StatementWritingHelp.com
by Dr. Robert Edinger
Helping Applicants Since 1995 
drrobertedinger@gmail.com

It's grad school application season, and your personal statement is your chance to shine. This crucial component can set you apart from the competition and show admissions committees why you're the perfect fit for their program. To help you craft an outstanding personal statement, here are four essential tips:

​

Don't Be Basic:

When it comes to personal statements, avoid clichés and generic language. While it's essential to state your reasons for pursuing a particular field, resist the urge to rely on overused phrases like "I want to be an [insert profession] because..." Instead, aim to be creative and expressive.

Begin your personal statement with a compelling introduction that answers the prompt concisely. Consider sharing your future aspirations based on your current interests, which can set you apart and make your statement more engaging.

Tailor It:

Each grad school program is unique, so your personal statement should reflect your research and understanding of each individual program you're applying to. Don't make the mistake of submitting the same statement to every school.

Take the time to explore each program's website, attend information sessions or interviews, and gather information about their specific strengths, statistics, or unique features. Incorporate this knowledge into your personal statement to demonstrate your genuine interest in that particular institution.

Flow:

An effective personal statement should flow smoothly from paragraph to paragraph. Many applicants have excellent content, but they fail to create a seamless transition between ideas. To avoid this pitfall, focus on creating clear and logical connections between your paragraphs.

Think of your personal statement as a continuous narrative, where the last few sentences of one paragraph naturally lead to the first sentences of the next. This ensures that your statement is easy to read and comprehend.

Grammar Rules:

Remember that grammar and language are crucial in a personal statement. Even if you're not pursuing a career in writing or linguistics, impeccable grammar demonstrates your professionalism and attention to detail.

Steer clear of contractions in formal documents, such as personal statements, as they may come across as less professional. Additionally, maintain consistency in the capitalization of terms like "speech-language pathology" throughout your statement.

Proofread your personal statement carefully and consider having someone else review it for any grammatical errors or typos.

In conclusion, your personal statement is your opportunity to showcase who you are and why you're a perfect fit for a graduate program. By avoiding clichés, tailoring your statement to each school, ensuring a smooth flow, and adhering to grammar rules, you can create a standout personal statement that impresses admissions committees and increases your chances of success. Good luck with your grad school applications!