March 14, 2024
by Amber Wilson
Personal Statement: Your Chance to Study Abroad
Personal statements are important for the application processes of international universities. Students, hence, aim to make their statements perfect to stand out. If two students tie grade-wise, the admission committee looks into their statements to make a decision. As a result, showing effectiveness through your statement is essential and can change your studying abroad dream into a reality.
What to Answer in a Personal Statement?
You can write a brief personal statement by answering the following questions.
- Why have you selected this subject?
- What is it about the subject that excites you?
- How do your previous and current academics relate to the course?
- What work experience do you have that can help you excel?
- What life experiences have played significantly in shaping you?
- What are the achievements you can talk about?
- What skills make you a suitable candidate?
- What are your plans career-wise?
Want to know how personal statements are in the USA? Check out:
Secure Admission in the Ivy League
How to Leave a Lasting Impression?
To get into the top universities like in the USA or UK, you have to make your personal statement exceptional. Follow the given steps while writing a personal statement.
1. Requirements:
When writing a personal statement, start by researching the general and specific statement requirements of the universities you are applying to.
2. Course Research:
Think of the course objectives of the universities you are applying to. By doing so, you will plan your personal statement according to their specific requirements. You will further benefit from showing your knowledge regarding the course and university.
3. Draft:
For a well-written personal statement, starting early is required. By beginning early, you will have time for drafting and perfecting your statement. Start by creating an outline of everything you would want the committee to know. When writing, make multiple drafts. Since you started early, even after writing multiple drafts, you will have time to get a second opinion.
4. Content Needs:
When writing the content of your statement, take a good start. Discuss in detail how your extracurriculars and social interests align with the chosen course. Further include both personal and practical aspects of yourself. Lastly, you can, also, talk about the unique experiences that shaped you. As you move forth, make sure that you are being honest but also not boring.
5. Final Draft:
Ensure that your final draft is well-structured and includes everything required from you. You should cross-check if your statement is personalised according to the programme and institution. You should also check if your statement is unique and delivers all the information needed by the admission committee to make a positive decision.
Read more about the requirements for the UK at:
Secure Admission in the Top Universities of the UK
How to Structure a Personal Statement?
Always remember that a statement has three parts i.e., start, middle, and end.
Start
For the starting part, make it attention-grabbing. You should not focus only on the middle, on the off chance that the committee will read the whole statement. If your start leaves the committee member invested in your statement, you have a good chance of getting admitted.
At the start of the statement, you are expected to introduce yourself. You can discuss your passion regarding the course and display your field knowledge. You can also touch on your previous academics concerning the course and future aspirations. However, remember to stay relevant and not steer off-topic.
Middle
After having introduced yourself, it is appropriate to discuss your personal skills and achievements. Mention the skills that will help you be successful in your course and lead a good university life.
If you have any course-related work experience, make sure to add it too. The work experience can be voluntary services, leadership roles, part-time jobs, etc.
Furthermore, you should provide pieces of evidence for all the skills and achievements you add to your personal statement. You can also talk about the aspects that make you unique and suitable for both the programme and the university. This is where you will personalise your statement and relate your vision to the university.
End
To close off your statement, simply repeat the important points previously mentioned in your statement for emphasis. You should also include why you are suitable and should be admitted to the university and programme.
What to Avoid?
Mentioned below are the common mistakes to avoid when writing your personal statement.
- Do not mention irrelevant information or exclude important details about yourself.
- Avoid crowding the statement will achievements and awards alone.
- Exclude cliches like your love for helping people etc.
- Refrain from calling your decision spontaneous. You should show that your decision is conscious and thoughtful.
- Resist mentioning unrealistic plans like curing cancer or ending poverty.
- Do not make excuses for poor grades or bad conduct. In case of an explanation, keep it concise and only talk about the lesson you have learnt.
- Avoid giving religious, political, or controversial remarks.
- Exclude quotations since your own words hold more value compared to someone else’s.
- Refrain from telling lies by mentioning incorrect information or misleading claims.
- Do not use unreadable fonts, symbols, bullets, bold, italics, etc.
Key Considerations
- Start preparing early
- Make multiple drafts
- Stay relevant and precise
- Include 75% academics and 25% extracurriculars
- Showcase your enthusiasm and passion for the course
- Discuss what makes you stand out from the crowd
- Mention every important detail
- Provide evidence for all personal skills and achievements
- Get an expert opinion
