When you are applying for a masters program in any university, besides the usual application documents such as CV, transcripts, language certificates, references, you will also be asked to submit a personal statement.
Lets start with the basic and foremost question.
What is a personal statement?
It is anything but an autobiography of your life events! A personal statement, also known as a statement of purpose, is a formal piece of writing that is submitted as part of application documents for any university degree course. It serves a two-way process by providing you an opportunity to express your motivation for the program you are applying for. On the other hand, it helps the selectors to decide whether you are a good match for the program and whether the program is right for you or not.
Now comes the next question of writing the piece.
How to write it?
What to include?
What not to include?
A good personal statement is well-structured with meaningful content in a fluent language. So let's divide the answer into three aspects namely structure, content and language of the statement.
Structure
Every university has its own requirements regarding word count limit. But if nothing is mentioned, it is better to stick to 500-1000 words. Shorter than 500 words will not provide enough room for accommodating all your motivations and skills. Similarly with more than 1000 words, you run the risk of providing extra unnecessary details and boring the selector.
Tip 1: Stay Within Limit of 500-1000 Words
The introduction surely acts as a framework for rest of the statement. So, write in about 250 words about why you became interested in the program and a brief overview of your academic and professional background. Please do not use inspirational quotes, it is so cliched!
Tip 2: Start With an Eye-Catching and Interesting Introduction
The middle section of the statement allows you space to answer the questions posed by the university for proving your skills, achievements and interests. Instead of just making claims, try to be specific and provide concrete evidence of your skills and achievements.
You have to remember that selectors will be reading thousands of applications. They have limited time and attention span. Thus, try putting your skills, know-how, motivations, experience in different headings or different paragraphs but connected through the thread of narration.
Tip 3: Well-Structured and Detailed Middle Part
A good conclusion helps to draw the important aspect of the statement, highlighting the main accomplishments and makes a lasting positive impression on the mind of the selector. It does not need to be more than 250 words.
Tip 4: Concise and Positive Conclusion
Content
I strongly recommend researching on the university and the course program you are applying to. You have to prove that you fully understand the field you want to enter and have enough reasons for doing so.
Tip 5: Research on the University and the Course Program
A few universities provide you a list of questions they want you to answer in the statement, thereby standardizing the format. But if there is no such obligation, try answering the following questions:
Why do you want to study in this university?
You can mention the support provided by the university to emerging talents and ground breaking researches. Also mention if they have a strong career development support.
You can mention the support provided by the university to emerging talents and ground breaking researches. Also mention if they have a strong career development support.
Why do you want to undertake this program or research?
This provides an opportunity to mention your understanding of the program. Write how you got interested and who your main influences have been and why.
What academic experience have you had so far?
Write about your previous degree courses or any other relevant training program. Even if your previous studies are not related to the program you are applying for, still do mention your academic achievements.
What are your academic interests?
You can mention your project work, thesis dissertation etc. Write about your interest areas and your skills such as critical thinking, communication, organisation etc.
What are your career plans?
The answer will show how much and in what way the program will help you to achieve your career aspirations by providing the technical know- how, knowledge and skill support. A confident answer will assure the selector that you have thought it through.
Tip 6: Try Answering the Above Questions in the Middle Section of the Statement
The way of writing is as important as the structure and content of the statement, proving your skill at communicating effectively.
Language
The most important factor is to use a positive and enthusiastic tone, but strictly formal. Concise and clear sentences written with correct grammar, punctuation and spellings, make the statement an easy and pleasurable read. Even after double checking, you might miss out some grammatical or spelling mistakes. It is better to ask someone to look at your personal statement with a fresh pair of eyes.
Tip 7: Use Clear Language in a Positive Tone and Ask Someone to Proof Read
I want to inform that selectors can easily tell if you are bluffing or being honest in your claims. And, avoid using the same format for all the programs you are applying. Selectors can identify the same worn out re-used statements.
Tip 8: No Bluffing
Lastly, it is best to start early, research well on the university, on the course and then start writing the statement accordingly. Leave enough time to double check and proofread.
Tip 9: Start Early and Allow Time to Double Check
Hope you can write a successful a personal statement with help of the above- mentioned tips. Have confidence in yourself and good luck!!
Sohini Nandi
Hello from the Land of Santa Claus!!
Professionally I am a Conservation Architect. That means I spend most of my time snooping dilapidated and haunted buildings. I love the smell of old damp lime washed walls. Sorry to put you off with all the unpleasant details.
Now for the fun facts. I have been living in this extremely cold socialist country (Its Finland, for the people who are still guessing!) for a few years now. But I was also in London doing my second post-graduation (University College London) and working on a few projects for the last 1.5 years.
Being a culture enthusiast, I have travelled far and wide in Europe learning the culture and trying the unique local cuisines. Yes, I am a foodie too!
Cheers to Life!
Professionally I am a Conservation Architect. That means I spend most of my time snooping dilapidated and haunted buildings. I love the smell of old damp lime washed walls. Sorry to put you off with all the unpleasant details.
Now for the fun facts. I have been living in this extremely cold socialist country (Its Finland, for the people who are still guessing!) for a few years now. But I was also in London doing my second post-graduation (University College London) and working on a few projects for the last 1.5 years.
Being a culture enthusiast, I have travelled far and wide in Europe learning the culture and trying the unique local cuisines. Yes, I am a foodie too!
Cheers to Life!
Thank you!
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