Personal statement

Posted: September 26th, 2022

What is a personal statement? A personal statement is an essay (usually up to two sides of A4) that aims to outline your suitability for a particular program or place at university. It should be well-structured and include the following:

An opening statement – a brief introductory paragraph that explains the program you are applying for, and how your personal qualities will make you suitable for this program. This is a clear benefit statement – it should be demonstrated in the rest of the document where possible.

– a brief introductory paragraph that explains the program you are applying for, and how your personal qualities will make you suitable for this program. This is a clear benefit statement – it should be demonstrated in the rest of the document where possible. A bit about yourself – an introduction to who you are as a person and what motivated you to apply for this placement/program. You may want to briefly outline your employment/volunteer experience, any other academic achievements or community involvement you have had, or any other relevant achievements or experiences. This can be a discussion of your values and what you hope to achieve in the future (but keep it concise! Most personal statements should only run up to about 400-500 words even if they are double spaced).

– an introduction to who you are as a person and what motivated you to apply for this placement/program. You may want to briefly outline your employment/volunteer experience, any other academic achievements or community involvement you have had, or any other relevant achievements or experiences. This can be a discussion of your values and what you hope to achieve in the future (but keep it concise! Most personal statements should only run up to about 400-500 words even if they are double spaced). The big issues – now you’re ready to write about the program/placement . What is it? Why have you chosen this placement /program? You should be able to explain why you want this placement, and what realistic outcomes you hope to achieve from it. Try not to just list skills or competencies – use examples and discuss your own development for each one of these characteristics. You should be able to explain why you want this placement, and what realistic outcomes you hope to achieve from it. Try not to just list skills or competencies – use examples and discuss your own development.

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It is important to write this section well and make sure that you include all relevant personal statements, work, or academic experience (if you have any). The information can be organized in different ways: chronologically, thematically, geographically etc. Remember, the point of this section is to demonstrate what makes YOU suitable for this program/placement. If you do not feel that your achievements are sufficient on their own – put more effort into discussing them! Show prospective employers /university admissions boards who you are as an individual. 

write about an introduction to who you are as a person and what motivated you to apply for this placement/program. You may want to briefly outline your employment/volunteer experience, any other academic achievements or community involvement you have had, or any other relevant achievements or experiences. This can be a discussion of your values and what

write about the big issues in your life right now. This section can be about some of the challenges you have faced in life or recently, be it personal, health-related etc.If applicable and if there are any experiences/advice that you would like to share with us then this is the place for it in a few sentences. In other words, use this as an opportunity to get your personality across. Ie- something quirky, interesting, funny…etc. 

 List your Hobbies

Hobbies/interests [or whatever else you want to put here] are things that will give you more insight into who you are and what is important to you as a person. In most cases, hobbies can be educational or just something fun! Having a well-rounded life certainly looks impressive if the admissions boards think it reflects well on their program/university they’re trying to place you in. Remember to express yourself with words, so use your hobbies to make yourself stand out!

Here’s an example: I am an avid badminton player and have competed in local tournaments for my school team. Through this experience, I learned how to work effectively within a team while also gaining confidence during stressful situations. I also learned the importance of sportsmanship and being a role model to other students.

References/Recommendations

References are incredibly important because it provides some insight into who you are as an individual, outside of academics. A well written reference letter can help distinguish you from your peers if they happen to be applying for programs from similar institutions or for a work experience placement at your place of choice. Personal references [or letters] should be prepared by people outside of your family such as former supervisors, teachers etc. This can include any achievement that demonstrates extra-academic skills (offline and online), this could be community service hours or political involvement…etc. Make sure that they mention how you’ve demonstrated these qualities and why they’re so important.   Remember the best-case scenario and make it happen! 

Background information with author byline: The personal statement is an essay that aims to outline your suitability for a particular program or place at university. It is important to write this section well and make sure that you include all relevant personal statements, work, or academic experience (if you have any).

The information can be organized in different ways: chronologically, thematically, geographically etc. Remember, the point of this section is to demonstrate what makes YOU suitable for this program/placement. If you do not feel that your achievements are sufficient on their own – put more effort into discussing them! 

 It’s important to remember the personal statement is an extremely valuable resource for finding a pool of potential candidates. It enables both employers and universities to match applicants with relevant positions/programs, based on applicants’ background, skills, achievements etc. However, since there are over thousands of students applying for placements/university each year (even more so as these two industries have grown so rapidly) the admissions boards will need some way of setting applicants apart from one another – your personality! The team at  9paragraphs can help you craft a winning personal statement, get in touch!