personal statement fellowship application

Crafting the Personal Statement

What is it.

The personal statement is one of the most important parts of a competitive fellowship application. In this statement you have the opportunity to illuminate what drives you and how your background and experiences not only have prepared you to achieve certain goals and work on your particular issue(s) but also make you a strong match for the particular fellowship. The way in which you communicate your story should work towards your ultimate goal of persuading your audience – in this case the selection committee – to award you the fellowship, and it can be helpful to think of this essay as a form of persuasive writing. Here you are making a compelling case for yourself.

What the Personal Statement IS

• Authentic. There’s a reason that this is called a personal statement.
• Reflective. Take stock and consider what pivotal experiences provide insight into your credentials and motivation as they relate to the fellowship criteria and your chosen path.
• Specific. It’s the details that add texture and make a person human.
• Mature. You are positioning yourself as someone with the potential to make an impact in your field; to be taken seriously, you should demonstrate an awareness of the authorities and/or emerging developments in your field.
• Strategic. Consider what story needs to be told in the context of the larger application package.

What the Personal Statement is NOT

• A narrative version of your resume.
• Overly flowery and cliched prose that sounds pretty but doesn’t actually tell us anything.
• A thought piece about an issue or problem without you in the picture.
• A series of general statements and claims that could have just as easily appeared in another applicant’s materials.
• A rehashing of material that appears elsewhere in the application.

The Approach

Think of the personal statement as an intellectual autobiography — one that provides insight into your intellectual development, helping the reader understand what formative experiences have

• shaped your thinking;
• gotten you to this point and led you to pursue this fellowship as the next critical stage in your development;
• and set the stage for what you want to do and the impact that you wish to have.

Start at the End Point

Start by considering the vision: the issue(s) on which you seek to work and the capacity in which you intend to have an impact. That vision becomes the anchor for the narrative. If you know what you want to say at the end, you’ll know what you need to discuss at the beginning and what aspects of your background and experiences to highlight.

You should have a complex personal story, with far more life experiences than you can (or should!) fit into a strong, concise personal statement—the first step is narrowing it all down . Which experiences have laid the groundwork for—and evidence your commitment to—the vision that you’ve identified?

Consider the “Swerves”

Think about the “swerve” moments—the experiences that altered how you were thinking about a particular issue or led you in a new direction of inquiry. Those moments are what propel the narrative forward. The story isn’t simply that change happened but how that change happened and how you reacted to that change.

Show, Don’t Tell

Use concrete examples and anecdotes to support and anchor the narrative. For instance, telling the reader simply that you have developed an appreciation for the challenges of aligning environmental protection and human development initiatives will not be as compelling as discussing an experience or two that introduced you to the scope of—and made you wrestle with—those challenges.

Consider the Larger Whole

Make sure to consider how the personal statement fits into the larger application. Is the personal statement the only required written response in the application? Or is it complemented by other essays? What you cover in the personal statement depends upon what is covered elsewhere in the application.

Plan It Out

Don’t just throw things down and hope something sticks. Reflection and pre-writing are critical to crafting a strong personal statement, as those exercises will allow you to determine not only what pieces to consider but also plan out the scaffolding and flow of the narrative.

How will you tell the story? Once you know what the central pieces are of the story that you wish to tell, you can play around with the order, starting at different places in the narrative. This approach will help you avoid a rigid chronological structure, which may be less interesting and risks transforming the statement into a narrative version of your resume.

Keep the Reader in Mind

It’s important to consider not just the content of the narrative but also the manner in which you tell it. You don’t want to bore the heck out of your reader, particularly since the reader will likely be reviewing a high volume of applications. Give some thought to how to present the narrative in an engaging way that also remains true to your own voice .

Words NOT to Use in Your Personal Statement

• Passion. Just stop with the passion. Your passion wasn’t just lying around for you to discover.
• Interesting. A word that means absolutely nothing.
• Unique. Another word that means absolutely nothing.
• Yearn. #OnlyBronteYearns
• Expose. Sounds a bit indecent.
• Harness. Rein it in.
• Synergy. Need we say more?

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Ten Steps for Writing an Exceptional Personal Statement

Danielle jones.

All authors are with Emory University School of Medicine

Danielle Jones, MD, is Associate Professor of Medicine, Associate Section Chief of the Division of General Internal Medicine Grady Section, and Associate Program Director, Internal Medicine Residency

J. Richard Pittman, Jr

J. Richard Pittman Jr, MD, is Associate Professor of Medicine, and Program Director, Fourth Year Internal Medicine Sub-Internship

Kimberly D. Manning

Kimberly D. Manning, MD, FACP, FAAP, is Professor of Medicine, and Associate Vice Chair, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Department of Medicine

The personal statement is an important requirement for residency and fellowship applications that many applicants find daunting. Beyond the cognitive challenge of writing an essay, time limitations for busy senior residents on clinical rotations present added pressure. Objective measures such as scores and evaluations paint only a partial picture of clinical and academic performance, leaving gaps in a candidate's full portrait. 1 , 2 Applicants, seemingly similar on paper, may have striking differences in experiences and distances traveled that would not be captured without a personal narrative. 2 , 3 We recommend, therefore, reframing personal statements as the way to best highlight applicants' greatest strengths and accomplishments. A well-written personal statement may be the tipping point for a residency or fellowship interview invitation, 4 , 5 which is particularly important given the heightened competition for slots due to increased participation on virtual platforms. Data show that 74% to 78% of residency programs use personal statements in their interview selection process, and 48% to 54% use them in the final rank. 6 , 7 With our combined 50 years of experience as clerkship and residency program directors (PDs) we value the personal statement and strongly encourage our trainees to seize the opportunity to feature themselves in their words.

Our residency and medical school leadership roles position us to edit and review numerous resident and student personal statements annually. This collective experience has helped us identify patterns of struggle for trainees: trouble starting, difficulty organizing a cogent narrative, losing the “personal” in the statement, and failing to display unique or notable attributes. While a bland personal statement may not hurt an applicant, it is a missed opportunity. 4 , 8 We also have distinguished helpful personal statement elements that allow PDs to establish candidates' “fit” with their desired residency or fellowship. A recent study supports that PDs find unique applicant information from personal statements helpful to determine fit. 4 Personal statement information also helps programs curate individualized interview days (eg, pair interviewers, guide conversations, highlight desirable curricula). Through our work with learners, we developed the structured approach presented here ( Figure 1 ). Applicants can use our approach to minimize typical struggles and efficiently craft personal statements that help them stand out. Busy residents, particularly, have minimal time to complete fellowship applications. We acknowledge there is no gold standard or objective measures for effective personal statement preparation. 9 Our approach, however, combined with a practical tool ( Figure 2 ), has streamlined the process for many of our mentees. Moreover, faculty advisors and program leaders, already challenged by time constraints, can use this tool to enhance their coaching and save time, effort, and cognitive energy.

Structured Approach to Writing a Personal Statement

Ten Steps for Writing an Exceptional Personal Statement: Digital Tool

Note: Use the QR code to download the digital tool and follow the 10 steps highlighted in Figure 1.

Given word count and space limitations, deciding what to include in a personal statement can be challenging. An initial brainstorm helps applicants recall personal attributes and experiences that best underscore key strengths (Step 1). 10 Writing explicit self-affirmations is challenging, so we recommend pairing with a near peer who may offer insight. Useful prompts include:

• ▪ What 3 words best encapsulate me?
• ▪ What accomplishments make me proud?
• ▪ What should every program know about me?

Reflecting on these questions (Step 2) helps elucidate the foundations of the narrative, 10 including strengths, accomplishments, and unique elements to be included. Additionally, the preparation steps help uncover the “thread” that connects the story sequentially. While not all agree that personal or patient stories are necessary, they are commonly included. 5 One genre analysis showed that 97% of applicants to residency programs in internal medicine, family medicine, and surgery used an opening that included either a personal narrative (66%) and/or a decision to enter medicine (54%) or the specialty of choice (72%). 9 Radiology PDs ranked personal attributes as the second most important component in personal statements behind choice of specialty. 9 Further, a descriptive study of anesthesia applicants' personal statements ranked those that included elements such as discussion of a family's or friend's illness or a patient case as more original. 3 We feel that personal and patient stories often provide an interesting hook to engage readers, as well as a mechanism to highlight (1) personal characteristics, (2) journey to and/or enthusiasm for desired discipline, and (3) professional growth, all without giving the impression of being boastful. Sketching these Step 2 fundamentals prepares applicants to begin writing with intention.

Writing and Structuring

Once key elements are identified, the next steps assist with the actual writing. Utilizing information gleaned from the “Preparing” steps, start with a freewriting exercise (Step 3), an unrestricted association of ideas aimed at answering, “What experiences have cultivated my strong interest in pursuing [______]?” At this stage, ignore spelling and grammar. Just write, even if the product is the roughest, rough draft imaginable. 10 Setting a timer for 10 to 15 minutes establishes a less intimidating window to start. Freewriting generates the essential initial content that typically will require multiple revisions. 10

Next, we recommend structuring the freewriting content into suggested paragraphs (Step 4), using the following framework to configure the first draft:

• ▪ Introductory paragraph: A compelling story, experience, or something that introduces the applicant and makes the reader want to know more (the hook). If related to a patient or other person, it should underscore the writer's qualities.
• ▪ Paragraph 2: Essential details that a program must know about the applicant and their proudest accomplishments.
• ▪ Paragraph(s) 3-4: Specific strengths related to the specialty of choice and leadership experiences.
• ▪ Closing paragraph: What the applicant values in a training program and what they believe they can contribute.

Evaluate what has been written and ensure that, after the engaging hook, the body incorporates the best pieces identified during the preparation steps (Step 5). A final paragraph affords ample space for a solid conclusion to the thread. Occasionally the narrative flows better with separate strengths and leadership paragraphs for a total of 5, but we strongly recommend the final statement not exceed 1 single-spaced page to reduce cognitive load on the reader.

This part of the process involves revising the piece into a final polished personal statement. Before an early draft is shared with others, it should be evaluated for several important factors by returning to the initial questions and then asking (Step 6):

“Does this personal statement…”

• Amplify my strengths, highlight my proudest accomplishments, and emphasize what a program must know about me?
• Have a logical flow?
• Accurately attribute content and avoid plagiarism?
• Use proper grammar and avoid slang or profanity?

While not as challenging as the other steps, optimization takes time. 10 At this stage, “resting” the draft for 1 week minimum (Step 7) puts a helpful distance between the writer and their work before returning, reading, and editing. 10 Writers can edit their own work to a point, but they often benefit by enlisting a trusted peer or advisor for critiques. Hearing their draft read aloud by a peer or advisor allows the applicant to evaluate the work from another perspective while noting how well it meets the criteria from the tool (provided as online supplementary data).

A virtual or in-person meeting between applicant and mentor ultimately saves time and advances the writer to a final product more quickly than an email exchange. Sending the personal statement in advance helps facilitate the meeting. Invite the advisor to candidly comment on the tool's criteria to yield the most useful feedback (Step 8). When done effectively, edits can be made in real time with the mentor's input.

We bring closure to the process by focusing on spelling and grammar checks (Step 9). Clarity, conciseness, and the use of proper English were rated as extremely important by PDs. 3 , 9 Grammatical errors distract readers, highlight inattention to detail, and detract from the personal statement. 3 , 9 Once more, we recommend resting the draft before calling it final (Step 10). If the piece required starting over or significant rewriting based on feedback received, we also suggest seeking additional feedback on this draft, ideally from someone in the desired residency or fellowship discipline. If only minor edits (eg, flow, language) were incorporated, the personal statement can be considered complete at this time.

Writing a personal statement represents a unique opportunity for residency and fellowship applicants to amplify their ERAS application beyond the confines of its objective components. 3 Using this stepwise approach encourages each personal statement to be truly personal and streamlines the process for applicants and reviewers alike. All stakeholders benefit: applicants, regardless of their scores and academic metrics, can arm themselves with powerful means for self-advocacy; PDs gain a clearer idea of individual applicants, allowing them to augment the selection process and curate the individual interview day; and faculty mentors can offer concrete direction to every mentee seeking their help.

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6 minutes read

How to Write a Fellowship Personal Statement for Admission

Dirghayu Kaushik

2 September 2024

Key Takeaways

• Craft a compelling personal narrative highlighting your motivations and aspirations.
• Follow the program’s format and word count guidelines precisely.
• Strategically highlight relevant experiences demonstrating problem-solving skills and alignment with the fellowship’s goals.
• Use vivid examples to convey authentic passion for your pursuits.
• Seek feedback and revise multiple drafts to maximize impact.

Applying for prestigious fellowship programs requires a strong personal statement that allows the selection committee to truly get to know you as an applicant. This make-or-break fellowship essay is a crucial component of the fellowship application process for highly competitive programs. One of the most important factors fellowship advisors consider is your authentic voice shining through the statement draft.

An effective personal statement artfully contains your motivations, research experiences, and future aspirations into a cohesive narrative that demonstrates your fit as a potential fellowship recipient. With a blend of storytelling and self-reflection highlighting your unique qualifications and scholarship, you can compose a standout cover letter that captures the committee’s attention from the first sentence.

In this guide, we will mention all the things you need to know before you start writing your personal statements for fellowship programs.

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• What Are The Multiple Statement Formats To Choose?

When it comes to crafting a strong statement for fellowship applications, there are typically multiple formats or styles to choose from. The specific format requirements may vary depending on the fellowship program, but some common personal statement formats include:

Traditional Narrative Essay

This format follows a more conventional essay structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. It allows you to tell a cohesive story about your background, motivations, and goals, often with a central theme or message.

Question/Prompt Responses

Many fellowship applications provide specific questions or prompts that you must address in your personal statement. In this format, you structure your statement as separate responses to each question or prompt, ensuring you cover all the required topics.

Statements of Purpose

Similar to a traditional narrative essay, but with a stronger focus on your academic and research interests, goals, and plans for the fellowship. This format emphasizes your intellectual curiosity and potential contributions to the field.

Hybrid Format

Some programs may allow for a combination of formats, where you can include both narrative sections and specific prompt responses. This hybrid approach can provide flexibility to showcase different aspects of your background and qualifications.

Video or Multimedia Statements

Although less common, some fellowships may accept or encourage cover statements in video or multimedia formats. This allows you to convey your message through a more dynamic and engaging medium.

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• 6 Best Tips For Fellowship Personal Statement Writing

The statement is a make-or-break component of fellowship applications. This essay requires going beyond just listing accomplishments to provide insight into your motivations, relevant experiences, and future goals aligned with the particular fellowship.

Writing a strong, engaging cover letter can be challenging, but following best practices can help your application stand out. Here are 6 tips for crafting an excellent fellowship personal statement:

Understand the Prompt and Adhere to the Guidelines 

Every fellowship has unique requirements for the statement. Carefully review the prompts and instructions, ensuring you respond accordingly. Strict word limits are common, so make every word impactful while respecting the specified length.

Craft a Compelling Narrative

The statement should transport readers into your journey through a well-structured, engaging narrative. Go beyond listing achievements to weave your motivations, pivotal experiences, and aspirations into a cohesive and captivating story.

Showcase Relevant Experiences and Growth

Select anecdotes and examples that demonstrate not just your successes but also your ability to persevere, problem-solve, and continually develop relevant skills aligning with the fellowship’s objectives. Provide context for challenges overcome.

Convey Authentic Passion and Purpose

Help reviewers understand the driving forces behind your ambitions by vividly describing defining moments or realizations that sparked your current pursuits. Authentic passion and purpose will shine through sincere, avoidance of clichés.

Seek Objective Feedback and Revision

Personal statements require substantial drafting, editing, and refinement. Solicit honest feedback from mentors, writing centres, or those familiar with fellowships. An objective critique can elevate your statement’s impact.

Customize Purposefully for Each Application

While some content can be repurposed, ensure your statement feels tailored to each specific fellowship’s mission, values, and criteria. Thoughtful customization conveys intentionality in your pursuit of that particular opportunity.

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• 2 Fellowship Personal Statement Examples For Application

Here are two different examples of statements that have worked for the students – perhaps it is not suitable for everyone, but you can have an idea how an effective statement looks like:

Cancer Research Driven by Personal Experience

Coming from a small town, the idea of pursuing cutting-edge cancer research always seemed like an impossible dream. That changed when I had the opportunity to work in Dr. Winston’s lab during my sophomore year. Initially apprehensive, I was soon captivated by the intricacies of targeted drug delivery systems. Witnessing the potential to revolutionize treatment resonated deeply with my passion for improving lives.

That summer, my grandfather’s cancer diagnosis strengthened my resolve. As I spent hours by his bedside, I was struck by the physical and emotional toll of chemotherapy. At that moment, I realized my true calling was to make these life-saving treatments more effective and less gruelling for patients like him. The XYZ Fellowship would allow me to work alongside pioneers in the field, providing invaluable mentorship and resources to bring my aspirations to reality.

Sustainable Development Through an Anthropological Lens

As an undergrad, I was always the student asking “Why?” Textbook explanations never felt complete without understanding the deeper roots and societal implications. This inquisitive nature led me to anthropology, where I could study human behaviour through an interdisciplinary lens.

During a fieldwork trip to Peru, I experienced firsthand how environmental changes disrupt the cultural fabric of indigenous communities. Witnessing their resilience and traditional ecological knowledge inspired me to focus my research on sustainable development practices. The proposed fellowship would enable me to spend a year immersed in the Amazon, collaborating with local tribes to develop adaptive strategies for climate resilience.

Receiving this opportunity would be a dream come true – to not only deepen my scholarship but also have a tangible positive impact. My background in anthropology, policy studies, and Spanish linguistic training position me to thrive as a fellow.

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Look, in a nutshell, writing an effective personal statement for competitive fellowship programs is both an art and a science. It requires striking the right balance between showcasing your achievements and telling an engaging story that resonates with the selection committee. By following the tips outlined in this guide, you can increase your chances of creating a personal statement that truly sets you apart from other applicants.

We would recommend to consider incorporating a powerful anecdote or defining moment that encapsulates your journey and aspirations. A well-crafted anecdote can be a compelling hook that draws the reader in and leaves a lasting impression. Just be sure to tie it back to the broader narrative and align it with the fellowship’s goals and values.

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What is the purpose of a fellowship personal statement?

The purpose of a fellowship personal statement is to provide the selection committee with a clear picture of who you are, your motivations, and how you would benefit from and contribute to the fellowship program. It allows you to showcase your unique experiences, skills, and goals that make you a strong candidate for the fellowship.

What should be included in a fellowship personal statement?

A strong fellowship personal statement should clearly state the specialty, describe your career goals and reasons for applying, highlight accomplishments during residency, outline your career direction post-fellowship, explain how the fellowship aligns with your goals, and showcase personal stories or experiences that have influenced your passion for the subspecialty.

How do I structure my fellowship personal statement?

The sources emphasize the importance of a fellowship personal statement in showcasing your qualifications, aligning with the fellowship’s goals, and demonstrating a clear career trajectory. They stress the need for authenticity, alignment with fellowship criteria, and a cohesive narrative that highlights your unique qualities and aspirations.

What tone should I use in my fellowship personal statement?

Your personal statement should have a professional yet personal tone. Use clear, concise language and avoid jargon. Be authentic and let your personality shine through. Convey your passion for the field and your commitment to making a positive impact.

How do I make my fellowship personal statement stand out?

To make your fellowship personal statement stand out, focus on crafting an authentic and coherent narrative that highlights your career journey, demonstrates genuine interest in the program, and aligns with your future goals.

How do I revise and edit my fellowship personal statement?

Revise and edit your personal statement multiple times. Get feedback from others, such as professors, mentors, or writing centres. Check for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. Ensure that your statement is clear, concise, and compelling. Finally, proofread it one last time before submitting it.

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Table of Contents

• • What Are The Multiple Statement Formats To Choose?
• • 6 Best Tips For Fellowship Personal Statement Writing
• • 2 Fellowship Personal Statement Examples For Application
• • Conclusion

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5 More Powerful Personal Statement Openings of Fellowship Winners

By ProFellow Founder Dr. Vicki Johnson

A personal statement is your opportunity to express why you are a great candidate for a fellowship or graduate school application. One of the most important lines of your personal statement is the first one, which is where you have a chance to grab your reader’s attention. Ideally, your first sentence or two opens up a brief story or vignette that will demonstrate to the reader why you are motivated to apply to the program or fellowship, and how you embody some of their ideal candidate characteristics, like passion for the subject, intellectual curiosity, leadership skills, community service experience, international experience, or other qualities.

Here are five examples of powerful personal statement openings for winners of highly competitive fellowships.

• “I still remember the damaged smiles of the abandoned, elderly residents at the St. Vincent de Paul house in Curitiba, Brazil like it was yesterday. Their weathered faces lit up as the junior team of Clube Atletico Paranaense and I climbed out of the bus to spend the day with them. I was just seventeen and barely spoke Portuguese, but I immediately wanted to be able to help these people.”

This opening for a Rhodes Scholarship personal statement builds a powerful image in the reader’s mind from the very beginning. It shows the applicant’s passion for helping other people and where that passion came from, his interest in different cultures, and his facility with language.

• “I was singing German long before I ever spoke it. As a classical voice major, I learned early on that the ‘holy trinity’ of languages to be familiar with (if not fluent in) is German, French and Italian.”

This opening for a personal statement for a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship in Germany shows a strong personal connection to Germany, demonstrates experience in learning languages, and showcases a serious interest in the creative arts–each of which is desirable in a Fulbright ETA candidate.

• “Lady Macbeth was the first role for which I knew I was perfect. In fifth grade I tried to produce Macbeth in my back yard with a bunch of my ten-year-old friends and I cast myself as lady M. However, when the parents found out about my overly-rigorous rehearsal schedule the project was shut down.”

This opening for a personal statement for a Fulbright U.S. Student Award to fund a Master’s in Theater at the University of Exeter quickly establishes the applicant as being passionate about theater in a fun and compelling way. It showcases the applicant’s personality and sets the stage to explore their lifelong interest in theater, building a case that they would be a great fit in the University of Exeter’s MA program.

• “At thirteen, I wanted to explore creativity through reproducing an intricate Renaissance painting. Using dozens of blues and greens, I emulated the brush strokes and shading. And after much toil, I felt confident that museum curators would have a hard time distinguishing between mine and the original.”

This opening for a personal statement for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship gives a unique introduction to the applicant’s strong desire to be creative from a young age. This opening leads into a narrative about how, after exploring the arts, and he ultimately began to see scientific research as a way to channel his innate creativity.

• “I waited patiently by the bench in what all Harvey Mudd chemistry majors call the ‘Super Lab,’ staring for what seemed to be hours at a small flask bubbling with something that looked like a cross between Pepto-Bismol and whipped cream. I was waiting for the color to turn just the right shade of blue before I could go home for a late dinner, but it was obvious that this solution was as far from blue as baseball is from rugby. I realized then that ‘Super Lab’ was not so Super, and neither was a career as a chemist.”

This opening for a personal statement to a law school is very memorable! It sets up the applicant’s story, in which an experience in a lab piqued his interest in intellectual property law. It also showcases his personality and excellent writing ability.

Each of these opening lines draws the reader into a unique and memorable story that explains why the applicant is interested in the fellowship or graduate program. You can identify more personal statement samples like these online by Googling personal statement example pdf with the name of the fellowship or graduate program.

If you would like to see 5 more powerful personal statement openings and why they work, check out this article .

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Related Posts:

• What Makes a Great Personal Statement?
• 5 Powerful Personal Statement Openings of Fellowship Winners
• Register Now: Personal Statement Bootcamp with Dr. Vicki Johnson
• How to a Write Personal Statement for Graduate School
• How to Write a Personal Statement: 6 Exercises to Conquer Writer’s Block

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Develop a Strong Personal Statement

Jane Halfhill, 2023 recipient of a Fulbright research grant to study in Italy.

For students, the personal statement is one of the most difficult and most important documents they will ever write. We have the resources to boost your confidence and the know-how to help you write a powerful personal statement.

Debunking the Personal Statement

What it is:.

• Your introduction to the selection committee. This is your story, written by you. It should describe your interests, skills, questions and goals. It should clearly portray continued interest in your field of research and desire to learn more.
• A chance to demonstrate your ability to write and communicate effectively. A well-written personal statement demonstrates your ability to organize your thoughts and communicate clearly. Conversely, an unpolished statement can unintentionally portray the writer as disinterested, unprofessional and careless.
• Your personal statement should articulate your preparedness by clarifying how your past experiences, education and extra-curricular activities have prepared you for your field.

What it isn't:

• A personal autobiography. A personal statement is not the time to write about your childhood, family or hobbies that are not relevant to your field or academic development.
• A resume of accomplishments in essay form. Do not simply list information that is available in your other supporting documents (e.g., resume, transcript). Rather, you should provide context as to why your past accomplishments and experiences are significant to your academic and professional development.
• A plea for the scholarship. This is not the time to beg, plea or justify why you are more deserving of the scholarship than the other applicants. You are eligible for this scholarship for a reason. Focus on your accomplishments, not why your accomplishments make you better than others.

What to Include in Your Personal Statement

Professor Stacy Hubbard from UB's department of English breaks down what you should include in your personal statement.

• Origins of interest in a particular field. This could be a book you read, a lecture you attended or an experience you had.
• Ways in which you have developed your interest. Additional reading, experiments, internships, coursework, summer jobs, science fairs, travel experiences, writing projects, etc. Provide details about what you gained from a particular course or how a particular project or paper has helped you to develop intellectually.
• Reasons for changes in your interests and goals. These changes could be addressed in positive, rather than negative, terms. Instead of saying "I became bored with engineering and switched to physics," try "Through a bridge-design project, I discovered a new interest in thermodynamics and decided to focus my studies on physics."
• Reasons for inconsistencies in your record.  If there is anything unusual or problematic in your record (poor grades, several school transfers, time away from school, etc.) this information needs to be explained in as positive a way, as possible. If you were immature and screwed up, then you matured and shaped up, say so and point to the proof (improved grades, a stellar recent employment record, etc.). Remember, failure of one kind or another, if you learn from it, is good preparation for future success.
• Special skills you have developed, relevant to the planned research.  This could be general knowledge of a field acquired through reading and study or special practical skills (data analysis, fossil preservation, interviewing techniques, writing skills, etc.) that will qualify you to conduct a particular type of research. Be specific about how you acquired these skills and at what level you possess them.
• Character traits, talents or extra-curricular activities outside the field that help to qualify you. If you are particularly tenacious about overcoming obstacles, creative at problem-solving, adaptable to unfamiliar circumstances or just great at organizing teams of people, these qualities can be mentioned as relevant to the research experience. Sometimes the evidence for these traits may be other than academic. Have you have overcome a disability or disadvantage of some kind in your life? Have you persisted in a particularly challenging task? Have lived in different parts of the world and adapted to difference cultures? Have you organized teams of volunteers in the community? Make clear what traits have been developed by these experiences and how these will help you in the research experience. Acknowledge your strengths, but do so humbly.
• Knowledge and/or skills that you hope to acquire through participation in this opportunity.  What is particularly intriguing to you about this opportunity? How will it help you to acquire new skills or carry forward your own research questions?
• Emerging and ongoing questions.  What kinds of unsolved puzzles, problems or potential research paths are of interest to you? Which of these have you explored in school or extra-curricular projects? What sorts of projects do you hope to pursue in the future?
• Future plans and goals.  Do you plan to go to graduate or professional school and in what field? What are your post-graduation goals and why? How would this research opportunity help you to achieve those goals?

The Do's and Don'ts of Writing a Personal Statement

• Adhere to the rules. Note the proper page layout, format and length, and adhere to it.
• Use proper spelling and grammar. An easy way to have your application overlooked is to submit it with spelling and grammatical errors. Use spell-checkers, proof-read and let others review your application, before you submit it.
• Show your audience, don't tell them. It's easy to say "I am a leader," but without concrete examples, your claim isn't valid. Give an example of why you believe you are a leader.
• Don't try to tell them everything. You can't cram your entire life into one personal statement. Choose a few key points to talk about and let your other application materials (resume, letter(s) of recommendation, application, interview, etc.) tell the rest of your story.
• Don't use clichés. Things like "since I was a child" or "the world we live in today" are commonly found in personal statements and don't add any value.
• Don't lie or make things up. This is not the time to fabricate or inflate your accomplishments. Don't try to guess what the committee is looking for and write what you think they want to hear. Invite them in to get to know the real you.

At the end of your personal statement, you want people to think "I'd like to meet this person." That is your end-goal.

UB Resources

• Center for Excellence in Writing
• Graduate Student Association Editing Services

Additional Resources

• Helping Students to Tell Their Stories , The Chronicle of Higher Education
• Preparing a Compelling Personal Statement , profellow.com
• Proposal Writing Resources , University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign
• Purdue Online Writing Lab , Purdue University
• Writing a Winning Personal Statement for Grad School , gograd.com

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EXPLORE OUR FELLOWSHIP PERSONAL STATEMENT EXAMPLES & GET EXPERT HELP

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Dear Committee,

I am writing to show my interest in and desire to join your fellowship program. Since my early years, my interest in radiology immunology has grown rapidly. Whether it was research or a conducted experiment, I`ve always wanted to keep going. 

I have multiplied this passion during my academic journey by pursuing and getting a bachelor’s degree in radiology immunology. This helped me to improve my [skills], which I hope to expand and advance during the fellowship program.

I used all opportunities to study radiology immunology beyond my bachelor’s. Internships, research projects, and volunteering gave me priceless experiences that helped me understand how knowledge in radiology immunology could be practically implemented in multiple situations. The experience of studying the growth dynamics of immune cells while participating in [research project name] helped me understand the specifics of cooperation with multidisciplinary specialists. It boosted my skills working on a team and taught me that the best outcome is only possible with coordinated work.

In conclusion, I am convinced that the radiology immunology program is the chance I will use to develop myself as a specialist. Besides sharing the workspace with top-class specialists and running research projects, I want to contribute to the radiology immunology program I am a part of. I feel confident about joining the program because my passion and confidence always lead me to the top.

I appreciate your consideration of my application. I see myself as a member of the radiology immunology fellowship program, and I’m looking to make a step forward.

[The applicant’s name]

Explore Our Best Examples of a Personal Statement for Fellowships

Fellowship programs set strict requirements and choose candidates carefully, so convincing the admission board that you’re their #1 candidate is not easy. Still, you can get this chance effortlessly by preparing a compelling personal fellowship statement that will perfectly present your desire and ability to become a fellow. Moreover, we provide good ready-made fellowship personal statement samples to simplify this task additionally.

Just choose one example that best correlates with your needs, and let’s start.

How Medical Fellowship Personal Statement Examples Can Help You

Someone may think completed writing pieces may be used for copypaste and rewriting. However, it’s a critical mistake because such things in personal statement for fellowship examples are immediately considered plagiarism, and the institution officials will immediately deny the applications. Reasons why a suitable example may help aren’t so obvious, but knowing them can help a lot while writing your own fellowship application doc.

• It’s invaluable for understanding requirements

When applicants examine examples, they see what format these texts have. Moreover, they understand how the information is organized, starting with the introduction, moving to the self-description mentioning the main achievements that made them who they are today. Moreover, personal statement examples for fellowship help to understand how to combine parts in a well-composed statement.

• It’s a great tool to visualize writing tips

Having several medical fellowship personal statement examples on hand may assist you while exploring expert tips and recommendations. Most people perceive information better only with visual materials, and pro-made samples can cope with this task perfectly.

• It’s necessary to define key components

Another advantage of using already-composed personal statement fellowships is that they help people see what writing components should and shouldn’t be included. Once individuals see what works for solid personal statement examples and what doesn’t, they understand how to strengthen it.

• It provides good ideas to manage your thoughts

In successful medical fellowship essays/applications, the writers’ main goal is to reveal their  strengths that will be valuable for the chosen program. Seeing how others compose their examples can help individuals tailor personal statements, emphasizing their strengths and motivating them to join the preferred program.

• It can help to avoid common mistakes

Fellowship personal statement examples are ideal for debriefing dos & don’ts and working on bugs. This works exceptionally well when visuals are accompanied by expert commentary. However, it is essential to remember that not all examples are suitable, but only from sources you can trust.

Top Personal Statement for Fellowship Examples From Proven Experts

There are two main reasons why you should explore our database with medical fellowship personal statement examples. First, it’s their variety – radiology, pathology, dentistry, orthopedics, and internal medicine are just some of the fields we can help you with. Secondly, it’s their authors. Every example is made by a proficient field-related expert knowing all the admission process nuances and program features that must be considered.

Of course, you cannot copy from a fellowship personal statement sample, as your own document should be well-personalized and tailored to a particular program. Nevertheless, there’re no restrictions to getting inspired with content structure, transitions, and things that need to be revealed.

How to Work With a Personal Statement for Fellowship Sample Properly

Preparing admission documents takes a while, especially if applicants pretend to join a competitive program. Composing everything in one night is not an option. So, here are some tips to help you better prepare your medical fellowship personal statement using our examples.

• Create an outline

With a plan, you understand your document’s appearance. Divide the text into paragraphs, with an introduction, a body part consisting of three sections, and a conclusion. Look at fellowship personal statement examples to define what needs to be included in these structural parts, and consider adding them to your document.

• Explore how the example author engages readers

Whether it’s an introductory hook, calls to action in conclusion, or exciting anecdotes in the body. Personal statements fellowships are formal pieces, so use engagement methods in your writing wisely. See how examples writers manage it to get more ideas.

• Define accents and things to focus on

The fellowship application personal statement should be program-focused and contain information that describes an individual as a skillful specialist. Moreover, the writing should include the most valuable career and educational path facts. Try to find this information in pro-made examples and explore how authors manage it.

About Medical Fellowship Personal Statement Grammar and Spelling

Besides learning about the text’s structure and format, it’s also important to consider simple elements like grammar and spelling. Institution officials carefully revise each piece and pay attention to all details. Once they spot even the slightest mistake, it may harm your personal statement for fellowship sample.

Your grammar should be correct and simple, as the text should be easy to understand. Grammar continues to be one of the most problematic points when preparing personal statements for fellowship and other application docs. Spelling is also necessary and should be given as much attention as grammar. Let someone else read the text to ensure you don’t miss anything. A fresh look may identify issues that should have been included during the first check.

How to Pick up a Right Sample Fellowship Personal Statement

We’d like to recommend you prepare several fellowship personal statement examples because hardly only one will 100% match your needs. And it’s not about competence but the fact that each program is unique, even if you’re applying to the same specialty. Faculty culture, values, and capabilities vary from institution to institution. Therefore, having only one sample fellowship personal statement to work with would be a bad decision. Consider the following factors when looking for suitable examples:

• Level and type of program
• Direction, if the program is highly specialized
• The specifics of the program and its features
• Focus and opportunities (practice, research, teaching, etc.)
• Requirements for their fellowship candidates

Let’s Create Your Own Personal Statement Fellowship Example

A solid and consistent personal statement is your golden ticket to new opportunities, and it’s worth all efforts and time spent creating it. However, sometimes people may worry a lot due to great responsibility or feel a lack of competency to cope with this writing themselves. And that’s where professional help preparing a personal statement for fellowships is the best solution.

From comprehensive guides & examples to expert writing & editing assistance – our service is qualified enough to boost your admission prospects significantly. With years of expertise and hundreds of successful admission cases, we are well aware of ways to make a lasting impression on the committee with your sample personal statement for fellowship application.

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Drafting a personal statement

View your personal statement as a narrative that paints a portrait of you as an individual and demonstrates your passion for your field of inquiry..

For help preparing your personal statement and other writing materials, contact the Writing and Communications Center (WCC). The WCC offers free one-on-one professional advice from communication experts. All of these experts are MIT lecturers with advanced degrees. All are experienced college classroom teachers of communication. All are published scholars and writers.

Many departments within the School of Engineering have a  communications lab  offering individual coaching, targeted workshops, and a spectrum of initiatives for their students. Regardless of your school or discipline, their online CommKit is  open and available to all .

A “hook” is an interesting or eye-catching statement, anecdote, fact, or question placed at the beginning of a piece of writing.

Fellowships are competitive, and individual reviewers may be looking at hundreds of applications at a time. Anything that captures a reader’s attention and makes you stick out in the pile can make a real difference, so include a strong “hook.”

Show creativity

The personal statement is not just a story about your trajectory, but a place to show your creativity. Craft the statement so that the reviewers see you as an individual and not just another applicant in the pile. For example, you can start with a story of how you became interested in science (avoiding clichés, of course) or give an example of an obstacle you had to overcome.

Share your personal experience & goals

Synthesize several of the following in your statement. Choose your topics based based on their relevance to the fellowship’s goals, your research, and your career path:

• Your life experience
• Your personal history
• Your family background
• The education and cultural opportunities (or lack of, if there is a desire to learn more) to which you have been exposed
• Major influences to your intellectual development
• Your career goals
• How you plan to use the skills you will develop while supported by the fellowship

Every word counts, and how the statement is organized and how you use the limited space is often part of the review criteria.

Reference the fellowship’s mission

If the fellowship is looking for applicants that can achieve stated goals or live by certain ideals, address these in the personal statement. For example, the NSF GRFP’s two-part criteria states that their applicants and their research are of intellectual merit and will make a broader impact on society.

Tie it all together

A fellowship application is not a collection of individual documents. It is an application package, so everything should be tied together.

The personal statement should demonstrate that you are organized, strategic, and have a clear thought process, showing that you are qualified to carry out the work in your research proposal.

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