Back
Graduate School Preparation - Personal Statements
 
Table of Contents

Admission:
  - Admission Exams
  - Financial Aid/Assistantships
  - Graduate School Interview
Other Information:

Personal statements should be typed and double spaced with 1 inch margins, 11 or 12 point font, and in a readable font such as Times New Roman on white paper. They are typically 1-2 pages long. Always be aware of and follow word counts and page limits. Also, do not send anything that is not requested of you. These could be factors that may eliminate your application.

The Process

Brainstorm
Reflect on courses you have taken, accomplishments or awards, on and off campus involvement that you have had, influential personal experiences, etc. (Refer to the list of possible topic ideas) This will help you get some ideas started for what to write about.

Draft
- Start a draft version of your personal statement. You will likely go through several drafts.
- Always figure out what question you are being asked. You may have great ideas about a topic, but make sure that it fits with what the school wants to know. When you understand what is being asked of you, you can begin the writing process.
- Create an outline.
- Your personal statement should be between 4-5 paragraphs. It should be about quality not quantity!

Introduction – This should provide the theme for your personal statement. It should be strong and engage the reader.
Body – The body should be about 2-3 paragraphs and should be used to develop examples and/or experiences that you are sharing.
Conclusion – This should be a wrap-up of your personal statement, NOT a summarization or repeat of what you said previously.

Focus
After a draft is written, take the time to expand your thoughts and ideas. Be sure to include specific details (what was your role, who was involved, etc.).

Check the language and how it is written. Does it represent you? Use rich language, but don’t use jargon or elaborate words. Your personal statement should show a skilled use of everyday language, not an experiment with a thesaurus!

Revise
Proofread, proofread, and proofread!!! Simple mistakes can be detrimental. Check for spelling, grammar, and even double check that you have the name of the school right!

Read your statement out loud. How does it flow? Does it make sense? This will allow you to hear what you have written and will help catch grammatical errors.

Have someone else read it – or multiple people! Does it make sense to them? Also remember to have them proofread it.

Make an appointment with a Pathways Professional and/or the WRSL. A Pathways Professional can help you review the content and the WRSL can help with the writing.

Possible Topic Ideas  
• Accomplishments
• Life changing events
• What inspires you
• Unique or memorable life experience
• Specific goals – personal and/or professional
• Connections to your past, present, and/or future
• Commitment to a cause
• Someone influential in your life		 • Personal background or anecdote
• Lessons that you’ve learned
• Risk-taking experiences
• Leadership abilities
• Volunteer experiences
• Service trip experiences
• Trips abroad
• Significant classes or teachers
• A favorite quote and its meaning to you

Admissions Criteria

Dos
• Quality vs. Quantity
• Be honest
• Provide an insight into you
• Be yourself
• Be creative
• Tell why you were drawn to the school
• Be positive
• Evaluate experience, don’t just retell a story
• Answer what is asked of you
• Tell your story and give specific examples
• Use your own voice to tell the story
• Attach addendum to explain gaps in work, school, lack of involvement, disciplinary actions in undergrad, and criminal record. Don’t focus on them.

Don’ts
• Don’t recreate your resume – tell something new
• Don’t be negative or complain
• Express your opinions, but don’t preach
• Try not to mention money
• Don’t talk too much about the school – they know who they are
• Don’t be gimmicky with your writing
• Don’t try to write about something they didn’t ask for
• Avoid clichés
• Don’t talk about religion or politics. Avoid controversial topics
• Don’t talk about high school
• This is not a personal biography. Make it interesting

 

© Wartburg College - 100 Wartburg Blvd. - Waverly, IA 50677 - (800) 772-2085