Tips for Writing a Personal Statement for Graduate School

While you can’t change your GPA and final exam scores, you do have complete control over the contents of your personal statement. With so many applicants and limited spots, it’s crucial to persuade your readers that you will fit their program given your professional and scholarly accomplishments, interests, and goals. But how?

Here's a few tips that can help you do just that:

Just start writing - Sure you want to have an intriguing and attention grabbing first sentence, but you don’t want to dwell for so long you induce writer’s block. Either make an outline or just start free writing. Once you get through the bulk of your statement, head back to the beginning to perfect your introduction.

Highlight your goals as a scholar - Personal statements should not be an autobiography, but rather an overview of your journey as a scholar in your chosen field. Be sure to articulate your reasons for selecting your career path, describe the courses, professors, articles, internships, or other research that has helped shape your aspirations.

One size doesn’t fit all - Remember, while programs and curriculum's may be similar, each institution has its own mission, values, and faculty. Be sure to include what in particular drove you to apply - was it the research interests of a professor or an emphasis on a particular characteristic of the program?

Use concrete examples - Provide examples from recent presentations, research assignments, and employment experiences to demonstrate your motivation and capacity to succeed in the program. Research experience in particular is valuable as you likely will need to immerse yourself in this activity during your graduate studies.

Carefully proofread and refine the essay - Be meticulous! Proofread your essay very carefully, poor grammar and the wrong use of language stick out like a soar thumb to an admissions officer. Adhere to the stated word limits and express yourself clearly and concisely.

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The graduate schools at St. John’s University in New York City offer more than 60 graduate degree and professional certificate programs in five acclaimed colleges, a School of Law, and institute dedicated solely to the growing field of biotechnology. Our highly competitive advanced degree programs will challenge you to become the very best you can possibly be!