Personal Statement

A personal statement is a crucial component of your graduate school application! It provides admissions committees with a deeper understanding of your motivations, goals, and qualifications beyond test scores and transcripts.

Advice for Crafting a Strong Personal Statement

• Follow instructions: By adhering to the writing prompts (length, topic, etc.), you demonstrate attention to detail and ability to follow instructions.
• Showcase your writing and communication skills: Effectively convey your thoughts and ideas in a clear and concise manner. Ensure your writing is free of errors.
• Provide reasons for choosing their specific program: Demonstrate a deep understanding of the program’s mission and values and tailor the personal statement for each program accordingly.
• Connect your research/work/educational experiences: Explain how your previous experiences align with the program’s focus.
• Demonstrate Maturity: Showcase your self-awareness by mindfully articulating your strengths, weaknesses, and motivations. Provide evidence that you are ready for a graduate program.
• Highlight uniqueness and potential contribution to the program: Emphasize what sets you apart from other applicants and explain how you can contribute to the program’s research or community.
• Showcase your motivation and commitment to the field: Convey your passion for the subject mater, articulate your career aspirations with enthusiasm, and discuss how demonstrated resilience and perseverance.

The Drafting Process

Note that each program should have its own unique personal statement response!

• Self-reflect: Identify significant experiences that led you to this field.
• Consider: How does your program choice aligns with your career goals.
• Research: What makes this specific program appealing?
• Read the prompts: Each program will have nuanced essay requirements (length, topic, etc.). Read each one carefully.
• Outline: Develop your main theme and supporting points.
• Draft: Write freely without worrying about length at first.
• Refine: Edit for clarity, conciseness, and adherence to prompts.
• Seek feedback: Get input from peers, advisors, or writing centers.

Additional Support

UW-Madison’s Writing Center has specific support services for writing personal statements, including a resource for Writing Personal Statements for Ph.D. Programs!