Don't be tempted to use the same statement for all applications.

If you are applying to several schools, you may find questions in each application that are somewhat similar.

What are the most compelling reasons you can give for the admissions committee to be interested in you?.

Why might you be a stronger candidate for graduate school-and more successful and effective in the profession or field than other applicants?.

What skills (for example, leadership, communicative, analytical) do you possess?.

What personal characteristics (for example, integrity, compassion, and/or persistence) do you possess that would improve your prospects for success in the field or profession? Is there a way to demonstrate or document that you have these characteristics?.

Have you had to overcome any unusual obstacles or hardships (for example, economic, familial, or physical) in your life?.

Are there any gaps or discrepancies in your academic record that you should explain (great grades but mediocre LSAT or GRE scores, for example, or a distinct upward pattern to your GPA if it was only average in the beginning)?.

If you have worked a lot during your college years, what have you learned (leadership or managerial skills, for example), and how has that work contributed to your growth?.

How have you learned about this field-through classes, readings, seminars, work or other experiences, or conversations with people already in the field?.When did you become interested in this field and what have you learned about it (and about yourself) that has further stimulated your interest and reinforced your conviction that you are well suited to this field? What insights have you gained?.What details of your life (personal or family problems, history, people or events that have shaped you or influenced your goals) might help the committee better understand you or help set you apart from other applicants?.What's special, unique, distinctive, and/or impressive about you or your life story?.Questions to ask yourself before you write: Some business school applications favor multiple essays, typically asking for responses to three or more questions. Often, business and graduate school applications ask specific questions, and your statement should respond specifically to the question being asked. This allows you maximum freedom in terms of what you write and is the type of statement often prepared for standard medical or law school application forms.Ģ. The general, comprehensive personal statement: The personal statement, your opportunity to sell yourself in the application process, generally falls into one of two categories:ġ.

This handout provides information about writing personal statements for academic and other positions.

Writing Letters of Recommendation for Students.

Personal narrative rough draft example