Cracking Postgraduate Personal Statements
Importance of Personal Statements
- Assessment - it may be part of your postgraduate application assessment, both at the short-listing stage and at the subsequent interview. The selection committee examine this statement for clues to the character, commitment, and interests of each candidate.
- Opportunity - your opportunity to convey a sense of your passion, personality, and intellectual drive. In addition, a well-written statement should provide the committee with valuable insight into your motivation and rationale for the proposed graduate study programme that is not otherwise communicated in the rest of the application materials.
- Your goal - to present a rationale for the proposed study programme and provide concrete evidence of your readiness. It is important to compose your statement carefully and concisely so as to provide precise and relevant information in response to each section.
Key Elements
- Mind Map of what to include in your personal statement.(pdf)
- Worksheet designed to help you think about information you might include in your statement. Useful in conjunction with the personal Statement Mind Map. (pdf)
- Personal statements overview from Postgradireland Fair. (YouTube)
- Demonstrate your interest in the course and any evidence to this – academic and personal.
- Why this is the field of your choice - why this university/department?
- Unique contribution - your personal strengths and experience which you believe will help you to enjoy and succeed in this course at college.
- Relevant experience - employment, work experience, placement or voluntary work which you consider support your application.
- Relevant extracurricular experience- sporting, hobbies, social activities and any other interests or achievements that are relevant and may support your future performance in the position for which you are applying.
- Any other information which you believe supports your application
- 3 things to remember: Why me? Why Here? Why now?
Checklist
- Ensure that you have addressed the most important issues and in appropriate depth.
- Use clear, concise and professional language. Do not waffle, be clear and concise. Active language is always effective, for example verbs such as ‘implemented’ and ‘delegated’.
- Is the structure of the text clear and logical?
- Have your final personal statement proofread for typing, spelling or grammatical errors.
- If it is a paper application - always photocopy the original blank form. This allows you the opportunity to make mistakes. When you are happy with the final draft, then it is time to fill in the original form.
- When you have finished, photocopy your completed application and keep this: it will help you in preparing for interview.
Related Resources
- Attend workshop and view slides.
- Evaluating a Personal Statement for Postgraduate Study in the US (Fulbright) (pdf)
- Petersons - all graduate school Essay / Personal Statement information.
- UCAS - A step by step guide produced by UCAS that takes you through key sections of a Personal Statement. Also includes a video clip about Personal Statements.
- University of Staffordshire - comprehensive workbook on Personal Statements.(pdf)
- Penn State handbook for students applying for scholarships and graduate study.
