What to put and what not to put in a personal statement

August 25th, 2008

The most important thing to guard against when writing a personal statement is unwittingly revealing information that would likely be used as a basis not to admit you.

Here are the things one must not forget to put in a personal statement:

1.Answers to all questions asked. Keep in mind admission administrators would want to see specific information related to the particular program being applied for. This is shown by the difference in the questions asked in varied programs, so if you are applying for more than one, you would need to prepare a separate personal for the other program. Adapt your essay to the set of questions asked in the program applied for. Do not force to answer different sets of question with the same essay.

2.Positive traits, but do not lie on your weaknesses. As much as possible, list all related traits and qualities that you possess and try to coherently elaborate how these will help you in the future. Do not hide if there is a weakness in your application. Be honest to admit it but point how these will be prevailed over by your other positive traits. You may also point out that such inadequacy is only temporary.

3.A thesis about yourself. All the information put into your personal should support the thesis floated about you. It must weave a picture that shows who you are, a person who will survive the academic program applied for.

4.Your goals. Do not forget that sharing your goals will indicate your serious desire to be admitted in the program you have applied for.

And here are things that should never be put in a personal statement:

1.Academic discussions. You are not yet admitted in the academic program, so do not indulge in academic discussion at this stage.

2.Empty, overused and vague words (e.g., beautiful, rewarding, meaningful, invaluable, etc.)

3.Minor or not-so-important points about you. Be sure to place only the relevant ones. The person in charge of admission has many things to read.

4.Humor. Do not try to be funny; it does not work in this case.

5.Things about politics, religion and your personal emotions. Such things are not within the ambit of the selection criteria. Politics and religions are subjects of human freedom, and one should avoid such discussions as it may impair the freedom of other.

6.“I’ve always wanted to be…” is a big no-no. It is obvious that you are a wannabe doctor, lawyer, etc. because you are applying for admission.

7.Sales pitch. You should not use gimmicks to promote yourself like someone involved in sales.