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Most of you might be expected to submit a personal statement as part of your college application. Having an impactful personal statement is vital in getting into the college of your dreams.
We’ve compiled some impactful personal statement examples for colleges, scholarships, and jobs. These examples should help you learn how to write a personal statement , but if you need a personal statement template for college, we’ve got you covered there too! But first, let’s understand what goes into creating a personal statement.
Boost your acceptance chances with a perfectly edited personal statement. Learn more
What to include in a personal statement?
In order to impress the admissions committee, it is crucial that your personal statement answers key questions about who you are as an applicant. Here are some questions your personal statement should answer:
- Why am I choosing this program?
- What are my primary motivators?
- What are my future goals and how can I achieve them?
Summarizing your life’s goals, aims, achievements, and motivating factors into roughly 600 words can certainly be complicated! It’s confusing what to include and what to omit.
Let’s look at the main points you can include in order to answer these questions.
1. Personal anecdotes
Adding a touch of character to your personal statement can give the admissions committee insight into your personality beyond your transcripts. By including specific experiences and anecdotes, you can make your personal statement more engaging and informative.
In addition to highlighting your achievements and qualifications, sharing stories about your journey can help answer important questions such as “What sparked your interest in the field of your choice?” or “What motivates you to pursue your goals?”
Personal insights help the admissions committee understand your character, values, and your unique perspective.
2. Qualities that make you stand out
To create a strong impression on the admissions committee, simply listing out your achievements doesn’t cut it. Since they already have access to your transcripts, it’s important to go beyond the surface-level accomplishments and highlight the unique qualities and skills that make you a perfect candidate for the program of your choice.
Instead of solely focusing on your achievements, emphasize what you learned and how it impacted you. Discuss the challenges you faced, the lessons you learned, and the skills you developed.
Highlight how these experiences have shaped your values, perspectives, and goals. By highlighting the specific qualities and skills cultivated from each of your experiences, you can paint a compelling picture of who you are as an individual and what you can bring to the institution.
3. Specific reasons for selecting the program of your choice
It’s important to showcase your research and highlight specific aspects of the program that you appreciate in your personal statement. This can help show your interest and commitment to the program.
There are a variety of aspects you can research upon. For example, if the program has access to state-of-the-art equipment that is not commonly available in other programs, you can emphasize its value and explain how it aligns with your research interests.
You can also highlight a niche topic or research area that is not covered in other programs and explain how it helps you reach your goals.
Following these methods can help set you apart from other applicants and increase your chances of being accepted into the program.
Now that we’ve taken a look at what goes into a personal statement, let’s look at some personal statement examples.
Personal statement example for college
From a young age, I have been fascinated by the workings of the human mind.
My interest in psychology only deepened with time. I began reading books and watching documentaries about the latest research in this field. I was particularly drawn to the areas of cognitive psychology and neuropsychology, which explored how the brain processes information and how this affects behavior.
So when the time came to choose a major in college, I knew that psychology was the natural choice for me. This is precisely why the Clinical Psychology program at Stanford University has my deepest interest. The university has produced a significant amount of research in the field, some of which include studies on student stress and cognitive biases.
I currently volunteer at a local mental health clinic, where I worked with patients with a range of mental health conditions. During high school, I also had the opportunity to intern for a study that conducted studies on the effects of mindfulness meditation.
Through these experiences, I became passionate about the potential of psychological research and its real-world impact.
Now, as I prepare for college, I am excited to continue exploring the frontiers of this fascinating field. I am particularly interested in the intersection of psychology and technology, and the ways in which virtual reality and other emerging technologies interact with mental health.
Ultimately, I hope to use my skills and knowledge to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. I believe that psychology can unlock new levels of human potential and I’m committed to helping others achieve this through the power of psychology.
Personal statement example for grad school
I was fascinated with television ever since I could remember. I always wondered how people fit into a box that small, wanting to dismantle and rebuild it. As I got older, my curiosity only grew stronger, and I found myself drawn to science and technology.
As a young teenager, I stumbled upon a programming book at the library. Intrigued by the idea of creating something out of nothing, I delved into the world of computer science. As I learned more about programming, I discovered a whole new way of understanding and interacting with the world.
Over the years, my love for technology continued to grow, and I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in this field. In college, I studied computer science and engineering, immersing myself in the latest developments in the field. I also had the opportunity to work on several projects that allowed me to put my skills into practice, including designing and building a small robot and creating an app that helped people track their carbon footprint.
As I approached graduation, I knew that I wanted to use my skills to make a positive impact on the world. I began volunteering at a local non-profit that focused on using technology to address social and environmental challenges. Through this work, I discovered a passion for using technology to create meaningful change in the world.
Now, as I prepare to take the next steps in my career, I am more excited than ever about the possibilities that lie ahead. I am eager to continue exploring the intersections of technology, social impact, and environmental sustainability. One small step at a time, I am committed to using my skills and knowledge to make a positive difference in the world.
Personal statement example for scholarships
Chemistry has always fascinated me. From the chemical reactions that occur in our everyday lives to the intricate mechanisms of the human body, chemistry is the foundation of everything around us.
My interest in chemistry sparked when I watched my mother make cheese from whole milk, witnessing firsthand how she separated the cream from the milk and transformed it into cheese.
Because of this interest, I delved head-first into the world of chemistry. I took advanced courses and consistently received top grades. I also participated in a number of extracurricular activities, including science clubs and competitions. In addition, I conducted research in this field, working with my teacher to investigate the effects of different solvents on chemical reactions.
My experiences have taught me the importance of attention to detail, careful observation, and teamwork. I believe that these skills will be essential as I continue my studies and pursue a career in this subject. I am confident that my passion for the subject, combined with my academic achievements and research experience, make me a strong candidate for this scholarship.
In conclusion, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to apply for this scholarship. I am committed to pursuing a career in chemistry and believe that this scholarship will help me to achieve my goals.
With the financial support and encouragement provided by this scholarship, I am confident that I will be able to make a meaningful contribution to the field of chemistry and to society as a whole.
Personal statement example for jobs
As I left home, I vividly remember my mother urging me to stay safe and call her every week. I had to move to Texas, leaving my mother behind in Honduras for 10 years.
When we were finally reunited, she shared the horrors she had faced back home, the worsening violence and poverty caused by drug abuse. Her experiences finally pushed me to take some form of action within my sphere of activity. Of course, there was no option but to excel at school.
Due to the recurring culture shocks and adjustments, I had to work harder on my academics. But it was through extracurriculars such as debate team and volleyball that I truly felt included. This gave me the confidence to lead the Model United Nations (MUN) in college. We organized events to collect funds for relief centers in Somalia, raising over $20,000.
When elected student council president, I organized teams to conduct drives in Somalia and Guatemala. Even having heard stories from my mother, witnessing the daily struggles in these countries completely changed my perspective toward human rights, privilege, and global accountability.
My experiences have given me deeper insights into the trials and tribulations faced by people of color, especially in African countries. As part of your organization, I can make a larger difference in the global politics of racial equity.
Personal statement template for college
This personal statement template for college is a foolproof guide to help you craft a successful application. Our relevant personal statement examples and carefully curated template will answer all the questions of the admissions committee and will provide valuable insights into your qualifications and aspirations.
Download this free personal statement template to showcase your academic and extracurricular achievements, highlight your relevant experience, and express your passion for the program.
Download the Free Personal Statement Template
If you think you need additional help editing and proofreading your personal statement, you can consider approaching a professional essay editing service for an impeccably formatted personal statement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a personal statement be, do i introduce myself in a personal statement, how do you title a personal statement, do i use paragraphs in my personal statement, how do i close my personal statement.
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- 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.
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How to Write a Personal Statement (with Tips and Examples)
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By Hannah Yang
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Table of Contents
What is a personal statement, 6 tips on how to write a personal statement, personal statement examples (for college and university), faqs about writing personal statements, conclusion on how to write a personal statement.
How do you tell someone who you are in just a few hundred words?
It’s certainly no easy task, but it’s one almost every college applicant must do. The personal statement is a crucial part of any college or university application.
So, how do you write a compelling personal statement?
In this article, we’ll give you all the tools, tips, and examples you need to write an effective personal statement.
A personal statement is a short essay that reveals something important about who you are. It can talk about your background, your interests, your values, your goals in life, or all of the above.
Personal statements are required by many college admission offices and scholarship selection committees. They’re a key part of your application, alongside your academic transcript, standardized test scores, and extracurricular activities.
The reason application committees ask you to write a personal statement is so they can get to know who you are.
Some personal statements have specific prompts, such as “Discuss a period of personal growth in your life” or “Tell us about a challenge or failure you’ve faced.” Others are more open-ended with prompts that essentially boil down to “Tell us about yourself.”
No matter what the prompt is, your goal is the same: to make yourself stand out to the selection committee as a strong candidate for their program.
Here are some things a personal statement can be:
It can be funny. If you have a great sense of humor, your personal statement is a great place to let that shine.
It can be vulnerable. Don’t be afraid to open up about hardships in your life or failures you’ve experienced. Showing vulnerability can make you sound more like a real person rather than just a collection of application materials.
It can be creative. Candidates have got into top schools with personal statements that take the form of “a day in the life” descriptions, third-person short stories, and even cooking recipes.
Now we’ve talked about what a personal statement is, let’s quickly look at what a personal statement isn’t:
It isn’t a formal academic paper. You should write the personal statement in your natural voice, using first-person pronouns like “I” and “me,” not in the formal, objective language you would use to write an academic paper.
It isn’t a five-paragraph essay. You should use as many paragraphs as you need to tell your story instead of sticking to the essay structure you learned in school.
It isn’t a resumé. You should try to describe yourself by telling a clear and cohesive story rather than providing a jumbled list of all of your accomplishments and ambitions.
![personal statement templates word personal statement definition](https://assets.prowritingaid.com/f/145420/750x469/abc74cb4d0/blog-content-personal-statement-definition.png/m/)
Here are our top six tips for writing a strong personal statement.
Tip 1: Do Some Serious Self-Reflection
The hardest part of writing a personal statement isn’t the actual process of writing it.
Before you start typing, you have to figure out what to write about. And that means taking some time to reflect on who you are and what’s important in your life.
Here are some useful questions you can use to start your self-reflection. You can either answer these on your own by writing down your answers, or you can ask a trusted friend to listen as you talk about them together.
What were the key moments that shaped your life? (e.g. an important friendship, a travel experience, an illness or injury)
What are you proud of? (e.g. you’re a good listener, you always keep your promises, you’re a talented musician)
How do you choose to spend your time? (e.g. reading, practicing soccer, spending time with your friends)
What inspires you? (e.g. your grandmother, a celebrity, your favorite song)
Doing this self-reflection is crucial for figuring out the perfect topics and anecdotes you can use to describe who you are.
Tip 2: Try to Avoid Cliché Topics
College application committees read thousands of personal statements a year. That means there are some personal statement topics they see over and over again.
Here are a few examples of common personal statement topics that have become cliché:
Winning a tournament or sports game
Volunteering in a foreign country
Moving to a new home
Becoming an older sibling
Being an immigrant or having immigrant parents
If you want to make a strong impression in the application process, you need to make your personal statement stand out from the crowd.
But if your chosen personal statement topic falls into one of these categories, that doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t use it. Just make sure to put a unique spin on it so it still delivers something the committee hasn’t seen before.
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Good writing = better grades
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Tip 3: Show, Don’t Tell
One common mistake you might make in your personal statement is to simply tell the reader what you want them to know about you, such as by stating “I have a fear of public speaking” or “I love to cook.”
Instead of simply stating these facts, you should show the committee what you’re talking about through a story or scene, which will make your essay much more immersive and memorable.
For example, let’s say you want the committee to know you overcame your fear of public speaking. Instead of writing “I overcame my fear of public speaking,” show them what it was like to be onstage in front of a microphone. Did your palms get clammy? Did you feel light-headed? Did you forget your words?
Or let’s say you want the committee to know you love to cook. Instead of writing “I love to cook,” show them why you love to cook. What’s your favorite dish to cook? What does the air smell like when you’re cooking it? What kitchen appliances do you use to make it?
Tip 4: Connect the Story to Why You’re Applying
Don’t forget that the purpose of your personal statement isn’t simply to tell the admissions committee who you are. That’s an important part of it, of course, but your ultimate goal is to convince them to choose you as a candidate.
That means it’s important to tie your personal story to your reasons for applying to this specific school or scholarship. Finish your essay with a strong thesis.
For example, if your story is about overcoming your fear of public speaking, you might connect that story to your ambition of becoming a politician. You can then tie that to your application by saying, “I want to apply to this school because of its fantastic politics program, which will give me a perfect opportunity to use my voice.”
Tip 5: Write in Your Own Voice
The personal statement isn’t supposed to be written in a formal tone. That’s why they’re called “personal” statements because you have to shape it to fit your own voice and style.
Don’t use complicated or overwrought language. You don’t need to fill your essay with semicolons and big words, unless that’s how you sound in real life.
One way to write in your own voice is by speaking your personal statement out loud. If it doesn’t feel natural, it may need changing.
Tip 6: Edit, Edit, Edit!
It’s important to revise your personal statement multiple times in order to make sure it’s as close to perfect as possible.
A single typo won’t kill your application, but if your personal statement contains multiple spelling errors or egregious grammar mistakes, you won’t be putting your best foot forward.
ProWritingAid can help you make sure your personal statement is as clean as possible. In addition to catching your grammar errors, typos, and punctuation mistakes, it will also help you improve weaknesses in your writing, such as passive voice, unnecessary repetition, and more.
Let’s look at some of the best personal statements that have worked for successful candidates in the real world.
Harvard Personal Statement Example
Love. For a word describing such a powerful emotion, it is always in the air. The word “love” has become so pervasive in everyday conversation that it hardly retains its roots in blazing passion and deep adoration. In fact, the word is thrown about so much that it becomes difficult to believe society isn’t just one huge, smitten party, with everyone holding hands and singing “Kumbaya.” In films, it’s the teenage boy’s grudging response to a doting mother. At school, it’s a habitual farewell between friends. But in my Chinese home, it’s never uttered. Watching my grandmother lie unconscious on the hospital bed, waiting for her body to shut down, was excruciatingly painful. Her final quavering breaths formed a discordant rhythm with the steady beep of hospital equipment and the unsympathetic tapping hands of the clock. That evening, I whispered—into unhearing ears—the first, and only, “I love you” I ever said to her, my rankling guilt haunting me relentlessly for weeks after her passing. My warm confession seemed anticlimactic, met with only the coldness of my surroundings—the blank room, impassive doctors, and empty silence. I struggled to understand why the “love” that so easily rolled off my tongue when bantering with friends dissipated from my vocabulary when I spoke to my family. Do Chinese people simply love less than Americans do?
This is an excerpt from a personal statement that got the applicant admitted to Harvard University. The applicant discusses her background as a Chinese-American by musing on the word “love” and what that means within her family.
The writer uses vulnerable details about her relationship with her grandmother to give the reader an understanding of where she comes from and how her family has shaped her.
You can read the full personal statement on the Harvard Crimson website.
Tufts Personal Statement Example
My first dream job was to be a pickle truck driver. I saw it in my favorite book, Richard Scarry’s “Cars and Trucks and Things That Go,” and for some reason, I was absolutely obsessed with the idea of driving a giant pickle. Much to the discontent of my younger sister, I insisted that my parents read us that book as many nights as possible so we could find goldbug, a small little golden bug, on every page. I would imagine the wonderful life I would have: being a pig driving a giant pickle truck across the country, chasing and finding goldbug. I then moved on to wanting to be a Lego Master. Then an architect. Then a surgeon. Then I discovered a real goldbug: gold nanoparticles that can reprogram macrophages to assist in killing tumors, produce clear images of them without sacrificing the subject, and heat them to obliteration. Suddenly the destination of my pickle was clear. I quickly became enveloped by the world of nanomedicine; I scoured articles about liposomes, polymeric micelles, dendrimers, targeting ligands, and self-assembling nanoparticles, all conquering cancer in some exotic way. Completely absorbed, I set out to find a mentor to dive even deeper into these topics. After several rejections, I was immensely grateful to receive an invitation to work alongside Dr. Sangeeta Ray at Johns Hopkins.
This is the beginning of a personal statement by Renner Kwittken, who was admitted into Tufts University as a pre-medical student.
Renner uses a humorous anecdote about being a pickle truck driver to describe his love for nanomedicine and how he got involved in his field. You can feel his passion for medicine throughout his personal statement.
You can find Renner’s full essay on the Tufts Admissions page.
Law School Personal Statement Essay Example
For most people, the slap on the face that turns their life around is figurative. Mine was literal. Actually, it was a punch delivered by a drill sergeant at Fort Dix, New Jersey, while I was in basic training. That day’s activity, just a few weeks into the program, included instruction in “low-crawling,” a sensible method of moving from one place to another on a battlefield. I felt rather clever for having discovered that, by looking right rather than down, I eliminated my helmet’s unfortunate tendency to dig into the ground and slow my progress. I could thus advance more easily, but I also exposed my unprotected face to hostile fire. Drill sergeants are typically very good at detecting this type of laziness, and mine was an excellent drill sergeant. So, after his repeated suggestions that I correct my performance went unheeded, he drove home his point with a fist to my face. We were both stunned. This was, after all, the New Army, and striking a trainee was a career-ending move for a drill sergeant, as we were both aware. I could have reported him; arguably, I should have. I didn’t. It didn’t seem right for this good sergeant, who had not slept for almost four days, to lose his career for losing his temper with my laziness. Choosing not to report him was the first decision I remember making that made me proud.
These are the first three paragraphs of an anonymous personal statement by a Wheaton College graduate, who used this personal statement to get into a top-25 law school.
This statement describes a time the applicant faced a challenging decision while in the army. He ended up making a decision he was proud of, and as a result, the personal statement gives us a sense of his character.
You can find the full essay on the Wheaton Academics website.
Here are some common questions about how to write a personal statement.
How Long Should a Personal Statement Be?
The length of your personal statement depends on the specific program you’re applying to. The application guidelines usually specify a maximum word count or an ideal word count.
Most personal statements are between 500–800 words. That’s a good general range to aim for if you don’t have more specific guidelines.
Should Personal Statements Be Different for Scholarships?
Many scholarship applications will ask for personal statements with similar prompts to those of college applications.
However, the purpose of a personal statement you’d write for a scholarship application is different from the purpose of one you’d write for a college application.
For a scholarship application, your goal is to showcase why you deserve the scholarship. To do that, you need to understand the mission of the organization offering that scholarship.
For example, some scholarships are meant to help first-generation college students get their degree, while others are meant to help women break into STEM.
Consider the following questions:
Why is this organization offering scholarships?
What would their ideal scholarship candidate look like?
How do your experiences and goals overlap with those of their ideal scholarship candidate?
You can use the same personal anecdotes you’d use for any other personal statement, but you’ll have a better chance of winning the scholarship if you tailor your essay to match their specific mission.
How to Start a Personal Statement
You should start your personal statement with a “hook” that pulls the reader in. The sooner you catch the reader’s attention, the more likely they’ll want to read the entire essay.
Here are some examples of hooks you can use:
A story (e.g. When the spotlight hit my face, I tried to remind myself to breathe. )
A setting description (e.g. My bedroom floor is covered with dirty laundry, candy wrappers, and crumpled sheet music. )
A funny anecdote (e.g. When I was a little kid, my friends nicknamed me Mowgli because of my haircut. )
A surprising fact (e.g. I've lived in 37 countries .)
There you have it—our complete guide to writing a personal statement that will make you stand out to the application committee.
Here’s a quick recap:
A personal statement is a short essay that shows an application committee who you are
Start with a strong hook that pulls the reader in
Tell a story to engage the reader
Write in your own voice, not in a formal tone
Good luck, and happy writing!
Hannah Yang
Hannah is a speculative fiction writer who loves all things strange and surreal. She holds a BA from Yale University and lives in Colorado. When she’s not busy writing, you can find her painting watercolors, playing her ukulele, or hiking in the Rockies. Follow her work on hannahyang.com or on Twitter at @hannahxyang.
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Personal Statement Examples
![personal statement templates word UCAS personal statement book](https://www.personal-statement-examples.com/securecontent/uploads/2024/03/ucas.jpg)
Most importantly, it contains 100 successful UCAS personal statements which really helps you see what admissions tutors are looking for. The book covers a very wide range of subjects including:-
- Archaeology
- Chinese Students
- Computer Science
- Earth Sciences
- Engineering
- Modern Languages
- Veterinary Science
At an absolutely bargain price considering the quality of information it includes, you really can’t afford to miss it. Just read all the positive reviews.
Our free PSE guide
Our own comprehensive guides explain how to write your personal statement, step by step! Use our guide alongside our personal statement examples to help you prepare your own application.
- How to plan your personal statement
- How to write a personal statement
- Getting started
- Writing your intro
- Writing your body
- Writing your conclusion
- Proofreading
- Tips and tricks
- Excellent personal statements
- Top things to avoid
Use the links at the bottom of each page to ‘walk through’ the guide.
Graphic Design BA (Hons) Personal Statement Example
![personal statement templates word Preview of Graphic Design personal statement example](https://www.personal-statement-examples.com/securecontent/uploads/2023/07/graphic-design-personal-statement-example.jpg)
For as long as I can remember, visual arts and design have been central to my life. As a child, my happiest moments were spent with a sketchpad and colours, creating my own little worlds or interpreting the world around me…
Environmental Geography (BSc) personal statement example
![personal statement templates word Environmental geography personal statement example preview](https://www.personal-statement-examples.com/securecontent/uploads/2024/03/environmental-geography-personal-statement-example.jpg)
From the moment I realised the complex interplay between human activity and our environment, I have been captivated by the urgency to understand and mitigate anthropogenic effects on our planet….
Criminology and Forensic Science BSc Personal Statement
![personal statement templates word Criminology and forensic science personal statement example](https://www.personal-statement-examples.com/securecontent/uploads/2024/03/criminology-forensic-science-personal-statement-example.jpg)
My fascination with the intricate workings of criminal justice and forensic science began with a curious mind and a voracious appetite for detective novels during my early teenage years…
Renewable Energy Systems MEng Personal Statement Example
![personal statement templates word Renewable systems MEng personal statement example](https://www.personal-statement-examples.com/securecontent/uploads/2024/03/renewable-systems-meng-personal-statement-example.jpg)
From a young age, I was acutely aware of the environmental challenges facing our planet. My interest in sustainability and technology found a perfect match in renewable energy engineering…
Mental Health Nursing BSc personal statement example
![personal statement templates word Mental health nursing BSc personal statement - page one preview](https://www.personal-statement-examples.com/securecontent/uploads/2024/03/mental-health-nursing-bsc-personal-statement-example.jpg)
Choosing to specialise in Mental Health Nursing for my BSc is a decision deeply rooted in both personal experience and a profound commitment to make a tangible difference in the lives of those grappling with mental health challenges….
Sports and Exercise Science BSc
![personal statement templates word Sports and exercise personal statement example](https://www.personal-statement-examples.com/securecontent/uploads/2024/03/sports-exercise-personal-statement-example-bsc.jpg)
From an early age, I have always been captivated by the science behind athletic performance and physical well-being.
Urban Planning BSc (Hons) Personal Statement Example
![personal statement templates word Urban planning personal statement example](https://www.personal-statement-examples.com/securecontent/uploads/2023/07/urban-planning-personal-statement-example.png)
From a child modeling lego cities to an adult understanding the intricate web of urban spatial relationships, my fascination with Urban Planning has been a constant.
Theology and Religious Studies BTh Personal Statement Example
![personal statement templates word Theology and religious studies personal statement example - page 1](https://www.personal-statement-examples.com/securecontent/uploads/2023/07/theology-religious-studies-personal-statement-example.png)
Being raised in a multicultural neighborhood, I always marveled at the diverse festivals, traditions, and moral tenets that seamlessly coexisted.
Textile Design BA (Hons) Personal Statement Example
![personal statement templates word Textile design BA Hons personal statement - example (page 1)](https://www.personal-statement-examples.com/securecontent/uploads/2023/07/textile-design-personal-statement-example.png)
I have always been artistically inclined and sensitive to the world’s splendor. However, that summer day marked my phase transition, propelling me from appreciating art to wanting to create it, satisfying my thirst to immortalize the world’s beauty into fabrics.
Philosophy BA (Hons) Personal Statement Example
![personal statement templates word Philosophy personal statement example - first page](https://www.personal-statement-examples.com/securecontent/uploads/2023/07/philosophy-personal-statement-example.png)
Ever since my first encounter with Descartes’ “I think, therefore I am” in my high school philosophy class, I have been captivated by the world of philosophy.
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How to Write a Strong Personal Statement
- Ruth Gotian
- Ushma S. Neill
![personal statement templates word personal statement templates word](https://hbr.org/resources/images/article_assets/2023/02/A_Mar23_01_Writing-statement_1217994864.jpg)
A few adjustments can get your application noticed.
Whether applying for a summer internship, a professional development opportunity, such as a Fulbright, an executive MBA program, or a senior leadership development course, a personal statement threads the ideas of your CV, and is longer and has a different tone and purpose than a traditional cover letter. A few adjustments to your personal statement can get your application noticed by the reviewer.
- Make sure you’re writing what they want to hear. Most organizations that offer a fellowship or internship are using the experience as a pipeline: It’s smart to spend 10 weeks and $15,000 on someone before committing five years and $300,000. Rarely are the organizations being charitable or altruistic, so align your stated goals with theirs
- Know when to bury the lead, and when to get to the point. It’s hard to paint a picture and explain your motivations in 200 words, but if you have two pages, give the reader a story arc or ease into your point by setting the scene.
- Recognize that the reviewer will be reading your statement subjectively, meaning you’re being assessed on unknowable criteria. Most people on evaluation committees are reading for whether or not you’re interesting. Stated differently, do they want to go out to dinner with you to hear more? Write it so that the person reading it wants to hear more.
- Address the elephant in the room (if there is one). Maybe your grades weren’t great in core courses, or perhaps you’ve never worked in the field you’re applying to. Make sure to address the deficiency rather than hoping the reader ignores it because they won’t. A few sentences suffice. Deficiencies do not need to be the cornerstone of the application.
At multiple points in your life, you will need to take action to transition from where you are to where you want to be. This process is layered and time-consuming, and getting yourself to stand out among the masses is an arduous but not impossible task. Having a polished resume that explains what you’ve done is the common first step. But, when an application asks for it, a personal statement can add color and depth to your list of accomplishments. It moves you from a one-dimensional indistinguishable candidate to someone with drive, interest, and nuance.
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- Ruth Gotian is the chief learning officer and associate professor of education in anesthesiology at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City, and the author of The Success Factor and Financial Times Guide to Mentoring . She was named the #1 emerging management thinker by Thinkers50. You can access her free list of conversation starters and test your mentoring impact . RuthGotian
- Ushma S. Neill is the Vice President, Scientific Education & Training at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. She runs several summer internships and is involved with the NYC Marshall Scholar Selection Committee. ushmaneill
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College Personal Statement Examples + Template
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Updated on May 24th, 2024
Writing a college personal statement is a daunting task for students. Many students struggle with what amounts to some light boasting. Plus, it isn’t uncommon for them to have trouble writing about themselves, even if their self-awareness is high.
However, being able to write an enticing personal statement is often necessary. College and scholarship applications may require one, so it’s an unavoidable part of the admissions process sometimes.
Luckily, writing a standout college personal statement doesn’t have to be a challenge. Here’s a look at what a college personal statement is, what it needs to include, what a personal statement layout should look like, and example essays that can help students turn a great personal statement into an amazing one.
![personal statement templates word](https://thescholarshipsystem.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/TheScholarshipSystem-webinar-registration.png)
- 1 WHAT IS A COLLEGE PERSONAL STATEMENT?
- 2 WHAT IS A PERSONAL STATEMENT FOR?
- 3 HOW TO WRITE A STANDOUT COLLEGE PERSONAL STATEMENT
- 4.1 Related Video: Scholarship Personal Statement: How to Write a Winning Statement
- 5.1 BRAINSTORMING IDEAS
- 5.2 PARE DOWN THE LIST
- 5.3 DO A (REALLY) ROUGH DRAFT
- 5.4 FOCUS ON THE BEST AND WHIP IT INTO SHAPE
- 5.5 SUBMIT THE ESSAY
- 6.1 Personal Statement Style and Structural Format
- 6.2 Related Video: How to Write a Scholarship Essay about Yourself
- 6.3.1 INTRODUCTION
- 6.3.2 SUPPORTING PARAGRAPHS
- 6.3.3 CLOSING
- 7.1 Personal Statement Example #1
- 7.2 Personal Statement Example #2
- 7.3 More Places to Find Personal Statement Samples:
WHAT IS A COLLEGE PERSONAL STATEMENT?
A college personal statement is essentially an essay. It’s a platform for students to share information and valuable insights about themselves, giving college admissions committees useful details that may lead them to admit a student.
WHAT IS A PERSONAL STATEMENT FOR?
The goal of a personal statement for the college admissions process is for students to discuss something about who they are that isn’t covered in other parts of their college or scholarship application.
A scholarship, college application, or Common App personal statement has the same relationship to applications as cover letters do with resumes. It’s a chance for students to showcase their personalities, discuss their motivations, and cover other intriguing details that aren’t captured in other parts of their submissions.
Essentially, students can choose a personal statement topic that covers any informational gaps and complements the other portions of their applications. Students just need to make sure that what they’re discussing aligns with any outlined requirements, as some schools do limit the topics they want students to cover.
![personal statement templates word Writing a standout college personal statement doesn’t have to be a challenge. Here’s a look at how to create an amazing one.](https://thescholarshipsystem.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/college-personal-statement-1-683x1024.jpg)
HOW TO WRITE A STANDOUT COLLEGE PERSONAL STATEMENT
When your student writes their personal statement, they need to use a storytelling approach. It’s best to convey the message as a narrative rather than just create a list of achievements. That makes the essay more compelling and ensures that your student provides an appropriate amount of context that frames their accomplishments in a meaningful way.
Additionally, it should complement the rest of the application. The goal shouldn’t be to regurgitate what’s covered elsewhere. Instead, the essay should present new information and valuable insights that don’t fit anywhere else.
For scholarships, the best personal statement also needs to discuss why the student is deserving. Usually, this means aligning the message with the organization. Considering the organization’s goals and mission before choosing what to highlight is always wise.
Finally, your student needs to focus on their personal growth and strengths. While acknowledging their weaknesses and challenges they’ve encountered isn’t strictly off-limits, your student needs to figure out in which areas they shine and concentrate on those aspects of their experience or personality.
If you and your student want to learn more about finding scholarships to help reduce the cost of college, sign up for our free college scholarship webinar ! Head over to https://thescholarshipsystem.com/freewebinar to reserve your spot today .
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CHOOSING THE BEST TOPIC
Often, students struggle with figuring out where to start with their college personal statement. However, they may receive assistance from the institution.
Some colleges and scholarship committees provide a list of topics students can use. In these cases, your student needs to consider which one (or ones) allows them to showcase the best of what they have to offer.
For example, students can choose from seven topics for the Common App essays . Each one supports a different kind of potential narrative, so your student needs to determine which one creates the best opportunity for them to stand out. Worst case, the Common App has a catch-all topic where students can discuss a subject of their choosing. If your student has something specific in mind that doesn’t fit in the other topics, they can opt to use that option.
Related Video: Scholarship Personal Statement: How to Write a Winning Statement
FIGURING OUT WHAT TO WRITE ABOUT ON COLLEGE APPLICATIONS
Deciding what to write a personal statement about, even after a topic is chosen, takes a bit of work. Luckily, students can use a simple process to make a decision.
BRAINSTORMING IDEAS
Students should take a few minutes to consider each available prompt. They can think about what experiences of their life may apply and then jot down a few notes.
In many cases, your student should focus on defining moments in their life. Any event that had a significant impact could be a great option.
However, your student may prefer to talk about their passions. This can include any endeavor that they’ve dedicated themselves to, whether that be music, sports, volunteering, or nearly anything else.
At times, writing about a person, organization, or innovation that inspires them can also be an appropriate direction. Similarly, discussing their proudest moments may also work.
PARE DOWN THE LIST
With their notes in hand, your student needs to narrow down their options. Ideally, they should choose two to four topics that resonate with them more than the others.
When they feel strongly about a subject, writing about it may be easier. As a result, creating the essay is a less daunting task, and the words may flow more freely since they’re personally excited about the topic.
DO A (REALLY) ROUGH DRAFT
After they’ve figured out which topics stand out in their eyes, it’s time to create a few rough drafts. Your student can free-write these initial essays, allowing their ideas to flow without being concerned about grammar, punctuation, or other writing mechanics.
The goal is to see which topics have the most potential. The personal statement layout, overall organization, and writing mechanics can come later.
Along the way, your student can’t be afraid to get personal and use their own voice. After all, it’s a college personal statement; it’s supposed to talk about their story. Anecdotes are powerful additions to these personal statements, too, so it’s wise to include examples.
The only outside consideration should be the audience. Your student needs to keep the potential reader (the college admissions officers or scholarship committee members) in mind. What would entice them to keep reading? Does the essay speak to something important to them?
Ultimately, the goal is to get personal but also provide information that helps the student stand out in the minds of those reading their scholarship or college application. By choosing a topic that will connect with the audience, it’s far easier to catch their attention.
FOCUS ON THE BEST AND WHIP IT INTO SHAPE
After creating the drafts, your student needs to choose the best essay and refine it. This includes making sure they hit the required word count as well as handling any organization and editing that needs to be addressed.
Once the word count is hit, stepping away from the essay for a moment can be wise. It’s hard for people to edit their own work, so having your student come back to it after a break can make it a bit easier.
Additionally, having someone else review the essay is a smart decision. Fresh eyes may catch something your student missed.
Another excellent technique is to feed the essay into text-to-speech software. That allows your student to listen to the essay, and they may hear something that doesn’t sound right that they would miss if they just read the text.
SUBMIT THE ESSAY
Once the review process is over, it’s time to add the college personal statement to the application. While many students have a bit of anxiety about hitting the submit button, it’s a necessity. Have your student take a deep breath and go for it.
After submitting the essay, students need to avoid stressing about it any longer. Once the submission is sent in, students typically can’t change any part of the content. Since that’s the case, revisiting what they wrote and questioning their writing decisions isn’t overly helpful. The only exception is if they want to rework the essay for another application, as that makes revisiting and refining the content a second time a potential necessity.
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PERSONAL STATEMENT STYLE AND STRUCTURE
In most cases, a college personal statement is going to follow a standard college essay format.
Typically, a five-paragraph structure is sufficient, particularly if the total word count is relatively low (500 to 750 words). However, if the required word count is lower (250 to 400 words), even fewer paragraphs may be appropriate. Similarly, if the required number of words is higher, additional paragraphs could be appropriate.
Personal Statement Style and Structural Format
When it comes to the stylistic and structural setup of the essay, students should typically use 11-point or 12-point font sizes, sticking with classic fonts like Calibri or Arial. Those are easy to read and not overly large, making them suitable in most situations.
As for the text color, students should stick with classic black. Again, this supports readability, as it’s generally comfortable on the eyes.
Also, it’s best to leave page margins at their standard size. Reducing them eliminates whitespace, which can make the document appear unbalanced or overly crowded. Plus, the margins give readers a place to grip the paper without covering text if they happen to print the essay before reviewing it.
If your student is wondering if they can include italics or bold text, that may depend on a few factors. If students have to paste the content of their essay into a field on an online form, that type of formatting may not stick. Additionally, overuse of italics or bold can make a personal statement look too busy. As a result, it’s best to only use those options sparingly, if at all.
Related Video: How to Write a Scholarship Essay about Yourself
Personal Statement Template
Overall, a personal statement template follows the format below:
- Introduction
- Supporting Paragraph
- Second Supporting Paragraph
- Third Supporting Paragraph
With that personal statement format, students can cover enough information without going overboard.
However, if the word count is lower, they can typically cut out one or two supporting paragraphs and use the remaining structure. And for higher word counts, adding more supporting paragraphs usually does the trick.
INTRODUCTION
The introduction is an essay’s hook, making it one of the most critical parts of the personal statement for university format. It draws the reader in, giving them an idea of what they’ll discover by reading the essay and making them interested in learning more.
For good personal statement examples, you might begin with a quote, question, or action. Anything that sparks curiosity can be ideal, so your student can be a bit creative here.
The introduction in personal statements also includes a topic sentence. This lets the reader know what the personal statement essay is going to discuss. This can be any sentence in the introduction paragraph, but making it the last one is often the best approach, as it allows the sentences before it to paint a picture and capture the reader’s attention first. Plus, it serves as a solid segue for the upcoming supporting paragraph, creating better flow overall.
SUPPORTING PARAGRAPHS
Each supporting paragraph in the personal statement layout needs to focus on a single point, event, moment, or idea. Your student needs to use a transition sentence to shift from the paragraph before the one they’re working on, then present details that support the subtopic the paragraph covers.
When a new idea is being introduced, it’s time for a new paragraph. Overall, around three supporting paragraphs is a solid goal. However, more or less may be used depending on word count requirements and how many subtopics are presented to support the main idea in the essay.
Something critical to note is that providing valuable insights is the goal when writing a supporting paragraph. If the content is lackluster, then rethinking the subtopic is usually a smart move. That way, this critical part of a student’s college application is as compelling as possible, making it more likely that college admissions (or scholarship) committee members will ultimately be impressed.
A closing wraps up the essay. It restates the main topic, summarizes what was discussed, and provides the reader with an important tidbit. This could be an intriguing thought, a powerful insight, or a story’s conclusion.
The goal is to leave a lasting impression, so your student needs to determine how they can best stick in the reader’s mind after they put down the essay. Being a little creative isn’t a bad idea, as a unique ending can help students make a powerful impression.
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PERSONAL STATEMENT EXAMPLES
Sometimes, having a few personal statement examples for college can help your student figure out how to approach their own best personal statement examples and essays. It gives them ideas about what works well, and that can make writing their own statement feel less intimidating.
However, as students review personal statement examples, they need to make sure they don’t align their essay too closely to what someone else has written. Many committees do check a student’s college application for plagiarism. Plus, if the committee has also read the example, it can make your student’s essay feel familiar, and not in a good way. That may hurt their chances of securing admission or landing the scholarship, so it’s always best to be original.
Here are some college personal statement example essays to check out for inspiration.
Personal Statement Example #1
As I laid my fingers on the ivory with my heart racing, I looked out and all I could see were people with gray hair staring back at me. I was terrified and shaking. All I could think of was, “What if I screw up?” One of my biggest fears was playing piano in front of people. When I was asked to play for residents at the Brooke Assisted Living facility, I was scared out of my mind, but I built up the courage to do it and I was so proud of myself. I was not going to let my anxiety get the best of me. My grandfather introduced me to playing the piano when I was nine years old. It took many years of lessons to accomplish what I’ve learned and this skill has taught me discipline and perseverance.
To be honest, school has never come easy. In addition to being challenged by my struggles with anxiety since second grade, my confidence and courage to succeed were halted when I entered high school. I began falling behind in my advanced classes. I couldn’t focus during tests. My strategies for studying were not working. Mentally, I was not in a good place. Thankfully, with the support of my school counselor, my English teacher, and my parents, I was able to get the help that I needed and learned new ways to cope with this hurdle. After receiving counseling, testing accommodations, and new strategies for studying, I began feeling more positive about myself, improved my grades which resulted in making the honor roll, and experienced a lot less anxiety. This allowed me to begin focusing more on my career goals and I felt much more confident about pursuing a college education.
Growing up in a small town, I have a wide variety of experiences that have helped me grow as a person and will follow me throughout life. My father introduced me to hunting when I was eight years old. I grew to love it and it has taught me a lot about patience, persistence, and the importance of bonding. People in my life have always told me I have natural athletic abilities. Sports I have participated in throughout my life include gymnastics, softball, volleyball, cross country, and snowboarding. Being an athlete has taught me a great deal about sportsmanship, teamwork, dedication, as well as dealing with disappointments and celebrating achievements. Other volunteer activities I have done include helping at sports camps, bell ringing for Salvation Army, mentor for student orientations, a helper at church events, participated in school fundraisers, and many years babysitting. All of these experiences taught me a great deal about building relationships, improving communication skills, and learning to be adaptable, selfless, and caring.
Since I was a little girl, I have always had a love for animals. In my heart, I always knew that I wanted to work with them in some capacity when I grew up. Another dream of mine is that I’ve always wanted to attend Michigan State University (MSU), following in the footsteps of my mother. After hours of research on career fields in veterinary medicine and matching my values and strengths with a compatible career, I feel that my passion is to become a veterinarian nurse. I was thrilled to learn that my values align well with what is necessary to work in this field. Compassion, honesty, and integrity are just a few that I strive to work towards and will help me become a successful Vet Nurse. Since MSU is the only college in my home state of Michigan that offers a Bachelor’s Degree Program in this field, I plan to work very hard at making this dream come to fruition. I know that with hard work, dedication and commitment, I will make it happen.
In conclusion, I plan to pursue my dreams with a goal of graduating college debt-free. Applying for scholarships is part of my plan to help ease the burden of student loans, which will allow me to spend more time on my education. I will use all scholarship awards to secure a phenomenal education, make the most of college and to give back to my community by offering a helping hand, as well as monetary donations to animal shelters in need.
Personal Statement Example #2
What do you want to be when you grow up? Ever since the first time you pretended to be an astronaut in a cardboard box or nursed your stuffed animal with a bandaid, you were most likely asked this question. You drew pictures of yourself as a firefighter in a helmet. You envisioned performing in front of thousands of people on stage like Taylor Swift. Creativity and imagination filled your small mind; the possibilities were endless, right?
However, as you grew up, that childlike sense of possibility for the future transformed into something else. This question was asked countless times on your first day of high school and by your grandparents at Thanksgiving dinner. You began receiving mail from colleges and filling out surveys about your life goals. Creativity became “being realistic,” and imagination turned into “settling so you can make a living”. Your possibilities were too endless, or you didn’t even know where to start.
That is the position I was in the night I sat cross-legged on my closet floor in front of my prayer wall. It was near the end of my junior year, and like almost everyone in my class, I could see college coming full speed in my direction. I pulled out a notebook paper with flower doodles around the edges, my pencil moving faster than my mind.
As I finished the last sentence and pinned it onto the wall, my eyes skimmed over my scribbles: “Dear Heavenly Father, I know that you have such amazing plans for my life. Please reveal them to me, God. Do you want me to be a writer? A singer? A speaker? Do you want me to go into ministry? Would you please reveal these answers to me? Whatever you tell me, I will listen. Reveal your wonderful plans for me, Oh Lord.” I placed my hand onto the smooth paper, closing my eyes, not even realizing I could do it all .
I am a writer. Ever since I was a child, I have loved crafting words into sentences of vivid colors and descriptions that create a story. I remember a “Meet the Author” day at school where writers of children’s books came in and shared their stories. One author, in particular, shared the escape she felt as she woke up every morning before sunset with a cup of hot chocolate to fill more pages in her book. That was the moment I realized this is what I want to do.
I am a singer. My first performance was in a local talent show when I was five years old; from that moment on, the stage felt like my home. This solo was followed by countless choir concerts, musical theatre performances, voice lessons, and a vision of a future ahead of me filled with auditions, costumes, and standing ovations.
I am a speaker. While my friends dreaded giving presentations in front of our class in school, I found comfort in it. I loved using my words to impact others. I began joining organizations that allowed me to use speaking skills, such as Girl Scouts, Forensics, and poetry recitation competitions. As time went on, I fell in love with motivational speaking. Using my words to inspire others became a reality that I could easily see myself doing as I grew up.
I am a writer, a singer, and a speaker. But most importantly, I am a child of God who loves to serve others. And the best part is that I can be all of these things at the same time. I can use my writing skills to create blogs and books to spread the good news of the Gospel. I can put my passion for singing and performance into church worship teams. I can show my love for public speaking through leading lessons and bible studies, with the hope of bringing others to Christ. There is a college major that will allow me to do all of these things, pursuing what I love and serving the Lord simultaneously: Youth Ministry.
After graduating high school, I plan to major in Youth Ministry at Colorado Christian University with minors in creative writing and musical theatre. To me, youth ministry is more than just teaching children bible verses; it’s putting all of my talents together to serve the Father. My life goal is to use my degree to be everything I have wanted since I was a child: A daughter of Christ who writes, sings, and speaks for His glory.
A few weeks ago, I sat on my closet floor, staring at the countless papers on my prayer wall. One, with hopeful scribbles and floral doodles, caught my attention. A soft smile spread onto my face as I reread my words and realized I am all of these beautiful things in one. Since then, when someone asks me, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” I no longer hesitate. All my favorite parts of myself can be used to serve the Lord; I don’t have to choose just one. Now, as I apply for scholarships and prepare for college next year, I feel incredibly grateful for that night in front of my prayer wall. The night I created a guiding map for my future without even realizing it. The night I wrote a simple note to God.
More Places to Find Personal Statement Samples:
While the two personal statement example essays above can inspire any student preparing to write their own, there are many other places to find samples. If your student wants to check out more examples to get a better grip on the personal statement layout and how to write compelling content, here are a few resources that can get them moving in the right direction:
- 16 Winning Personal Statement Examples (And Why They Work)
- Set Yourself Apart | Personal Statement Examples
- WSGC Personal Statement Introduction
- Example – CGPS-Personal-Statements
Ultimately, a college personal statement should tell a cohesive story, sharing a detail that the college admissions committee or scholarship committee otherwise wouldn’t learn. It’s a powerful tool for students, so taking some time to write the best personal essay possible is a great idea.
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help but for me this video blessed me too many ideas about personal statement and is really indisputable and incontrovertible
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Writing the Personal Statement
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The personal statement, your opportunity to sell yourself in the application process, generally falls into one of two categories:
1. The general, comprehensive personal statement:
This allows you maximum freedom in terms of what you write and is the type of statement often prepared for standard medical or law school application forms.
2. The response to very specific questions:
Often, business and graduate school applications ask specific questions, and your statement should respond specifically to the question being asked. Some business school applications favor multiple essays, typically asking for responses to three or more questions.
Questions to ask yourself before you write:
- What's special, unique, distinctive, and/or impressive about you or your life story?
- What details of your life (personal or family problems, history, people or events that have shaped you or influenced your goals) might help the committee better understand you or help set you apart from other applicants?
- When did you become interested in this field and what have you learned about it (and about yourself) that has further stimulated your interest and reinforced your conviction that you are well suited to this field? What insights have you gained?
- How have you learned about this field—through classes, readings, seminars, work or other experiences, or conversations with people already in the field?
- If you have worked a lot during your college years, what have you learned (leadership or managerial skills, for example), and how has that work contributed to your growth?
- What are your career goals?
- Are there any gaps or discrepancies in your academic record that you should explain (great grades but mediocre LSAT or GRE scores, for example, or a distinct upward pattern to your GPA if it was only average in the beginning)?
- Have you had to overcome any unusual obstacles or hardships (for example, economic, familial, or physical) in your life?
- What personal characteristics (for example, integrity, compassion, and/or persistence) do you possess that would improve your prospects for success in the field or profession? Is there a way to demonstrate or document that you have these characteristics?
- What skills (for example, leadership, communicative, analytical) do you possess?
- Why might you be a stronger candidate for graduate school—and more successful and effective in the profession or field than other applicants?
- What are the most compelling reasons you can give for the admissions committee to be interested in you?
General advice
Answer the questions that are asked
- If you are applying to several schools, you may find questions in each application that are somewhat similar.
- Don't be tempted to use the same statement for all applications. It is important to answer each question being asked, and if slightly different answers are needed, you should write separate statements. In every case, be sure your answer fits the question being asked.
Tell a story
- Think in terms of showing or demonstrating through concrete experience. One of the worst things you can do is to bore the admissions committee. If your statement is fresh, lively, and different, you'll be putting yourself ahead of the pack. If you distinguish yourself through your story, you will make yourself memorable.
Be specific
- Don't, for example, state that you would make an excellent doctor unless you can back it up with specific reasons. Your desire to become a lawyer, engineer, or whatever should be logical, the result of specific experience that is described in your statement. Your application should emerge as the logical conclusion to your story.
Find an angle
- If you're like most people, your life story lacks drama, so figuring out a way to make it interesting becomes the big challenge. Finding an angle or a "hook" is vital.
Concentrate on your opening paragraph
- The lead or opening paragraph is generally the most important. It is here that you grab the reader's attention or lose it. This paragraph becomes the framework for the rest of the statement.
Tell what you know
- The middle section of your essay might detail your interest and experience in your particular field, as well as some of your knowledge of the field. Too many people graduate with little or no knowledge of the nuts and bolts of the profession or field they hope to enter. Be as specific as you can in relating what you know about the field and use the language professionals use in conveying this information. Refer to experiences (work, research, etc.), classes, conversations with people in the field, books you've read, seminars you've attended, or any other source of specific information about the career you want and why you're suited to it. Since you will have to select what you include in your statement, the choices you make are often an indication of your judgment.
Don't include some subjects
- There are certain things best left out of personal statements. For example, references to experiences or accomplishments in high school or earlier are generally not a good idea. Don't mention potentially controversial subjects (for example, controversial religious or political issues).
Do some research, if needed
- If a school wants to know why you're applying to it rather than another school, do some research to find out what sets your choice apart from other universities or programs. If the school setting would provide an important geographical or cultural change for you, this might be a factor to mention.
Write well and correctly
- Be meticulous. Type and proofread your essay very carefully. Many admissions officers say that good written skills and command of correct use of language are important to them as they read these statements. Express yourself clearly and concisely. Adhere to stated word limits.
Avoid clichés
- A medical school applicant who writes that he is good at science and wants to help other people is not exactly expressing an original thought. Stay away from often-repeated or tired statements.
For more information on writing a personal statement, see the personal statement vidcast .
Personal Statement Template
Updated on March 1, 2023 By M. K. Farooq Leave a comment
The personal statement should be written carefully because it provides you with a great opportunity to introduce yourself. You have to write your skills and attributes to get desired benefits. You can divide your mission statement into two segments, including:
- Keep your mission statement general and comprehensive
- Responsive all questions very specifically
Write your mission statement in a general and comprehensive way according to your selected field. Sometimes, a few specific questions are asked in the business and school applications, therefore you have to write the statement in a specific way.
Answer Different Questions Before Writing:
If you want to make your personal statement more effective, try to answer the following questions in a more specific way:
- What is very special, unique, and impressive in your life?
- Write details about your history, family problems, events, people, and goals of your life.
- Why are you interested in this field and how did you learn about the profession? What is your motivation to further stimulate your interest and reinforce your verdict that you can perform well in this field?
- What have you learned during your education and detail any specific skills that may contribute to the growth of the organization?
- What are your career goals?
- Explain any discrepancies and gaps in your academic records as well as your GPA pattern.
- What are your personal characteristics, including integrity, compassion, and persistence that may help you grow in this profession?
- Have you had any experience overcoming any unusual obstacles and hardships, such as family problems, or physical and economic problems in your life?
- What skills do you have, including leadership, analytical, and communication?
- Why you are a stronger candidate for this job, and how you can perform more effectively in the field as compared to other applicants?
- Give the most compelling reason for your interest in this profession or organization.
Write an Impressive Story:
You have to write an impressive story to demonstrate your concrete experience. You have to persuade the reader with your account so keep it fresh, live, and unique. It is important to distinguish yourself with the help of your powerful words to make your story memorable.
Try to be As Specific As Possible
Do not write only that you can become a perfect manager; write some solid reasons and experiences to back it up. Try to give logical reasons to describe your statement. Conclude your story with logical reasons to back it up.
Focus on the Opening Paragraph
The opening paragraph is really important because it is a great chance to grab the attention of the reader. It will serve as a framework for the rest of the personal statement.
Elaborate on Your Qualifications in Middle Section
You can explain your interests and experiences in the middle section regarding your selected field. Try to be as specific as possible, and explain everything that you have a complete understanding about the field. Use professional language to convey your information and refer to your experiences, additional classes, seminars, and training. Write the names of books relevant to your field that you have read to increase your knowledge about the field.
Free Personal Statement Template:
Here is the preview of the Free Personal Statement Template.
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MK Farooq, a Master’s degree holder in Computer Science, is driven by a passion to assist people in their daily tasks through the provision of high-quality documents and templates. With a strong foundation in technology and a keen understanding of documentation processes, MK Farooq has dedicated his career to simplifying the lives of individuals and businesses alike.
Leveraging his expertise, MK Farooq creates meticulously crafted templates and documents that cater to a wide range of needs, from project management to personal organization. His work is not just about providing tools but about empowering users to achieve efficiency and effectiveness in their endeavors.
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Most of you might be expected to submit a personal statement as part of your college application. Having an impactful personal statement is vital in getting into the college of your dreams.
We’ve compiled some impactful personal statement examples for colleges, scholarships, and jobs. These examples should help you learn how to write a personal statement , but if you need a personal statement template for college, we’ve got you covered there too! But first, let’s understand what goes into creating a personal statement.
What to include in a personal statement?
In order to impress the admissions committee, it is crucial that your personal statement answers key questions about who you are as an applicant. Here are some questions your personal statement should answer:
- Why am I choosing this program?
- What are my primary motivators?
- What are my future goals and how can I achieve them?
Summarizing your life’s goals, aims, achievements, and motivating factors into roughly 600 words can certainly be complicated! It’s confusing what to include and what to omit.
Let’s look at the main points you can include in order to answer these questions.
1. Personal anecdotes
Adding a touch of character to your personal statement can give the admissions committee insight into your personality beyond your transcripts. By including specific experiences and anecdotes, you can make your personal statement more engaging and informative.
In addition to highlighting your achievements and qualifications, sharing stories about your journey can help answer important questions such as “What sparked your interest in the field of your choice?” or “What motivates you to pursue your goals?”
Personal insights help the admissions committee understand your character, values, and your unique perspective.
2. Qualities that make you stand out
To create a strong impression on the admissions committee, simply listing out your achievements doesn’t cut it. Since they already have access to your transcripts, it’s important to go beyond the surface-level accomplishments and highlight the unique qualities and skills that make you a perfect candidate for the program of your choice.
Instead of solely focusing on your achievements, emphasize what you learned and how it impacted you. Discuss the challenges you faced, the lessons you learned, and the skills you developed.
Highlight how these experiences have shaped your values, perspectives, and goals. By highlighting the specific qualities and skills cultivated from each of your experiences, you can paint a compelling picture of who you are as an individual and what you can bring to the institution.
3. Specific reasons for selecting the program of your choice
It’s important to showcase your research and highlight specific aspects of the program that you appreciate in your personal statement. This can help show your interest and commitment to the program.
There are a variety of aspects you can research upon. For example, if the program has access to state-of-the-art equipment that is not commonly available in other programs, you can emphasize its value and explain how it aligns with your research interests.
You can also highlight a niche topic or research area that is not covered in other programs and explain how it helps you reach your goals.
Following these methods can help set you apart from other applicants and increase your chances of being accepted into the program.
Now that we’ve taken a look at what goes into a personal statement, let’s look at some personal statement examples.
Personal statement example for college
From a young age, I have been fascinated by the workings of the human mind.
My interest in psychology only deepened with time. I began reading books and watching documentaries about the latest research in this field. I was particularly drawn to the areas of cognitive psychology and neuropsychology, which explored how the brain processes information and how this affects behavior.
So when the time came to choose a major in college, I knew that psychology was the natural choice for me. This is precisely why the Clinical Psychology program at Stanford University has my deepest interest. The university has produced a significant amount of research in the field, some of which include studies on student stress and cognitive biases.
I currently volunteer at a local mental health clinic, where I worked with patients with a range of mental health conditions. During high school, I also had the opportunity to intern for a study that conducted studies on the effects of mindfulness meditation.
Through these experiences, I became passionate about the potential of psychological research and its real-world impact.
Now, as I prepare for college, I am excited to continue exploring the frontiers of this fascinating field. I am particularly interested in the intersection of psychology and technology, and the ways in which virtual reality and other emerging technologies interact with mental health.
Ultimately, I hope to use my skills and knowledge to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. I believe that psychology can unlock new levels of human potential and I’m committed to helping others achieve this through the power of psychology.
Personal statement example for grad school
I was fascinated with television ever since I could remember. I always wondered how people fit into a box that small, wanting to dismantle and rebuild it. As I got older, my curiosity only grew stronger, and I found myself drawn to science and technology.
As a young teenager, I stumbled upon a programming book at the library. Intrigued by the idea of creating something out of nothing, I delved into the world of computer science. As I learned more about programming, I discovered a whole new way of understanding and interacting with the world.
Over the years, my love for technology continued to grow, and I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in this field. In college, I studied computer science and engineering, immersing myself in the latest developments in the field. I also had the opportunity to work on several projects that allowed me to put my skills into practice, including designing and building a small robot and creating an app that helped people track their carbon footprint.
As I approached graduation, I knew that I wanted to use my skills to make a positive impact on the world. I began volunteering at a local non-profit that focused on using technology to address social and environmental challenges. Through this work, I discovered a passion for using technology to create meaningful change in the world.
Now, as I prepare to take the next steps in my career, I am more excited than ever about the possibilities that lie ahead. I am eager to continue exploring the intersections of technology, social impact, and environmental sustainability. One small step at a time, I am committed to using my skills and knowledge to make a positive difference in the world.
Personal statement example for scholarships
Chemistry has always fascinated me. From the chemical reactions that occur in our everyday lives to the intricate mechanisms of the human body, chemistry is the foundation of everything around us.
My interest in chemistry sparked when I watched my mother make cheese from whole milk, witnessing firsthand how she separated the cream from the milk and transformed it into cheese.
Because of this interest, I delved head-first into the world of chemistry. I took advanced courses and consistently received top grades. I also participated in a number of extracurricular activities, including science clubs and competitions. In addition, I conducted research in this field, working with my teacher to investigate the effects of different solvents on chemical reactions.
My experiences have taught me the importance of attention to detail, careful observation, and teamwork. I believe that these skills will be essential as I continue my studies and pursue a career in this subject. I am confident that my passion for the subject, combined with my academic achievements and research experience, make me a strong candidate for this scholarship.
In conclusion, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to apply for this scholarship. I am committed to pursuing a career in chemistry and believe that this scholarship will help me to achieve my goals.
With the financial support and encouragement provided by this scholarship, I am confident that I will be able to make a meaningful contribution to the field of chemistry and to society as a whole.
Personal statement example for jobs
As I left home, I vividly remember my mother urging me to stay safe and call her every week. I had to move to Texas, leaving my mother behind in Honduras for 10 years.
When we were finally reunited, she shared the horrors she had faced back home, the worsening violence and poverty caused by drug abuse. Her experiences finally pushed me to take some form of action within my sphere of activity. Of course, there was no option but to excel at school.
Due to the recurring culture shocks and adjustments, I had to work harder on my academics. But it was through extracurriculars such as debate team and volleyball that I truly felt included. This gave me the confidence to lead the Model United Nations (MUN) in college. We organized events to collect funds for relief centers in Somalia, raising over $20,000.
When elected student council president, I organized teams to conduct drives in Somalia and Guatemala. Even having heard stories from my mother, witnessing the daily struggles in these countries completely changed my perspective toward human rights, privilege, and global accountability.
My experiences have given me deeper insights into the trials and tribulations faced by people of color, especially in African countries. As part of your organization, I can make a larger difference in the global politics of racial equity.
Personal statement template for college
This personal statement template for college is a foolproof guide to help you craft a successful application. Our relevant personal statement examples and carefully curated template will answer all the questions of the admissions committee and will provide valuable insights into your qualifications and aspirations.
Download this free personal statement template to showcase your academic and extracurricular achievements, highlight your relevant experience, and express your passion for the program.
Download this free personal statement template
Frequently asked questions, how long should a personal statement be, do i introduce myself in a personal statement, how do you title a personal statement, do i use paragraphs in my personal statement, how do i close my personal statement.
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Personal Statement Template
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Personal Statement Template
Personal statement is a written description of an individual’s achievements and it is the first part which is included in your resume. Normally it is a basic personal activity sheet which is given to prospective managers to helps you stand apart from the competition. This statement is also included as part of an application for university or college. This format is the only place where you can elaborate your ambitions, experience and skills. It is an extended note about yourself and main part of your universities and colleges admission services.
Details of personal statement template
A personal statement template is a document where you can distinguish yourself from other applicants. Therefore these statements can have many uses either it’s for universities or for your CV but its basic objective is always based around selling yourself to the reader. Certainly, a well written personal statement can mean the difference between standing out from the crowd and your application being rejected. Writing the personal statement isn’t daunting as it might be seems, although the basic purpose of the statement is to convey who are you, what can you offer, why you are the best person for this job and what are your career goals.
How to write your personal statement template?
There are several ways you can write your own personal statement, however following points can assist you to get command over it.
1- A personal statement is your interaction with your viewers, therefore you will need to be honest with yourself. There is no need to present yourself as a hero.
2- Don;’t use words to distract others because they are more wise than you. Be straight to your topic and be clear about what you are going to present.
3- Try to present yourself in very positive way. The way you can achieve your goals should base on positiveness.
4- Your motive to achieve your career goals should reflect your thrust not your greedy. Highlights your skills and ability in such a manner that you can be useful for any employer.
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40+ Personal Financial Statement Templates & Forms
Engineers, doctors , surgeons, architects, marketers etc. are all great and reputable professionals but you will often find some of them drowning in debt or engulfed in other financial problems. This is mainly because their academic discipline has prepared them to perform a certain task impeccably but hasn’t prepared them to effectively manage their finances. If you dream to live your life without facing any financial difficulties then rather wasting your time sitting in the pews of church and day dreaming about financial paradise, you should hustle up start taking some actions. The first and the foremost thing you should do is to educate yourself about the basics of personal finance, so that at least you can calculate your own financial position and can then plan to improve it.
Table of Contents
- 1 Personal Financial Statement Templates
- 2 What Exactly is a Personal Financial Statement?
- 3 Personal Financial Statement Forms
- 4 Uses of a Personal Financial Statement
- 5 Personal Financial Statement Samples
- 6.2 Liabilities
- 7.1 Annual Income and Expenses
When it comes to planning one’s life, most professionals find themselves uneducated about finance in order to make astute financial decisions for their future. This is where finance professionals, who know how the money works, have an unfair advantage. But the subject of money management and personal finance can easily be learnt by anyone.
We don’t mean that you need to become some finance geek in order to make good personal financial decisions, but at least you should know the basics of personal finance in order to avoid falling prey to greedy bankers who use complex terminologies that represents a very simple idea.
Personal Financial Statement Templates
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Knowledge of personal finance equips and enables a person to not only face financial difficulties with courage but also solve them prudently. Having a basic knowledge of personal finance will make you feel more confident as you will be the one controlling and in charge of your own finances and not dependent on someone else.
Well, you may be thinking that if the education of personal finance is so important then why it isn’t taught in schools? That’s a great question pal, but unfortunately education planners of our country believe that there are many other important topics that should be taught in schools that’s why education of personal finance is neglected. Thus, whatever a child learns about personal finance and money, he learns from his home, and since most parents themselves are ignorant about the topic of money management and personal finance, this makes their children ignorant about this important subject too. This isn’t some hypothetical situation, it’s the reality of our country.
What Exactly is a Personal Financial Statement?
You may have heard about the term financial statements previously and you may have an idea that it is some sort of statements that lists down random numbers that are said to depict the financial standing of the company. Well, financial statements are not only for the companies, an individual can also have his/her own financial statements that are referred to as ‘Personal Financial Statements’. They are mainly used when a person is planning to apply for a loan .
This document gives a holistic view to the credit officers of a bank or any lending institution about a person’s financial muscle so that the banker can make an informed decision about what should be the credit limit of a particular person. The most common sections in any personal financial statement template include information related to total assets and total liabilities.
Personal Financial Statement Forms
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Uses of a Personal Financial Statement
Well, now you know what a personal financial statement is, it’s time to reveal some of its most common uses.
- It is used when applying for a loan
- It is used for effective financial planning
- It is used to determine the amount that you should save
When Applying for a Loan
You’d be fooling yourself if you believe that you will never need a loan. Your credit card in your wallet is a devise through which you will always remain balls deep in debt. Apart from this if you ever plan to attend a college you will need a loan or if you ever decide to start your own small business then you would be required to borrow money in order to guarantee smooth day to day operations of your business . For all this, Mr. Banker will require you to submit your own personal financial statement. After vetting this personal financial statement, the credit officer in a bank or any lending institutions will determine how much credit facility should be extended to your small business.
For Financial Planning
Financial planning is the difference between a penurious and a well off person. If you know nothing about your current financial situation or your net worth then it’s time that you set everything else aside and visit our website and download a personal financial statement’s template through which you can easily calculate your net worth. No need to be terrified, horrified and petrified if you find your net worth is in negative numbers, rather you should start taking steps to reduce your liabilities and increase your income generating assets. But remember, all this will start with correctly filling out a personal financial statement form.
For Saving Purpose
If you are not maintaining and updating your personal financial statement then we would like to inform you that it’s a perfect recipe for a failure because you will likely not be able to save money for the future. A personal financial statement will allow you to pay yourself first i.e. set money aside for your savings before you pay your bills or spend it carelessly. You will be well informed of the expenses and the uncovered liabilities and thus will be in a position to reduce it, so that you can save more. Remember, the money that you save and invest today will compound in the future.
Personal Financial Statement Samples
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Elements of a Personal Financial Statement Template
Rather than beginning from scratch for drafting your personal financial statement you can download a personal financial statement template from our website and can then enter all the numbers required after which you will be able to see your net worth at a particular point in time. Before you begin to use a particular template it is important that you know what sections a good personal financial statement template, one that give a true and fair view of a person’s financial standing, should have. Following are the four major sections that you will find in almost all personal financial statement templates.
Liabilities
- Annual Income
Every good personal financial statement will first list down all the assets that an individual possesses. You may be thinking that it’s too obvious, but it’s not. If we ask you what your most valuable asset is, what would you say? Well most household in US believe that their home is their most valuable asset that they have purchased. If that’s your answer too then you have no idea what asset means.
An asset is something that puts money into your pocket periodically and your home, according to this definition is not your asset because your home takes money out of your pocket through bills, taxes, renovation etc.
Items included in the asset column of your personal financial statement include cash that you have in the locker of your house and your bank balance. Also, the cash value of your investments in stocks, bonds or any other investment vehicle will also be recorded in the asset column of your personal financial statement.
If you own a property for investment purposes like for renting it out then you can also record the cash flow generated from such investments in the asset column of your personal financial statement. Also, other assets that are liquid and can be converted to cash readily can also be listed in the asset column of your asset.
In some personal financial statement templates you will see that there is a distinction between current and non-current assets. This distinction is not very important for you as a person. However, for the sake of your information, current assets are those that are liquid and can be converted to cash in a short period of time, while non-current assets are illiquid assets that do not have a vibrant and robust secondary market and therefore needs a large amount of time (weeks or sometimes even months) to be sold. A real estate is a perfect example of non-current asset. Now let’s move on to discuss the next section of a good personal financial statement template.
A liability is the amount of money that you have to pay i.e. the money that you owe . In this section you will list down all the sources to whom you owe money and also the amount that you owe. Loan taken out from a bank, taxes due, mortgage payments due and any other debts will be listed in the liability column of your personal financial statement. If you can’t remember your creditors then it’s better to use a personal financial statement template that already has some basic and obvious creditors listed in the template.
If you are living in a rented house then the monthly rent payments that you make is your liability that you have to pay, come what may. If you do not honor/settle your liabilities on time then it will adversely affect your credit rating. Nobody wants that.
Just as in the case of assets, liabilities too are divided into current and non-current liabilities. A current liability is the one that you have to settle within the time period of one year (short term) while non-current liabilities are ones that are due after one year (long term).
These numbers listed in your personal financial statement are used to calculate your net worth. It is done by first calculating your total assets and total liabilities and then subtracting your liabilities from your assets, in other words, you have to subtract the amount that you owe from the amount that you own. The figure calculated by this formula will give you your net worth. If it’s positive, congratulations on your good financial standing, however, if it’s negative then you got lot to look forward to.
Items present in the liability column of your personal financial statement are your insurance premiums, credit card bills, federal taxes, your upcoming mortgage payments , and/or any loan extended to you by the bank.
Personal Financial Statement Examples
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Annual Income and Expenses
Apart from the assets that you own and the liability that you have to pay, a good personal financial statement will also factor in the annual income that you generate. Under this section, your take home salary, dividend income, rental income or any income generated from other sources will be mentioned.
Also the expenses that suck your income will be mentioned. These expenses will include the money that you spend on the purchase of household items. Also, you will find a section of contingent liabilities in a good personal financial statement template. Under this section you will mention the amount of money that you believe will be required to pay in case any unforeseen event happens. Examples include a surprise audit by IRS, a penalty awarded by the court in a law suit, damage to your property due to bad weather etc.
As evident from the above article that an education of personal finance is imperative especially in today’s era of high uncertainty in order to equip individuals to take control of their own finances. Personal financial statement template is a basic tool that will allow any individual to visualize his financial standing so that he can effectively plan for the future and his/her financial goals.
If you too believe that having a personal financial statement is essential then wait no more and click here to visit our website. On our website you will find dozens of personal financial statements template that you can download for free and chose the one that you are comfortable working with. We have a template of personal financial statements in excel as well as PDF format.
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Personal statement templates:.
Every educational institute nowadays asks for a personal statement to know the candidates better. It is their chance to know what the aspirations and the goals of the candidate seeking admissions are. This is an opportunity to get insight on how the program will be beneficial for the candidate and how the candidate will add to it in return. Understanding this need the Personal Statement Templates Free created to help the candidates create an impressive statement
The personal statement allows an applicant to show the shades that are otherwise not brought to light. This done with a personal touch for sure. But many of the applicants are not great writers and when they pin down their thoughts it loses direction. The Personal Statement Examples provide users with the idea to write their Sample Release Form Templates using these frames. The message specific and the statements should bring out the correct shareable information to the reader.
This done with well-constructed statements and informative style. The impression compromised and it is a smart act to research and use experts advise to share the statement in a correct manner. The personal statement examples are available in different styles, as they used by many users. The styles represent different ways of expression and the applicants can make use of the ones that make sense to them.
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Mastering the art of writing thank you letters for donations is essential for any successful fundraising effort. This article delves into the importance of these letters, their role in strengthening donor relationships, and the profound impact they can have on your cause. With sample letters and a basic template provided, you’ll be equipped to craft personalized messages of gratitude that make your donors feel appreciated and deeply connected to your mission.
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A Gift Affidavit is a legal document that formally declares a gift's transfer from one person to another without any expectation of compensation. Utilizing Gift Affidavit templates ensures that all necessary legal elements are included, simplifies the drafting process, and provides a consistent and professional format, thereby reducing the risk of errors and ensuring the document's validity.
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A grant proposal is a detailed request for funding, typically aimed at supporting projects or research. Using a grant proposal template streamlines the application process, ensuring all essential information is organized and presented effectively.
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A Medical Records Release Form is a document used to authorize the transfer of a patient's medical records from one healthcare provider to another. Using a medical records release form template ensures a consistent and legally compliant format, simplifying the process for both patients and healthcare providers.
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An Affidavit of Death is a legal document used to declare the death of an individual, often required for settling estates or claiming benefits. Using an Affidavit of Death form template simplifies this process by providing a standardized format for the necessary information.
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A Blood Sugar Log is a record used to track and monitor blood glucose levels over time. Using Blood Sugar Log Templates helps streamline and simplify the process of recording and analyzing blood sugar levels, ensuring consistency and accuracy in monitoring.
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A food journal is a detailed log where individuals record everything they eat and drink throughout the day. It helps track dietary habits and monitor nutritional intake.Using a food journal template offers a structured way to document meals, making it easier to identify patterns and areas for improvement in one's diet. It also promotes accountability and can aid in achieving health and fitness goals.
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A daily workout log is a valuable tool for tracking your fitness journey, whether you’re working out at home or in the gym. These logs help you monitor your progress and stay motivated by recording details like exercise type, sets, weights, and cardio information. With our two templates, both beginners and professionals can efficiently manage their exercise routines and review their accomplishments over time.
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A rental application form collects detailed information about prospective tenants, aiding landlords in making informed leasing decisions. Using rental application form templates streamlines this process by providing a standardized format, ensuring all necessary details are requested and recorded consistently.
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A Move-in-Move-out (Walkthrough) Checklist is a document used to record the condition of a rental property before a tenant moves in and after they move out. Using walkthrough templates ensures that all areas of the property are systematically evaluated, providing a consistent and thorough method to document property conditions. This helps prevent disputes over damages, ensures accountability, and simplifies the process for both landlords and tenants.
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A personal statement allows you to demonstrate your suitability for a role by providing evidence against the essential criteria as outlined in the job description. If used alongside a CV, it should expand on the CV rather than repeat it and add your personal qualities. You should provide details of your relevant skills and experience and ...
A detailed view of personal statement examples along with descriptions of what goes into a personal statement and a personal statement template for college.
Getting your personal statement right is a crucial part of the application process. Learn how to format your personal statement, and find examples.
A Personal Mission Statement is a concise declaration of an individual's core values, goals, and purpose.Using Personal Mission Statement templates helps streamline the creation process, ensuring clarity and coherence while effectively articulating one's vision and objectives.
A successful personal statement shows off your personality, talents, and goals. This article outlines some winning strategies.
Explore the definition and types of a personal statement, discover how to write a good personal statement and review helpful tips with examples.
Discover the importance of writing an exceptional statement for different applications and look at some winning professional and personal statement examples.
In this article, we'll give you all the tools, tips, and examples you need to write an effective personal statement.
Our collection of free downloadable personal statement examples will help you prepare your own application for college or university.
A few adjustments to your personal statement can get your application noticed by the reviewer. Make sure you're writing what they want to hear.
Personal statements from our website guarantee a distinct and reflective essay of your values and personality. You can easily edit your chosen template to show who you are at the beginning of your statement to encourage employers or admission officers to read more about you. Although it's pre-written, you can still highlight all of your relevant skills, interests, and experiences on our ...
The goal of a personal statement for the college admissions process is for students to discuss something about who they are that isn't covered in other parts of their college or scholarship application. A scholarship, college application, or Common App personal statement has the same relationship to applications as cover letters do with resumes.
Creating a personal statement can be challenging. And that is why we have created easy-to-use personal statement templates. Simply download them and customize them! Personal Statement 01. Download. Personal Statement 02. Download. Personal Statement 03. Download.
The personal statement, your opportunity to sell yourself in the application process, generally falls into one of two categories: 1. The general, comprehensive personal statement: This allows you maximum freedom in terms of what you write and is the type of statement often prepared for standard medical or law school application forms. 2.
Check out these outstanding real-world personal statement examples for the Common App, and analysis on why they worked.
Personal Statement Template. The personal statement should be written carefully because it provides you with a great opportunity to introduce yourself. You have to write your skills and attributes to get desired benefits. You can divide your mission statement into two segments, including:
This personal statement template for college is a foolproof guide to help you craft a successful application. Our relevant personal statement examples and carefully curated template will answer all the questions of the admissions committee and will provide valuable insights into your qualifications and aspirations.
Choose from Statement Personal Mind Map, Freelance Writer, School, University, Law School, Personal Financial, Permission to Use Quote, Freelance, Personal Statement Affidavit, School Student Personal Mission, and Medical School Personal Statement Templates. Edit, Download, and Print in Word for Free.
Personal Statement Template. Download this Personal Statement Template Design in Word, Google Docs, PDF Format. Easily Editable, Printable, Downloadable. Craft an impactful personal statement with our template. Showcase your skills, experiences, and ambitions succinctly to impress admission committees or potential employers.
A personal statement template is a document where you can distinguish yourself from other applicants. Therefore these statements can have many uses either it's for universities or for your CV but its basic objective is always based around selling yourself to the reader. Certainly, a well written personal statement can mean the difference between standing out from the crowd and your ...
Use our personal financial statement templates and samples to better manage your money! Download personal financial statement examples in Excel, PDF, Word
This worksheet is designed to help you think about information you could include in your personal statement. We've included space for you to write down any thoughts you have as you go along.
The 26+ Personal Statement Templates Free PDF, Word, Samples, Examples help the candidate gather and express their thoughts similarly impressive manner.
With sample letters and a basic template provided, you'll be equipped to craft personalized messages of gratitude that make your donors feel appreciated and deeply connected to your mission.