Directions for Students: How to Write the Perfect Personal Statement
There is no ultimate formula to ensure that your personal statement is written absolutely correctly. However, certain guidelines may help you improve your writing skills and achieve you the best results.
Where Should I Begin?
The best thing to do is to start from the beginning, that is to say, from the introductory sentence. Although this is the most difficult part of writing a personal statement, you will be relieved to know you did it. Moreover, introductory sentence sets up the tone for the whole text and provides the main idea to be supported. Its main function is to capture attention of the board. Therefore, make it sound catching and impactful.
What Should I Avoid Writing an Opening Sentence?
While opening sentence introduces the reasons you apply for a certain course, there are facts that should and shouldn’t be mentioned.
- Demonstrate the good understanding of the course
- Be creative in your reasoning
Let the admission board see that you are fully aware of your choice. You should want to take on the course yourself, not because somebody told you.
The worst thing you could write is that you would like to take on the course because you couldn’t think of anything better. The university would probably recommend you to think of something else.
Neither is it a good option to say it is because your parents work in the same field. Of course, continuing the family tradition is good, and this indeed may be the reason of your choice. In such a case make sure you demonstrate enough enthusiasm and inspiration behind it.
What Follows Next?
When you are done formulating the opening sentence, write the main part. It can be formally subdivided in two sections: personal experience and features of character. However, this subdivision is vague and depends mostly on the content of your writing. Besides, it is important to consider the requirements the university sets in the first place. While writing this part, try to answer the following questions:
- What work experience do you have related to this field?
- How are your hobbies, interests and leisure activities connected to the course?
- What non-specific achievements can recommend you as an interesting personality?
- What skills do you have to meet the demands of the course and university in general?
How Do I Finish My Personal Statement?
Pay as much attention to the closing sentence, as you did with the opening one. It should summarize your statement and produce a positive overall impression. After all, this is what makes the board remember you and distinguish from the other applicants.