WRITING A PERSONAL STATEMENT/STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

Many at times, writing a personal statement is usually challenging for most young people. At some point in our lives, we will be called upon to write a personal statement/statement of purpose. It is usually easier than one may think. It is risky to just ask someone else to write it. Whether you are writing a personal statement for school or for a company or sometimes for a loan, there are easy points to consider before writing. A personal statement or statement of purpose gives an opportunity to convince a school or a company as to why they should pick you over the other candidates. A personal statement/ statement of purpose are supposed to be an interesting presentation of one that sells you. It should in no way appear boring or monotonous. Below are some things you should consider before writing a personal statement/ statement of purpose.

-          Carry out a thorough research on the company/ school. What are the objectives on the institution? What are their goals? Where is it located? How is this beneficial to you? How is this institution going to benefit your long term goal? The admission committee or company expects you to convince them that you have gone through thorough investigation of their institution. You have to convince them of how their environment and goals will benefit you.

-          If you are applying for a post graduate program, go through the departments. Find out about the lecturers in the department you are interested in. you can enter their names in google or other engines to find out about their publications. When writing a personal statement and you are mentioning about the department and program you are interested in, talking in detail of the research of that department, research and how it matches yours is a strong point.

-          Start by addressing the admissions committee. Introduce yourself briefly. State your qualifications and your interests; research interest if you are applying for school. Career interests, work and specialization if you are applying for a job.

-          State the part experiences that have molded and prepared you for this program.

-          What leadership skills, research or other skills have you acquired which have made you prepared for the job/program. State research and projects you have participated in the past. What unique ability of yours makes you stand out among others? Elaborate on skills that make you persevere than others.

-          Include past achievements and miles stones so far.

-          How did you come across the school/ company? What is peculiar about the school/company or area in which it is located that made you apply there? Example; climate, reputation of institution, etc. What are your long term goals and how will this institution help you achieve them. What do you think you can contribute to the institution?

-          State future goals and projects you have in mind and say how this institution will help you reach them

-          Conclude briefly. In a summary remind the committee why you are the best candidate. Thank they committee and say you wish to hear from them soon. Sign at the end.

“BIG NO’S” WHEN WRITING A PERSONAL STATEMENT

-Most people think by writing long pitiful stories will get them admitted into a university or job. That is a big no. Be brief and direct, without any long pathetic stories.

-Never copy a personal statement online and submit as yours. Nothing will kill your chance than a generic Personal statement.

-Do not come off as very proud or overconfident

-Do not come off as unsure. Be sure of whatever you are writing, else you will look like a gambler. Do not use words like maybe, as if and so on. Appear confident.

Lastly, I would advise that your write up should not be more than two pages. Different institutes give their own instructions as to what is expected. Please thoroughly go through the website of the school to know what is expected. This is a guide line to give you an idea on how to start. Also let at least five persons read it before you submit; this helps to make sure all necessary corrections are made. Imagine you are before the committee in person and have to convince them to let you in. 

In case of any doubt, do not hesitate to ask questions. Good luck with your applications.

“A FINE LINE SEPARATES A WARRIOR FROM A FIGHTER; ONE IS MOTIVATED BY REASON, THE OTHER, BY PURPOSE. ONE FIGHTS TO LIVE, THE OTHER LIVES TO FIGHT.”