purdue owl writing the personal statement

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Purdue Online Writing Lab: Writing the Personal Statement

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Writing the Personal Statement

by the Purdue Online Writing Lab

The personal statement, your opportunity to sell yourself in the application process, generally falls into one of two categories:

1. The general, comprehensive personal statement:

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.

2. The response to very specific questions:

Often, business and graduate school applications ask specific questions, and your statement should respond specifically to the question being asked. Some business school applications favor multiple essays, typically asking for responses to three or more questions.

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Personal Statements

What is a personal statement.

A personal statement is a picture of you as a student and an illustration of your fit for a particular school or fellowship. It complements the resume, giving much more depth and character. It focuses on a few key themes related to the your biography, interests, and/or experiences. (Note: The personal statement is not to be confused with the statement of purpose, which is more future focused, explaining your plans for study and career).

Elements of a strong statement

A good statement grabs the reader’s attention from the beginning, uses specific illustrations and examples, and shows rather than tells. It responds directly to any prompt offered and has a tight narrative structure and a logical flow. The statement builds the picture of an interesting, passionate person who is a perfect fit for the school or fellowship. The essay is honest, confronting any gaps, weaknesses, or deficiencies, but focusing on lessons learned and positive outcomes.  Though the writer conveys intelligence, experience, aptitude, and passion, the tone remains humble and sincere. Through the essay the writer manages to stand out from other applicants and appear unique. Keep in mind, that not every story must be deeply emotional, and a good statement does not overshare; it balances narrative with argument about your qualifications. 

Tips for brainstorming

It can be difficult to know where to begin, especially when writing about oneself. You can start a file or notebook, beginning to list awards you have won, important milestones, struggles, and accomplishments, illustrative anecdotes, and relevant experiences.  If stuck, you can ask parents, teachers, mentors, peers, coworkers, or supervisors what should be included in an essay about your life, interests, and achievements. You can also read Examples of Successful Statements (Purdue OWL)  and see questions you can ask yourself before you write in the Personal Statement Guide (Purdue OWL) .

Beyond making an appointment with the KU Writing Center, you may also want to visit the KU Career Center for assistance and resources on applications. 

Personal statement structure

If the essay allows for flexibility, then the following structure is suggested: Use the opening paragraph to grab the reader’s attention with a “hook” (usually a story or experience). Then choose one or two related themes or narrative threads to weave throughout the body of the essay, going into depth and not simply restating the resume. Include specific examples demonstrating any claims you make. For instance, if you state that you are brave, you must include an example from your life proving that you are indeed brave. Use the concluding paragraph to refer back to the opening hook but also to open outwards, both to demonstrate your knowledge of the institution or fellowship and to mention plans for the future. 

If given a prompt, you must be sure to answer all questions asked of you. Keep in mind, though, that it is not enough to simply answer one question after the next. You must still weave your responses together into a cohesive whole. 

Pay attention to the word count requirements as well. Most personal statements have strict requirements on the words or characters. You do not want to go over the word count, or be significantly below it. How you structure your statement will also depend on required length. For example, a 200-word statement may just be 1-2 paragraphs while a 700-word statement will be an entire essay.

Seek Feedback

You might struggle with using the first person, writing about yourself, and striking a humble and mature tone. It might also be difficult to avoid clichés and to think of specific examples and illustrative anecdotes for the essay. Be sure to focus on these elements as well as on how to make your statement less vague, more concise, and more engaging for the reader. Ask for feedback from your advisor, instructors, or the  Writing Center  and count on creating several drafts.

Common Pitfalls

A weak statement relies on clichés, especially those related to helping others, saving the world, and demonstrating passion. Poorly written essays often remain vague or rehash everything listed in the resume. Sometimes they veer off topic or suffer from an overly apologetic or an arrogant tone. They can be badly structured, lacking specific examples and a particular focus. Writers, therefore, do not create a vivid picture of themselves or an illustration of their fit with the institution or fellowship. Often such pitfalls blend in with other mediocre essays, failing to convince an admissions committee that the candidate stands out. Because writing personal statements can be so challenging, plan to create several drafts of your statement. When editing, work on adding specific examples and anecdotes and ask your advisor and instructors for advice. Don't give up - keep on revising and editing and come in for a  Writing Center  consultation so we can help you too! 

(Revised July 2022)

Purdue Online Writing Lab Purdue OWL® College of Liberal Arts

Tips and Examples for Writing Thesis Statements

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Tips for Writing Your Thesis Statement

1. Determine what kind of paper you are writing:

• An analytical paper breaks down an issue or an idea into its component parts, evaluates the issue or idea, and presents this breakdown and evaluation to the audience.
• An expository (explanatory) paper explains something to the audience.
• An argumentative paper makes a claim about a topic and justifies this claim with specific evidence. The claim could be an opinion, a policy proposal, an evaluation, a cause-and-effect statement, or an interpretation. The goal of the argumentative paper is to convince the audience that the claim is true based on the evidence provided.

If you are writing a text that does not fall under these three categories (e.g., a narrative), a thesis statement somewhere in the first paragraph could still be helpful to your reader.

2. Your thesis statement should be specific—it should cover only what you will discuss in your paper and should be supported with specific evidence.

3. The thesis statement usually appears at the end of the first paragraph of a paper.

4. Your topic may change as you write, so you may need to revise your thesis statement to reflect exactly what you have discussed in the paper.

Thesis Statement Examples

Example of an analytical thesis statement:

The paper that follows should:

• Explain the analysis of the college admission process
• Explain the challenge facing admissions counselors

Example of an expository (explanatory) thesis statement:

• Explain how students spend their time studying, attending class, and socializing with peers

Example of an argumentative thesis statement:

• Present an argument and give evidence to support the claim that students should pursue community projects before entering college

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Writing a Personal Statement

Applying to graduate school can be overwhelming.  Personal Statements take time and focus.  Owl Purdue is a nationally recognized resource for writing.  See what they cover about personal statements and view their examples

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STATEMENT OF PURPOSE/PERSONAL STATEMENT

Personal statements and statements of purpose are documents that typically carry a lot of weight within your application package. Your grades, test scores, and accomplishments give recruiters an idea of how likely you are to succeed in their program, but your statement is a chance to tell recruiters:

• Who you are beyond your test scores and grades?
• What differentiates you from other applicants?
• Why should they put their faith in you as a candidate?

Though personal statements and statements of purpose sounds very similar, there are subtle differences between the two.

A STATEMENT OF PURPOSE  is a focused explanation of why you are applying to a specific program. You may want to explain details such as how your research interests align with a professor in this particular program, or how this program offers a unique focus or combination of disciplines that fit your academic goals more closely than other programs. When writing a statement of purpose, avoid using flowery language or analogies that do not directly address why you wish to study in this particular program.

A PERSONAL STATEMENT  has more flexibility, and is often designed to gain more insight about your character and aspirations, rather than the program itself. Personal statements tend to be better for describing your passion for your field, why you are choosing to pursue a graduate degree, and where you would like to go with it. While you should still touch on why you are a good fit for this specific program, you have more freedom in how you choose to convey that message.

Occasionally, programs will ask for both types of statements. This can seem especially daunting having to craft two distinct pictures of yourself, but is manageable as long as you’re sure to organize your thoughts. When asked for both types, the best path to follow is to write your statement of purpose first, laying out all the specific details and describing your intent. It will then be easier to move on in the personal statement to describing why you chose this path, or what indirect experiences may have impacted your journey. 

Want to know more? Check out the PURDUE OWL  to view tips on how to write a Personal Statement and examples!  

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Purdue OWL: Personal Statement

In this vidcast from the Purdue Online Writing Lab, you will learn how to write your personal statement for your college application. Further, you will be able to write for a specific audience while adhering to particular guidelines for your format and style. Note- the vidcast may take a minute or two to load.

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• Personal History Statement

The Personal History Statement helps reviewers learn more about you as a whole person and as a potential graduate student. This may include relevant details on community service, leadership roles, participation in diverse teams, and significant barriers that you overcame to attend graduate school.

The Purdue University graduate application allows applicants to select up to three campuses and/or graduate majors per application.  If you are applying to a 2nd or 3rd choice program, you are only required to submit one personal history statement with your application. Be sure your personal history statement is is all-inclusive, and supports your suitability for your enrollment in all the graduate programs listed on your application. 

Required of all applicants:

• Describe how your background and life experiences contribute to your ability to be both persistent and resourceful in graduate school.
• Describe how your life experiences have prepared you to contribute to an academic community where scholars with diverse research interests, abilities, backgrounds, and experiences are supported, respected, and valued.
• Please address concerns that you may have that your academic record does not reflect your true capabilities and discuss mitigating factors that have affected your academic record. Reviewers will be interested in understanding your accomplishments relative to your opportunities.

The Academic Statement of Purpose and the Personal History Statement are two of the most important documents in your graduate application. The documents should be concise, clear, and free of spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. You should have others review your document for content, organization, and to ensure that there are no errors. Information in the Personal History Statement should complement but not duplicate information in the Academic Statement of Purpose.

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Crafting a Personal Philosophy Statement

This essay is about crafting a personal philosophy statement, emphasizing self-reflection, clarity, and authenticity. It highlights the importance of understanding one’s core beliefs and values, presenting them clearly and honestly. The essay discusses how a philosophy statement serves as a compass, guiding personal and professional actions and decisions. It stresses the need for simplicity in expression, avoiding jargon, and the significance of authenticity through personal anecdotes. Additionally, it underscores the evolving nature of a philosophy statement, encouraging periodic revisions to keep it relevant. Ultimately, it illustrates how such statements can influence and enhance both personal growth and professional practice.

How it works

Creating a personal philosophy statement is a profound exercise in self-reflection and articulation of one’s core beliefs and values. It is not merely a document but a vivid representation of an individual’s guiding principles and ethical framework. This statement serves as a compass, providing direction and clarity in both personal and professional realms. As we delve into the art of crafting a philosophy statement, it becomes evident that this endeavor is a unique blend of introspection, clarity, and authenticity.

At the heart of a philosophy statement lies a deep understanding of one’s self. It requires an exploration of personal beliefs, experiences, and values that shape our worldview. This process is akin to peeling an onion, layer by layer, revealing the essence of what truly matters to us. It is essential to approach this task with an open mind and a willingness to confront our most fundamental convictions. This introspection is not always comfortable, but it is a necessary step in developing a philosophy that is genuine and reflective of our true selves.

When writing a personal philosophy statement, clarity and simplicity are paramount. The goal is to articulate complex beliefs in a manner that is both accessible and impactful. This does not mean simplifying the ideas themselves but rather presenting them in a clear and concise way. A well-crafted philosophy statement avoids jargon and overly complex language, opting instead for straightforward, honest expression. This clarity ensures that the statement resonates with both the writer and the reader, fostering a deeper connection and understanding.

Authenticity is another critical component of an effective philosophy statement. It is easy to fall into the trap of writing what we think others want to hear, especially in professional contexts. However, a philosophy statement should be a true reflection of our beliefs, not a tailored narrative designed to impress. Authenticity shines through when we write from the heart, sharing personal anecdotes and real-life examples that illustrate our principles. This personal touch not only adds depth to the statement but also makes it more relatable and impactful.

A personal philosophy statement is not static; it evolves as we grow and experience life. Our beliefs and values may shift over time, influenced by new insights, challenges, and achievements. Therefore, it is beneficial to revisit and revise the statement periodically, ensuring it remains aligned with our current perspective. This ongoing process of reflection and revision keeps the philosophy statement relevant and dynamic, much like our own personal development.

The impact of a well-crafted philosophy statement extends beyond personal reflection; it can significantly influence our professional life as well. For educators, for example, a teaching philosophy statement can guide their approach to instruction, classroom management, and student engagement. It provides a foundation for decision-making and helps maintain consistency in practice. In the corporate world, a leadership philosophy statement can inspire and motivate teams, fostering a positive and productive work environment. By clearly communicating our core values and expectations, we can build trust and credibility with those we lead or work alongside.

Crafting a personal philosophy statement is a deeply rewarding endeavor that demands honesty, clarity, and self-awareness. It is an opportunity to articulate what we stand for and why, providing a touchstone for our actions and decisions. Whether for personal reflection or professional guidance, a philosophy statement serves as a powerful tool for self-expression and growth. Embrace the process with an open heart and mind, and let your unique voice shine through in your words.

Cite this page

Crafting a Personal Philosophy Statement. (2024, Jun 01). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/crafting-a-personal-philosophy-statement/

"Crafting a Personal Philosophy Statement." PapersOwl.com , 1 Jun 2024, https://papersowl.com/examples/crafting-a-personal-philosophy-statement/

PapersOwl.com. (2024). Crafting a Personal Philosophy Statement . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/crafting-a-personal-philosophy-statement/ [Accessed: 6 Jun. 2024]

"Crafting a Personal Philosophy Statement." PapersOwl.com, Jun 01, 2024. Accessed June 6, 2024. https://papersowl.com/examples/crafting-a-personal-philosophy-statement/

"Crafting a Personal Philosophy Statement," PapersOwl.com , 01-Jun-2024. [Online]. Available: https://papersowl.com/examples/crafting-a-personal-philosophy-statement/. [Accessed: 6-Jun-2024]

PapersOwl.com. (2024). Crafting a Personal Philosophy Statement . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/crafting-a-personal-philosophy-statement/ [Accessed: 6-Jun-2024]

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