10 Helpful Tips for Writing a Personal Statement for Graduate School

Here are 10 ways to help you write a personal statement that doesn’t sound like everyone else’s.

1. Forget the Intro (for now)

If you are struggling to create that big, dramatic opening, try starting in the middle of your story. Did a routine project you worked on prompt a surprising revelation? Did a class change your perspective? Bonus points if that event led you to this point—writing your personal statement, applying for graduate school and investing in you and your future. Build from that small story to fill out the rest of the statement before tackling the intro.

2. Sound Like a Human

Great writers have authentic and distinctive voices—they sound like themselves. Your personal statement of interest shouldn’t read as if a robot wrote it or you were aiming for a prestigious literary award. Should it be polished? Yes. But not so much that it sounds forced. Read it aloud. Does it have clear and confident language? Does it sound like you? If so, you’re on the right track.

3. Answer the Question: Why You, Why Now?

What makes you the right person for this program at this moment? Why are you applying now? The answers to these questions can help admissions to zero in why you’d be a great candidate for the program. Maybe it’s something as simple as realizing your lifelong affection for statistics could translate into a career as a financial analyst. Use your words to link your past experiences to the present and to share how today’s motivations are shaping your future goals.

4. Cut the Clichés

You may be sincere in your meaning, but your words could sound cliché. Phrases such as “I’ve always wanted to be a documentary filmmaker” or “It’s been my dream to have a job that helps others” might be true but they could sound overused. Can you show through personal experiences how you’ve remained laser-focused on your aspirational future or how a transformative event shifted your thinking? Remember, you are telling a compelling story about yourself and that requires concrete details and a unique perspective.

5. Dive into Details

Do you have examples of research projects, internships or career experiences that have shaped your thinking, goals and pursuit of a graduate degree? These instances provide a concrete look at your existing skills, experience and maturity—a solid foundation you can build upon while pursuing your degree. Further, these details reveal aspects of your personality and potential that could help to cement your place in the academic program.

6. Point Out the Positives

Is there a faculty member whose work you admire? Are there research projects you’d love to join? Is a particular course calling your name? Now’s the time to say so. Make clear why all this matters to you. Perhaps the faculty member’s work has inspired one of your undergraduate research projects. Maybe you love the focus on AI or emerging technologies. More specific callouts make your words more memorable rather than general statements, such as “Your program has great professors.”

7. Don’t Be Shy About Detours

If, in your application, it’s clear you hit a rough patch, such as a less-than-stellar GPA, give that academic hiccup some context. Keep it brief and focused. Share how the experience made you learn something new about yourself. Linking a challenge to personal growth will provide admissions with a more comprehensive view of who you are.

8. Keep It Simple

As you review your words, check to see if you are using big, jargony words or complicated and complex sentences just because you think you should. You certainly want to show that you know what you are talking about when it comes to your studies, but overcomplicated terms and phrases don’t help the flow. Use language that is precise, not pretentious.

9. Conclude With a Look to the Future

Wrap up your graduate personal statement of purpose with a look ahead. What do you hope to gain from this program? What kind of contributions do you want to make to your community, to society and to the larger world? Provide admissions with a sense of where you want to go and how the program will help get you there.

10. Edit Like You Mean It

Look over your personal statement. Does the tone feel natural and true to who you are? Is it well-written yet not overly polished or formulaic? Remove any fluff. If something doesn’t serve your theme or your story, remove or adjust it. Ask someone who doesn’t know your field to read it. Ask them what they remember. And please, check for typos. If you have a friend or relative who happens to be a great proofreader, have them look it over.

Final Advice

Writing a personal statement of purpose for graduate school is an opportunity to showcase who you are beyond your GPA. Be sure your words demonstrate your qualities, show how you are a great fit for the program and reveal how this next chapter will set you up for your future.

Want to know more about graduate programs at Sacred Heart University?

Learn more about Sacred Heart’s graduate programs by reaching out to SHU’s graduate admissions counselors or by calling 203-365-7619. If you are an international student interested in learning more about our graduate programs, you can connect with our international graduate admissions team.

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