate personal statement](https://www.studential.com/sites/default/files/Uni-open-days_3.jpg)
- Skip to main content
We use cookies
Necessary cookies.
Necessary cookies enable core functionality. The website cannot function properly without these cookies, and can only be disabled by changing your browser preferences.
Analytics cookies
Analytical cookies help us improve our website. We use Google Analytics. All data is anonymised.
Clarity helps us to understand our users’ behaviour by visually representing their clicks, taps and scrolling. All data is anonymised.
Privacy policy
Online study
Online postgraduate programmes
- What to expect
- Frequently asked questions
Top tips for writing your personal statement
Published: 14 April 2021
Your personal statement is your first impression to your prospective university. Discover some tips to writing an impactful personal statement.
Your personal statement is your first impression to your prospective university.
In face-to-face interactions, studies show it takes just 7 seconds for us to make up our minds about someone – including deciding if you are trustworthy, charismatic or leadership material .
Your personal statement is your first opportunity to make an impact on your tutor and showcase who you are and what you want to achieve.
Your job when crafting such an important piece, is to ensure that impact is a positive one.
A successful personal statement helps you to stand out and gives tutors an insight into your personality, strengths and ambitions.
The process of writing your personal statement can be incredibly daunting. They are a critical part of the decision-making process for tutors, and for competitive courses, how you present yourself on the page can be the deciding factor on whether you get to the interview stage.
So, how can you ensure your personal statement leaves a great first impression?
What are universities looking for?
As with any successful piece of writing, you should think about your audience first. The university will be using your personal statement to decide your suitability for the course and so are looking to understand more about you, your reasons for choosing to study a particular subject and what you will bring to the university as a whole.
In particular, your tutor will want to hear about how your prior experience relates to the programme you are applying for – not just the details of the roles but what you learnt about yourself, the skills you have gained and how you will apply this to the course and your future career.
Universities want to enrol students who have a passion for their chosen subject as this usually translates to engaged and enthusiastic students who are fully immersed in their learning. Your personal statement is a chance to let your passion for your chosen field shine through and let your tutor know how the course will help you to achieve your goals.
What should I include in my personal statement?
There are two key areas you need to cover in your personal statement; your motivations and your experience.
Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- What are your motivations for choosing the course?
- Why are you passionate about this subject or vocation?
- Why are you a good fit for the course curriculum?
- What relevant academic, practical and extra-curricular experience do you have?
- Why do you want to study at this particular university?
Try to back up any statements with personal experience and examples. Remember, your previous experience is relevant, whether it is in your chosen field or not.
Consider what it is that equips you to be a suitable candidate. What are your current skills, and how can they be adapted and extended to suit the demands of your chosen subject?
Of course, there are also points to avoid in your personal statement too. You don’t need to cover off your educational or professional CV for example, as this will be included in your application.
Also try not to be too generic – any information you include should be specific and linked back to the course. Don’t just say you take part in a particular club, such as football or chess. Instead explain how your hobbies have helped you to gain valuable skills such as teamwork, or analytical thinking. The more personal to you, the better.
Keep it simple
Every bit of information included in your personal statement should be telling the tutor something relevant. Resist the urge to waffle! Tutors will be reading a lot of applications, so you will want to ensure you have got the main points across clearly and concisely.
Structure is also important. Make sure you plan your statement carefully to cover all the main points, using paragraphs and headings to make the content easy to follow.
Ensure you use positive language and remember; spelling and grammar do matter – so proof, proof and proof again.
A successful sign off
After spending so long constructing the body of your statement and covering all the key points, it can be hard to write your final paragraph. There are two tactics you can employ here.
Firstly, you can tie your conclusion back to statements you made at the beginning. Reiterating experiences, skills and interests you have already touched on gives you another chance to showcase any key points and draw the piece to a satisfying conclusion.
Another option is to talk about your hopes and aspirations for the future. This shows you have thought about your career path and how the course will help you achieve your ambitions, as well as ending your statement on that all-important positive note.
If you would like further guidance on writing an impactful personal statement, or if you have any questions about your application, our admissions team would be happy to help. Please contact our admissions team by phone 0800 904 7258 (UK) or +44 (0)141 278 7247 (international).
First published: 14 April 2021
<< Articles
<< previous story
in this issue
next story >>
What makes a good personal statement
How to write a personal statement for postgraduate course applications.
A good personal statement can make the difference between getting an offer, and your application being unsuccessful.
What is a personal statement?
A personal statement is a standard part of the application process for postgraduate courses. It is your opportunity to demonstrate that a Masters course is right for you and that you have the potential to complete it successfully. It is also your opportunity to tell us about your academic and personal achievements.
When you are preparing your personal statement, you should ask yourself the following questions:
- What is it about this course that interests you?
- Are there any aspects of this course that particularly attract you and why?
- How has your undergraduate study influenced your decision to apply? Has anything else sparked your interest?
- Have you got any relevant work or experience you can bring?
- What are your personal achievements?
- Why do you want to study at the University of Stirling?
- What are your future career goals and ambitions, and how will this course help you achieve them?
Top 5 tips for a good personal statement
- Don’t use the same personal statement for each course you are applying for. Be specific about why you are applying for that particular course.
- This should be your own work, and you shouldn’t copy from elsewhere or plagiarise from someone else.
- Give details of any relevant work experience, and the skills this has helped you gain, for example presentation skills, group work or time management.
- Follow a logical structure, and use clear language.
- Always make sure you check, and double-check your spelling and grammar.
Using AI tools to write your personal statement
Generating (and then copying, pasting and submitting) all or a large part of your personal statement from an AI tool such as ChatGPT, and presenting it in your own words, could mean that your statement doesn’t appear genuine. While AI tools can be useful if used in the correct way, they can’t replicate your personal thoughts and feelings and convey your own skills and experiences. Your personal statement should be your own work, and AI tools can make it appear bland and generic and could affect your chances of being offered a place.
If you are an international student and require a student visa, the UKVI may refer to your personal statement during an interview.
Postgraduate admissions
If you have any questions about postgraduate study please contact us.
![how to write your postgraduate personal statement how to write your postgraduate personal statement](https://online.usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/University-of-Southern-California-1-400-86.png)
How to Write a Stand-Out Personal Statement for Your Graduate School Application
![how to write your postgraduate personal statement How to write a personal statement for grad school](https://online.usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/how-to-write-personal-statement-grad-school-1024x683.jpg)
While deciding to embark on the path to graduate school is an exciting first step toward advancing your career, the application process can sometimes feel daunting and confusing.
One major part of the application that most schools require is a personal statement. Writing a personal statement can be an arduous task: After all, most people don’t necessarily enjoy writing about themselves, let alone at length.
A compelling personal statement, however, can help bring your application to the top of the admissions pile. Below, we’ve outlined what you need to know about crafting a personal statement to make your application shine.
What Is a Personal Statement?
The point of a personal statement is for the admissions board to gain a deeper understanding of who you are apart from your education and work experience. It explains why you’re the right fit for the program and a worthwhile applicant. It’s also an opportunity to highlight important factors that may not be readily available in the rest of your application.
A personal statement is different from a statement of purpose (if you’re asked for that as well). A statement of purpose will touch on your academic and career goals, as well as your past credentials. While those should also be discussed in your personal statement, it’s more about your life experiences and how they’ve shaped you and your journey to graduate school.
Questions to Ask Yourself Before Writing a Personal Statement
Before you start crafting your essay, there are a few prompts you can ask yourself to help clarify what you want to accomplish.
- What are the key points you want to communicate about yourself?
- What personal characteristics or skills do you have that make you a strong candidate for this field?
- What exactly are your career goals, and how does graduate school play into them?
- What have you learned about this field already? When did you first choose to follow this path, and what do you enjoy about it?
- What do you think is important for the admissions board to know specifically about you?
- Are there any discrepancies or causes for concern in your application you need to address? For example, is there a career and schooling gap, or a low GPA at one point? This is the time to discuss whether a personal hardship may have affected your academics or career.
- Have you dealt with any unusual obstacles or difficulties in your life? How have they affected and shaped you?
- What sets you apart and makes you unique from other graduate school applicants?
- What factors in your life have brought you to where you are today?
Top Tips for Writing a Graduate School Personal Statement
Pick a few points to emphasize about yourself . Introduce yourself to the admissions board. Select key factors about your background that you want the university to know — elements that reveal what kind of person you are and demonstrate why you’re a strong candidate for the school and field of study.
Be very specific . Again, a personal statement is all about communicating what distinguishes you from other applicants. To accomplish that, you need to share specific anecdotes that underscore your statements. If you say you’re a strong leader, present an example of a time you’ve proven that skill through work, school or your personal life. These specific, personal stories provide a deeper understanding of who you are and prove your intentions.
Do your research . Demonstrate what attracted you to the program. If there is a specific faculty member or class that caught your attention, or another aspect of the program that greatly interests you, convey it. This shows you’ve truly researched the school and have a passion for the program.
“Whatever the topic may be, I would recommend writing in a manner that reflects or parallels the institution’s and/or department’s missions, goals and values,” said Moises Cortés, a graduate/international credentials analyst for the Office of Graduate Admission at USC .
Address any gaps or discrepancies . Explain any factors that may have impacted your academic career. If you had an illness or any other personal hardships that affected your grades or work, discuss them. If there is a discrepancy between your grades and your test scores, you can also take the time to go over any extenuating circumstances.
Strike the right tone . While it’s important to give readers a glimpse of your personality, avoid oversharing or revealing intimate details of your life experiences. You should also avoid making jokes or using humorous cliches. Maintain a professional tone throughout your writing.
Start strong and finish strong . As with any piece of writing, you want to draw in your readers immediately. Make sure to start off with an interesting and captivating introduction. Similarly, your conclusion should be a well-written, engaging finish to the essay that highlights any important points.
“ For a personal statement, I think the first and last paragraphs are most important and should always relate the program they are applying to their own experiences and ideas,” Hoon H. Kang, a graduate/international credential analyst with the Office of Graduate Admission, told USC Online.
Proofread, proofread and proofread again . We can’t emphasize enough the importance of rereading your work. Your personal statement is also an analysis of your writing skills, so ensure you have proper grammar and spelling throughout. In addition, we recommend having multiple people look over your statement before submission. They can help with the proofreading (a second person always catches a mistake the writer may miss), give advice about the statement’s structure and content, and confirm it’s the proper recommended length.
Once you’ve considered all of the above and reviewed and edited your personal statement to perfection, it’s time to submit and check off any remaining application requirements, including your resume and letters of recommendation .
Personal statements are arguably one of the most challenging aspects of applying to graduate school, so make sure to revel in this accomplishment and acknowledge your successes.
For more information, visit the Office of Graduate Admission at USC and explore USC Online ’s master’s degrees, doctoral programs and graduate certificates.
![how to write your postgraduate personal statement University of Portsmouth - myport logo](https://myport.port.ac.uk/themes/custom/portsmouth/images/myport-logo.png)
Search suggestions update instantly to match the search query.
![how to write your postgraduate personal statement University of Portsmouth - myport logo](https://myport.port.ac.uk/themes/custom/portsmouth//images/myport-logo-mobile.png)
Writing a personal statement for postgraduate study
![how to write your postgraduate personal statement WRITING A PERSONAL STATEMENT FOR POSTGRADUATE STUDY](https://myport.port.ac.uk/sites/default/files/styles/hero_mobile/public/media/images/pg-application-student-in-library-1200x400.jpg?h=8e3006ae&itok=gFEArAwa)
Put your best foot forward
Explore what to include in your personal statement
The application process for Master's study is competitive.
A strong personal statement will optimise your chances of success. Your personal statement gives your reasons for wanting to do the course and shows your ability to complete the course successfully.
Your Personal Statement is a great opportunity for you to introduce yourself and outline why you're a compelling candidate for a course. You should demonstrate your enthusiasm for the course and highlight the skills you've gained from your academic studies and your work or life experience. If you're not currently studying you should include information about if you've taken a year out, and why, and details of your current or previous employment.
Each university is likely to provide its own guidance on what to include in your personal statement. Check the requirements carefully for each application. They might include a word or page limit, or specific content requirement. Make sure to follow the guidelines and address all the areas they want you to cover. Failure to follow the guidelines could lead to rejection – especially where competition for places is strong.
We suggest you include some or all of the following points.
Your reasons for choosing the course.
Outline your reasons for doing postgraduate study and specifically the course you've chosen. Demonstrate your enthusiasm for further study and/or research.
Your personal statement should convey your views and be written in your style. To be successful, make sure you're clear, concise and factual. Don't get someone else to write it for you.
Write about relevant previous academic study, achievements and projects. Focus on academic skills you've developed and wish to develop further. Does the course link to your dissertation? Mention anything that significantly influenced your choice. Why do you want to study at the particular institution you're applying to? Are you interested in a particular research focus or quality of research?
Your interest in your chosen subject
Demonstrate that you're clear about what the course will involve. Ask yourself the following questions:
- What is it about this course that interests you?
- Are there any features of this course that particularly attract you and why?
- What sparked your interest in this study area?
- What have you done so far to develop your interest?
- What have you learned about yourself in the process?
Give details of any relevant jobs, work experience, placement or voluntary work you have done. Include the skills and the experience you've gained from these activities.
Reflect on work experience and how this has influenced your choices. What will you bring to the course as a result? Consider the skills you'll need to be successful on your course and give evidence you have these skills.
Your future career plans
Do you have a clear career goal? How does your course choice fit with this? This could demonstrate commitment to the programme to achieve a specific outcome. Where your chosen course is of a vocational nature, this section will be especially important. You'll need to include evidence of work experience and career exploration.
Your social, sports or leisure interests
For some courses it might be useful to provide evidence of additional skills that are useful in your studies. For challenging courses it demonstrates that you have an outlet outside your studies.
International students
If you're an international student you may also like to include the following:
- Your reasons for studying in the UK – this could include the course, research, cultural experience, and/or a desire to improve language skills
- Your language skills – what evidence do you have to show that you can complete a higher education course that is taught in English?
- Evidence of previous studies in an English–speaking environment
Make sure your personal statement is written to a high standard with good spelling and grammar and make sure the meaning is clear. Don't get someone else to write your personal statement for you – you have to demonstrate that you have the right level of English to support your studies.
The Careers and Employability Service can offer support with writing your Personal Statement. Find out how you can get feedback on your application .
You can find further advice on writing a personal statement from the Prospects website .
Get more guidance on further study after graduation
Applying for a phd.
Have a look at our advice on applying for your place in further study.
![how to write your postgraduate personal statement Female UoP students at Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth](https://myport.port.ac.uk/sites/default/files/styles/card_mobile/public/media/images/webimage-7D5249F9-220D-4D9A-B1CFC3337B9C1CF0.jpg?itok=gsbzm-M-)
Graduate Entry to Medicine
Read our advice, information and resources to help you progress your career in medicine.
![how to write your postgraduate personal statement SHSSW photo shoot, November 2018 Nursing, Operating Department Practice (ODP) and Paramedic Science students.](https://myport.port.ac.uk/sites/default/files/styles/card_mobile/public/media/images/webimage-42D319F4-94EC-4374-BA1CF222EC56E3B5.jpg?itok=LilarOjP)
Connect with us:
![how to write your postgraduate personal statement Purple Instagram logo](https://myport.port.ac.uk/sites/default/files/styles/social_follow_icon/public/media/images/purple_instagram.png?h=7b90b2bc&itok=XTE4nPYQ)
![how to write your postgraduate personal statement American Psychological Association Logo](https://www.apa.org/Content/Images/logo.png)
This page has been archived and is no longer being updated regularly.
Preparing your personal statement for graduate school applications
Nearly all doctoral programs and many master’s degree programs in psychology require submission of a personal statement as part of the application package. In my experience advising students as well as serving as a graduate dean for many years, few things in the application process cause students as much anxiety and prompt so many questions.
Why so much concern? Several reasons. First, what we generically call the personal statement goes by different names at different institutions: “statement of goals,” “purpose and interests” and a host of other terms. Second, institutions have varying requirements for length and specific topics. Third, you have to compose it from scratch, in contrast to your transcript (which the registrar sends), your letters of recommendation (which other people compose) and any required test scores (which the testing agency sends).
Here are answers to students’ four most common questions.
Is the personal statement important?
Absolutely yes. Summaries of research on what is important in the application process, particularly for doctoral programs, show that the statement of purpose plays a key role in admission decisions — often more important than such standbys as your GPA and GRE scores. Admission committees really do pay attention. Each program in APA’s (2018) Graduate Study in Psychology provides a rating of the importance of the statement of purpose, so you can check for your target programs. This is where you display your:
- Fit with the program.
- Especially desirable qualifications.
- Clarity of plans.
- Writing skill.
Do I use the same one for all?
Absolutely not. Customize your statement for each program to which you apply. Each program will provide a brief description of what it wants in the applicant’s statement of purpose, the length and topics. One program may want 500 words covering topics A, B and C. Another program may want 1,500 words covering topics A, B, D and E. Pay attention to these directives. If, as program director, I want the latter and you give me the former, you have just done yourself a great disfavor — and irritated me. If you are applying to many programs, make a little spreadsheet showing what each program wants in the statement. Then, cross-check your customized statements against your spreadsheet.
What do I include?
Despite the latter advice about customizing, many programs ask about similar topics. The most common topics include your professional/career plans, academic objectives related to a particular program, research experience and other applied experience (for example, internships). Doctoral programs (but not usually master’s programs) often ask for your interest in or fit with particular faculty members (just two or three — not everyone). Of course, that fit relates to your objectives and the faculty members’ areas of expertise/research.
Because these topics appear frequently in programs’ requests, a useful strategy calls for developing a boilerplate statement covering the latter topics. Thus, you don’t have to start from scratch for every program. Construct the boilerplate, the common statement, first. Get it in good shape. Then customize it as needed for different programs.
You should certainly have a paragraph or two focusing on what you want to do in terms of career goals, academic specialty and research interests. And sift through your experiences to see which might set you apart and make you especially attractive as a candidate. Perhaps you have a strong research record, an exceptionally meaningful field experience or a few advanced undergraduate courses. Maybe all three of these.
When writing about your goals and experiences, aim for precision and detail. Avoid generic statements (“I have a lot of research experience,” “I did an internship”). Provide details, as space permits. What exactly did you do in your research, and what did you learn from it? What did your internship entail, and, again, what did you learn from it?
While on the topic of what to include, let’s identify a few things to not include. Norcross and Sayette (2016) call these the 3 Hs: humor, hyperbole, hard luck . No jokes or funny stories in the personal statement. Watch out for hyperbole in your statement: I’m the most qualified; I had the greatest major; I never have interpersonal conflicts. And don’t describe your own depression, substance abuse or family turmoil. Appleby and Appleby (2007) included such items among their “kisses of death” for applicants’ personal statements.
Will you read it for me?
The answer will vary for different faculty members and your relationship with them, but many will be happy to help. Please, however, do not ask a faculty member to read your first rough draft. Get it cleaned up. No half-sentences, no typos. Your institution may have a writing center that will prove helpful. When you have it in pretty good shape, ask a faculty member for feedback.
Finally, proofread your statement before hitting the submit button. Remember, it’s used partly to evaluate your writing skill.
Watch this free video series for more information on graduate school applications.
American Psychological Association. (2016). Graduate study in psychology: 2017 edition . Washington, D.C.: Author.
Appleby, D.C., & Appleby, K.M. (2007). How to avoid the kisses of death in the graduate school application process. Eye on Psi Chi, 11 (3), 20-21.
Norcross, J.C., & Sayette, M.A (2016). Insider's guide to graduate programs in clinical and counseling psychology: Revised 2016/2017 edition . New York: Guilford.
About the author
![how to write your postgraduate personal statement Thomas P. Hogan, PhD](https://www.apa.org/images/2016-09-PSN-hogan_tcm7-207598_w1024_n.jpg)
- Accessibility Options:
- Skip to Content
- Skip to Search
- Skip to footer
- Office of Disability Services
- Request Assistance
- 305-284-2374
- High Contrast
- School of Architecture
- College of Arts and Sciences
- Miami Herbert Business School
- School of Communication
- School of Education and Human Development
- College of Engineering
- School of Law
- Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science
- Miller School of Medicine
- Frost School of Music
- School of Nursing and Health Studies
- The Graduate School
- Division of Continuing and International Education
- People Search
- Class Search
- IT Help and Support
- Privacy Statement
- Student Life
- University of Miami
- Division of University Communications
- Office of Media Relations
- Miller School of Medicine Communications
- Hurricane Sports
- UM Media Experts
- Emergency Preparedness
- Awards & Honors
- Career Development
- Press Releases
- Student Scholarships
- Student Spotlight
- More Headlines
- Admissions Events
- Alumni Events
- Continuing Legal Education
- Publications
- Prospective Students
- Faculty & Academics
- Alumni & Giving
- Latest Headlines
- Subscribe to News@TheU Newsletter
- UM NEWS HOME
Tips for Writing Your Master of Legal Studies Personal Statement
![how to write your postgraduate personal statement Tips for Writing Your Master of Legal Studies Personal Statement](https://news.miami.edu/law/_assets/images/images-stories/2024/07/tips-for-writing-your-master-of-legal-studies-statement-940x529.png)
By Miami Law Blog Contributor 07-25-2024
Applying to a Master of Legal Studies (M.L.S.) program is an excellent first step in advancing your legal knowledge in your respective field. Each M.L.S. program sets its own requirements for application and admittance—yet for any graduate-level program, it is common for a personal statement to be required as part of any application.
Read on for practical tips to integrate into your statement, along with common mistakes to avoid.
Understanding the Importance of Your Personal Statement
A personal statement refers to an essay that is typically required as part of a college or graduate program application (most often for advanced degree programs).
The Role of the Personal Statement in Your Application
Personal statements give applicants a unique opportunity to share additional information about themselves that may not already be reflected in their academic transcripts, resumes, or other application materials. In advanced degree programs where spots may be limited, a personal statement could make or break an application.
Preparing to Write Your M.L.S. Personal Statement
As you prepare to write your personal statement, there are a few steps that can make the writing process as easy as possible.
Gathering Necessary Information and Resources
Start by collecting any specific information, resources, or documents you may need to write your M.L.S. personal statement accurately. This is especially essential if you plan on referring to your academic transcripts, awards received, or other formal documents in your text.
Identifying Your Unique Qualities and Experiences
Compelling personal statements tend to be ones that communicate an applicant's distinct experiences and qualities. With this in mind, it is useful to set aside time for self-reflection before you start writing. Specifically, consider the personality traits you have that might make you a good fit for the program. In addition, think about any examples of life experiences that you may want to incorporate into your essay.
Tips for a Successful Personal Statement for Legal Studies
As you begin crafting your Master of Legal Studies personal statement, keep in mind some best practices to help your essay stand out from the dozens (or hundreds) of essays your admissions committee will be reading.
Start With an Outline
When writing any kind of important document, it is wise to start with a detailed outline that includes your thesis, your main points, and any supporting evidence (such as real-world examples or stories). Once you have a solid outline, you may find it considerably easier to start writing.
Be Authentic and Honest
One of the most crucial characteristics of any successful personal statement is authenticity. While there iss nothing wrong with highlighting your strengths and even bragging a bit, you want to avoid dishonesty or anything that might come off as less than genuine.
Highlight Your Interest in Legal Studies
One of the main reasons many M.L.S. programs require a personal statement is because in the first place, the admissions committee wants to truly get to know applicants and what interests them in a legal studies program. Therefore, it is critical to clearly communicate why you want to pursue an M.L.S. degree, whether it is to expand your knowledge in a specific area or advance your career.
Demonstrate Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills
Completing an M.L.S. program requires a great deal of critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills. You can demonstrate how you possess these skills in your personal statement by sharing specific stories or examples of situations where you have been required to think outside of the box or make an important, calculated decision.
Avoid Common Pitfalls and Cliches
There are certain phrases and tropes that M.L.S. admissions committees have probably seen in personal statements hundreds of times already, so it is ideal to avoid these in your writing. Try to ensure every sentence is truly unique and not something you would find in other essays—or that could be easily upstaged by other applicants. A few examples of content and cliches to avoid could include:
- Discussing legal topics or issues that might be controversial.
- Focusing too much on the external world or other people instead of your own goals and experiences.
- Starting with a quote, statistic, abstract question, or anything else that directs the attention away from you .
- Leaning too heavily into sharing personal hardships (particularly cliches like a sports injury) to prove how you have overcome struggles.
- Pulling from scenarios in the distant past (such as how you learned to be a team player in high school extracurriculars or opening with, “My passion for legal matters began at a young age…”)
Showcase Your Unique Experience
Everybody has something different to bring to the table, but your admissions committee will not understand the scope of your personal experience unless you address it in your personal statement. If you have relevant work experience, a background in legal education, or something else that sets you apart, be sure to weave it into your M.L.S. personal statement.
Emphasize Your Motivation for Pursuing a Master of Legal Studies
People have various motivations for obtaining an M.L.S. degree. Your personal statement is your chance to highlight your own reasons for wanting to pursue this degree. Remember that your reasoning should not be all about you , so it can be useful to consider how earning your M.L.S. might help others or even contribute to the field as a whole.
Highlight Your Academic Achievements
Even if your academic achievements are already covered in an academic transcript, resume, or other application materials, your M.L.S. personal statement can be an opportunity to succinctly call out anything noteworthy or particularly relevant that might not be immediately apparent in those documents. Ideally, you can connect these achievements to a personal story or anecdote in your essay.
Incorporate Your Future Goals
Take time to reflect on your short- and long-term goals as well as how obtaining an M.L.S. degree may help you pursue those goals. This is something you'll also want to cover in your personal statement, most likely toward the end of the document.
Be Open to Feedback from Peers
One of the best things you can do when creating your personal statement is to get feedback from peers. After you have finished your first draft, do not hesitate to ask family members, mentors, or trusted friends to read through your essay and make comments. This can be an excellent way to gain and incorporate valuable feedback that could strengthen your essay even more.
Take the Time to Proofread
Even with built-in spell checkers in most word processing software today, it is still crucial to actually read through your essay and do your own proofreading before submitting your personal statement. A helpful rule of thumb is to read through the document twice: The first time, read it out loud to check for flow and grammatical errors. The second time, read it backwards to better spot typos and misspellings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
As you work on your personal statement for your M.L.S., you’ll also want to make note of some errors to avoid.
Being Too Vague or Generic
In many cases, your personal statement is your one opportunity to really make your application stand out—so make sure to avoid language that is overly vague or generic. Instead, refer to specific life experiences and the unique qualities you would carry into a graduate-level program.
Overloading on Legal Jargon
As tempting as it may be to flaunt your knowledge of legal jargon in your Master of Legal Studies personal statement, remember that the admissions committee members reading your essay might not be in the legal field. With this in mind, it is best to stick with simple language regarding the law. There is nothing wrong with incorporating a few common legal terms here and there, but this is not the time to overdo it with the terminology.
Ignoring the Prompt or Instructions
One of the biggest mistakes applicants make when crafting a personal statement is ignoring the prompt and going in their own direction. Oftentimes, writing prompts will include specific questions to answer or topics to address. Failing to closely adhere to the prompt may demonstrate to your admissions committee that you are not detail-oriented or do not follow directions carefully.
How Long Should My Personal Statement Be?
Generally speaking, most personal statements should be at least a page or 500 words long, but this will all depend on your program's specific guidelines regarding word counts, page limits, spacing, and font sizes.
How Do I Start My Personal Statement?
The best way to start a personal statement is with a "hook," or something that will capture your readers' attention and interest. Many applicants find success beginning their essays with a personal anecdote, a question, or even a surprising fact.
What Topics Should I Avoid in My Personal Statement?
Try to steer clear of any taboo topics that might stir up controversy (e.g., politics and religion), as you never know who might be reading your essay. Additionally, avoid discussing personal struggles that lack a clear, relevant resolution or lesson. Lastly, do not include information that is redundant with skills, accomplishments, or credentials already clearly listed on your resume or transcripts; put a spin on it so you are sharing a personal story, insight, or competency that the reader could not glean from your application elsewhere.
How Can I Make My Personal Statement Stand Out?
There are plenty of ways to set your personal statement apart from other essays, such as incorporating personal anecdotes and experiences while tying them back to your motivation for applying. The more creative yet authentic you remain, the more memorable and compelling your essay will be to the admissions committee reading it.
Ready to Apply for a Master of Legal Studies Program?
Ultimately, writing an M.L.S. personal statement is all about reflecting upon why you are interested in the program and what might set you apart from other applicants. By following the above tips and best practices, you will be in better shape when it comes time to write your personal statement for legal studies.
Are you seeking the right online Master of Legal Studies degree program for you? Learn more about the University of Miami School of Law's online M.L.S. curriculum with tracks in human resources, cybersecurity, finance, and more—then get started with your online application today.
https://admissions.law.miami.edu/academics/mls/
https://admissions.law.miami.edu/academics/mls/curriculum/
https://lifehacker.com/think-backwards-when-proofreading-your-writing-for-spel-1793189994
Campus Visit Reservation Form
Learn about us, j.d., ll.m., and s.j.d., get started.
![how to write your postgraduate personal statement University of Miami Split U logo](https://cdn.miami.edu/_assets-common/images/system/um-logo-gray-bg.png)
University of Miami School of Law
- 1311 Miller Drive Coral Gables , FL 33146
- [email protected]
- Current Students
- Careers - OCPD
Quick Links
- Academic Calendar - Law School
- Academic Calendar - University
- Events Calendar
Communications
- For the Media
- Web Feedback
- ABA Required Disclosures
- Policies & Privacy Statements
- Visiting the Law School
- Parking & Transportation
- social-facebook
- social-twitter
- social-youtube
- social-instagram
- social-linkedin
- social-threads
Copyright: 2024 University of Miami. All Rights Reserved. Emergency Information Privacy Statement & Legal Notices Title IX & Gender Equity Website Feedback
Individuals with disabilities who experience any technology-based barriers accessing the University’s websites or services can visit the Office of Workplace Equity and Inclusion .
Spotify is currently not available in your country.
Follow us online to find out when we launch., spotify gives you instant access to millions of songs – from old favorites to the latest hits. just hit play to stream anything you like..
![how to write your postgraduate personal statement how to write your postgraduate personal statement](https://www.scdn.co/i/generic/premium-img1.jpg)
Listen everywhere
Spotify works on your computer, mobile, tablet and TV.
![how to write your postgraduate personal statement how to write your postgraduate personal statement](https://www.scdn.co/i/generic/premium-img2.jpg)
Unlimited, ad-free music
No ads. No interruptions. Just music.
![how to write your postgraduate personal statement how to write your postgraduate personal statement](https://www.scdn.co/i/generic/premium-img3.jpg)
Download music & listen offline
Keep playing, even when you don't have a connection.
![how to write your postgraduate personal statement how to write your postgraduate personal statement](https://www.scdn.co/i/generic/premium-img4.jpg)
Premium sounds better
Get ready for incredible sound quality.
![how to write your postgraduate personal statement Students in tiered lecture theatre](https://images.theconversation.com/files/608556/original/file-20240722-19-roecze.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&rect=0%2C0%2C2995%2C1994&q=20&auto=format&w=320&fit=clip&dpr=2&usm=12&cs=strip)
Will replacing personal statements with application questions make university admissions fairer?
![how to write your postgraduate personal statement](https://cdn.theconversation.com/avatars/1203369/width170/image-20210212-19-10ouovo.jpg)
Associate Pro Vice Chancellor for Student Inclusion and Professor of Learning and Teaching in Higher Education, University of East Anglia
![how to write your postgraduate personal statement](https://cdn.theconversation.com/avatars/129100/width170/image-20240722-17-49z0mu.jpg)
Lecturer in the Humanities and Widening Participation Academic Lead, University of East Anglia
Disclosure statement
Helena Gillespie receives funding from TASO for projects related to widening access. She is also a lead quality assessor for the Office for Students.
Mark Walmsley is a Director of the Foundation Year Network.
University of East Anglia provides funding as a member of The Conversation UK.
View all partners
Prospective students will no longer be asked to write personal statements as part of their application to university in the UK, the admissions organisation Ucas has announced .
Instead of writing a single 4,000 character personal statement, from 2026 applicants will instead have to answer three questions. These ask why they want to study a particular course, how their education has prepared them for it, and how their experiences beyond education have contributed to their preparation. In total, responses to the three questions will still add up to the same 4,000 character limit.
The change is intended to make the application process fairer. Young people from less privileged backgrounds may not get the same support in writing their statement – or be able to detail the same extensive extracurricular achievements – as their wealthier peers.
As experts on student access and widening participation to higher education, we think the questions replacing the personal statement look sensible. They provide structure and should help students focus on what is important. But a more radical approach to admissions is required to create an equitable process for all students.
Ucas has faced pressure for some time to make such a change. A 2022 report from higher education think tank Hepi showed that students from backgrounds underrepresented in higher education found including academic discussion in their statement and structuring it challenging. They also felt unsure about how to impress admissions tutors.
More generally, persistent gaps remain between the educational opportunities afforded to the most privileged in society and those who have been systematically and institutionally disadvantaged.
What’s more, admission gaps – the difference in the proportion of students from advantaged and disadvantaged backgrounds – are often highest in the most prestigious and competitive courses and institutions. These gaps have grown since 2018 .
![how to write your postgraduate personal statement Girl writing on laptop](https://images.theconversation.com/files/608559/original/file-20240722-17-5m0lwn.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip)
Writing about their rationale for selecting the course should help students clarify their own intentions, as well as demonstrating their commitment to the admissions tutors. The second question, focusing on a student’s academic preparation for the course, should be straightforward to answer if they have studied a related set of prior qualifications. It may be trickier when a student is applying for a course which isn’t directly related to their previous academic experience.
The final question is probably the hardest for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, as it asks about preparation for the course outside the classroom. This may be less easy to answer if a student’s financial or social situation has prevented them from engaging in extracurricular activities. This might be because of costs or caring responsibilities.
While these changes are welcome, we believe a more radical approach to admissions is required if we are serious about creating a more equitable process for all students. Research analysis of personal statements has shown that applicants from different backgrounds do not have the same level of preparation for this aspect of university entrance, and this is likely to also be true of the questions replacing the long personal statement.
But rather than scrap the personal statement altogether, the response has been to improve the information and guidance provided to students. By making the process clearer, the changes announced by UCAS should lead to a reduction in the cultural and social advantages enjoyed by more privileged students. In addition, the approach using short answer questions aligns with inclusive recruitment processes now seem more widely in the world of work.
Further change
However further change is needed to make access to higher education truly fair. This would involve recognising that educational disadvantages prevent some students from reaching their academic potential, and that the intensive nature of private and elite education can exaggerate the academic strengths of other candidates.
Ucas itself has led the way in this area. It produces a “multiple equality measure” , which uses student data to categorise applicants into five groups. Students in each of these groups have similar levels of educational advantage, allowing for fairer comparison against their peers.
This information allows universities to make “contextual offers” – perhaps giving students from more disadvantaged backgrounds more consideration, an offer with lower required grades or an unconditional offer.
There is a growing acknowledgement within higher education that this process of contextualising admissions is important to make university admissions fairer. However, not all universities make contextual offers and some view the reduction in entry tariff – a common component of contextual admission policies – as potentially risking the quality of the student intake and the university’s reputation.
What’s more, universities may use their own measures to determine their contextual admission policies. This maintains institutional autonomy and means universities can be responsive to their local context. But the added complexity can be a barrier to uptake if applicants can’t easily understand where and how they qualify for such schemes, or what benefits they might receive as a result.
The change to the personal statement is a good move. But higher education needs to be doing more. This includes improving and potentially standardising current approaches to contextual admission policies. They need to be a major part of the admissions landscape if universities are to make real progress towards helping students from all backgrounds access higher education.
- Young people
- UK universities
- Uk Students
- Give me perspective
![how to write your postgraduate personal statement](https://jobs.theconversation.com/uploads/job/logo/335398166/3_monash.jpg)
Educational Designer
![how to write your postgraduate personal statement](https://jobs.theconversation.com/uploads/job/logo/335384461/logo-1520549009.png)
Lecturer, Small Animal Clinical Studies (Primary Care)
![how to write your postgraduate personal statement](https://jobs.theconversation.com/uploads/job/logo/335075397/1520214105_TRUlogo.jpeg)
Organizational Behaviour – Assistant / Associate Professor (Tenure-Track)
![how to write your postgraduate personal statement](https://jobs.theconversation.com/uploads/job/logo/334362413/SLQ_and_Gov_logos_S__mono__med.jpg)
Apply for State Library of Queensland's next round of research opportunities
![how to write your postgraduate personal statement](https://jobs.theconversation.com/uploads/job/logo/334101285/logo-1449792112.jpg)
Associate Professor, Psychology
![how to write your postgraduate personal statement U.S. flag](https://www.cdc.gov/TemplatePackage/5.0/img/uswds/us_flag_small.png)
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
A lock ( ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
- About COVID-19
- People with Certain Medical Conditions and COVID-19
- COVID-19 Vaccines
- How to Protect Yourself and Others
- Tools and Resources
- Clinical Care
- Infection Control Guidance
- Clinical Care Quick Reference
- Overview of Testing for SARS-CoV-2
- Surveillance and Data Analytics
- Safety Precautions: Cleaning and Disinfecting for COVID-19
- Interim Guidelines for Biosafety and COVID-19
- CDC Science behind Long COVID
- Health Equity in COVID-19
- Variants and Genomic Surveillance for SARS-CoV-2
- View All Home
What to know
- CDC’s Respiratory Virus Guidance provides strategies you can use to help protect yourself and others from health risks caused by COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses.
- These actions can help you lower the risk of COVID-19 transmission (spreading or catching COVID-19) and lower the risk of severe illness if you get sick.
![how to write your postgraduate personal statement Woman with band aid on her upper arm.](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/media/images/2024/07/1_Vaccination.png)
Core Prevention Strategies
CDC recommends that all people use core prevention strategies to protect themselves and others from COVID-19:
- Although vaccinated people sometimes get infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccines significantly lowers the risk of getting very sick, being hospitalized, or dying from COVID-19.
- Practice good hygiene (practices that improve cleanliness)
- Take steps for cleaner air
When you are sick:
- Learn when you can go back to your normal activities .
- Seek health care promptly for testing and/or treatment if you have risk factors for severe illness . Treatment may help lower your risk of severe illness, but it needs to be started within a few days of when your symptoms begin.
Additional Prevention Strategies
In addition, there are other prevention strategies that you can choose to further protect yourself and others.
- Wearing a mask and putting distance between yourself and others can help lower the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
- Testing for COVID-19 can help you decide what to do next, like getting treatment to reduce your risk of severe illness and taking steps to lower your chances of spreading COVID-19 to others.
What to watch out for
Using these prevention strategies can be especially helpful when:
- Respiratory viruses, such as COVID-19, flu, and RSV, are causing a lot of illness in your community
- You or those around you have risk factors for severe illness
- You or those around you were recently exposed to a respiratory virus, are sick, or are recovering
Check Your Community
COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) is a disease caused by a virus named SARS-CoV-2. It can be very contagious and spreads quickly.
For Everyone
Health care providers, public health.
- Election 2024
- Entertainment
- Newsletters
- Photography
- AP Buyline Personal Finance
- AP Buyline Shopping
- Press Releases
- Israel-Hamas War
- Russia-Ukraine War
- Global elections
- Asia Pacific
- Latin America
- Middle East
- Election Results
- Delegate Tracker
- AP & Elections
- 2024 Paris Olympic Games
- Auto Racing
- Movie reviews
- Book reviews
- Financial Markets
- Business Highlights
- Financial wellness
- Artificial Intelligence
- Social Media
Transcript: Biden’s speech explaining why he withdrew from the 2024 presidential race
President Joe Biden addresses the nation from the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, July 24, 2024, about his decision to drop his Democratic reelection bid. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, Pool)
- Copy Link copied
WASHINGTON (AP) — Transcript of President Joe Biden’s address to the nation on July 24, 2024:
My fellow Americans, I’m speaking to you tonight from behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office. In this sacred space, I’m surrounded by portraits of extraordinary American presidents. Thomas Jefferson wrote the immortal words that guide this nation. George Washington, who showed us presidents are not kings. Abraham Lincoln, who implored us to reject malice. Franklin Roosevelt, who inspired us to reject fear.
I revere this office, but I love my country more.
It’s been the honor of my life to serve as your president. But in the defense of democracy, which is at stake, I think it’s more important than any title.
I draw strength and I find joy in working for the American people, but this sacred task of perfecting our union is not about me. It’s about you, your families, your futures. It’s about we the people, and we can never forget that. And I never have.
I’ve made it clear that I believe America is at an inflection point, one of those rare moments in history when the decisions we make now will determine our fate of our nation and the world for decades to come.
America is going to have to choose between moving forward or backward, between hope and hate, between unity and division. We have to decide, do we still believe in honesty, decency, respect, freedom, justice and democracy? In this moment, we can see those we disagree with not as enemies, but as fellow Americans. Can we do that? Does character in public life still matter?
I believe you know the answer to these questions because I know you, the American people, and I know this, we are a great nation because we are a good people.
When you elected me to this office, I promised to always level with you, to tell you the truth. And the truth, the sacred cause of this country, is larger than any one of us, and those of us who cherish that cause cherish it so much, a cause of American democracy itself must unite to protect it.
You know, in recent weeks it’s become clear to me that I needed to unite my party in this critical endeavor. I believe my record as president, my leadership in the world, my vision for America’s future all merited a second term, but nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy, and that includes personal ambition.
So I’ve decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. That’s the best way to unite our nation. I know there is a time and a place for long years of experience in public life, but there’s also a time and a place for new voices, fresh voices, yes, younger voices, and that time and place is now.
What to know about the 2024 Election
- Democracy: American democracy has overcome big stress tests since 2020. More challenges lie ahead in 2024.
- AP’s Role: The Associated Press is the most trusted source of information on election night, with a history of accuracy dating to 1848. Learn more.
- Stay informed. Keep your pulse on the news with breaking news email alerts. Sign up here .
Over the next six months, I’ll be focused on doing my job as president. That means I’ll continue to lower costs for hard-working families, grow our economy. I’ll keep defending our personal freedoms and our civil rights, from the right to vote to the right to choose. I’ll keep calling out hate and extremism, make it clear there is no place, no place in America for political violence or any violence ever, period. I’m going to keep speaking out to protect our kids from gun violence, our planet from climate crisis, is the existential threat.
And I will keep fighting for my for my cancer moonshot, so we can end cancer as we know it because we can do it. And I’m going to call for Supreme Court reform because this is critical to our democracy, Supreme Court reform. You know, I will keep working to ensure America remains strong and secure and the leader of the free world.
I’m the first president in this century to report to the American people that the United States is not at war anywhere in the world. We’ll keep rallying a coalition of proud nations to stop Putin from taking over Ukraine and doing more damage. We’ll keep NATO stronger, and I’ll make it more powerful and more united than at any time in all of our history. I’ll keep doing the same for allies in the Pacific.
You know, when I came to office, the conventional wisdom was that China would inevitably surpass the United States. That’s not the case anymore. And I’m going to keep working to end the war in Gaza, bring home all the hostages and bring peace and security to the Middle East and end this war.
We’re also working around the clock to bring home Americans being unjustly detained all around the world. You know, we’ve come so far since my inauguration. On that day, I told you as I stood in that winter — we stood in a winter of peril and a winter of possibilities, peril and possibilities. We were in the grip of the worst pandemic in the century, the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, the worst attack on our democracy since the Civil War, but we came together as Americans, and we got through it. We emerged stronger, more prosperous and more secure.
Today, we have the strongest economy in the world, creating nearly 16 million new jobs — a record. Wages are up, inflation continues to come down, the racial wealth gap is the lowest it’s been in 20 years. We’re literally rebuilding our entire nation, urban, suburban, rural and tribal communities. Manufacturing has come back to America.
We’re leading the world again in chips and science and innovation. We finally beat Big Pharma after all these years, to lower the cost of prescription drugs for seniors, and I’m going to keep fighting to make sure we lower the cost for everyone, not just seniors.
More people have health care today in America than ever before. And I signed one of the most significant laws helping millions of veterans and their families who were exposed to toxic materials. You know, the most significant climate law ever, ever in the history of the world, the first major gun safety law in 30 years. And today, violent crime rate is at a 50-year low.
We’re also securing our border. Border crossings are lower today than when the previous administration left office. And I’ve kept my commitment to appoint the first Black woman to the Supreme Court of the United States of America. I also kept my commitment to have an administration that looks like America and be a president for all Americans.
That’s what I’ve done. I ran for president four years ago because I believed, and still do, that the soul of America was at stake. The very nature of who we are was at stake and that’s still the case. America is an idea, an idea stronger than any army, bigger than any ocean, more powerful than any dictator or tyrant.
It’s the most powerful idea in the history of the world. That idea is that we hold these truths to be self-evident. We’re all created equal, endowed by our creator with certain inalienable rights, life, liberty, pursuit of happiness. We’ve never fully lived up to it, to this sacred idea, but we’ve never walked away from it either and I do not believe the American people will walk away from it now.
In just a few months, the American people will choose the course of America’s future. I made my choice. I made my views known. I would like to thank our great Vice President Kamala Harris. She’s experienced, she’s tough, she’s capable. She’s been an incredible partner to me and a leader for our country. Now the choice is up to you, the American people.
When you make that choice, remember the words of Benjamin Franklin. It’s hanging on my wall here in the Oval Office, alongside the bust of Dr. King and Rosa Parks and Cesar Chavez. When Ben Franklin was asked as he emerged from the convention going on, whether the founders have given America a monarchy or republic, Franklin’s response was “a republic, if you can keep it.” A republic if you can keep it. Whether we keep our republic is now in your hands.
My fellow Americans, it’s been the privilege of my life to serve this nation for over 50 years. Nowhere else on earth could a kid with a stutter from modest beginnings in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and Claymont, Delaware, one day sit behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office as President of the United States, but here I am. That’s what’s so special about America.
We are a nation of promise and possibilities, of dreamers and doers, of ordinary Americans doing extraordinary things. I’ve given my heart and my soul to our nation, like so many others. I’ve been blessed a million times in return with the love and support of the American people. I hope you have some idea how grateful I am to all of you.
The great thing about America is here kings and dictators do not rule, the people do. History is in your hands. The power is in your hands. The idea of America lies in your hands. We just have to keep faith, keep the faith and remember who we are. We’re the United States of America and there’s simply nothing, nothing beyond our capacity when we do it together.
So let’s act together, preserve our democracy. God bless you all and may God protect our troops. Thank you.
- Share full article
Advertisement
Supported by
Our 2024-25 Student Contest Calendar
Ten challenges that invite teenagers to engage, experiment, reflect and create — via writing, photography, audio, video and more.
![how to write your postgraduate personal statement Six photos including of a boy wearing an animal headdress, two football players, two boys doing planks, a group of girls dancing with their arms around one another, a girl drinking out of a tumbler, a group of children skipping rocks.](https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/07/23/learning/23ContestCalendarTopArtLN/23ContestCalendarTopArtLN-articleLarge.png?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale)
By The Learning Network
Our annual Contest Calendar is probably the single most powerful thing we publish all year. Teachers tell us they plan their classes around our challenges, and tens of thousands of teenagers around the globe participate by creating narratives, reviews, videos, opinion pieces, podcasts, illustrations, photo essays and more.
For us, these contests are an honor and a joy to host. We love learning from young people — about what moves them and makes them mad, what intrigues and confuses and delights and defines them.
This year, we are bringing back some recent and longtime favorites, as well as introducing a few new challenges.
To begin, we have two options this fall in response to the U.S. election, though students around the globe are welcome. In September, we open with a series of special forums that invite teenagers to have thoughtful conversations about their civic and political identities, values and beliefs. Then, if they choose, they can work alone or with others to make something in response — whether in writing, video, audio or visual art. (Students can participate in one or both challenges, and we have a related invitation for educators .)
In the spring, we’re offering “My List,” a twist on our long-running review contest. This time, students can choose any collection of three to five works of art or culture to group in some way and then tell us why we should — or shouldn’t — check them out.
We’ll be posting the full rules and guidelines for each contest here when it opens. but for now you can look at the related resources we’ve provided, as well as last year’s rules, which will largely remain the same for our returning contests.
We are having trouble retrieving the article content.
Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.
Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times.
Thank you for your patience while we verify access.
Already a subscriber? Log in .
Want all of The Times? Subscribe .
![](http://serviteca.online/777/templates/cheerup2/res/banner1.gif)
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
Just start by showing your enthusiasm for the subject, showcasing your knowledge and understanding, and sharing your ambitions of what you want to achieve. Avoid cliches . Remember, this opening part is simply about introducing yourself, so let the admissions tutor reading your personal statement get to know you. Keep it relevant and simple.
Strategy 1: Open with a concrete scene. An effective way to catch the reader's attention is to set up a scene that illustrates something about your character and interests. If you're stuck, try thinking about: A personal experience that changed your perspective. A story from your family's history.
7. speech and language therapy personal statement. statement of purpose for masters sample: speech and language therapy. 8. business administration personal statement. personal statement for masters in business administration. 9. personal statement for masters in cyber security pdf.
Make a start. When it comes to writing your personal statement, just getting started can be the hardest part. One good way to get around writer's block is to just put it all down on the page, like Mayur. First - write down anything and everything. In the first round, I was just dumping everything - whatever I've done, anything close to ...
Each paragraph and sentence should flow logically into the next. If you want, you can split up sections with headings (like 'Academic achievements' or 'Career goals') to make the statement easy to navigate. For the word count, check with the university you're applying to, as each may ask for different things.
Personal statements for postgraduate applications. Your Masters personal statement is an essential part of your postgraduate application as it's this document that will convince admissions tutors that you're worthy of a place on a course. Discover how to write a Masters personal statement and take a look at some examples for inspiration.
Top tips on writing a personal statement. The University of Kent has some extra tips on writing your personal statement:. Plan before you write. This will allow you to collate your thoughts before writing to ensure you mention all the things you want to/ensure you have included a wide range of topics that allow the reader to get a sense of who you are as a person.
A postgraduate personal statement is one of the most important steps to consider when applying for a masters course or applying for a PhD.. Writing a postgraduate personal statement is a standard part of the admissions and entry requirements process. Your personal statement and your references are the two main sources of information in your postgraduate application, and the personal statement ...
Personal statements required for graduate school admissions are short. Their length should be around 700 words, meaning 1-2 pages. However, you should be careful to write it well and edit it thoroughly for grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors.
When writing a postgraduate personal statement, you should aim for a word count of around 500 words (one A4 side of text). Some universities will have more specific requirements, however - for example, they might ask you to submit your personal statement via a form on their website with a character limit.
It should be about 1,000 words, or one side of A4. In your personal statement, you should demonstrate your enthusiasm for the course and highlight the skills you've gained from your academic studies and your work or life experience. If you're not currently studying you should include information about if you've taken a year out, and why, and ...
You may use your personal statement to address any gaps in your knowledge and how you have or plan to address them. Make sure your personal statement has a clear introduction (beginning), body (middle), and conclusion (the end). Check your grammar and spelling, and keep your sentences short and concise. Find out how to write your personal ...
Length: C heck the guidelines given by the university you're applying for. A statement can be as short as 500 words, or as long as around 1500 words. If it's not specified, go for about one and half sides of A4, around 1000-1500 words. Some institutions set a character limit instead.
Personal Statements. Preparing a well-written and effective personal statement (sometimes referred to as statements of purpose or personal essays) that clearly articulates your preparation, goals, and motivation for pursuing that specific graduate degree is critically important. You will need to spend a considerable amount of time and effort in ...
Your personal statement should focus on two main aspects: your competence and commitment. 1. Identify your strengths in terms of competence that indicate that you will succeed in the grad program and provide examples to support your claims. Start your statement by describing your strengths immediately. Because faculty will be reading many ...
Start writing your personal statement as soon as you know which course you want to apply for and which universities you want to approach. For more help and advice on what to write in your postgraduate personal statement, please see: Top Rated Personal Statements; Personal Statement Editing Services; Personal Statement Tips From A Teacher
Resources section providing you with additional information about the University of Glasgow's online postgraduate programmes. Your personal statement is your first impression to your prospective university. Discover some tips to writing an impactful personal statement.
Top 5 tips for a good personal statement. Don't use the same personal statement for each course you are applying for. Be specific about why you are applying for that particular course. This should be your own work, and you shouldn't copy from elsewhere or plagiarise from someone else. Give details of any relevant work experience, and the ...
Top Tips for Writing a Graduate School Personal Statement. Pick a few points to emphasize about yourself. Introduce yourself to the admissions board. Select key factors about your background that you want the university to know — elements that reveal what kind of person you are and demonstrate why you're a strong candidate for the school ...
Run your statement through a spell-checking programme - then double-check the spelling, punctuation and grammar and correct. We recommend you write your personal statement first, then copy and paste it into your online application once you're happy with it. Make sure you save it regularly, as it times out after 35 minutes of inactivity.
Your personal statement should convey your views and be written in your style. To be successful, make sure you're clear, concise and factual. Don't get someone else to write it for you. Write about relevant previous academic study, achievements and projects. Focus on academic skills you've developed and wish to develop further.
Customize your statement for each program to which you apply. Each program will provide a brief description of what it wants in the applicant's statement of purpose, the length and topics. One program may want 500 words covering topics A, B and C.
Applying to a Master of Legal Studies (M.L.S.) program is an excellent first step in advancing your legal knowledge in your respective field. Each M.L.S. program sets its own requirements for application and admittance—yet for any graduate-level program, it is common for a personal statement to be required as part of any application.
How to Write a Residency Personal Statement 2024 with EXAMPLES. 🌐 If you need professional help with your application, check the MATCH® Application Package...
Listen to this episode from The Diary of Becoming, with HOR on Spotify. Episode 7! This episode is all about writing scholarship and admission-winning SOPs. If you are a prospective international student in need of some actionable tips to check if the SOP you've written is competitive enough, this is for you. I share 8 things you need to look out for in your SOP as well as ways you can better ...
Prospective students will no longer be asked to write personal statements as part of their application to university in the UK, the admissions organisation Ucas has announced.. Instead of writing ...
Learn when you can go back to your normal activities. Seek health care promptly for testing and/or treatment if you have risk factors for severe illness. Treatment may help lower your risk of severe illness, but it needs to be started within a few days of when your symptoms begin. Additional Prevention Strategies
Whether we keep our republic is now in your hands. My fellow Americans, it's been the privilege of my life to serve this nation for over 50 years. Nowhere else on earth could a kid with a stutter from modest beginnings in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and Claymont, Delaware, one day sit behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office as President of ...
However, high school students (including high school postgraduate students) who are taking one or more college classes can participate. Students attending their first year of a two-year CEGEP in ...