Crafting a Compelling Personal Statement for Success
Crafting a persuasive personal statement is crucial for securing opportunities. This guide covers key components like personal background, schooling/training, interests/activities, and career goals. Learn to showcase your passion, accomplishments, and future aspirations effectively.
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Zahnow 250 svsu.edu/writingcenter writingcenter@svsu.edu
Personal Statements Prepared by Dr. Bill De Herder
Your life story through the lens of what you want to do after you graduate.
The writing situation Someone must be selected for funding/a position Don t want you to: fail/quit You have a small written space with which to convince them
Overall, You Want to: Show you are emotionally/personally invested Show a proven track record of achievement Indicate goals/a vision for the future
Possible Components (may not use all, may be in a slightly different order) Part 1. Personal background Part 2. Schooling/Training Part 3. Interests & Activities Part 4. Career Goals Barton, E., Ariail, J., & Smith, T. (2004). The professional in the personal: The genre of personal statements in residency applications. Issues in Writing, 15(1), 76.
Part 1: Personal Background The earliest significant moment that led to the decision to get into your field of study Are these significantly influential? Why? Your family history An experience/event Hobby/sport Barton, E., Ariail, J., & Smith, T. (2004). The professional in the personal: The genre of personal statements in residency applications. Issues in Writing, 15(1), 76.
Part 2: Schooling/Training Describe significant things you did in school or on the job Are these significantly influential? Why? Classes you took School clubs of which you were a member Jobs / co-ops Barton, E., Ariail, J., & Smith, T. (2004). The professional in the personal: The genre of personal statements in residency applications. Issues in Writing, 15(1), 76.
Part 3: Interests & Activities Describe significantly influential personal interests / Hobbies / Volunteer experience Why are they important to your goals? Barton, E., Ariail, J., & Smith, T. (2004). The professional in the personal: The genre of personal statements in residency applications. Issues in Writing, 15(1), 76.
Part 4: Career Goals Describe your professional vision/goals How can this opportunity help you get there? Conclude by redefining why you deserve this opportunity. Barton, E., Ariail, J., & Smith, T. (2004). The professional in the personal: The genre of personal statements in residency applications. Issues in Writing, 15(1), 76.
Plan the purpose and placement of each paragraph Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that speaks to the prompt Ground the claim in your topic sentence with a powerful example from your life Explain what that experience meant to you
One Quick Example with Topic Sentences I became interested in education when My own learning experiences helped me realize Volunteering gave me new ways to help others I have chosen to pursue X because of Y
A More Detailed Example with Topic Sentences and Transitions P1: A story about growing up. I grew up in a wooded community It taught me to appreciate nature. I knew then I wanted to study plants. P2: A story about academic achievement. Throughout middle school and high school, I earned good grades My science classes helped me see a future in botany. P3: A story about personal struggle. My accomplishments have not come to me easily. Growing up, my family lacked much of what others in my neighborhood enjoyed Despite this hardship, I have been invested in my goals and success. P4: A story about hobbies/service. Most recently, I have volunteered to help care for my community garden This experience has deepened my desire to become a teacher who studies plants and helps others. P5: Thank the reviewers for their consideration and describe your hopes for the future. Thank you for your consideration. With your support, I know I can
Key Takeaways Get a short list of your most powerful stories about yourself. Plan what you need to prove about yourself to others. Mark that plan out with topic sentences and transitions. Use your stories to ground your statements in examples.
Zahnow 250 svsu.edu/writingcenter writingcenter@svsu.edu Questions?
