Your personal statement or statement of purpose helps admissions committees evaluate both your writing skills and your fit for the program. How you communicate your story is just as important as what you share.
Work with faculty advisors, mentors, or writing tutors as you draft and revise. The Center for Academic Success offers support with brainstorming, organizing, and editing your statement.
How to Write a Strong Personal Statement
What to Include (Content)
Do
- Write something only you could say honestly
- Share specific experiences, stories, and influences
- Explain your well-defined goals and what motivates them
- Show what you’ve learned from your experiences
- Demonstrate knowledge of the program and why it fits you
- Use clear details and examples
- Briefly explain academic challenges only if there is improvement or important context
- Mention testing difficulties only if relevant and supported by your record
Don’t
- Repeat your résumé without adding insight
- Write what you think admissions committees want to hear
- Use clichés (e.g., “I’ve always wanted to…”)
- Start with quotes
- List traits (e.g., “I’m hardworking”) instead of showing them through examples
- Confuse programs or reuse statements without tailoring
- Turn your statement into a full autobiography Focus too much on weaknesses
Tone and Approach
Do
- Be positive and professional
- Be honest and reflective
- Write clearly and in your own voice
- Show enthusiasm for your field of study
Don’t
- Make excuses or sound defensive
- Overuse humor or try too hard to be funny
- Give unclear or unsupported reasons for pursuing graduate school
Writing Tips
Do
- Follow the prompt carefully
- Use clear structure and organization
- Proofread for grammar, spelling, and punctuation
- Ask at least 2–3 people for feedback (early, not last minute)
Don’t
- Submit your first draft
- Exceed length guidelines