Personal Statements and Essays

Every fellowship or graduate school application requires a statement that asks, in one way or another, for the candidate to describe their academic or other interests. This personal statement is your introduction to the selection committee. An outstanding personal statement will not win you a scholarship, but a poorly prepared one can deny you the chance to be considered as a finalist.

Because personal statements are personal, there is not one format or approach that will work well for everyone. They are also short -- 1,000 words or less -- so you should identify the three or four most important points that you want to develop. Other parts of your application (including letters of recommendation) can present other important information. Use your personal statement to say what only you can say because it is what is most important to you.

The essay is an exercise in self-reflection. To do this well requires many drafts, revisions, and false starts. Think about the questions posed in making connections. Make an inventory of everything you have done as an undergraduate. Selected parts of this inventory will be featured in the essay eventually, but try to be inclusive at first. Read the advice on starting the writing process, and start to write before you are ready. Try to schedule short appointments with yourself just to generate ideas and to write.

Be honest with yourself. Do not try to guess what the committee wants to read. Consider your audience to be intelligent non-specialists for fellowship competitions, or to be professors in your field for graduate school essays. Remember that your essay is a writing sample. The essay will be read for indications of clear, well-organized thinking and effective communication. Personal statements are often read quickly and in bulk, so make yours a pleasure to read.

Grab the readers' attention right away by taking them into the heart of your discussion. Maintain focus with a consistent story line. Consider using one or two anecdotes that can help you focus and give a human face to your discussion. Provide a compelling snapshot of who you are and what contributions you want to make. Indicate what your priorities are and the kind of passion you bring to your work.

The academic proposal required by some competitions and by graduate schools has a similar purpose but a more defined focus. Common elements include a description of your course of study or project, and why you have chosen this particular institution, country, or setting. You should provide evidence that you are qualified to undertake the program you propose, and that it is consistent with your long-range plans. For study abroad project proposals, if possible provide evidence of cooperation of the host institution or individuals with whom you propose to work. For graduate schools admissions essays, discern what is being asked for in each essay and keep the focus on that: speak mainly about your research interests if that is what they are asking you to address. For a plan of research essay, devote considerable effort to your "methods" as you need to demonstrate you have a plan, not just a good idea.

For more information:

Dissertations, Research Proposals, and Foundation Grants (which differ from personal statements):

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