A personal statement is an opportunity to sell yourself.
For many universities, a personal statement is a compulsory part of the Ph.D. admission process. The statement is your opportunity to demonstrate your interest in the chosen subject, your reasons for applying, your background and relevant experience. Because the personal statement is one of the deciding factors in your admission, it's worth the time and effort you'll spend getting it right.
Instructions
1. Check the university's personal statement guidelines. For some courses, the personal statement will consist of answering a series of specific questions; other courses leave the content of the personal statement up to you. You should also check for a word count and to whom you should address your personal statement.
2. Brainstorm your reasons for applying. Decide why you want to earn a Ph.D. and link this to your wider career goals. Also decide why you want to study at this particular university. Make a list of reasons, such as specific facilities, published research and notable professors.
3. Include your educational achievements. This can include details of any scholarships or awards that you have won as well as high test scores or published work.
4. List your relevant experience in the field. This can be practical experience, such as a work placement or volunteering, and academic experience, such as undergraduate study or extracurricular classes. Explain how this experience has fostered your interest and knowledge in the field.
5. List personal qualities that make you a suitable Ph.D. candidate. Postgraduate study requires different skills from undergraduate study, such as the ability to work unsupervised and to conduct independent research. You will need to demonstrate that you have these skills. Include any other relevant personal characteristics, such as strong communication and analytical skills.
6. Draft your personal statement. Include supporting examples and adhere to the word limit. It may help to have someone read the draft and give you feedback on its strengths and weaknesses.
7. Write the final draft. Type it on a word processor and proofread the personal statement carefully. Check for any spelling and grammatical errors before sending it off.
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