It is no news that universities require you to write a personal statement when applying for admission. And amidst every other requirement, the personal statement is the only document that relates your achievements, talents, and goals as a student. In summary, it tells the school all about you.
There are tons of articles on how to write a personal statement like, How to Write a Personal Statement for UCAS by Fasthire. However, this article will focus on how to write a personal statement for a US university.
Why is a Personal Statement Important?
A personal statement is a document containing information about you. Indeed.com defined a personal statement as – “an account of your achievements, talents, interests, and goals, often included in job or university applications or on resumes. This simply means that you recount all that you have ever done, relevant to the application.
Why, then, is a personal statement important? A personal statement is important because it is your best chance to prove yourself to the admission committee. Unlike other documents you will submit alongside your application, a personal statement gives the best information about you.
Another reason is that it is your opportunity to impress them. What you write on the document says a lot about you. From your style of writing to your introduction to the choice of words you use, and the scenarios or stories about your life that you write about. All give an idea of who you are and they should be written to impress while presenting you in the best light.
Another reason is that it is an opportunity to show them that you are an asset. That your result is not based on past glory but still an ongoing one. Schools are more likely to take assets than liabilities. Every individual would choose an asset over a liability. Therefore, ensure that you state it as succinct and straightforwardly as possible.
What is Expected on Your Personal Statement?
Your personal statement is expected to carry the following pieces of information;
- One or more stories about you relevant to the chosen course of study
- Your passion and drive for the chosen course of study
- Any previous work experience or school course relevant to the chosen course of study
- Your past achievements
- Your interests
Note: All these are expected to be relevant to the chosen course of study. If not, it will just be a lot of jargon.
Does Personal Statement for a US University Differ from that of Other Countries?
To be more factual, a Personal Statement differs from school to school. It is not about differences in countries rather, it is about differences in schools. Of course, there are differences between the personal statement of a US university and that of other countries. A comparison between UK and USA personal statements is found in Millie’s Guide to Personal Statements UK vs. the US.
Therefore, go through the course guidelines on the school’s website when writing your personal statement. What schools and countries look for in individuals are not all the same. There are differences and you have to consider these differences when writing your personal statement.
Tips for Writing a Personal Statement
- A personal statement is simply what it is, a personal statement. Therefore, make it personal.
- Do not include stories that are irrelevant to your personal statement.
- Ensure that every line supports a previous statement or introduces a new one. Of course, it has to be relevant to your personal statement.
- Start writing your personal statement early as this will give you more time to proofread and edit.
- Research what the personal statement of the school should look like. This guides you in the light of knowing what to highlight and what not to.
- Get someone to proofread it for you and tell them what to look out for specifically.
- Write and edit as much as possible.
- Be clear and concise when writing your personal statement.
- Never hesitate to seek external help with the writing of your personal statement.
Should in case you need professional help, you can contact us and we will deliver a wonderful personal statement at an affordable price.
Conclusion
Your personal statement is your chance to make a good impression on the admissions team members. Make good use of it.
