How to Write a Powerful Personal Statement

A personal statement is super important. You'll need one for college, grad school, even some jobs. It’s your chance to show who you really are. Resumes and grades can't do that! A great personal statement? It can make you stand out.

What's the Point of a Personal Statement?

Before you start writing, get this: It's not just a list of what you've done. Think of it as your answer to this question: Why pick me?

Show your personality: Let them see who you are. What do you care about? What makes you, you?
Show you're a good fit: Do your homework! See what the school or company values. Then, show how you fit in.
Show your strengths: Don't just say you're a leader. Tell a story about a time you led a team. Give details!
What about weaknesses?: We all have them. Talk about what you've learned from yours. Turn them into positives!
Tell your story: Make it real. Make it interesting. Make them remember you.

Let's Look at Some Examples

Best way to learn? Look at examples. But don't copy! See what works. Get ideas. Then, make it your own.

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What to Look For:

A great start: First sentence has to grab you. Needs to make you want to read more.
A story that makes sense: Beginning, middle, and end. Easy to follow.
Details, details, details: Not just "I worked hard." Show how you worked hard.
Your voice: Does it sound like you? It should! Be yourself.
Thinking it through: Show that you've learned from your life.
Short and sweet: Get to the point. No extra stuff.
No mistakes!: Check for typos and bad grammar. They make you look bad.

Ask yourself, "Why is this good? How did they show their personality? How does it relate to their goals? What can I steal... I mean learn from it?"

Time to Write!

Okay, you know what it is and you've seen some. Let's get writing!

Step 1: Brainstorm

Think about these questions:

What are you good at? What have you done?
What do you want to do in the future?
Why this school or job?
What do you see that others don't?
What problems have you solved? What did you learn?

Now, make a list! Something like this:

Intro: Get their attention! Tell them what you're about to do.
Body: Show your stuff! Tell stories. Give examples.
Conclusion: Sum it up. Say why you want this opportunity again.

Step 2: Write It All Down

Don't try to be perfect yet. Just get your ideas out. Be you. Don't try to be someone else.

Tips for a great first try:

Start strong: Boom! Right away, grab them. Tell a story. Ask a question.
Show, don't tell: Remember that leadership example? Make it vivid. Use all your senses!
Connect the dots: How did those experiences get you here? Explain it.
Be specific!: No "blah blah blah." Real examples.
Brag a little: What are you proud of? Don't be shy! But don't be too cocky.

Step 3: Make It Better

Now you have something. Let's make it shine!

How to do it:

Ask for help: Friends, family, teachers. Get their honest opinion. Listen to what they say.
Read it out loud: Sounds weird, right? But it helps you find awkward parts.
Make it clear: Easy to read. Easy to understand. No extra words.
Check those mistakes!: Get someone else to check, too! Fresh eyes help.
Still you?: Make sure it still sounds like you!

Show Off Your Brand

Your brand is what makes you, you. It's your skills, your experiences, your personality. Your statement is where you show it off.

Show Your Brand:

What makes you special?: What do you bring that no one else does?
Keep it consistent: Your statement, your resume, your letters... They all need to say the same thing about you.
Your strengths again: This is key.
Tell your story again: Make it amazing.
Show you care!: Are you excited about this? Let it show!

Your brand is your promise. What can they expect from you? What will you bring to the table?