Personal Statement Guide: Structure, Do’s & Don’ts, and Examples
A personal statement is a written essay that gives you an opportunity to provide insight into who you are as an individual, your background, and your goals. It allows the admissions team a glimpse into your unique qualities, motivations, and aspirations in relation to the field and/or program you are pursuing.
Nearly every graduate program will require you to submit a personal statement as part of your application. This guide will take a deep dive into how to write a personal statement from the beginning brainstorming phases to excerpts from actual personal statements for inspiration. At any point in the process, please know that the Fleishman Career Center staff can provide personalized support in developing your personal statement. Schedule an appointment with a consultant on Handshake by hireBING.
Personal Statement Structure
There is not necessarily one universally correct way to write a personal statement; however, the following outline is commonly used. Before beginning your brainstorming, visit the graduate admissions webpage for the programs you are applying to, as most schools will provide a prompt or instructions on what they expect you to include. If there isn’t a prompt, or you have questions about what they are expecting, it is encouraged to reach out directly to inquire about a prompt, page limit or word count, and/or anything in particular the admissions committee is hoping to see.
Step 1: Capture the reader’s attention and establish your purpose
A strong opening can help capture the reader’s attention early. This can be done through an interesting anecdote or personal experience, a quote, a thought-provoking question, or anything else central to your unique experience. Introduce your academic and career interests early in the statement, clearly articulating why you are applying for this specific program or field.
Excerpt from a personal statement for St. John’s University School of Law J.D. program:
“Growing up with a mother who is an expert in divorce law, I had a unique opportunity to witness the lawyer’s role as both an advocate and a stabilizing force during times of upheaval. My mother’s work taught me about the challenges faced by families in distress, and I developed an appreciation for the strategic and skillful aspects of law, finding satisfaction in the ability to assist clients through one of the most difficult periods of their lives. My interest to join St. John’s University School of Law and pursue a legal education that aligns seamlessly with my aspirations in bankruptcy law. Having majored in Philosophy, Politics, and Law at Binghamton University, I have cultivated a passion for understanding the intricate intersections of these fields and their profound impact on individuals’ lives.“
Step 2: Showcase your skills
Instead of reiterating everything on your resume or CV, select a few notable experiences or achievements that you would like to draw specific attention to. Use this statement as an opportunity to expand on your description of them beyond what they will see in other elements of your application and connect the experience to this application. Demonstrate how these experiences have prepared you for advanced study in your chosen field, and also how they show your commitment to hard work and excellence.
Excerpt from a personal statement for the Applied Behavior Analysis program at Columbia University:
“During each summer, I have actively sought to enhance my practical experience by serving as a 1:1 classroom aide in an elementary school setting, specifically focusing on supporting autistic children. This role has allowed me to directly apply the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis in a dynamic and interactive classroom environment. Working closely with educators, I have witnessed the day-to-day challenges faced by both teachers and students, reinforcing the importance of tailored interventions and individualized support. While fully acknowledging the inherent challenges in this field, I find the experience exceptionally rewarding. The opportunity to witness the growth and progress of each child, no matter how incremental, fuels my commitment to this career path.“
Step 3: Summarize and outline future goals
Your goal with this statement is to convince the reader that you are a strong candidate for the graduate program, which means you should be communicating your passion for this field/industry, your genuine interest in the specific graduate program, and your ability to succeed in graduate school and beyond. Conclude your statement by looking to the future. Outline future career goals, explain how this specific institution will help you achieve those goals, and consider how you can contribute to the graduate program.
Excerpt from a personal statement for the MBA program at Binghamton University:
“Binghamton University’s School of Management stands out to me for its strong emphasis on analytics. I am particularly excited about rounding out my skill set through a program that places a premium on quantitative analysis and data-driven decision-making. The integration of analytics into the curriculum aligns perfectly with my goal of becoming a well-rounded marketing professional who leverages both creativity and data to drive results.”
Tips for Writing a Great Personal Statement
Personal statements are an opportunity to make a compelling case for your admission to a graduate program. Keep the following tips in mind as you outline your first draft.
Be concise: Personal statements usually restrict word and/or page count, so you will need to cover a lot in a few words. Be as concise as possible and make every word count.
Seek feedback and revise: Ask career consultants, the Writing Center, professors, and mentors to provide feedback.
Tailor your statement for each school: Highlight specific aspects of each program that resonate with you. This will help you convey your enthusiasm for the program and stand out to the admissions team.
Show, don’t just tell: Instead of making broad statements about your qualities and achievements, use specific examples and concrete details whenever possible.
Be authentic and unique: Share your genuine motivations, experiences, and aspirations. Avoid generic statements and focus on what makes your story unique.
- Drawing too much attention to your shortcomings: You have limited space in a personal statement, so make it count by spending most of the time highlighting your achievements. Do not draw attention to weaknesses in your application unless absolutely necessary.
- Using cliches: A personal statement should be unique and reflect your genuine experience. Use personal stories and details instead of generic statements or cliches.
- Triggering personal details: Sometimes, a challenging circumstance from a student’s past is what inspires them to pursue graduate school. It is important to be thoughtful when selecting what stories to share, and stories with extrememly sensitive topics are not advised to be used in a personal statement.
- Overly technical or formal language: Your personal statement should be easy to read and use clear, concise language. Avoid including too many technical or formal words that may cloud your message and make it difficult to understand.
Getting Started: Personal statement brainstorming activity
Writing about yourself can be difficult! To help you get started, read through the following questions and jot down any ideas that come to mind. If the program you’re applying for provides a prompt, turn that prompt into open-ended questions instead!
Academic Journey:
- How has your major/minor influenced your intellectual growth and perspective?
- What specific courses or research projects have been particularly impactful?
Values:
- What core values guide your decision-making?
- How do your values align with the graduate program you’re applying to?
Industry-Related Projects & Experiences:
- Reflect on any internships, part-time jobs, research, community service, and other experiences. What skills have you developed, and how did they contribute to your career goals?
Personal Challenges & Growth:
- Have you faced a significant personal challenge that shaped your character and values?
- How have you demonstrated adaptability and perseverance in the face of adversity?
Unique Perspectives & Experiences:
- What aspects of your background, identity, or experiences make you unique? How will that unique perspective or skills enrich the graduate program?
Career Goals & Future Contributions:
- What specific career goals do you have, and how does the graduate program align with them?
- How will you contribute to the field of study?
Now that you have some thoughts down on the page, use the personal statement structure shared above to explore how you might organize your thoughts and meaningful reflections into an outline. Once you have drafted out your thoughts, schedule an appointment with The Fleishman Career Center to receive feedback on further developing your narrative, statement structure, and articulation of career and academic goals.
Career Support & Sources:
As you explore this resource, we encourage you to take advantage of everything available to support your career journey. Below, you’ll find the sources and contributors that made this guide possible, multiple ways to connect with our office for personalized career support, and some important reminders to keep in mind as you plan your strategy. Be sure to check them out, and remember, our team is always here to help you move forward with confidence and clarity.
| Reminder | What This Means for You |
|---|---|
| Use Multiple Sources | Information about careers and education can vary depending on where you look. Try checking several websites and resources when researching anything related to your career development (for example: job outlooks, salaries, industry trends, graduate programs, or fellowships, etc.). This will help you get a fuller, more accurate picture of what employers or admissions committees are looking for. |
| Make Sure to Network | Talking directly with people associated with your career goals or the programs/companies you’re interested in can give you the clearest and most useful insights. Reach out to professionals, recruiters, alumni, or current students to learn what really matters in your field (for example: company expectations, hiring timelines, résumé preferences, graduate program requirements, etc.). Even within the same industry or graduate program type, different organizations and admissions committees may value things differently. Listening carefully to their guidance can help you put your best foot forward. |
| Use AI Ethically in Career Development | AI tools can be a great resource for brainstorming, polishing materials, or practicing interview questions (for example: outlining position description details to guide your documents, generating practice questions, etc.). But it works best when you use it thoughtfully and make sure the final work reflects your own skills and voice. Some employers and graduate programs may not allow AI, so always check instructions carefully. Think of AI as a helper, not a replacement, and remember, Career Consultants are happy to guide you on how to use it effectively! |
| Be Aware of Employment Scams | When searching for jobs or internships, it’s important to stay alert for potential scams, especially when exploring positions outside of Binghamton’s Handshake. Common warning signs include requests for personal or financial information upfront, job offers without interviews, or anything that seems “too good to be true.” To learn more about what to watch for, see real examples, and find out how to protect yourself or respond if you encounter a scam, check out Employment Scam Information – Binghamton University. Staying informed helps you pursue opportunities safely and confidently. |
Drop-ins: When classes are in session, Monday-Friday, from 12-4 p.m., you can visit our office to schedule a 20-minute drop-in with our staff.
Appointments: You can schedule your 30-minute career session on Handshake. These are offered all year and can be done virtually and in person.
Online Resources: Visit uConnect, our virtual career center that is always accessible to support your career needs.
