4 Tips for Writing Your Personal Statement

Applying to graduate school can be an overwhelming process. When I am working with students on their application documents, I find that writing the Personal Statement can be an exceptionally stress inducing task. Writing about ourselves can be uncomfortable, especially when we aren’t in the habit of doing it. If you are feeling this way, you are not alone. Here are few tips to help with the writing process.

1.  Personal Statements need to be written in first person, which means that you need to use “I” statements and write from your personal perspective. This can be tough if you aren’t used to doing it. It can also be tough to write about yourself in general — especially knowing that someone is going to read it. A great way to practice writing from a personal perspective is to right answers to the prompt as if you were writing in your diary. Remember, writing is a process and takes practice. Embracing funky first drafts is groovy.

2. Read your draft aloud. Reading aloud will help you catch grammatical mistakes and areas where the writing might not flow like you want it to.

3. Have someone read your draft aloud to you. Find someone you trust, and have them read your draft aloud to you. After each paragraph, pause and reflect. Note the places that didn’t sound quite right. Were there places where the reader stumbled or the flow wasn’t right? Start your editing process by revising those spots.

4. Check your work count. Revising your Personal Statement to meet a word count can be a constant battle. It is hard to know what to cut and what to keep. I encourage you to identify a few sections of your personal statement you think you could cut. What does that specific section tell an admission council about you? Is it a crucial part of your story? Does it express your motivation, goals, or values? If yes, then keep it but consider condensing it. If no, then cut it.

Writing a Personal Statement can be daunting, but it can also be empowering. It gives you the chance to tell your story to an admissions council in your own words. This form of self-reflection will help you to grow in your profession and as a writer. All you have to do is take it one step at a time. You’ve got this. Allons-y!