Writing Effective. Personal Statements

1.

Writing Effective
Personal Statements
Ksenia Medvedkina

2.

What is personal statement?
a short text (usually 250-500 words) that
is a part of a longer application process,
explaining why you are applying for
something

3.

What is the Something?
• College / university
• Certificate programs
• Scholarships
• Fellowships
• Graduate degree programs
• Workshops

4.

Sample prompts
• In 250 words or less, please, explain why
you are applying for this program.
• In no more than 500 words, please,
explain why you are applying for this
mission.

5.

Following a standard structure (pattern)
Having your own voice (originality)

6.

Structure of personal
statement

7.

Sandwich model
• Stating the purpose
• Reason 1
Reason 2
Reason 3
• Conclusion

8.

1. Why are you interested in the program /
position?
2. Why are you the best candidate for the
program / position?
3. How much do you match with the
program / position being offered?

9.

Stating the purpose
• I am interested in attending …
• I would like to join ….
• It is with great interest that I am
applying for …

10.

In no more than 1
sentence explain why
you are applying for the
workshop “Painless
Personal Statements”

11.

It is with great interest that I am applying
for the Painless Personal Statements
workshop because ________, ________
and ________.
I have chosen to apply for the Painless
Personal Statements workshop because it
will allow me to ________ and _______.

12.

Why I am the best candidate
The first reason is that … On top of that …
My first reason is …
Beyond that …
Another reason is …
Additionally, …
My ultimate goal is …
Finally, …
First of all, …
To start with, …

13.

Conclusion
• I am confident that my skills and
expertise match those of the ideal
candidate for this position.
• For all these reasons, I am sure I will
be an excellent fit in this educational
community.
• I am looking forward to expanding my
knowledge in this academic setting.

14.

Thank you!
[email protected]