If you’re applying to graduate school, you will need to write a personal statement as part of the application. The personal statement is a particular genre of writing that needs to accomplish quite a bit in a limited space. We spend a lot of time in university learning how to write research papers, English composition essays, and lab reports – but, we aren’t taught how to write about ourselves. So, where do you start?
Read the Directions:
Every graduate program is different. Make sure you carefully read the instructions, and answer the prompt. Also pay attention to page limits or word count.
Focus Your Story:
Your personal statement should tell the admissions committee why you want to go to graduate school. You can start to brainstorm ideas by asking yourself some reflective questions:
- Why am I interested in pursuing graduate studies?
- Where/when did my interest in this subject start?
- Who influenced me or supported me in my studies?
- What do I hope to gain from this graduate degree program?
- Why am I interested in this particular university/program?
Still not sure what to talk about? For more ideas of what to include in your personal statement, read this blog post.
Tips for Getting Started:
Everyone approaches writing very differently. If you are stuck, try some of these out:
- Freewrite! Start with a piece of paper or a blank Word Doc/Google Doc. Set a timer for 20 minutes, and write down whatever comes to mind. Do not worry about having correct grammar or spelling. After the 20 minutes, review your writing and see if you have any good ideas that can be expanded into an essay.
- Chat with a friend/family member using some of the reflective questions above. Sometimes we have the idea for an essay in our mind, but have a hard time turning that idea into writing. Record your conversation or ask your friend to make notes.
- Start from the middle. Sometimes the introduction is the hardest part! If you’re struggling to get started, skip to the middle paragraphs and start writing. Making an outline can also be helpful.
Drafting and Editing:
When you have a working draft, you will want to focus on rewriting and editing your content. This can be time consuming, but it is an essential part of writing a strong personal statement! Keep in mind, most personal statements are usually two pages long. Here are some resources:
- Meet with a Career Coach. You can set up a personal statement appointment with a Career Coach via Handshake. Please note, Career Coaches cannot edit for grammar, but we can help with the format, content, and overall structure.
- Visit the Connors Family Learning Center. Students can make a 50 minute appointment with a writing tutor, or submit a paper to the Online Writing Lab for asynchronous feedback. They also offer specific services for English Language Learners.
- Ask a Friend to read over your draft. It can be helpful to have friends who are native English speakers make notes about grammar or sentence structure.
- Find a Mentor. Reach out to faculty members for guidance on best writing practices for specific disciplines. You will also want to have a draft of your personal statement ready to give to professors writing your Letters of Recommendations.
Once you have a final version of your personal statement, you will be one step closer to submitting your application!
Boston College Career Center Blog 
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