Writing the personal statement III

If a student asks us:

Is there anything else I should be sure to include in a personal statement?

We might say:

Since the point of a personal statement is to explain why the applicant would fit into a new employment, internship, or study opportunity, it is best to present a story about why the applicant fits the program or job so well. This should be done not by repeating information that is already given in a professional resume. Instead, the personal statement is like a commentary on the resume, pointing out special highlights and things learned from experiences that might not be obvious otherwise.

Applicants should try to tell a convincing story about how a special field of study or employment became important. If the applicant is asked to answer a question in the personal statement, be sure that it has been answered.

If the students wants to know:

Should I mention details about my life and studies?

We might say:

Yes, it is always more persuasive if an applicant refers to unique individual experiences that are not repeated by many other applicants. So, instead of making a general comment about wanting to help humanity or advance society, describe how a specific person may have been affected by your efforts in the past. Or, if a mentor or other inspiring educator taught you something, write about what specific things were done that impressed you, rather then just discuss general things.

For example, if the student is applying to a graduate program in podiatry, rather than just saying that medical specialists who help with problems that affect the feet or lower legs are important, it is much more memorable to refer to something like it was possible to recognize the essential role of podiatry in January when a Thai Buddhist Monk inspired people with a 1,500 kilometer barefoot pilgrimage. When Luang Ta Bun Chuen neared the end of a 1,500-kilometer walking pilgrimage across Thailand, from Phuket to his home province of Nakhon Phanom, he clearly demonstrated that strong feet can help with spiritual and charitable achievements.

If the student wants to know:

How much space should I devote to my own life experience?

We can reply:

Remember that a personal statement is not just about you. It is also about the place being applied to, and why it suits you so well. So be sure to leave enough room to show that you are aware of specific details of the educational institution or corporation being applied to.

The student may inquire:

How many times should I revise the personal statement?

Our reply:

Although it may take more time than anticipated, it does help to reread and revise the statement after it has been written. Try reading it aloud to friends, roommates, or family members if they will agree to listen.

Rereading what has been written is a good way to spot problems, for example if the questions asked by the potential employer or educational institution have not been fully answered. Also, we can see if it is clear why we have applied for a particular educational program or job.

(All images courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)