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Successful Personal Statement For Modern Languages At Oxford

Last Updated: 10th August 2020

Author: Adi Sen

  • Modern Languages
  • Successful Personal Statement For Modern…

Table of Contents

Welcome to our popular Personal Statement series where we present a successful Personal Statement, and our Oxbridge Tutors provide their feedback on it. 

Today, we are looking through a Modern Languages applicant’s Personal Statement that helped secure a place at Oxford University. The Modern Languages Course at Oxford aims to teach spoken fluency in colloquial and more formal situations, as well as the ability to write essays in the foreign language, and the ability to translate into and out of the foreign language with accuracy and sensitivity to a range of vocabulary, styles and registers.

Read on to see how the candidate approached this Personal Statement. 

Here’s a breakdown of the Personal Statement:

SUCCESSFUL?

The universities this candidate applied to were the following:

Enrolling on our Oxbridge Modern Languages comprehensive Programme will give you access to Personal Statement redrafts. 

Your tutor will give you actionable feedback with insider tips on how to improve and make your Personal Statement Oxbridge quality for the best chances of success.  

Modern Languages Personal Statement

France has developed a literature of unequalled richness and variety. Europeans in any age have had few thoughts, desires, or fantasies that a French writer somewhere has not expressed-it has given the Western mind an image of itself. In this sense, French literature serves as a pool in which many cultures meet. Therefore, in particular, it is French literature’s universality which interests me.

Nevertheless, I enjoy how literature provides a window into an author’s contemporary society. For example, ‘Madame Bovary’ draws us into Flaubert’s disgust for the bourgeois existence of the 19thcentury; Zola’s ‘Thérèse Raquin’ invites us into the leprous lower-depths of Paris. I am interested in how both these writers, unparalleled in their psychological clarity and narrative muscle, provide such a brutal and relentless account of their chosen subject matter: for Flaubert, the indulgent decadence of the bourgeoisie, exemplified by Emma Bovary; for Zola, the moral dankness of the murderous lovers. In addition, I have watched Kassovitz’s ‘La Haine’ and Truffaut’s ‘Les quatre cents coups’, both similar to Zola and Flaubert in their rigorous exploration of character. Focusing on social outcasts, these films act as an exposition of societal problems. ‘La Haine’ sheds light on the all-encompassing violence and cultural exclusion of the suburbs of Paris, while ‘Les quatre cent coups’ reveals the shocking injustices in the treatment of juvenile offenders. Thus, such French cinema serves to illuminate the neglected–I relish this narrative potential in the discovery of truth.

Besides these more realistic works, both my English and French A Levels have introduced me toAbsurdism.I have appreciated the works of Beckett (‘Fin de partie’, ‘En attendant Godot’) and Ionesco (‘La Cantatrice Chauve’, ‘Rhinocéros’). These tragicomedies simultaneously entertain and provoke–the reason why I found them so enjoyable and yet so powerful. To pursue this interest in Absurdism, I read Voltaire’s absurd ‘contes philosophiques’, ‘Candide’ and ‘Micromegas’. Fiction, I found, proved to be the perfect medium of expression for Voltaire’s empiricism and scepticism. Therefore, like the tragicomedies of the 20th century, I thought Voltaire’s work succeeded both as entertainment and as an accessible manifesto of his philosophical beliefs. Furthermore, I decided to follow up this interest in such ‘contes philosophiques’ by undertaking an Edexcel Extended Project, entitled ‘Ancient Influence on French Existentialist Literature’, for which I was awarded an A*. Here, I focused on why Camus, in ‘Le Mythe de Sisyphe’, Sartre, in ‘Les Mouches’, and Anouilh, in ‘Antigone’, chose to use classical themes and motifs to communicate their own particular perception of Existentialism. Despite its challenges, the more I worked at this project, the more certain I was that this is what and how I would like to study.

Moreover, I have taken an interest in symbolist French poetry. Having studied some poetry by Baudelaire (‘Les Fleurs du Mal’) and Verlaine (‘Romances sans paroles’), I have become fascinated by the crippling and contrasting emotions communicated in these poems. I now admire how the very sound of the French language can control the register of a poem and, thus, highlight its true meaning even amongst the most abstract, intangible imagery, employed by Baudelaire and Verlaine. I am intrigued by the French language in part due to this precision.

Finally, I contributed regularly to my school’s Modern Languages magazine, ‘Babel’, and have competed in ‘Les Joutes Oratoires’, a national French debating competition in which I reached the final. Through these experiences, I have begun to thoroughly enjoy communicating in French. I believe an extra language extends one’s range. It releases you from the inertia of one cultural gear–achange of perspective that I find truly enlightening and enjoyable. I will be working in Paris from January to March.

For more inspiration, take a look through our other successful Personal Statement a nalysis articles:

Successful Personal Statement For Natural Science (Physical) At Cambridge

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Download our Free Personal Statement Starter Guide 

Good Points Of The Personal Statement

Throughout this statement, the applicant engages consistently with a range of French texts at a very advanced level.

The applicant is able to demonstrate not only an awareness of a huge tranche of French literature but also how specific works intersect. This comparative criticism is carried out by the applicant across several different forms in a manner that is lucid and impressive.

The applicant has mentioned their personal research and is able to indicate why it is interesting and relevant. They are also able to indicate how their personal pursuits are reciprocally and beneficially related to their academic studies.

Bad Points Of The Personal Statement

At particular moments, this applicant veers from an academic register into an overtly formal one; a stylistic turn which, while remaining clear in meaning, is a little jarring.

More personal information would have been a welcome addition to this statement, especially since its academic calibre is so relentlessly clear throughout; the statement has the potential to be slightly breathless in its rapid consideration of big swathes of literature.

The statement could, therefore, have happily absorbed more personal information without diluting its clear academic potential.

In addition, the candidate could have taken slightly more care over their phrasing, which occasionally takes a tone bordering on reductive or patronising; a risk which is perhaps not worth taking in this context.

UniAdmissions Overall Score:

The candidate effectively and efficiently communicates a level of cultural awareness which goes far above and beyond the demands of their curriculum.

They are able to demonstrate how they practically carry forward their interests in extra-curricular and academic activities. Throughout the statement, the applicant engages a muscular, academically-considered tone which is clear and authoritative.

There was room in the statement for greater personal depth and warmth, and for greater justification for some of the strong academic arguments being posed.

And there we have it – an Oxford Modern Languages Personal Statement with feedback from our expert tutors. 

Remember, at Oxford, the Admissions Tutors are often the people who will be teaching you for the next few years, so you need to appeal directly to them.

Check out our Free Personal Statement Resources page for even more successful personal statements and expert guides.

Our expert tutors are on hand to help you craft the perfect Personal Statement for your Oxford Modern Languages application.

With our  Oxbridge Oxford Modern Languages Premium Programme we help you craft the perfect  Personal   Statement , achieve a highly competitive MLAT score and teach you how to  Interview effectively.

Discover our Oxbridge Oxford Modern Languages Premium Programme  by clicking the button below to  enrol and triple your chances of success.

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Show you can think critically by talking about how you’ve engaged with the language beyond the classroom.

The dos and don'ts of writing a personal statement for languages

Tips for convincing university admission tutors you deserve a place on their course

P hilosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein may have made a good case for studying languages when he said : “The limits of my language are the limits of my world.” But be warned: if you quote him in your personal statement, you may test the admission tutor’s patience.

Students often start by quoting someone famous, says Mike Nicholson, director of admissions at the University of Bath, who thinks it’s a “waste of space” and “just demonstrates that you can copy and paste”. Hilary Potter, a teaching fellow at the University of Leeds, adds that quotes “don’t tell us anything about the student”.

Whether you’re interested in French, Spanish, Arabic or Japanese, your first step will be to impress admissions tutors and convince them you deserve a place on their course. A strong, cliche-free personal statement is a must, but what else should you include? And what mistakes should you avoid?

Start with you: “Tell a story about yourself,” says Darren Paffey, from the modern languages department at the University of Southampton. “With a clear beginning, normally about why you’re interested in languages.” Also think about the course you’re applying to; some are very practical, while others are more literature-based, so know what skills you want to emphasise.

Be authentic and enthusiastic: It’s more important to be yourself and show your enthusiasm than it is to be polished. “I’d always prefer something that was clearly a personal response but maybe has a few imperfections,” says Matthew Jefferies, from the University of Manchester’s language school. While Ilse Renaudie, head of French at the University of East Anglia, says authenticity is the first thing she looks for: “Clear and genuine statements stand out.”

Let your personality shine through: Admissions tutors want to know who you are. “Put your personality into your statement,” says Antonia Kamara, who works in the admissions department of the University of Bristol. To study languages, you need show you are motivated, communicative, and can cope in difficult situations. “Open-mindedness is very important for languages,” Renaudie adds.

Show you’re well-rounded: “We’re not just looking for brilliantly academic people,” says Paffey, “we want to know what else you’ll contribute.” If you’ve been involved in non-academic activities like competitions, a student newspaper, or teaching younger students, say so. And don’t forget to show how it helped develop your skills. Tutors also advise you show your research skills, so include your extended project qualification (EPQ), if you have one.

Go beyond school texts: Listing the books on your school syllabus isn’t going to impress. “We can spot that a mile off,” says Kamara. Instead, show you can think critically by talking about how you’ve engaged with the language beyond the classroom. You can do this by offering some views on recent news stories or political events in foreign-language countries. Or talk about what interests you. “If you’ve got an interest in Latin American magical realism literature, or you write a blog on issues to do with the Spanish speaking world, tell us,” says Paffey.

What not to do

Don’t make spelling mistakes: You’re applying to study languages, so your statement has to be well-written. “Nothing leaves a worse impression than quoting in the original language, but quoting incorrectly because of spelling mistakes or grammatical errors,” says Jefferies. Have your finished statement proofread to pick up on missed errors.

Don’t write in an overly academic way: Applicants are often guilty of writing in an overly complicated, pseudo-academic style with too many clauses, says Jefferies. “Students think it will impress us,” he says, “but often it doesn’t make sense.” It’s better to write in your own voice.

Don’t miss out a subject: Lots of people study languages as a joint honours degree. But, if you want to do so, you must include both subjects in your personal statement. “It’s a common fault,” says Jefferies, “and it causes problems with the subject that’s been ignored”. Potter advises you divide your statement equally between the two subjects.

Don’t blag: Some universities interview for language courses. They’ll use the information in your personal statement as a prompt, so don’t get caught out. “If you say you recently enjoyed Thomas Mann’s ‘The Magic Mountain’ in German, it won’t look good if it becomes clear in the interview that you haven’t actually read it,” says Jefferies.

Don’t use cliches: General statements about being passionate about language can sound cliched. “We obviously don’t want anyone who isn’t passionate,” says Paffey, “but tell us how that passion finds its outlet and what you want to do with it,” he says. If you have an idea where you want languages to take you, share it with us, Potter adds.

Don’t worry if you haven’t been abroad: If you’ve been to a country where the language you want to study is spoken, and can show how the trip developed your skills and passion, then great. But don’t worry if not. “We don’t hold it against students who haven’t been,” says Jefferies. “Not everyone has had the opportunity – but what you can say is what you would like to see in that country, or do on your year abroad, if you were offered a place.”

Don’t panic: Finally, go easy on yourself. “It’s not all on the personal statement,” says Potter, “so don’t feel that it’s going to make or break your application, because it won’t. We’re all on the same page: we want students, so we’re not looking for mistakes.”

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MSc LangSci - 10 things to include in your personal statement

We know that it isn’t always obvious what to include and what to leave out; so here are 10 things to think about when writing your personal statement.

When we look at your application for MSc Language Sciences, we use every part to help us make a decision. Your personal statement is your best opportunity to make your application unique. It's your chance to tell us who you are and why you want to study MSc Language Sciences.

It can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn't need to be, let's look at some things you can keep in mind when writing your personal statement.

The point is to provide a personal statement. So make it personal to you: write about your experience and your interests.  Let us know why you want to follow MSc Language Sciences, what motivates you, and why.

Keep it simple. We don’t need your life story, but think about how previous study and experience has brought you to this point (and to this programme)?

2. Why MSc Language Sciences?

Although your statement is about you, remember it’s also about the programme you are applying to. Show us that you know what the programme is and that you have an idea what will be involved.

Are there specific modules you’re excited about, have you seen staff or research that interests you? Tell us why .

3. What next?

What do you want to do when you graduate from MSc Language Sciences , and how is the programme going to help you get there? Do you have a specific goal in mind: PhD study; a job; professional development; or is it just for the love of the subject?

4. Go beyond your previous study.

Show us you can think critically. Instead of just listing what you’ve done or the books you’ve read; think about why that study, or how those books, relate to the programme and what you want to do.

5. Your research interests

You won’t be asked to provide a research proposal and the majority of students don’t have a specific research topic in mind before they arrive. So don't worry if you don't have this kind of clear research goal, but if you do, let us know . It’s really helpful for us, and hopefully will be for you too.

6. Be concise

We want to see that you can express yourself clearly and concisely. Stick to what’s relevant and try to resist the temptation to include everything you think of.

When you apply, you will be able to include your personal statement as an attachment (without a word limit). Keeping it to around a single page is a good guide, but don’t worry if you’re a little over or under.

7. Be specific

The personal statement in your postgraduate application is different to the one you might have written for your undergraduate degree in that you get to be specific. You only have to write about a single programme and to show how your experience has prepared you for the challenge of postgraduate study. Try to keep your statement to you and the programme, make sure it’s relevant.

Read it back to yourself. Is there anything that doesn’t add to your statement, or doesn’t relate to the programme? It’s fine to apply to several different programmes at the same time, but think about your statement if you do. If the programmes are different, shouldn’t your statement be different?

8. Don’t know where to start?

Just start writing why you are applying to study MSc Language Sciences, that’s the most important thing and should be the easiest to express.

9. Proof-read

Applying for postgraduate degrees can be stressful. It sounds obvious, but it's all too easy to just click “submit” without checking your statement.

Is there anything you meant to add? Anything you meant to take out?

If you’re applying for more than one programme make sure your statement is for the correct programme... at the correct university .

10. Relax, and remember to ask

If you’re applying for postgraduate study it’s because it’s something you want to do, so try not to let the personal statement worry you too much .  The main points to cover are who you are, and why you want to study MSc Language Sciences – those parts are easy, right?

Always remember, if you have any questions about the programme or the application process you can always contact us at [email protected] .

These are just tips to help you think about your application. Don’t worry if there is something here that you did or didn’t do, there aren’t any hard and fast rules for the personal statement.

Remember, it’s only one part of the whole application.

Example Personal Statement: Languages (French and Latin)

A student analyses their personal statement.

Example Personal Statement: Languages (French and Latin)

I applied to study Modern and Medieval Languages at Cambridge University in October 2016, as well as French and Latin courses at Durham, Exeter, Edinburgh and St. Andrews. The MML degree course allows students to select two different languages and, as one of my languages was ancient, I had to appeal to both the Classics and MML departments in my Personal Statement. I received offers from all five of my universities.

A student breaks their personal statement down into parts, analysing each section as they go so you can learn from their experience.

Teaching children in my weekly Latin club has given me the opportunity to see the foundations of a language being set. I have relished demonstrating how to assemble the fundamental blocks of a language into complex sentences and illustrating the linguistic patterns which emerge.   

In order to make the opening lines eye-catching, start with something unique about you. It could be an interesting personal reason why you chose your subject, or something which not many other candidates will have done (i.e. running a Latin club.) 

For me, the joy of language lies in this puzzle of translation. Each line of poetry or prose requires a mind that can commit to memory and apply grammatical rules with mathematical precision, yet still appreciate the nuances and stylistic manipulation that make a language unique. I have the linguistic flexibility necessary to comprehend and compose French, whilst the analytical skills taught in Maths have instilled in me the rigour and grammatical accuracy required of an inflected language such as Latin. It was this meticulousness which enabled me to achieve full UMS in my Latin Language, French oral and two Maths modules. I have also extended my range of languages by attending the JACT Ancient Greek Summer School and completing an online course in Italian; two languages which I was curious to find as equally contrasting in structure as Latin and French. 

Your reasons for applying for your subject should be made clear early on in your PS. This will probably be the section where you are able to convey the most passion for your subject.  

Here I also explain why I have chosen my two languages in particular; for courses where you’ve chosen a combination of subjects it’s important to justify why this mix appeals to you.  

I mention my other A Level subject and demonstrate how it is relevant to this course. Everything needs to be tailored to prove that you are an excellent candidate for the specific subject(s) for which you are applying. 

I also go into detail about my AS results in this section to demonstrate my aptitude for these subjects. Note that universities will receive your grades but not your UMS scores.  

This section is about my skill for languages in general. In the next couple of paragraphs I discuss each language separately. It’s important to keep your PS clearly structured in this way, especially when applying for two different subjects. 

When exploring a language, a study of the culture will naturally follow. I became captivated by French culture when I read Philippe Delerm's 'La Premiere Gorgee de Biere.' I found the French language, with its languid vowel sounds and euphonic rhythm, was the perfect medium for Delerm's sensory descriptions. In the same way, the lavish descriptive passages in Flaubert's 'Madame Bovary' convey the wild romanticism of Emma's aspirations, as well as the monotony and claustrophobia of provincial life, far more effectively than any translation. In contrast, the harsh vernacular used in Faiza Guene's 'Kiffe Kiffe Demain' and films such as 'La Vie d'Adele' and 'La Haine' enhances the realism of these powerful stories. 

Here I mention the ways I’ve explored the French culture. Note that I don’t just list the books I’ve read, but instead reflect on each one, mentioning what I found interesting. 

In this paragraph, I comment on the importance of the French language in each of the books and films mentioned. Try to link examples in this way, looking for a theme that runs throughout or perhaps a contrast between two narratives. This makes the PS seem more natural and fluent, as well as demonstrating your ability to process and apply your knowledge independently. 

As an Auschwitz ambassador, I have learnt the critical importance of cultural connection, a technique the Holocaust Educational Trust uses to reverse the dehumanisation of the Jews. I feel the same connection when examining any society's literature, ancient or modern. Reading of the longing of Propertius for his Cynthia or Catullus' bitter affection for the unfaithful Lesbia, the humanity of their experiences is strikingly contemporary. From the colourful history disclosed by Tacitus to the hilarity of the 'Lysistrata' or the wickedness of the 'Amores,' the sentiments expressed by the ancients remain just as appealing and relevant in the modern day. Indeed, one only needs to turn to the rhetoric of hate surrounding the US Presidential Election to find the merciless invective characteristic of a Juvenalian satire. 

Whilst reading Satire VI, I was struck by how the innuendo exclusively used to describe women in the past remains largely unchanged in the modern media. I also came to this conclusion whilst conducting research for my voluntary EPQ. For example, the Latin word 'docta,' the feminine form of clever, previously used to denote something far less respectable than intelligence, to me seemed all too similar to modern day articles which euphemistically described Hilary Clinton as 'a woman of experience.'

This paragraph covers my reading for my second language: Latin. 

Here I link in my experience as an Auschwitz ambassador (which is seemingly irrelevant to a languages degree) to demonstrate how it has furthered my enthusiasm for the subject. 

Again, I don’t just list my reading here but illustrate what I’ve learnt from it. 

My course was one where it was possible for me to be called to an interview so I left ‘hooks’ in my PS that I thought would make good discussion material later. I was later asked to expand on the point about Hillary Clinton and my EPQ topic at my interview. 

Mentioning current affairs (and how your subject links to them) demonstrates that you can see the importance of your subject in the wider world. You should also offer your own opinion, because this will make your PS stand out as unique. 

My French film club has exposed fellow pupils to a broad range of films, from the deeply moving 'Le Scaphandre et Le Papillon' to the bittersweet 'Persepolis.' I founded the Latin Society and led several Classics days for local primary schools as well as inviting the classicist and author Natalie Haynes to lecture. I play grade 8 flute and 6 piano, exploring French culture through music, with a repertoire including Faure, Chaminade and Gaubert. I lead the Debating Society and was awarded Best Speaker in the countywide round of the ESU Public Speaking Competition, for a speech entitled 'Can Language Change the World?' 

This section covers my extracurricular activities. Note that each one is still linked to my academic studies. This shows an admissions tutor that you are constantly thinking about your subject and how it relates to the world around you. 

I truly value the power of the spoken and written word so it is therefore a natural progression for me to study a subject by which I'm so captivated. 

Finally, the concluding line should sum up the PS and your reason for applying (so that you avoid finishing on the extracurriculars section.) 

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How to Write Your Personal Statement | Strategies & Examples

Published on February 12, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on July 3, 2023.

A personal statement is a short essay of around 500–1,000 words, in which you tell a compelling story about who you are, what drives you, and why you’re applying.

To write a successful personal statement for a graduate school application , don’t just summarize your experience; instead, craft a focused narrative in your own voice. Aim to demonstrate three things:

  • Your personality: what are your interests, values, and motivations?
  • Your talents: what can you bring to the program?
  • Your goals: what do you hope the program will do for you?

This article guides you through some winning strategies to build a strong, well-structured personal statement for a master’s or PhD application. You can download the full examples below.

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Table of contents

Getting started with your personal statement, the introduction: start with an attention-grabbing opening, the main body: craft your narrative, the conclusion: look ahead, revising, editing, and proofreading your personal statement, frequently asked questions, other interesting articles.

Before you start writing, the first step is to understand exactly what’s expected of you. If the application gives you a question or prompt for your personal statement, the most important thing is to respond to it directly.

For example, you might be asked to focus on the development of your personal identity; challenges you have faced in your life; or your career motivations. This will shape your focus and emphasis—but you still need to find your own unique approach to answering it.

There’s no universal template for a personal statement; it’s your chance to be creative and let your own voice shine through. But there are strategies you can use to build a compelling, well-structured story.

The first paragraph of your personal statement should set the tone and lead smoothly into the story you want to tell.

Strategy 1: Open with a concrete scene

An effective way to catch the reader’s attention is to set up a scene that illustrates something about your character and interests. If you’re stuck, try thinking about:

  • A personal experience that changed your perspective
  • A story from your family’s history
  • A memorable teacher or learning experience
  • An unusual or unexpected encounter

To write an effective scene, try to go beyond straightforward description; start with an intriguing sentence that pulls the reader in, and give concrete details to create a convincing atmosphere.

Strategy 2: Open with your motivations

To emphasize your enthusiasm and commitment, you can start by explaining your interest in the subject you want to study or the career path you want to follow.

Just stating that it interests you isn’t enough: first, you need to figure out why you’re interested in this field:

  • Is it a longstanding passion or a recent discovery?
  • Does it come naturally or have you had to work hard at it?
  • How does it fit into the rest of your life?
  • What do you think it contributes to society?

Tips for the introduction

  • Don’t start on a cliche: avoid phrases like “Ever since I was a child…” or “For as long as I can remember…”
  • Do save the introduction for last. If you’re struggling to come up with a strong opening, leave it aside, and note down any interesting ideas that occur to you as you write the rest of the personal statement.

Once you’ve set up the main themes of your personal statement, you’ll delve into more detail about your experiences and motivations.

To structure the body of your personal statement, there are various strategies you can use.

Strategy 1: Describe your development over time

One of the simplest strategies is to give a chronological overview of key experiences that have led you to apply for graduate school.

  • What first sparked your interest in the field?
  • Which classes, assignments, classmates, internships, or other activities helped you develop your knowledge and skills?
  • Where do you want to go next? How does this program fit into your future plans?

Don’t try to include absolutely everything you’ve done—pick out highlights that are relevant to your application. Aim to craft a compelling narrative that shows how you’ve changed and actively developed yourself.

My interest in psychology was first sparked early in my high school career. Though somewhat scientifically inclined, I found that what interested me most was not the equations we learned about in physics and chemistry, but the motivations and perceptions of my fellow students, and the subtle social dynamics that I observed inside and outside the classroom. I wanted to learn how our identities, beliefs, and behaviours are shaped through our interactions with others, so I decided to major in Social Psychology. My undergraduate studies deepened my understanding of, and fascination with, the interplay between an individual mind and its social context.During my studies, I acquired a solid foundation of knowledge about concepts like social influence and group dynamics, but I also took classes on various topics not strictly related to my major. I was particularly interested in how other fields intersect with psychology—the classes I took on media studies, biology, and literature all enhanced my understanding of psychological concepts by providing different lenses through which to look at the issues involved.

Strategy 2: Own your challenges and obstacles

If your path to graduate school hasn’t been easy or straightforward, you can turn this into a strength, and structure your personal statement as a story of overcoming obstacles.

  • Is your social, cultural or economic background underrepresented in the field? Show how your experiences will contribute a unique perspective.
  • Do you have gaps in your resume or lower-than-ideal grades? Explain the challenges you faced and how you dealt with them.

Don’t focus too heavily on negatives, but use them to highlight your positive qualities. Resilience, resourcefulness and perseverance make you a promising graduate school candidate.

Growing up working class, urban decay becomes depressingly familiar. The sight of a row of abandoned houses does not surprise me, but it continues to bother me. Since high school, I have been determined to pursue a career in urban planning. While people of my background experience the consequences of urban planning decisions first-hand, we are underrepresented in the field itself. Ironically, given my motivation, my economic background has made my studies challenging. I was fortunate enough to be awarded a scholarship for my undergraduate studies, but after graduation I took jobs in unrelated fields to help support my parents. In the three years since, I have not lost my ambition. Now I am keen to resume my studies, and I believe I can bring an invaluable perspective to the table: that of the people most impacted by the decisions of urban planners.

Strategy 3: Demonstrate your knowledge of the field

Especially if you’re applying for a PhD or another research-focused program, it’s a good idea to show your familiarity with the subject and the department. Your personal statement can focus on the area you want to specialize in and reflect on why it matters to you.

  • Reflect on the topics or themes that you’ve focused on in your studies. What draws you to them?
  • Discuss any academic achievements, influential teachers, or other highlights of your education.
  • Talk about the questions you’d like to explore in your research and why you think they’re important.

The personal statement isn’t a research proposal , so don’t go overboard on detail—but it’s a great opportunity to show your enthusiasm for the field and your capacity for original thinking.

In applying for this research program, my intention is to build on the multidisciplinary approach I have taken in my studies so far, combining knowledge from disparate fields of study to better understand psychological concepts and issues. The Media Psychology program stands out to me as the perfect environment for this kind of research, given its researchers’ openness to collaboration across diverse fields. I am impressed by the department’s innovative interdisciplinary projects that focus on the shifting landscape of media and technology, and I hope that my own work can follow a similarly trailblazing approach. More specifically, I want to develop my understanding of the intersection of psychology and media studies, and explore how media psychology theories and methods might be applied to neurodivergent minds. I am interested not only in media psychology but also in psychological disorders, and how the two interact. This is something I touched on during my undergraduate studies and that I’m excited to delve into further.

Strategy 4: Discuss your professional ambitions

Especially if you’re applying for a more professionally-oriented program (such as an MBA), it’s a good idea to focus on concrete goals and how the program will help you achieve them.

  • If your career is just getting started, show how your character is suited to the field, and explain how graduate school will help you develop your talents.
  • If you have already worked in the profession, show what you’ve achieved so far, and explain how the program will allow you to take the next step.
  • If you are planning a career change, explain what has driven this decision and how your existing experience will help you succeed.

Don’t just state the position you want to achieve. You should demonstrate that you’ve put plenty of thought into your career plans and show why you’re well-suited to this profession.

One thing that fascinated me about the field during my undergraduate studies was the sheer number of different elements whose interactions constitute a person’s experience of an urban environment. Any number of factors could transform the scene I described at the beginning: What if there were no bus route? Better community outreach in the neighborhood? Worse law enforcement? More or fewer jobs available in the area? Some of these factors are out of the hands of an urban planner, but without taking them all into consideration, the planner has an incomplete picture of their task. Through further study I hope to develop my understanding of how these disparate elements combine and interact to create the urban environment. I am interested in the social, psychological and political effects our surroundings have on our lives. My studies will allow me to work on projects directly affecting the kinds of working-class urban communities I know well. I believe I can bring my own experiences, as well as my education, to bear upon the problem of improving infrastructure and quality of life in these communities.

Tips for the main body

  • Don’t rehash your resume by trying to summarize everything you’ve done so far; the personal statement isn’t about listing your academic or professional experience, but about reflecting, evaluating, and relating it to broader themes.
  • Do make your statements into stories: Instead of saying you’re hard-working and self-motivated, write about your internship where you took the initiative to start a new project. Instead of saying you’ve always loved reading, reflect on a novel or poem that changed your perspective.

Your conclusion should bring the focus back to the program and what you hope to get out of it, whether that’s developing practical skills, exploring intellectual questions, or both.

Emphasize the fit with your specific interests, showing why this program would be the best way to achieve your aims.

Strategy 1: What do you want to know?

If you’re applying for a more academic or research-focused program, end on a note of curiosity: what do you hope to learn, and why do you think this is the best place to learn it?

If there are specific classes or faculty members that you’re excited to learn from, this is the place to express your enthusiasm.

Strategy 2: What do you want to do?

If you’re applying for a program that focuses more on professional training, your conclusion can look to your career aspirations: what role do you want to play in society, and why is this program the best choice to help you get there?

Tips for the conclusion

  • Don’t summarize what you’ve already said. You have limited space in a personal statement, so use it wisely!
  • Do think bigger than yourself: try to express how your individual aspirations relate to your local community, your academic field, or society more broadly. It’s not just about what you’ll get out of graduate school, but about what you’ll be able to give back.

You’ll be expected to do a lot of writing in graduate school, so make a good first impression: leave yourself plenty of time to revise and polish the text.

Your style doesn’t have to be as formal as other kinds of academic writing, but it should be clear, direct and coherent. Make sure that each paragraph flows smoothly from the last, using topic sentences and transitions to create clear connections between each part.

Don’t be afraid to rewrite and restructure as much as necessary. Since you have a lot of freedom in the structure of a personal statement, you can experiment and move information around to see what works best.

Finally, it’s essential to carefully proofread your personal statement and fix any language errors. Before you submit your application, consider investing in professional personal statement editing . For $150, you have the peace of mind that your personal statement is grammatically correct, strong in term of your arguments, and free of awkward mistakes.

A statement of purpose is usually more formal, focusing on your academic or professional goals. It shouldn’t include anything that isn’t directly relevant to the application.

A personal statement can often be more creative. It might tell a story that isn’t directly related to the application, but that shows something about your personality, values, and motivations.

However, both types of document have the same overall goal: to demonstrate your potential as a graduate student and s how why you’re a great match for the program.

The typical length of a personal statement for graduate school applications is between 500 and 1,000 words.

Different programs have different requirements, so always check if there’s a minimum or maximum length and stick to the guidelines. If there is no recommended word count, aim for no more than 1-2 pages.

If you’re applying to multiple graduate school programs, you should tailor your personal statement to each application.

Some applications provide a prompt or question. In this case, you might have to write a new personal statement from scratch: the most important task is to respond to what you have been asked.

If there’s no prompt or guidelines, you can re-use the same idea for your personal statement – but change the details wherever relevant, making sure to emphasize why you’re applying to this specific program.

If the application also includes other essays, such as a statement of purpose , you might have to revise your personal statement to avoid repeating the same information.

If you want to know more about college essays , academic writing , and AI tools , make sure to check out some of our other language articles with explanations, examples, and quizzes.

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How To Write A Personal Statement For Masters (17 PDF Sample Examples)

Published: 14 Mar 2022 Study Abroad 97,444 views

How To Write A Personal Statement For Masters (17 PDF Sample Examples)

A personal statement for masters program is one of the most important parts of your college application and writing a good one is what’s the exception between receiving an offer and being rejected.

If you’ve been tasked with presenting a personal statement, you should keep in mind that whatever you submit must put you forward as the right candidate for the course. Additionally, it should convince the admissions officers that you deserve a place on your program of study.

Achieving the above, is a skill most postgraduate students are yet to acquire but thankfully this article on How To Write A Personal Statement For Masters covers everything you need to know on doing this.

In this article you’ll learn:

  • What is a personal statement?
  • Tips for making your personal statement for masters stand out
  • How to write a personal statement for masters
  • Personal statement for masters sample
  • Examples of personal statement for masters
  • Conclusion – things to avoid when writing a personal statement for masters

Read:  Admission Interview Tips .

What Is a Personal Statement?

A personal statement AKA admissions or application essay or statement of purpose is a type of essay or written statement a candidate presents to a college, university, or graduate school they are applying to, explaining why they want to attend that school, study a particular course, and why they would be a perfect fit for these things.

A personal statement for masters is an essay you submit specifically for your postgraduate application. Writing one presents the opportunity for you to promote yourself to a school and show the admissions teachers that you are the perfect candidate for a course.

Tips For Making Your Personal Statement For Masters Stand Out

Before we get into how you should write a statement of purpose for masters, we would first like to share with you certain tips to include in your essay to make it stand out from that of other applicants and be convincing enough to any admissions officer that reads it. The tips we have mentioned here, cover general things like starting and ending your personal statement, timing, length, and what to include and what not to include in the essay, etc.

1. Starting And Ending A Personal Statement

When starting a personal statement, you would want to right off the bat grab the reader’s attention. To do this, start the statement by writing about your degree of choice, next why you want to study it and then how you got interested in it.

The next 2 sentences after that should cover a summary of your background in the chosen field, and you conclude by saying what you plan to do once you acquire your graduate degree.

Also start with that the evaluators reading want to hear first, then every other information should come second. You will notice we’ve used in the sop examples for masters we will share with you later in this article.

2. Plan Ahead

A personal statement is not something you rush while writing, which means if you want to get something good before you application then you must start to decide things like the length and how long it should take to complete.

Let us throw more light on this…

For length, a personal statement should be brief ranging somewhere between 500 -700 words, although schools often detect how long it should be. So, this is dependent on the institution you are applying to.

In terms of what to say in a statement, you could include personal experiences like why you were driven to apply for the program, an experience you had with a scholar in your chosen discipline, a course you took that inspired you to pursue masters, or a key moment during your studies which further motivated you.

No matter what you decide to write, just keep in mind that you need to take your time to craft something good even if it means creating several drafts before the real thing and do not forget to proofread the statement for errors.

3. Research Your Program Of Study

Researching your program of study is one way to establish that you truly understand the discipline you’re getting into and prove to the admissions officer that you thoroughly thought about it before applying.

And because you want to put yourself forward as a serious candidate, one way to make you research easier is for you to visit the website of the department you are applying to. This page will contain information about faculty members, their specialisation, and publications.

From the intel, you gathered there you can now identify which professors match your interests and which ones you will benefit the most from learning under. After you’ve found this out, relate the same in a sentence or two in your statement of purpose for masters.

Example: “I would be honoured to study under the tutelage of Professor Nadia whose work I found resonated strongly with my beliefs and intended projects in this course”.

4. Avoid Clichés, Junks, And Many Details

When writing a statement of purpose for master degree try to avoid clichés, junks, and unnecessary details so that you don’t lose or bore your readers in between. Be as concise as possible, even if it’s your chance to express yourself.

A personal statement is an opportunity for the admissions committee to get information that tells the that you are suitable for the course. So, when you overpower your statement with too many words, stories, and useless details, you come off as someone who is just trying to meet the word count.

5. Include Your Personal History Only If It Adds To The Statement

Do not include your personal history in your statement of intent for masters if it is not relevant to your purpose of study. This means no need for you to tell that story about that time you helped someone treat a cut and immediately realised that you wanted to be a doctor or nurse or how you developed a taste for reading at a very young age.

We can guarantee you that the hundreds of other applications competing for the same spot you are felt the same way, so saying those things really doesn’t make you unique.

On the other hand, if you are going to add personal history to your statement, you can put in things like an internship you did and the experience you got from the job, a major research project you ran by yourself, publications you’ve read or published, conferences you’ve attended or presentations you’ve done. These experiences are more concrete and are directly related to your program of study. They also set you apart from other applicants.

6. Don't Use The Same Personal Statement For All Your Applications

One common mistake applicant make that you shouldn’t is using the same statement of purpose for master degree for all your applications. Using the same information repeatedly even if you are going to change the university names is risky and could land you in a big mistake on a day you forget to be thorough.

All programmes have their own unique set of questions they want to see answered and information they need in your personal statement.

And even if some of them like extracurricular activities, proposal for project, why you are applying to the school, your unique qualities, and research works you’re doing might appear the same, do not use one statement to respond to all of them.

Write a new unique personal statement every time you want to apply.

Check out:  How to Write a Good CV for Students - Resume Examples for Students (PDF).

How To Write A Personal Statement for Masters

When writing a personal statement for masters there are several steps and ground rules you need to follow to ensure that it comes out good enough to impress the admissions team of a school, and ultimately convince them to give you a spot on your program of study.

If writing one is something you are currently struggling with and can’t seem to get down the process of it right no matter what, this section on how to write a personal statement for masters, discusses in detail everything you need to get help with yours.

There are 4 parts to consider when writing your personal statement and we have listed them below:

1. Planning A Personal Statement

A personal statement is a piece of writing showing your academic interests and is only for application purposes which means there is no room for any autobiographical information in it about your personal life. Be as to-the-point as possible when writing it and stick to telling the school why you are the right person for the course, plus any other extra information detailing your achievements.

Before You Start:

Allot plenty of time to write your msc personal statement so that you don’t rush it. Remember, this simple piece of writing is your one shot at convincing a school that you are the best applicant they’ve seen and as such can either make or break your application.

Read the information expected of you from the university, rules and guidelines given, selection criteria and understand what they mean. Also research the institution.

Do a thorough research on the course you are applying for; this will help you explain better why you want to study it. The tutors interviewing you can tell when you are lying and presenting yourself as uninformed can cost you the admission.

Ensure that you don’t use the same personal statement for all your applications.

When Writing:

When writing the statement there are some questions to ask yourself that can help you plan it better. Those questions are:

  • Why you want to study a master’s and how does it benefit you in future?
  • How does the course you have chosen fit into your pre-existing skill set?
  • How do you stand out from the crowd as an applicant - e.g., work experiences you’ve had in the same field you are applying for?
  • What do you aspire to do or be as a future career and how will the course help you achieve that?
  • How can your work or skillsets contribute positively to the department/ university you are applying to, or society at large?

On the other hand, if you are applying for the masters to change from the field you studied in your undergraduate to another field, you should tell the school why you decided to take a different path in your studies.

Questions to ask yourself for this include:

  • Your reason for deciding to change your discipline.
  • How your undergraduate degree will be material for bringing fresh insights into your masters course.
  • How changing your study path will help you attain your future career.

2. Structuring A Personal Statement

Having good structure for your personal statement for master degree is important because it ensures that everything from the beginning, middle, and ending of the statement is written and equally falls in place perfectly.

We’ve left some tips for you below to help you:

Start your personal statement with an attention-grabbing introduction that is not dramatic or cliché. That means you should not begin with any of these over-used phrases we’ve listed out below:

For as long as I remember…

Since my childhood…

I want to apply to this course because I’ve always felt a strong connection to it…

All my life, I have always loved…

My interest in (course) always ran deeper than…

I’ve always been zealous about…

Ever since I was a child, I’ve always wanted to pursue a career in…

My past educational experiences have always…

You would want to be as snappy as possible with your opening because the admission officer has over a hundred applications to read and can’t waste all their time on yours. This means you should avoid overpowering it with unnecessary facts, quotes, and stories from your life.

The middle part of your ma personal statement is where the main content of the write-up should be. This is where you show your dedication to the course you’ve chosen, what motivated you to choose it, and why you are the right candidate for it.

When writing the middle part of a graduate personal statement, you should:  

  • Give concrete reasons why you want to study a course at the University. The reason could be because of how the course is aligned to your future career or the University’s reputation in teaching that program.
  • Mention relevant things like projects, dissertations, or essays you’ve done, and any work experience you have.
  • Show proof of your core skills like and how they can contribute to the department.
  • Prove what makes you a unique candidate.
  • Discuss who your main influences for wanting to study the course are and why.
  • Add experiences like memberships to clubs that are related to your field, papers you’ve written before, awards, scholarships, or prizes.
  • Draw focus to how the course links to your past and future.
  • Mention your academic and non-academic skills and how they fit the course.

For Formatting:

  • Keep the statement length between 250 -500 words or as directed by the school.
  • Sentences should be no more than 25-30 words.
  • Use headings to break up the content – Why this university? Why this subject? Etc.
  • Make claims and provide evidence to back each of them up. This can be done by discussing your work experience and academic interests.

Language and tone to use:     

  • The tone for your masters application personal statement should be positive and enthusiastic, to show you eagerness to learn and so that you convince the evaluators that you have what it takes to succeed.
  • Use exciting and refreshing language, and an engaging opening line.
  • Ensure you grammar, punctuations, and spellings are accurate.
  • Avoid exaggerated claims you cannot backup.
  • Don’t use cliché generic terms and keep your focus on the course.

Keep the ending of your essay for master degree application concise and memorable, leaving no doubt in the admission officers mind that you deserve a spot on the program.

To create the best ending summarise all your key points without dragging it our or repeating yourself. The ending should be simple, end on a positive note and make it clear that the school will be lucky to have you on their program.

Personal Statement for Masters Sample

In this section, we have left a masters personal statement example for you, which you can use as material to write yours for any course of study you are applying to a school for.

Personal Statement PDF

You can also download this statement of purpose sample for masters degree pdf here and take your time to read it later – Personal Statement For Masters Sample .

See Also:  Student CV Template .

Examples of Personal Statement for Masters

We have taken the time to source for some of the best postgraduate personal statement examples, which you can use in addition to the personal statement for masters program example as a template to write yours.

While you scroll through our list, you will find the perfect masters essay example for any field you wish to apply for, from business administration, to Psychology, to information technology, and lots more.

1. msw personal statement

We have found one of the best msw personal statement examples out there for you.

social work masters personal statement .  

2. personal statement for masters in public health

mph personal statement examples

3. personal statement for masters in management

Personal statement for master degree sample for masters in management .  , 4. personal statement for masters in education example.

personal statement for masters in education example

5. psychology masters personal statement

psychology masters personal statement example

6. sample personal statement for masters in data science data science masters personal statement

7. speech and language therapy personal statement statement of purpose for masters sample: speech and language therapy

8. business administration personal statement personal statement for masters in business administration

9. personal statement for masters in cyber security pdf masters degree personal statement examples for cyber security

10. personal statement for masters in finance msc finance personal statement examples

11. statement of purpose for masters in information technology pdf msc personal statement examples for information technology

12. international development personal statement statement of purpose for masters example

13. msc international business management personal statement international business management personal statement examples

14. computer science masters personal statement

statement of purpose for masters in computer science pdf

15. personal statement for masters in economics statement of purpose sample for masters degree in economics

16. mha personal statement statement of purpose format for masters in health administration    

Conclusion – Things to Avoid When Writing A Personal Statement For Masters When writing a personal statement for university masters, there are some things you should avoid, so that you don’t ruin your essay. We have listed out those things below: •    Avoid negativity. •    Following an online template blindly. •    Do not include unnecessary course modules, personal facts, or extra-curricular activities in your personal statement. •    Do not lie or exaggerate an achievement or event. •    Do not include inspirational quotes to your statement. •    Avoid using clichés, gimmicks, humour, over-used word such as 'passion' or ‘driven’. •    Do not make pleading statements. •    Avoid mentioning key authors or professors in your field without any explanation. •    Avoid using sentences that are too long. •    Avoid flattering the organisation or using patronising terms. •    Do not repeat information in your statement that you have already listed in your application. •    Avoid waffling i.e., writing at length. •    Don’t start writing your personal statement at the last minute.  

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  • Master's Degree from a regionally accredited U.S. school or institution (or the equivalent)
  • Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills
  • An openness to learn from and about diverse individuals, perspectives, and theories
  • Alignment with Gonzaga University's mission and Jesuit values

Application Requirements

  • Complete the Online Application and pay the Application Fee.
  • Note that if any documents have been generated using artificial intelligence (AI), your application may be denied. 

Official Transcripts

We will need official transcripts from the schools or institutions where you earned both your bachelor's and master's degrees. You only need to list those schools on your application, unless you choose to submit additional transcripts from other schools.

Transcripts are  only  considered official if they are  sent directly from your school(s) or institution(s) to Gonzaga. Transcripts can be sent electronically to  [email protected]  or they can be mailed to the following address:

Gonzaga University Attn: Graduate Admissions Operations AD Box 102 502 E. Boone Ave Spokane, WA 99258-0102

Letters of Recommendation

To consider an application complete,  three letters of recommendation  are required . Applicants facilitate requests for letters through the online application . References will receive an email inviting them to complete the recommendation on an applicant’s behalf . References  will be  asked  to complete a short evaluation in addition to attaching a formal letter of recommendation.

Applicants should pick professional references  from among supervisors, instructors, and colleagues who have worked with the applicant in the last five years.  When possible, it is encouraged applicants include one academic letter of recommendation from a previous professor, advisor, or research colleague.

References should be able to identify which program the applicant is applying to and evaluate an applicant’s leadership, interpersonal skills, critical thinking, judgment, professional practice, and the applicant’s ability to  receive feedback.

Curriculum Vitae

Applicants must submit  curriculum  vitae that includes  comprehensive  information about  their  formal education, professional experience, academic achievements and honors, scholarly activity, and relevant non-professional experience.

Statement of Purpose

Applicants are required to submit a statement of purpose written in their own words. The statement of purpose is key in allowing the faculty to evaluate a prospective student for admission as it provides them the ability to understand who you are, what drives you, and what your goals are. Instructions for crafting your statement of purpose are below:

In 2-3 pages, please answer the following questions. Make sure to weave in your personal story and give the admissions committee an understanding of your experience, background, and worldview/values as you answer these questions.

  • Why are you interested in a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies versus other degrees, fields, and institutions? (Speak specifically to why you are interested in a Ph.D., and why in leadership studies. Discussing things such as community/organizational impact, as well as future goals are helpful here.)
  • What aspects of the Gonzaga Mission speak to you and your current and future work in your organization/community? (We are looking for “why” Gonzaga and DPLS in this question.)
  • How do you understand the terms leader, leading, and leadership? How would learning more about these concepts impact how you understand the world around you? How will/do you engage with society/community? (Consider that these are not the same concepts- so discuss how you currently understand these.)
  • How do you intentionally create community and relationships with people who have varying perspectives, beliefs, worldviews, positionalities, and experiences than you (race, ethnicity, religion, lifestyle, ability, political beliefs etc.)?

The faculty recognize the pursuit of this degree provides a transformative personal experience. However, strong statements of purpose find a way to go beyond that, clearly articulating the applicant’s commitment to social justice or their commitment to improving their community, their organization and/ or the world around them. 

Writing Sample

Applicants must provide  one writing sample, created on their own, that demonstrates an ability to write an academic , citation-based format. Work from an applicant’s graduate program, current work, or published scholarly articles are acceptable. An applicant can submit up to two writing samples.

Applicants should submit 3-5 pages of their writing sample to consider this component of their application complete.

Connect With an Admissions Specialist

We strongly encourage applicants to speak to our Admissions Specialist prior to applying. Set up an appointment for a phone call here .

Military-Connected & Veteran Students

  • Currently, all active-duty military members must have permission/approval from an Education Services Officer (ESO), Military Counselor, or the Military Service prior to applying.
  • For more information on how to apply for the GI Bill and related benefits, please visit the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs How to Apply  page.
  • Visit Gonzaga’s Military & Veteran Students for more information regarding benefits and student support.

International Applicants

In addition to the eligibility and application requirements, international students must also submit the following:

Proof of English Language Proficiency

Non-native English speaking students must present evidence of their ability to perform in doctoral studies at Gonzaga by providing one of the following:

  • Official TOEFL exam results with a minimum iBt score of 88 or higher
  • Official IETLS exam results with a minimum overall band score of 6.5 or higher
  • Transcripts showing the applicant earned their bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited university in the U.S. within the last two years. 

In lieu of the TOEFL, Gonzaga will accept satisfactory completion of the Gonzaga University’s English as a Second Language (ESL) program with a grade point average of at least 3.3 and the recommendation of the ESL faculty. A separate application process is required to participate in the ESL program. Visit our English as a Second Language page to learn more.

If you do not meet the English proficiency requirements listed above, but believe your English to be equivalent to these levels for graduate studies at Gonzaga University due to work, education or language immersion experience, please contact your Admissions Specialist.

International Transcripts 

All international students applying directly to a Gonzaga University graduate program must have each foreign transcript evaluated through an AACRAO approved, third-party evaluator. This must include the required course-by-course evaluation of all university degrees earned outside of the United States.

SpanTran  is our recommended agency for obtaining this evaluation, but we will also accept evaluations from  World Education Services  (WES) or  Educational Credential Evaluators  (ECE). 

SpanTran has created a custom application for Gonzaga students that will make sure you select the correct evaluation at a discounted rate ($150 for the evaluation). You can access their application by  clicking here .

If using ECE, please request the course-by-course evaluation. If using WES, please select the course-by-course ICAP service.   

Official transcript evaluations can be sent electronically to [email protected] or you can have them mailed to:

Photocopies are not accepted as official documents and may not be used for evaluation purposes.

Copy of Passport Picture Page 

International applicants must provide a copy of their current passport picture page to complete their application.

Questions? Contact:

Heather Schmitt, Admissions Specialist Call or Text: (509) 313-6240 or (866)380-5323 Email:  [email protected]

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Writing a Personal Statement

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Preparing to Write

Brainstorming, don't forget, sample prompts.

A personal statement is a narrative essay that connects your background, experiences, and goals to the mission, requirements, and desired outcomes of the specific opportunity you are seeking. It is a critical component in the selection process, whether the essay is for a competitive internship, a graduate fellowship, or admittance to a graduate school program. It gives the selection committee the best opportunity to get to know you, how you think and make decisions, ways in which past experiences have been significant or formative, and how you envision your future. Personal statements can be varied in form; some are given a specific prompt, while others are less structured. However, in general a personal statement should answer the following questions:

  • Who are you?
  • What are your goals?
  • How does this specific program/opportunity help you achieve your goals?
  • What is in the future?

A personal statement is not:

  • A variation of your college admissions essay
  • An academic/research paper
  • A narrative version of your resume
  • A creative writing piece (it can be creative, though)
  • An essay about somebody else

Keep in mind that your statement is only a portion of the application and should be written with this in mind. Your entire application package will include some, possibly all, of the materials listed below. You will want to consider what these pieces of the application communicate about you. Your personal statement should aim to tie everything together and fill in or address any gaps. There will likely be some overlap but be sure not to be too repetitive.

  • Personal Statement(s)
  • Transcripts
  • Letters of recommendations
  • Sample of written work
  • Research proposal

Preparing to Write A large portion of your work towards completing a personal statement begins well before your first draft or even an outline. It is incredibly important to be sure you understand all of the rules and regulations around the statement. Things to consider before you begin writing:

  • How many prompts? And what are they? It is important to know the basics so you can get your ideas in order. Some programs will require a general statement of interest and a focused supplementary or secondary statement closely aligned with the institution's goals.
  • Are there formatting guidelines? Single or double spaced, margins, fonts, text sizes, etc. Our general guideline is to keep it simple.
  • How do I submit my statement(s)? If uploading a document we highly suggest using a PDF as it will minimize the chances of accidental changes to formatting. Some programs may event ask you to copy and paste into a text box.
  • When do I have to submit my statement(s)? Most are due at the time of application but some programs, especially medical schools, will ask for secondary statements a few months after you apply. In these instances be sure to complete them within two weeks, any longer is an indication that you aren't that interested in the institution.

Before you start writing, take some time to reflect on your experiences and motivations as they relate to the programs to which you are applying. This will offer you a chance to organize your thoughts which will make the writing process much easier. Below are a list of questions to help you get started:

  • What individuals, experiences or events have shaped your interest in this particular field?
  • What has influenced your decision to apply to graduate school?
  • How does this field align with your interests, strengths, and values?
  • What distinguishes you from other applicants?
  • What would you bring to this program/profession?
  • What has prepared you for graduate study in this field? Consider your classes at Wellesley, research and work experience, including internships, summer jobs and volunteer work.
  • Why are you interested in this particular institution or degree program?
  • How is this program distinct from others?
  • What do you hope to gain?
  • What is motivating you to seek an advanced degree now?
  • Where do you see yourself headed and how will this degree program help you get there?

For those applying to Medical School, if you need a committee letter for your application and are using the Medical Professions Advisory Committee you have already done a lot of heavy lifting through the 2017-2018 Applicant Information Form . Even if you aren't using MPAC the applicant information form is a great place to start.

Another great place to start is through talking out your ideas. You have a number of options both on and off campus, such as: Career Education advisors and mentors ( you can set up an appointment here ), major advisor, family, friends. If you are applying to a graduate program it is especially important to talk with a faculty member in the field. Remember to take good notes so you can refer to them later.

When you begin writing keep in mind that your essay is one of many in the application pool. This is not to say you should exaggerate your experiences to “stand out” but that you should focus on clear, concise writing. Also keep in mind that the readers are considering you not just as a potential student but a future colleague. Be sure to show them examples and experiences which demonstrate you are ready to begin their program.

It is important to remember that your personal statement will take time and energy to complete, so plan accordingly. Every application and statement should be seen as different from one another, even if they are all the same type of program. Each institution may teach you the same material but their delivery or focus will be slightly different.

In addition, remember:

  • Be yourself: You aren’t good at being someone else
  • Tragedy is not a requirement, reflection and depth are
  • Research the institution or organization
  • Proofread, proofread, proofread
  • How to have your personal statement reviewed

The prompts below are from actual applications to a several types of programs. As you will notice many of them are VERY general in nature. This is why it is so important to do your research and reflect on your motivations. Although the prompts are similar in nature the resulting statements would be very different depending on the discipline and type of program, as well as your particular background and reasons for wanting to pursue this graduate degree.

  • This statement should illustrate your academic background and experiences and explain why you would excel in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (UMass Amherst - M.S. in Civil Engineering).
  • Describe your academic and career objectives and how the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies can help you achieve them. Include other considerations that explain why you seek admissions to the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies and your interests in the environmental field (Yale - Master of Environmental Management).  
  • Please discuss your academic interests and goals. Include your current professional and research interests, as well as your long-range professional objectives. Please be as specific as possible about how your objectives can be met at Clark and do not exceed 800 words (Clark University - M.A. in International Development and Social Change).
  • Write a 500- to 700-word statement that describes your work or research. Discuss how you came to focus on the medium, body of work, or academic area you wish to pursue at the graduate level. Also discuss future directions or goals for your work, and describe how the Master of Fine Arts in Studio (Printmedia) is particularly suited to your professional goals (School of the Art Institute of Chicago - MFA in Studio, Printmaking).
  • Your statement should explain why you want to study economics at the graduate level. The statement is particularly important if there is something unusual about your background and preparation that you would like us to know about you (University of Texas at Austin - Ph.D in Economics).
  • Your personal goal statement is an important part of the review process for our faculty members as they consider your application. They want to know about your background, work experience, plans for graduate study and professional career, qualifications that make you a strong candidate for the program, and any other relevant information (Indiana University Bloomington - M.S.Ed. in Secondary Education).
  • Your autobiographical essay/personal statement is a narrative that outlines significant experiences in your life, including childhood experiences, study and work, your strengths and aspirations in the field of architecture, and why you want to come to the University of Oregon (University of Oregon - Master of Architecture).
  • Personal history and diversity statement, in which you describe how your personal background informs your decision to pursue a graduate degree. You may refer to any educational, familial, cultural, economic or social experiences, challenges, community service, outreach activities, residency and citizenship, first-generation college status, or opportunities relevant to your academic journey; how your life experiences contribute to the social, intellectual or cultural diversity within a campus community and your chosen field; or how you might serve educationally underrepresented and underserved segments of society with your graduate education (U.C. Davis - M.A. in Linguistics).
  • A Personal Statement specifying your past experiences, reasons for applying, and your areas of interest. It should explain your intellectual and personal goals, why you are interested in pursuing an interdisciplinary degree rather than a more traditional disciplinary one, and how this degree fits into your intellectual and personal future (Rutgers University - Ph.D in Women’s and Gender Studies).
  • Your application requires a written statement to uploaded into your application and is a critical component of your application for admission. This is your opportunity to tell us what excites you about the field of library and information science, and what problems you want to help solve in this field. Please also tell us how your prior experiences have prepared you for this next step toward your career goals and how this program will help you achieve them (University of North Carolina Chapel Hill - Master of Science in Library Science).
  • After watching the video, please describe what strengths and preferences as a learner you have that will facilitate your success in this innovative curriculum. What challenges in our curriculum do you anticipate and what strategies might you use to address these challenges? (MGH Institute of Health Professions PT - They recently redesigned their curriculum)
  • Your personal goal statement should briefly describe how you view the future of the field, what your goals are to be part of that future, and what brought you to pursue an advanced education degree in your chosen field. You may include any other information that you feel might be useful. (Northeastern PT)
  • Personal Statement: In 500 words or less, describe a meaningful educational experience that affected your professional goals and growth and explain how it impacted you. The educational experience does not need to be related to this degree. Focus on the educational experience and not why you think you would be a good professional in this field. (Simmons PT)
  • Personal Statement (500 word minimum): State your reasons for seeking admission to this program at this institution. Include your professional goals, why you want to pursue a career in this field and how admission to this program will assist you in accomplishing those goals. (Regis College Nursing)
  • “Use the space provided to explain why you want to go to this type of program.” (AMCAS)
  • Address the following three questions(Though there is no set limit, most statements are 1–2 pages, single-spaced.): What are your reasons for pursuing this degree? Why do you wish to pursue your degree at this institution? How do you intend to leverage your degree in a career of this field? (Boston University MPH)
  • Please submit a personal statement/statement of purpose of no more than 500 words for the department/degree of choice. Professional degree essays require a clear understanding of the _______ field and how you hope to work within the field. Be sure to proofread your personal statement carefully for spelling and grammar. In your statement, be sure to address the following: what interests you in the field of _____ what interests you in a specific degree program and department at this institution and what interests you in a particular certificate (if applicable). Please also describe how you hope to use your ________ training to help you achieve your career goals. (Columbia PhD in Public Health - Epidemiology)
  • Because each Home Program requires significant original research activities in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree, we are interested in obtaining as much information as possible about your previous research experiences. Those who already have such experience are in a better position to know whether they are truly interested in performing ______ research as part of a graduate program. Please include specific information about your research experience in your Statement of Purpose. You may also use the Statement to amplify your comments about your choice of Home Program(s), and how your past experiences and current interests are related to your choice. Personal Statements should not exceed two pages in length (single spaced). Make sure to set your computer to Western European or other English-language setting. We cannot guarantee the ability to access your statement if it is submitted in other fonts. (Stanford Biosciences PhD)
  • Your statement of purpose should describe succinctly your reasons for applying to the Department of ____ at ___ University. It would be helpful to include what you have done to prepare for this degree program. Please describe your research interests, past research experience, future career plans and other details of your background and interests that will allow us to evaluate your ability to thrive in our program. If you have interests that align with a specific faculty member, you may state this in your application. Your statement of purpose should not exceed two pages in length (single spaced). (Stanford Bioengineering PhD)
  • Statement of purpose (Up to one page or 1,000 words): Rather than a research proposal, you should provide a statement of purpose. Your statement should be written in English and explain your motivation for applying for the course at this institution and your relevant experience and education. Please provide an indication of the area of your proposed research and supervisor(s) in your statement. This will be assessed for the coherence of the statement; evidence of motivation for and understanding of the proposed area of study; the ability to present a reasoned case in English; and commitment to the subject. (Oxford Inorganic Chemistry - DPhil)

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English language personal statement example 2.

My decision to study English Language is based firmly on my desire to understand and study comprehensively the language that I and my peers encounter daily. This will give me an insight to society and enrich me personally.

Language is a subject that defines us as individuals, but at the same time unites us. Its influence and power is overwhelming.

For me language is so complex and influential that I find it completely intriguing. Words and phrases can have connotations that can generate to thousands of thoughts and help people explore their emotions.

Linguistics would help me to explore Language in a more precise systematic way to extend my knowledge.

Studying a Combined Language and Literature course has given me the opportunity to analyse texts from both a literary and linguistic perspective. The study of Literature has given me the opportunity to develop emotionally and intellectually.

However, what really interests me is how writers use language in order to simulate our imagination and impress their thoughts on their readers.

My enthusiasm for the English Language was initially sparked after reading Angela Carter’s, “The Bloody Chamber” a collection of short stories that to me, expounded ideas allowing me to analyse at the way language influences readers, and in Carter’s case, exploits readers’ expectations. I am particularly interested in the history and structure of Language.

This was triggered after reading David Crystal’s “The English Language” where he explains that the history of English is one of repeated invasions. Seeing how English has developed over thousands of years and how many words used today derive from our invaders’ languages is something which intrigues me, and caused me to look more closely at the language I encounter.

Further reading has led me to explore “An introduction to Sociolinguistics” by Ronald Wardhaugh. Whilst reading this study I was particularly interested in the regional and social variation of language and noticing the problems with the study of regional varieties of languages that many linguists face today.

I was also fascinated by the way Wardhaugh explores how each groups in society have their own norms of linguistic behaviour. Witnessing Carol Duffy and Billy Collins share their work at Edge Hill University has given me the opportunity to listen and hear the language used in their poems for addressing controversial issues.

This motivated me to look at language in novels and poems and has spurred me to consider language in classics by Jane Austin and William Blake. The poem “The Tyger” by Blake fascinated me due to the philosophical undercurrent in his work and reflects how powerful language can be.

During my free time I volunteer at my primary school helping children to read. After spending many hours helping a child with Autism I realised that, despite being very challenging, the experience was worth the effort and it was rewarding seeing the child benefit from my help.

Activities such as this have helped to improve my patience, determination and creativity, all of which would help me at university. I have been inspired to work with children who struggle with English, as I believe it would be a rewarding career.

Studying for a degree in English at university would allow me to consolidate and extend my knowledge. I am an open-minded person who would love to meet new people from all over the world during my studies. I am particularly interested in the Study Abroad Scheme.

The opportunity to experience new cultures and share my own culture is something which would enhance me intellectually and socially. My A grade in English Combined proves that I can achieve well under pressure and whilst working to deadlines.

At the end of my AS year I was awarded a certificate and prize as the pupil with the most “outstanding performance” by the Principal. This is testimony to the fact I am a conscientious student with a desire to make the most of my undergraduate study.

Profile info

This personal statement was written by nataliemason123 for application in 2011.

nataliemason123's university choices The University of Manchester The University of York The University of Sheffield Lancaster University

Green : offer made Red : no offer made

nataliemason123's Comments

Universities applied to:

The University of York The University of Manchester The University of Sheffield Lancaster University The University of Chester

Related Personal Statements

It should be 'my peers and i'.

Sun, 25/09/2011 - 17:35

It should be 'my peers and I'. Other than that a very good personal statement :)

I'm sure this would be better

Fri, 28/09/2012 - 13:01

I'm sure this would be better if you hadn't spelt Jane Austen's name wrong. She's a person, not a place in Texas.

Really good Personal

Tue, 02/07/2013 - 16:33

Really good Personal Statement, thank you for sharing. Out of curiosity which university did you attend and which did you get offers from? and what were the offers? Would greatly appreciate a response :)

Wed, 24/07/2013 - 16:35

Say, you got a nice article.Much thanks again. Awesome.

Add new comment

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Personal statement example ba korean studies personal statement.

Submitted by Emma

BA Korean Studies Personal Statement

The way we communicate as a population has always fascinated me. Despite language and cultural barriers, we continue to stay connected through current affairs and ever-evolving social media. Throughout my life, I have devoted countless hours to studying languages and cultures that differ from my own, in order to better my knowledge of the world and learn how ones upbringing has such a colossal impact on the diversity of humanity. This is the root from which grew my love for both Korean and International Relations.

Through sharing my passion with friends and personal interest through social media, what began as a simple interest in culture around the world soon developed into a strong desire to learn more, and I quickly realised that I wanted to immerse myself in this subject area. I have independently devoted myself to becoming fluent in Hangul and Kana, the writing systems of Korea and Japan, which has deepened my knowledge of these cultures and demonstrates my commitment to learning. International relations has been an interest of mine both within and outside of school. Having been a member of my school's Pupil Council for six years, I have worked with students from each year group to ensure the school is a positive environment, committed to self-improvement. This, alongside public speaking at school events, has built on my existing confidence and motivation to exceed the expectations set for me. I have been entrusted with additional responsibilities in school, such as being a prefect alongside my existing commitments within the Pupil Council and Voices of Change, a focused group of 14 pupils who work tirelessly to turn ideas from the Pupil Council into reality.

Achieving the Duke of Edinburgh Award (Bronze) has given me extensive leadership experience, working in schools for my volunteering and skills sections, and has given me the invaluable opportunity to participate in team building expeditions. Last year, I independently created, and now lead a Politics Club for students passionate about political and current affairs. Organising and chairing discussions and debates, while listening to varying views and opinions, has developed my leadership, teamwork and management skills, and taught me how to tackle problems logically. The club has expanded to now include members based in California, Michigan, New York, and Seoul, who join debates via Skype and bringing personal experience and insight to our discussions on culture, current affairs and international relations. Such discussions have broadened my knowledge and understanding of the world due to having such varied sources of information.

My interest in languages has stemmed from travelling around the world. I have attended and spoken at business conferences in Amsterdam and Stockholm, and have had the opportunity to meet many influential and interesting people by doing so. While at conferences in Stockholm, I became intrigued by the writing system, becoming fluent in the span of a few days, and deciding that I also wanted to learn the Russian writing system before travelling there.

This was the beginning of my exploration of writing systems around the world. From 2014, I have become fluent in the writing systems of Russia, Sweden, The Netherlands, Greece, most of Japan, and finally Korea. I am currently also studying the Thai writing system, as this is arguably one of the most difficult writing systems in the world. Through studying writing systems and travelling I have discovered my love for culture and variety in the world, and I believe that learning the language and having the opportunity to experience the country and its culture first-hand would make me have a discernible advantage in the world of work as a translator or as a teacher . I hope I have demonstrated that I am enthusiastic and hard-working student who is passionate about Korean and international relations, and would enjoy contributing to all aspects of university life.

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  1. Personal Statement Samples Berkeley

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  3. What Makes a Great Personal Statement? (Part 3 of 3)

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  4. Free Languages personal statement example in MS Word format

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  5. Writing A Personal Statement For Graduate School Speech Language

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  6. UCAS Personal Statement Sample

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  2. How to write a personal statement perfectly in your Resume

  3. The personal statement that got me into the Ivy League: A reading and analysis

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  5. How to Write a Personal Statement for Graduate School Scribbr 🎓

  6. Writing a Successful Personal Statement Webinar

COMMENTS

  1. Language Studies Personal Statement Example

    Language Studies Personal Statement Example. I am applying for language studies due to a personal interest in different cultures that has captivated me ever since I left my hometown in Czech Republic ten years ago. Since then, I lived in Spain, the UK, Israeli West Bank and, most recently, in Jordan.

  2. Languages Personal Statement Examples

    Modern Languages Personal Statement Example 1. My decision to study Modern Languages at University has been driven by my passion for Language. My mother is fluent in French and began teaching it to me in primary school. To supplement this study of French, at High School I chose to study German...

  3. Linguistics Personal Statement Examples

    English Language and Linguistics Personal Statement Example 1. Language is common to all people. By its nature, it is something that links us all together, yet our use of language is a major factor in defining us all as individuals. For something that comes so naturally to all of us, language can hold great power and influence...

  4. English Language and Linguistics Personal Statement Example 1

    Language is common to all people. By its nature, it is something that links us all together, yet our use of language is a major factor in defining us all as individuals. For something that comes so naturally to all of us, language can hold great power and influence. Even this personal statement is a perfect example of how language can be constructed in order to influence the opinion of others.

  5. Successful Personal Statement For Oxford Modern Languages

    Today, we are looking through a Modern Languages applicant's Personal Statement that helped secure a place at Oxford University.The Modern Languages Course at Oxford aims to teach spoken fluency in colloquial and more formal situations, as well as the ability to write essays in the foreign language, and the ability to translate into and out of the foreign language with accuracy and ...

  6. English Linguistics Personal Statement

    ULAW. Study at the largest provider of legal education in the UK (HESA 2021/22) at ULAW. Inspire your English Language and Linguistics personal statement with our UCAS examples and learn from previous students who have already applied to university.

  7. The dos and don'ts of writing a personal statement for languages

    Don't make spelling mistakes: You're applying to study languages, so your statement has to be well-written. "Nothing leaves a worse impression than quoting in the original language, but ...

  8. English Language Personal Statement Examples

    Every single student who wants to study English Language at university will be required to provide an English Language personal statement. An English Language personal statement is a chance for you to show your passion for the subject and to show a potential university why you would be best suited to their university. Before you start writing ...

  9. Personal statement advice: modern languages

    Personal statement advice: media studies and journalism; Personal statement advice: medicine; Personal statement advice: modern languages; ... 'We like to see evidence of your enthusiasm for, and immersion in, the language(s) outside of your A level studies. This might include time spent in the country, exchange activities, reading the press ...

  10. Writing a personal statement for languages

    Spelling and grammar can make or break a PS. Some words and phrases are extremely cliché: Passion, fascination, love, aspiration, intrigued by, broadened my knowledge, enhanced my skill, affirmed/confirmed my decision. Use these words with caution. If you're using alternatives, be careful not to sound like a thesaurus.

  11. MSc LangSci

    Your personal statement is your best opportunity to make your application unique. It's your chance to tell us who you are and why you want to study MSc Language Sciences. It can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn't need to be, let's look at some things you can keep in mind when writing your personal statement. 1. You

  12. Example Personal Statement: Languages (French and Latin)

    It is included as standard for Unifrog partner schools. I applied to study Modern and Medieval Languages at Cambridge University in October 2016, as well as French and Latin courses at Durham, Exeter, Edinburgh and St. Andrews. The MML degree course allows students to select two different languages and, as one of my languages was ancient, I had ...

  13. Languages personal statements

    P. Personal Statement:French and Spanish 6. Personal Statement:French and Spanish 7. Personal Statement:French and Spanish 8. Personal Statement:Personal statement: French and Spanish 9. Personal Statement:French german and beginner russian 1. Personal Statement:German 1. Personal Statement:German 2. Personal Statement:German and Italian 1.

  14. Postgraduate Personal Statement Example: TESOL & Linguistics

    Personal Statement Example: Practical Experience 1. "To deepen my theoretical understanding of English teaching methodology, I interned as an English teacher and class advisor at a technical school. By completing classroom observations, researching textbooks, preparing course materials and devising teaching syllabi according to the curriculum ...

  15. PDF TESOL & LINGUISTICS

    understanding of critical ideas in English language teaching, adding value to my own life and those of my students. My graduate studies in Teaching English have laid a robust foundation for my further studies. Taking courses covering educational theories, dialectics, English language and literature and

  16. Languages Personal Statement Examples

    These examples will give you an insight into the kind of tone, structure and language to use in your own Languages personal statement, but crucially, you will also see what kind of key areas your Languages personal statement should touch upon. If you find yourself still struggling with your Languages personal statement, then we recommend ...

  17. How to Write Your Personal Statement

    A personal statement is a short essay of around 500-1,000 words, in which you tell a compelling story about who you are, what drives you, and why you're applying. To write a successful personal statement for a graduate school application, don't just summarize your experience; instead, craft a focused narrative in your own voice. Aim to ...

  18. Personal Statement For Masters (17 PDF Sample Examples)

    7. speech and language therapy personal statement. statement of purpose for masters sample: speech and language therapy. 8. business administration personal statement. personal statement for masters in business administration. 9. personal statement for masters in cyber security pdf.

  19. How To Write a Good Personal Statement for Study Abroad Applications

    Mention the hobbies and activities you enjoy in your spare time, and the transferable skills you could apply to your program. 6) Conclusion: Wrap up your personal statement by reinforcing why you should be offered a place. Reiterate why you're an ideal candidate, and the aspirations you have for your time at university.

  20. 12 Outstanding Personal Statement Examples + Why They Work 2023

    Note that almost none of these students actually titled their essays; for the Table of Contents, I've simply titled them based on their first line or general topic. Example #1 - The Tally on My Uniform. Example #2 - Quattro Lingue. Example #3 - 12. Example #4 - Flying.

  21. Postgraduate Linguistics Personal Statement Example

    Postgraduate Linguistics Personal Statement Example. My interest in linguistics was gradually shaped throughout my life by all the different ways in which I have experienced languages: as a learner, translator, and as a teacher. However, it was the times spent living in Russia and later in the UK that made me fully understand that language can ...

  22. How to Apply

    In 2-3 pages, please answer the following questions. Make sure to weave in your personal story and give the admissions committee an understanding of your experience, background, and worldview/values as you answer these questions. Why are you interested in a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies versus other degrees, fields, and institutions?

  23. ERNIE-RNA: An RNA Language Model with Structure-enhanced ...

    With large amounts of unlabeled RNA sequences data produced by high-throughput sequencing technologies, pre-trained RNA language models have been developed to estimate semantic space of RNA molecules, which facilities the understanding of grammar of RNA language. However, existing RNA language models overlook the impact of structure when modeling the RNA semantic space, resulting in incomplete ...

  24. Writing a Personal Statement

    A personal statement is a narrative essay that connects your background, experiences, and goals to the mission, requirements, and desired outcomes of the specific opportunity you are seeking. It is a critical component in the selection process, whether the essay is for a competitive internship, a graduate fellowship, or admittance to a graduate school program.

  25. English Language Personal Statement Example 2

    English Language Personal Statement Example 2. My decision to study English Language is based firmly on my desire to understand and study comprehensively the language that I and my peers encounter daily. This will give me an insight to society and enrich me personally. Language is a subject that defines us as individuals, but at the same time ...

  26. BA Korean Studies Personal Statement

    BA Korean Studies Personal Statement. Submitted by Emma. The way we communicate as a population has always fascinated me. Despite language and cultural barriers, we continue to stay connected through current affairs and ever-evolving social media. Throughout my life, I have devoted countless hours to studying languages and cultures that differ ...

  27. Neural speech tracking in newborns: prenatal learning and ...

    Introduction: Early language development in infants is being increasingly studied, though only recently with direct measurements of brain activity rather than with behavioral or physiological measurements. In the current study, we use electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings of 2-week-old infants to look for signs of prenatal learning and to investigate newborns' abilities to process language.