journalism masters personal statement example

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• Journalism Personal Statement Examples

Your Journalism personal statement is a crucial element of your UCAS application . It is your opportunity to showcase your passion for journalism, your relevant experiences, and your potential to succeed as a journalism student. Check our journalism personal statement examples for UCAS , which can inspire and guide you in writing your successful personal statement . 

Whether you are interested in broadcast journalism , print journalism , or digital and online journalism , these examples cover a range of topics and styles that can help you stand out to admissions tutors.

Journalism Personal Statement Example

As an A-level student in Business Studies, English Literature, and Religious Studies, I have always been passionate about education and learning. I have always been fascinated by the power of the written word and the impact that journalism can have on shaping public opinion and educating society. That is why I am so excited to pursue a career in journalism and continue to make a positive impact on society.

My interest in journalism was first sparked during work experience placements at my local newspaper, The South Wales Evening Post, and a local radio station. During my time at the newspaper, I was allowed to work with experienced journalists and editors, assisting them with research, conducting interviews, and writing articles for publication. This experience taught me the importance of accuracy, objectivity, and the need to present balanced viewpoints. Additionally, at the radio station, I learned about the power of broadcast media and how it can be used to reach a wider audience and engage with listeners on a more personal level.

As a great believer in education, I see the role of the journalist as an educating force, an incredibly important one. The media has a responsibility to inform the public about current affairs and provide accurate and unbiased reporting. Through my work experience, I have seen firsthand how the media can influence public opinion and shape perceptions of different issues. I believe that journalists have a responsibility to provide truthful and accurate reporting, whilst also highlighting important social issues and driving change.

Outside of my academic routine, I have several hobbies and interests that keep me grounded and motivated. One of my favourite pastimes is reading, particularly books that explore different cultures and perspectives. I also enjoy running, which I find helps me to clear my mind and think creatively. By engaging in these hobbies, I can maintain a balanced lifestyle and stay connected with the world around me.

Throughout my academic career, I have strived to excel in all of my studies. During my secondary school years, I was one of the best students in my class, achieving high grades in all subjects. This has given me a strong foundation and the skills necessary to succeed in a career in journalism. Additionally, I have travelled around the world and visited 56 countries so far. This has allowed me to gain a wider perspective on different cultures and societies, which I believe will be invaluable in my future career.

I am excited to continue my education and pursue a career in journalism. I believe that my passion for education, my experience in the media, and my diverse interests and hobbies make me an excellent candidate for this field. I am committed to using my skills and talents to make a positive impact on society, and I look forward to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Recommended for further reading:

• How to Write a Personal Statement for a Master’s
• How to Write a Personal Statement for a PhD
• UCAS Personal Statement: A Writing Guide And Tips For Success
• Tips for Writing a Personal Statement for the University
• How to Write a Personal Statement That Stands Out
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Personal Statement Example For Journalism

I am driven by my passion for the English language and the power it holds to inform, engage and inspire people. With a deep-rooted affection for the written word and its ability to capture the essence of life, I have always been fascinated by how language has evolved. As a student of English Literature, History and Media Studies, I have been able to explore this evolution in detail and develop my unique voice as a writer.

Studying English has allowed me to think critically, analyse the techniques used by both fiction and non-fiction writers and express my ideas and opinions through a portfolio of work. Through this, I have learnt how to craft compelling narratives, convey complex ideas with clarity and precision, and engage readers through powerful storytelling. My studies in History and Media Studies have complemented my understanding of English, allowing me to appreciate the importance of context, perspective, and the role of media in shaping our understanding of the world around us.

Outside of academics, I am involved in many creative pursuits that allow me to develop my skills as a communicator and storyteller. I participate in a drama group, where I am honing my skills in characterisation, improvisation and public speaking. I am also working towards my Bronze Arts Award, which involves creating and performing a piece of original drama. Additionally, I enjoy playing the piano, which requires a large amount of patience, creativity and dedication – skills that I believe are essential for a successful journalist.

I am proud to have received Young Writers Award from my Secondary School, recognising my talent and dedication as a writer. These accolades have encouraged me to pursue a career in journalism, where I can use my skills to inform, educate and entertain readers on a wide range of topics. I am excited about the prospect of being able to tell stories that matter, whether it is through investigative journalism, features or opinion pieces.

My passion for the English language, combined with my academic pursuits and creative pursuits, have prepared me well for a career in journalism. I am eager to continue my journey as a writer and storyteller, and I believe that a degree in journalism will provide me with the knowledge, skills and experience needed to make a meaningful contribution to the world of media.

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• Personal Statements
• Journalism personal statement

Journalism Personal Statement Example

Sample statement.

If you want to apply to study Journalism at university then it’s almost a given that you’re good at writing but all good writers suffer from writer’s block occasionally, right?

For those of you that are struggling with a personal statement to study Journalism – here is our example to help you out:

Having developed a passion for writing at an early age my writing skills have evolved over the years and I now feel that a career in journalism is right for me. However, I am not prepared to rest on my laurels and I am always striving to further develop my writing skills.

I enjoy the challenge of conveying a story, event, or thought to a reader in an interesting, engaging, and easily understood way. I write my own blog and look forward to expanding my topic range when I reach university.

To expand my knowledge and skills in journalism I undertook a work experience placement at my local newspaper, The Waterside Herald, whilst I was at school. This gave me the chance to develop my writing skills to suit a journalistic style and to gain an in-depth insight into the daily life of a journalist.

Outside of school I enjoy travelling and hope that my love of travel will enable me to gain experience working for publications in other countries during summer breaks from university.

I am also a keen sports player and regular runner. As well as my academic goals I also hope to complete the London Marathon next year, something that I have been training towards for a number of months.

I look forward to the new challenges that life at university will bring and having the chance to learn new skills and build on my already high standards of writing and communication.

I hope that by studying journalism to degree level I will be able to gain an entry level position at a national newspaper such as The Guardian or The Times. I am also interested in pursuing television journalism as a possible career choice whilst at university.

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How to Write a Stand-Out Personal Statement for Your Graduate School Application

While deciding to embark on the path to graduate school is an exciting first step toward advancing your career, the application process can sometimes feel daunting and confusing.

One major part of the application that most schools require is a personal statement. Writing a personal statement can be an arduous task: After all, most people don’t necessarily enjoy writing about themselves, let alone at length.

A compelling personal statement, however, can help bring your application to the top of the admissions pile. Below, we’ve outlined what you need to know about crafting a personal statement to make your application shine.

What Is a Personal Statement?

The point of a personal statement is for the admissions board to gain a deeper understanding of who you are apart from your education and work experience. It explains why you’re the right fit for the program and a worthwhile applicant. It’s also an opportunity to highlight important factors that may not be readily available in the rest of your application.

A personal statement is different from a statement of purpose (if you’re asked for that as well). A statement of purpose will touch on your academic and career goals, as well as your past credentials. While those should also be discussed in your personal statement, it’s more about your life experiences and how they’ve shaped you and your journey to graduate school.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Writing a Personal Statement

Before you start crafting your essay, there are a few prompts you can ask yourself to help clarify what you want to accomplish.

• What are the key points you want to communicate about yourself?
• What personal characteristics or skills do you have that make you a strong candidate for this field?
• What exactly are your career goals, and how does graduate school play into them?
• What have you learned about this field already? When did you first choose to follow this path, and what do you enjoy about it?
• What do you think is important for the admissions board to know specifically about you?
• Are there any discrepancies or causes for concern in your application you need to address? For example, is there a career and schooling gap, or a low GPA at one point? This is the time to discuss whether a personal hardship may have affected your academics or career.
• Have you dealt with any unusual obstacles or difficulties in your life? How have they affected and shaped you?
• What sets you apart and makes you unique from other graduate school applicants?
• What factors in your life have brought you to where you are today?

Top Tips for Writing a Graduate School Personal Statement

Pick a few points to emphasize about yourself . Introduce yourself to the admissions board. Select key factors about your background that you want the university to know — elements that reveal what kind of person you are and demonstrate why you’re a strong candidate for the school and field of study.

Be very specific . Again, a personal statement is all about communicating what distinguishes you from other applicants. To accomplish that, you need to share specific anecdotes that underscore your statements. If you say you’re a strong leader, present an example of a time you’ve proven that skill through work, school or your personal life. These specific, personal stories provide a deeper understanding of who you are and prove your intentions.

Do your research . Demonstrate what attracted you to the program. If there is a specific faculty member or class that caught your attention, or another aspect of the program that greatly interests you, convey it. This shows you’ve truly researched the school and have a passion for the program.

“Whatever the topic may be, I would recommend writing in a manner that reflects or parallels the institution’s and/or department’s missions, goals and values,” said Moises Cortés, a graduate/international credentials analyst for the Office of Graduate Admission at USC .

Address any gaps or discrepancies . Explain any factors that may have impacted your academic career. If you had an illness or any other personal hardships that affected your grades or work, discuss them. If there is a discrepancy between your grades and your test scores, you can also take the time to go over any extenuating circumstances.

Strike the right tone . While it’s important to give readers a glimpse of your personality, avoid oversharing or revealing intimate details of your life experiences. You should also avoid making jokes or using humorous cliches. Maintain a professional tone throughout your writing.

Start strong and finish strong . As with any piece of writing, you want to draw in your readers immediately. Make sure to start off with an interesting and captivating introduction. Similarly, your conclusion should be a well-written, engaging finish to the essay that highlights any important points.

“ For a personal statement, I think the first and last paragraphs are most important and should always relate the program they are applying to their own experiences and ideas,” Hoon H. Kang, a graduate/international credential analyst with the Office of Graduate Admission, told USC Online.

Proofread, proofread and proofread again . We can’t emphasize enough the importance of rereading your work. Your personal statement is also an analysis of your writing skills, so ensure you have proper grammar and spelling throughout. In addition, we recommend having multiple people look over your statement before submission. They can help with the proofreading (a second person always catches a mistake the writer may miss), give advice about the statement’s structure and content, and confirm it’s the proper recommended length.

Once you’ve considered all of the above and reviewed and edited your personal statement to perfection, it’s time to submit and check off any remaining application requirements, including your resume and letters of recommendation .

Personal statements are arguably one of the most challenging aspects of applying to graduate school, so make sure to revel in this accomplishment and acknowledge your successes.

For more information, visit the  Office of Graduate Admission at USC  and explore  USC Online ’s master’s degrees, doctoral programs and graduate certificates.

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Personal Statement: Applying for a Journalism/Media Degree

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A question I am frequently asked is what exactly you should write on your personal statement when applying for a journalism/media course. Putting together a great statement can be a pretty stressful task as it is difficult to gage what exactly universities are looking for. However, all graduates have been through it and there is no reason why you cannot secure a place on the course of your choosing. Here are some of my top tips on what exactly you should be writing:

Enthusiasm and passion

For me, I think this is the most crucial element to any application. Demonstrate just how passionate and enthused you are about the course. Perhaps pinpoint an element or a module that you are most excited about and why. Showing that you genuinely want to be studying that course always looks great and will put you in good stead with the admissions officer. Cardiff in particular has a fantastic student media department with its own newspaper, magazine, radio, and TV station. Make reference to these and emphasise how eager you are to get involved, maybe even mentioning that you aspire to be the editor-in-chief of the magazine, or a presenter on the radio station. Universities are always looking for people that want to get stuck in so convey this well.

Relevant experience

If you have done any kind of writing, editing, blogging etc. outside of school then absolutely put this in. This will show that you are not only able to use your initiative, but that you have the ability to work independently and have great time-management – all essential skills when studying at higher education. If you don’t already have a blog GET ONE. This is possibly the most simple and easy way to get journalism experience where you can write whatever you like, whenever you like, and wherever you like.

Even if you don’t directly have experiences like this, any part time jobs or qualifications you have will also be great for your statement as each will bring with them a useful set of skills for university.

A recent news story that has caught your interest

If you want to study journalism, you of course have to be up-to-date with all the latest happenings of the world. Writing a small paragraph on something in the news that has captured your attention and why will make your statement stand-out and show that you engage with the news. Don’t be afraid to have an opinion and articulate your feelings about something you feel strongly about.

Future goals

Why is it you want to study journalism/media? What do you hope to do with the degree you are applying for? Express that studying the course is a stepping stone for you to get into your dream career and that you truly believe the university will be able to support and facilitate that goal.

Finally, no human being is defined purely by work. Tell the admissions officer exactly who you are and show some personality. What is it you enjoy doing at the weekend? Do you have a hobby? No matter how common or unusual it is, put it in! If you play a sport then there is bound to be a society for that at Cardiff so let them know that you are desperate to get involved. You want to make it clear to the university that there is so much more to you than just academia, and that you will be an all-round great student to have study with them.

Thank you, this helped so much

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Journalism Personal Statement Examples

• 1 Personal Statement Example Links
• 2 Career Opportunities
• 3 UK Admission Requirements
• 4 UK Earnings Potential For Journalists
• 5 Similar Courses in UK
• 6 UK Curriculum
• 7 Alumni Network

Personal Statement Example Links

• Personal Statement Example 1
• Personal Statement Example 2
• Personal Statement Example 3
• Personal Statement Example 4

Career Opportunities

A degree in journalism can open up a wide range of career opportunities in the media and communications industries.

Journalists can work in traditional print media such as newspapers, magazines, and journals, as well as in broadcast media such as radio and television. They can also pursue careers in digital media, including web-based news outlets, blogs, and social media.

Journalism graduates can also find employment in public relations, advertising, and marketing, where their knowledge of media and communication can be put to use. They may also work in other industries, such as education, politics, and business.

Journalists may specialize in a particular field, such as politics, business, sports, or entertainment. They may also pursue a career in investigative journalism, where they uncover stories that would otherwise remain hidden.

Journalism graduates may also pursue a career in teaching, either at the college or university level or in the public school system. They may also be employed in government and non-profit organizations, where they can use their skills to communicate important information to the public.

Finally, journalism graduates may pursue a career in freelance writing, where they can write for various publications and websites. This can be a great way to gain experience and build a portfolio.

👍 When writing a personal statement : Highlight your passion for the course, demonstrating your understanding of it. Use relevant personal experiences, coursework, or work history to showcase how these have fostered your interest and readiness for the course.

UK Admission Requirements

In order to be accepted into a university course in journalism, applicants must typically have achieved a minimum of a 2:2 undergraduate degree in a relevant subject, such as English, media or communications. Applicants may also be required to have achieved a minimum of a grade C in GCSE English and Maths.

In addition to academic qualifications, applicants may also be required to provide a portfolio of work, such as published articles, blog posts, or other writing samples. This is to demonstrate an aptitude for written communication and research skills.

In comparison to other courses, the entry requirements for a university course in journalism are generally quite high. This is due to the fact that the profession requires a high level of writing and research skills, as well as an understanding of the media industry.

UK Earnings Potential For Journalists

The average earnings for someone with a degree in journalism vary depending on the type of job they pursue and the location of the job. Generally, journalists with a degree can expect to earn an average salary of £25,000 to £35,000 per year. However, experienced journalists in major cities can earn significantly more.

In terms of trends in the job market, the demand for journalists is increasing in the digital age. With the rise of social media, the need for content creators and journalists to report on news and events is growing. Additionally, the demand for journalists in the broadcast and radio industry is also increasing.

Similar Courses in UK

Other university courses related to Journalism include Media and Communications, Creative Writing, and Media Studies.

Media and Communications focuses on the production and consumption of media, including television, radio, and digital media. It also covers topics such as public relations, advertising, and branding. Creative Writing is a course that focuses on the craft of writing, including fiction, non-fiction, and poetry.

It also covers topics such as narrative structure, character development, and editing. Media Studies is a course that focuses on the analysis of media and its effects on society, including topics such as media representation, media regulation, and media literacy.

The key differences between Journalism and these other courses are the focus and the skillset. Journalism focuses on reporting, researching, and writing stories for news outlets, while Media and Communications, Creative Writing, and Media Studies focus on the production and consumption of media, the craft of writing, and the analysis of media, respectively.

The skillset for Journalism includes interviewing, fact-checking, and storytelling, while the skillset for Media and Communications, Creative Writing, and Media Studies includes production, writing, and analysis, respectively.

UK Curriculum

The key topics and modules covered in a university course in journalism typically include:

1. Introduction to Journalism: This module introduces students to the fundamentals of journalism, including the history and ethics of the profession, the role of the journalist, and the different types of journalism.

2. News Writing and Reporting: This module focuses on the craft of news writing and reporting, including the basics of news gathering, interviewing, and writing for different media.

3. Digital Journalism: This module covers the use of digital media in journalism, including the use of social media, web-based tools, and other digital technologies.

4. Media Law and Regulation: This module covers the legal and regulatory framework for journalism, including the laws governing libel, privacy, and freedom of information.

5. Media Industries: This module examines the media industry, including the different types of media organizations, their economic models, and the challenges of the digital age.

6. Multimedia Storytelling: This module covers the use of multimedia in journalism, including the use of video, audio, and interactive media.

7. Practical Work: Most journalism courses include practical work, such as working on a student newspaper or website, or taking part in a work placement.

8. Research Methods: This module covers the basics of research methods, including how to design a research project, collect and analyse data, and write a research report.

Alumni Network

One notable alumni from the course of journalism is Christiane Amanpour, a CNN chief international correspondent, host of CNN International’s nightly interview program Amanpour, and Global Affairs Anchor of ABC News. She is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island and has been awarded numerous awards and honors for her work in journalism.

Christiane Amanpour has been a leader in the field of journalism, covering some of the most important news stories of our time. She has reported from war zones around the world, and has interviewed many world leaders. She has also been a strong advocate for press freedom and human rights.

The University of Rhode Island offers a variety of alumni events and networking opportunities for journalism alumni. These include the Journalism Alumni Networking Reception, which is held annually and provides alumni with the opportunity to meet and network with other alumni and faculty from the journalism program. The university also offers the Journalism Alumni Mentoring Program, which pairs current students with alumni to provide career advice and guidance.

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SOP for Journalism: How to Write a Statement of Purpose for Journalism, Mass Communication, or Media Studies?

Do you have a background in communication sciences, social sciences, or literature? Do you aspire to pursue an MA/MSc in Journalism and Mass Communication or Media Studies abroad? Writing an effective SOP plays a crucial role in the initial steps of the application process for some of the top media schools like Amsterdam, Southern California, and LSE.

Media schools assess capabilities like critical thinking and creativity through writing samples, along with communication skills evident in your portfolios. Similarly, the capabilities of an appropriate candidate are highlighted through your statement of purpose for journalism.

But how do you write an effective statement of purpose for a mass communication program? Connect with Yocket Counsellors , and they will help you with everything that comes along the way! Get personalized assistance on your SOP, LOR, and application process and get it all sorted.

Read ahead to understand the intricate facets of a good SOP for journalism.

How to Draft an SOP for Mass Communication, Journalism, and Media Studies?

To start writing your statement of purpose for a mass communication sample, brainstorm, free-write, and collect your thoughts. Your SOP should dive into relevant life experiences, academic and professional background (if applicable), career goals, co-curricular activities, volunteering/community involvement, and more. Get more information at Yocket’s SOP Builder.

So, refer to the effective guidelines given below to draft a stellar SOP for mass communication, journalism, and media studies programs:

Introduction

What motivated you to choose Journalism, Mass Communication, and Media Studies as your interests? What is the strongest experience that led you to choose this field? For example, a community event in your neighborhood was misrepresented in the media, or a progressive children’s campaign against abuse did not get any coverage in your national media. Depict how this formative experience provoked a thought for you and eventually translated into your passion for Journalism, Mass Communication, and Media Studies.

• Begin your introduction with an attention-grabbing experience that is evocative of your journey into the field.
• Alternatively, you can also begin with a research problem statement that you consider exploring in your future Journalism, Mass Communication, and Media Studies programs.
• This is because some programs directly seek an SOP for mass communication that is more of a research proposal than it is otherwise.

Second Paragraph

Building on the onset of interest in Journalism, Mass Communications, and Media Studies, discuss relevant academic and life experiences that have augmented this interest. How has each of these experiences impacted your thought process, streamlined it, or transformed it?

• Here, you can discuss relevant undergraduate experiences or courses in which you developed a particular interest.
• For example, you must have developed Journalism, Mass Communications, Media Studies, or Media Psychology.
• Touch upon a few course specifics and how these led you to develop your portfolio and inspired to work on projects relevant to these interests.
• You can discuss interesting projects you have worked on or relevant co-curricular experiences worth sharing. Make sure that your experiences align with your interest in the Journalism, Communications, and Media Studies program you’re applying for.

Third Paragraph

Have you faced any setbacks in your academics? You can mention that if you just made the cut or have fewer scores.

• Have you faced any other unique challenges or setbacks that have redefined your perspectives or interests?
• How did you overcome these challenges, and what is/are the positive outcomes of these experiences?
• It’s essential to reflect on the lessons from these experiences to underscore your resilience. To learn more about how to make your SOP stand out, schedule a free consultation call with Yocket’s experts. 

Fourth Paragraph

You can discuss extracurriculars in this paragraph. Remember that universities are interested in learning more than just academics. So, go ahead and speak about your hobbies, social work, volunteering, etc. here. You can also discuss workshops or certifications that you have taken to upgrade your skills.

Fifth Paragraph

If you have work experience, add it here. If you do not have work experience, you can also discuss your internship experiences, reflecting on your specific learnings and take-aways. Identify a knowledge gap or the need for you to go for an MA/MSc in Journalism, Communications, and Media Studies.

• How has the work experience/s influenced your career goals? Why do you wish to go for an MA/MSc in Journalism now?
• Define your short-term and long-term goals.
• How will the MA/MSc program in journalism or mass media from a specific design school help you achieve these goals?
• How does the program align with your areas of interest?

Your conclusion for a statement of purpose in mass communication or journalism needs to be equally engaging as your introduction.

• What capabilities do you have to contribute to the university?
• How can you be an asset to the university?
• What activities, clubs, sports, student associations, groups, etc, piqued your interest?
• What diverse experiences do you bring to your future graduate community?

Do’s and Don'ts of an SOP for Journalism, Mass Communication, and Media Studies

Your statement of purpose should be truthful, concise, engaging, and well-written. Remember that every experience that you present should be coherent and well-connected. This leaves no space for grey areas. Follow these dos and don'ts in the statement of purpose for the journalism sample.

Suggested: Common Mistakes in Writing SOPs and Application Essay

Skills to Include in Your SOP for Mass Communication, Journalism, and Media Studies

Your statement of purpose for a journalism sample should be in-depth and research-intensive. Journalism, communications, or media studies is a creative and fascinating field of study. From information design, campaign graphics, and digital entrepreneurship to filming, news production, and academia, the career opportunities are diverse.

Therefore, an SOP for journalism should portray these skills to make it unique and more appealing than the rest. Let’s check!

• Investigative Skills
• Through Knowledge
• Communication Skills
• Professionalism and Confidence
• Research Aptitude
• Academic/Research Writing Skills
• Knowledge of Platform Specialisation applying for (television, digital, print, and so on)
• Relevant Technologies/Software
• Experiential Mindset
• Critical Thinking
• Problem-solving

Suggested: Remove Your SOP Writing Fever!

SOP Requirements of Top Universities for Journalism, Mass Communications, and Media Studies

Most universities have a similar statement of purpose mass communication requirements as part of their respective applications. We’ve shortlisted a few top universities for MA/MSc in Journalism, Mass Communications, or Media Studies with their requirements.

1.  University of Amsterdam

If you are applying for an MA in Journalism, Communications, or Media Studies at the University of Amsterdam , follow these guidelines:

• What are your reasons for applying to the course?
• How will you contribute to your future classes and beyond?
• A succinct narrative of your background with emphasis on clearly defined academic and career goals.
• The SOP should focus on ideas rather than extensive background/personal information and should be forward-thinking in vision.
• Evidence of motivation for the proposed area of study.
• Applications to specializations within Media have specific prompts that need to be addressed in the SOP.

2.  London School of Economic and Political Science

The London School of Economic and Political Science requires a personal statement as part of an MSc in Journalism, Communications, and Media Studies.

• The personal statement should be 500 words.
• Elucidate your reasons for applying to the program and the university.
• What is your current creative practice or your Journalism, Communications, or Media Studies career, and how will this help you achieve your future career goals?
• If you cannot substantiate formal educational background or qualifications to apply to the program, describe relevant academic and professional experiences underscoring motivation to apply to the chosen Journalism, Communications, or Media Studies program.

3.  University of Southern California

The University of Southern California requires an SOP of 500 to 750 words in length. This statement should demonstrate the following aspects:

• Your interest in applying to the chosen program
• Clearly defined goals (in the program and after the program)
• What are the expected outcomes of the program, and how do these align with or help achieve your career aspirations?

Apart from these general instructions, SOPs for different specializations have unique requirements and different word limits.

From the Desk of Yocket

However, the SOP writing style for most countries remains the same. But in the case of a program-specific statement of purpose for Journalism/Mass Communication/Media Studies, you can re-engineer the original draft to suit the University/program requirements.

We understand that writing an SOP can be daunting. But don’t worry, Yocket is here to help you comprehend the nuances of an actionable SOP in terms of the format and guidelines. Therefore, choose Yocket Premium and bring your educational dream to life. Our counsellors are transparent with the rules, cooperative, and provide unique services. Become a Yocketeer and make your study abroad journey a hassle-free ride!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the accepted word count for an MA/MSc in Journalism, Communication, and Media Studies SOP?

Keep the length of the SOP for journalism within 800-1000 words. However, universities abroad have word counts defined as part of the online applications.

What can lead a statement of purpose for mass communication to be rejected right away?

Plagiarism and poor syntax can get your SOP for mass communication rejected.

What is the best writing style for a Journalism and Mass Communication or Media Studies SOP?

Conversational writing keeps the narrative engaging. So, write your SOP effectively maintaining a positive tone.

How many SOPs to write for Journalism and Mass Communication or Media Studies?

Each university requires a separate and original SOP. Hence, you need to write a different statement of purpose for the mass communication sample for every university applying to. Along with SOP, Universities require program-specific writing samples as part of applications.

How to save and submit your SOP for mass communication and journalism?

SOPs have to be uploaded in PDF as part of the applications. This makes your SOP look professional and eliminates the possibility of any formatting inconsistencies. Universities may also provide forms to paste contents of SOP as part of applications with or without the option to upload it.

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How To Write A Personal Statement For Masters (17 PDF Sample Examples)

Published: 14 Mar 2022 Study Abroad 103,056 views

A personal statement for masters program is one of the most important parts of your college application and writing a good one is what’s the exception between receiving an offer and being rejected.

If you’ve been tasked with presenting a personal statement, you should keep in mind that whatever you submit must put you forward as the right candidate for the course. Additionally, it should convince the admissions officers that you deserve a place on your program of study.

Achieving the above, is a skill most postgraduate students are yet to acquire but thankfully this article on How To Write A Personal Statement For Masters covers everything you need to know on doing this.

In this article you’ll learn:

• What is a personal statement?
• Tips for making your personal statement for masters stand out
• How to write a personal statement for masters
• Personal statement for masters sample
• Examples of personal statement for masters
• Conclusion – things to avoid when writing a personal statement for masters

Read:  Admission Interview Tips .

What Is a Personal Statement?

A personal statement AKA admissions or application essay or statement of purpose is a type of essay or written statement a candidate presents to a college, university, or graduate school they are applying to, explaining why they want to attend that school, study a particular course, and why they would be a perfect fit for these things.

A personal statement for masters is an essay you submit specifically for your postgraduate application. Writing one presents the opportunity for you to promote yourself to a school and show the admissions teachers that you are the perfect candidate for a course.

Tips For Making Your Personal Statement For Masters Stand Out

Before we get into how you should write a statement of purpose for masters, we would first like to share with you certain tips to include in your essay to make it stand out from that of other applicants and be convincing enough to any admissions officer that reads it. The tips we have mentioned here, cover general things like starting and ending your personal statement, timing, length, and what to include and what not to include in the essay, etc.

1. Starting And Ending A Personal Statement

When starting a personal statement, you would want to right off the bat grab the reader’s attention. To do this, start the statement by writing about your degree of choice, next why you want to study it and then how you got interested in it.

The next 2 sentences after that should cover a summary of your background in the chosen field, and you conclude by saying what you plan to do once you acquire your graduate degree.

Also start with that the evaluators reading want to hear first, then every other information should come second. You will notice we’ve used in the sop examples for masters we will share with you later in this article.

2. Plan Ahead

A personal statement is not something you rush while writing, which means if you want to get something good before you application then you must start to decide things like the length and how long it should take to complete.

Let us throw more light on this…

For length, a personal statement should be brief ranging somewhere between 500 -700 words, although schools often detect how long it should be. So, this is dependent on the institution you are applying to.

In terms of what to say in a statement, you could include personal experiences like why you were driven to apply for the program, an experience you had with a scholar in your chosen discipline, a course you took that inspired you to pursue masters, or a key moment during your studies which further motivated you.

No matter what you decide to write, just keep in mind that you need to take your time to craft something good even if it means creating several drafts before the real thing and do not forget to proofread the statement for errors.

3. Research Your Program Of Study

Researching your program of study is one way to establish that you truly understand the discipline you’re getting into and prove to the admissions officer that you thoroughly thought about it before applying.

And because you want to put yourself forward as a serious candidate, one way to make you research easier is for you to visit the website of the department you are applying to. This page will contain information about faculty members, their specialisation, and publications.

From the intel, you gathered there you can now identify which professors match your interests and which ones you will benefit the most from learning under. After you’ve found this out, relate the same in a sentence or two in your statement of purpose for masters.

Example: “I would be honoured to study under the tutelage of Professor Nadia whose work I found resonated strongly with my beliefs and intended projects in this course”.

4. Avoid Clichés, Junks, And Many Details

When writing a statement of purpose for master degree try to avoid clichés, junks, and unnecessary details so that you don’t lose or bore your readers in between. Be as concise as possible, even if it’s your chance to express yourself.

A personal statement is an opportunity for the admissions committee to get information that tells the that you are suitable for the course. So, when you overpower your statement with too many words, stories, and useless details, you come off as someone who is just trying to meet the word count.

5. Include Your Personal History Only If It Adds To The Statement

Do not include your personal history in your statement of intent for masters if it is not relevant to your purpose of study. This means no need for you to tell that story about that time you helped someone treat a cut and immediately realised that you wanted to be a doctor or nurse or how you developed a taste for reading at a very young age.

We can guarantee you that the hundreds of other applications competing for the same spot you are felt the same way, so saying those things really doesn’t make you unique.

On the other hand, if you are going to add personal history to your statement, you can put in things like an internship you did and the experience you got from the job, a major research project you ran by yourself, publications you’ve read or published, conferences you’ve attended or presentations you’ve done. These experiences are more concrete and are directly related to your program of study. They also set you apart from other applicants.

6. Don't Use The Same Personal Statement For All Your Applications

One common mistake applicant make that you shouldn’t is using the same statement of purpose for master degree for all your applications. Using the same information repeatedly even if you are going to change the university names is risky and could land you in a big mistake on a day you forget to be thorough.

All programmes have their own unique set of questions they want to see answered and information they need in your personal statement.

And even if some of them like extracurricular activities, proposal for project, why you are applying to the school, your unique qualities, and research works you’re doing might appear the same, do not use one statement to respond to all of them.

Write a new unique personal statement every time you want to apply.

Check out:  How to Write a Good CV for Students - Resume Examples for Students (PDF).

How To Write A Personal Statement for Masters

When writing a personal statement for masters there are several steps and ground rules you need to follow to ensure that it comes out good enough to impress the admissions team of a school, and ultimately convince them to give you a spot on your program of study.

If writing one is something you are currently struggling with and can’t seem to get down the process of it right no matter what, this section on how to write a personal statement for masters, discusses in detail everything you need to get help with yours.

There are 4 parts to consider when writing your personal statement and we have listed them below:

1. Planning A Personal Statement

A personal statement is a piece of writing showing your academic interests and is only for application purposes which means there is no room for any autobiographical information in it about your personal life. Be as to-the-point as possible when writing it and stick to telling the school why you are the right person for the course, plus any other extra information detailing your achievements.

Before You Start:

Allot plenty of time to write your msc personal statement so that you don’t rush it. Remember, this simple piece of writing is your one shot at convincing a school that you are the best applicant they’ve seen and as such can either make or break your application.

Read the information expected of you from the university, rules and guidelines given, selection criteria and understand what they mean. Also research the institution.

Do a thorough research on the course you are applying for; this will help you explain better why you want to study it. The tutors interviewing you can tell when you are lying and presenting yourself as uninformed can cost you the admission.

Ensure that you don’t use the same personal statement for all your applications.

When Writing:

When writing the statement there are some questions to ask yourself that can help you plan it better. Those questions are:

• Why you want to study a master’s and how does it benefit you in future?
• How does the course you have chosen fit into your pre-existing skill set?
• How do you stand out from the crowd as an applicant - e.g., work experiences you’ve had in the same field you are applying for?
• What do you aspire to do or be as a future career and how will the course help you achieve that?
• How can your work or skillsets contribute positively to the department/ university you are applying to, or society at large?

On the other hand, if you are applying for the masters to change from the field you studied in your undergraduate to another field, you should tell the school why you decided to take a different path in your studies.

Questions to ask yourself for this include:

• Your reason for deciding to change your discipline.
• How your undergraduate degree will be material for bringing fresh insights into your masters course.
• How changing your study path will help you attain your future career.

2. Structuring A Personal Statement

Having good structure for your personal statement for master degree is important because it ensures that everything from the beginning, middle, and ending of the statement is written and equally falls in place perfectly.

We’ve left some tips for you below to help you:

Start your personal statement with an attention-grabbing introduction that is not dramatic or cliché. That means you should not begin with any of these over-used phrases we’ve listed out below:

For as long as I remember…

Since my childhood…

I want to apply to this course because I’ve always felt a strong connection to it…

All my life, I have always loved…

My interest in (course) always ran deeper than…

I’ve always been zealous about…

Ever since I was a child, I’ve always wanted to pursue a career in…

My past educational experiences have always…

You would want to be as snappy as possible with your opening because the admission officer has over a hundred applications to read and can’t waste all their time on yours. This means you should avoid overpowering it with unnecessary facts, quotes, and stories from your life.

The middle part of your ma personal statement is where the main content of the write-up should be. This is where you show your dedication to the course you’ve chosen, what motivated you to choose it, and why you are the right candidate for it.

When writing the middle part of a graduate personal statement, you should:  

• Give concrete reasons why you want to study a course at the University. The reason could be because of how the course is aligned to your future career or the University’s reputation in teaching that program.
• Mention relevant things like projects, dissertations, or essays you’ve done, and any work experience you have.
• Show proof of your core skills like and how they can contribute to the department.
• Prove what makes you a unique candidate.
• Discuss who your main influences for wanting to study the course are and why.
• Add experiences like memberships to clubs that are related to your field, papers you’ve written before, awards, scholarships, or prizes.
• Draw focus to how the course links to your past and future.
• Mention your academic and non-academic skills and how they fit the course.

For Formatting:

• Keep the statement length between 250 -500 words or as directed by the school.
• Sentences should be no more than 25-30 words.
• Use headings to break up the content – Why this university? Why this subject? Etc.
• Make claims and provide evidence to back each of them up. This can be done by discussing your work experience and academic interests.

Language and tone to use:     

• The tone for your masters application personal statement should be positive and enthusiastic, to show you eagerness to learn and so that you convince the evaluators that you have what it takes to succeed.
• Use exciting and refreshing language, and an engaging opening line.
• Ensure you grammar, punctuations, and spellings are accurate.
• Avoid exaggerated claims you cannot backup.
• Don’t use cliché generic terms and keep your focus on the course.

Keep the ending of your essay for master degree application concise and memorable, leaving no doubt in the admission officers mind that you deserve a spot on the program.

To create the best ending summarise all your key points without dragging it our or repeating yourself. The ending should be simple, end on a positive note and make it clear that the school will be lucky to have you on their program.

Personal Statement for Masters Sample

In this section, we have left a masters personal statement example for you, which you can use as material to write yours for any course of study you are applying to a school for.

Personal Statement PDF

You can also download this statement of purpose sample for masters degree pdf here and take your time to read it later – Personal Statement For Masters Sample .

See Also:  Student CV Template .

Examples of Personal Statement for Masters

We have taken the time to source for some of the best postgraduate personal statement examples, which you can use in addition to the personal statement for masters program example as a template to write yours.

While you scroll through our list, you will find the perfect masters essay example for any field you wish to apply for, from business administration, to Psychology, to information technology, and lots more.

1. msw personal statement

We have found one of the best msw personal statement examples out there for you.

social work masters personal statement .  

2. personal statement for masters in public health

mph personal statement examples

3. personal statement for masters in management

Personal statement for master degree sample for masters in management .  , 4. personal statement for masters in education example.

personal statement for masters in education example

5. psychology masters personal statement

psychology masters personal statement example

6. sample personal statement for masters in data science data science masters personal statement

7. speech and language therapy personal statement statement of purpose for masters sample: speech and language therapy

8. business administration personal statement personal statement for masters in business administration

9. personal statement for masters in cyber security pdf masters degree personal statement examples for cyber security

10. personal statement for masters in finance msc finance personal statement examples

11. statement of purpose for masters in information technology pdf msc personal statement examples for information technology

12. international development personal statement statement of purpose for masters example

13. msc international business management personal statement international business management personal statement examples

14. computer science masters personal statement

statement of purpose for masters in computer science pdf

15. personal statement for masters in economics statement of purpose sample for masters degree in economics

16. mha personal statement statement of purpose format for masters in health administration    

Conclusion – Things to Avoid When Writing A Personal Statement For Masters When writing a personal statement for university masters, there are some things you should avoid, so that you don’t ruin your essay. We have listed out those things below: •    Avoid negativity. •    Following an online template blindly. •    Do not include unnecessary course modules, personal facts, or extra-curricular activities in your personal statement. •    Do not lie or exaggerate an achievement or event. •    Do not include inspirational quotes to your statement. •    Avoid using clichés, gimmicks, humour, over-used word such as 'passion' or ‘driven’. •    Do not make pleading statements. •    Avoid mentioning key authors or professors in your field without any explanation. •    Avoid using sentences that are too long. •    Avoid flattering the organisation or using patronising terms. •    Do not repeat information in your statement that you have already listed in your application. •    Avoid waffling i.e., writing at length. •    Don’t start writing your personal statement at the last minute.  

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How to Write a Good Financial Aid Appeal Letter (13 PDF Sample Examples).

How to Write a Good Personal Statement for a Scholarship ( 7 PDF Sample Examples).

How To Write A Good Motivation Letter For Scholarship (4 PDF Sample Examples).

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How To Apply Successfully For A Journalism Masters In The UK

December 16, 2022 (Updated December 21, 2023 )

For many of us, our last memory of applying to a university course probably involves UCAS — and you were probably pretty peeved when it destroyed all the formatting for your personal statement. You’ll be happy to know the process of applying for a journalism masters degree goes nowhere near that website.

However, if you are thinking about applying for a postgraduate course in journalism, you will need to put together an application that involves multiple parts. We spoke to the lecturers who sift through your applications and the students who’ve successfully applied to work out how to stand the best chance of snagging a place.

Is A Masters In Journalism Worth It?

Before you even think about putting in an application, it’s worth taking the time to work out if an MA in journalism is the right route for you and which one would suit you best. Research is key — City, University of London’s journalism department, for example, offers 10 different options , so it’s well worth taking the time to see which course fits you.

Don’t just assume you know what each individual course will entail. Instead, take the time to understand the knowledge and skills you will learn during each course, and think about whether those are suited to your interests and passions.

One example is how City’s International Journalism course isn’t a programme only for international students but is a course designed for students aiming to become foreign correspondents or hoping to work on a foreign news desk — a common misconception made by those who haven’t looked at the course information in detail.

Jason Bennetto, City’s senior lecturer in Magazine Journalism , recommends attending an open day if possible — you can see upcoming dates at City here , as well as what they involve. As well as being able to meet course tutors, students and alumni, and see the facilities, it’s an excellent place to ask a tonne of questions: Ask how much practical experience you’ll get, what kinds of guest lectures you can expect, and where alumni have ended up working. Some universities will also offer ‘virtual’ open evenings too — at City, there’s offer both a virtual open evening in April , as well as a session about journalism skills and jobs that’s open to all on January 31, 2024.

Many universities will also offer remote event options for those who can’t make it in person too — and we can’t stress enough how useful they are to understanding the resources open to you and the people you’ll be working with.

Asking where alumni work is one of the best questions to ask of potential courses. Rather than just telling you how many of their past students are in work, it gives an insight into the types of places you could end up working, where the course has industry links, and what kind of relationships they have with their alumni.

At City, University of London, more than 6,000 alumni are now working in respected positions within the industry, from newspapers and magazines, to broadcast and digital positions. Names  you may have heard of include:

• Sunday Times columnist Dolly Alderton (Magazine Journalism, 2010)

• Author and broadcaster Gary Younge (Newspaper Journalism, 1993)

• BBC political editor Chris Mason (Broadcast Journalism, 2002)

• Former gal-dem editor and New York Times journalist Charlie Brinkhurst–Cuff (Newspaper Journalism, 2016)

• Fay Schlesinger, head of national news at  The Guardian.

You can see even more alumni by looking through their annual  XCity magazine here and more about their courses here .

What Are Courses Looking For In Applicants?

According to City’s senior lecturer in Magazine Journalism, Jason Bennetto, anyone who has a genuine passion and commitment to becoming a journalist should consider applying for a MA in Journalism at the university.

“We want people who want to be journalists and like asking questions,” explains Bennetto, when asked the kind of things they look for in applications. But he also urges people to be open about what they still need to learn.

“People with lots of ideas, who are curious about other people and world events, who are prepared to work hard and learn. But we aren’t looking for the finished article — remember, you come on the course so we can help you become a fantastic journalist.”

Zahera Harb, the head of City University’s MA International Journalism course, agrees. “If you are thinking of applying for a MA course in International Journalism, ask yourself if you really are interested in the news. You need to be up to date with what’s happening in the world to be a journalist. If you are curious, you should apply. If you’re not someone who reads, watches the news, or surfs online for news — or if you feel disconnected with that word — then perhaps this profession is not for you.”

In short, you want your application to show curiosity about the world, how you consume the news yourself, and that you’re open and willing to learn more.

“We offer support services and allowances to applicants with mental and physical health conditions,” Bennetto adds. “For example, we can offer extra time and support for students with dyslexia or dyspraxia. The campus also has wheelchair access and has catered for students with visual impairments. As with all our students, we always strive to make sure everyone is comfortable and looked after.”

What Do I Need To Apply For A Postgraduate Journalism Degree?

Aside from your mindset and personal statement, courses will typically ask you to submit your academic record, proof of proficiency in English if it is your second language, as well as proof of any journalism work experience to date. The exact requirements will vary from university to university and even course to course, so do check what you need before you sit down to apply.

“The requirements [at City] are a good second-class undergraduate degree or above in any subject,” says Bennetto. “We also welcome applications if you have relevant experience but without this level. And we have had people who have studied everything from humanities to maths, and even law.”

In addition, applicants should have an IELTS academic test of 7 and above, or an equivalent certificate in English if they graduated from a country where English isn’t an official language. A personal statement, proof of an undergraduate degree, and a CV will also be needed for the application. Finally, applicants must demonstrate having an interest or practice in journalism, best shown by already having completed work experience or similar.

“The latter is because we want evidence that students have genuinely thought about journalism by gaining some experience,” Bennetto explains. “Typically, people have worked on a student magazine, website, or radio station.

“They may have even gained work experience on local websites or professional publications — but working for a professional outlet isn’t necessary. We simply want to see you are curious about the world and have already shown a commitment to journalism.”

“Applicants sometimes refrain from applying altogether because they feel they don’t have enough work experience,” explains Harb. If you feel this way, she advises spending a week or two experience building before you apply. It doesn’t have to be a huge amount and is another reason to start thinking about your application early.

“If you do want to become a journalist, then engage with journalism by writing a blog or pitching to local or student media before you start your application.”

As previously mentioned, every course will have slightly different requirements for applications. But, as a rule, most will include a short written exercise. Depending on what is required and the student, applications can take from one day to a few weeks to put together.

On City’s MA Magazine Journalism , for example, students are asked to interview someone of interest in their local area and write a 250-word article based on the interview. The idea is to see if the applicant can find someone to interview, talk to them, and put it all together in a cohesive article, like they would have to in a newsroom.

Applications for City’s journalism courses are now open and run until the start of the next academic year — but early applications are encouraged.

They offer 10 courses tailored courses, all giving up-to-the-minute industry insights and access to specialist journalism facilities developed in consultation with BBC and ITN experts.

• MA Broadcast Journalism • MA Digital and Social Journalism • MA Global Financial Journalism • MA International Journalism • MA Investigative Journalism • MA Journalism, Media, and Globalisation (Erasmus Mundus) • MA Magazine Journalism • MA Newspaper Journalism • MA Podcasting • MA Television Journalism

You can find details on their Postgraduate Open Evenings on their website , as well as a virtual event in April and a journalism skills session in January .

A regular mistake made when applying is students not following instructions, warns Bennetto. People leave out things like their personal statement or the short written piece that many courses require, or they provide far too much information. “Remember, accuracy is important in journalism, so I recommend sticking to the course application brief on our website and making sure someone else checks your application for grammatical errors,” he says.

What Is The Deadline For Postgraduate Applications?

While most masters courses do not carry a specific deadline for applications, the recommendation is to start your application as early as possible — this will give you time to ensure your application ticks off all the requirements for your particular course, and that you have work experience to demonstrate your commitment to journalism.

Archie Earle, 23, a student in MA Newspaper Journalism at City, began his application in May, giving him time to consider his application assignments. “I spent three weeks on the application which involved a brief personal statement of 200 words and an interview with someone in the local community.”

Though we don’t necessarily recommend it, there are also applicants for whom taking a risk with time has paid off. Hridika Nandra, 22, completed her Master’s application in one day.

“After submitting my application, I heard from them the next day to arrange an interview. From then, it only took 48 hours to receive my official unconditional offer for the course!”

What To Write In A Personal Statement For A Masters

Whatever course you’re applying for, the chances are they’ll want a personal statement. The purpose is to introduce yourself to the course leaders, helping them to learn more about you and to get a snapshot of your background, experience, and motivation. In addition, it should show why you want to be a journalist and why you have chosen the university to undertake your particular programme.

“Be honest and straightforward,” Bennetto advises. “Address your chosen MA and tell us why you want to come to City to study that specific course. Demonstrate those things with examples of the work experience or other relevant work.”

Harb adds, “A common mistake is when students write one personal statement for a string of applications. Make sure you show us why you are interested in this specific course — and in us as a university.”

Almost all courses ask for a statement that gives a snapshot of why you want to apply for that specific course.

You’ll also be asked to provide proof of your academic records — such as a degree transcript from your previous institution.

This could be writing your own blog or curating an Instagram page, student media, or something more formal.

Some courses will ask you to complete an additional test to show your skills, like a short news piece.

Earle gave us a look into his personal statement: “I used my 200-word personal statement to talk about how I had wanted to be a journalist for a long time and how, since studying Politics and International Relations as my undergraduate degree, I had got experience at a student magazine and gone on to work on the data desk at the Times and Sunday Times.”

Nandra also demonstrated how a personal statement doesn’t have to be long-winded to be effective. “My personal statement was less than a page and included four paragraphs summarising my interest in journalism. The first outlined my work as an undergraduate student in Psychology and Consumer Marketing, and how the skills from the course could apply in a journalism setting.

“I then ran through my previous experience in a TV presenter role for britasiatv, such as covering the Commonwealth Games and going to red-carpet events. I didn’t just list what I had done, but also the skills I had learnt and show that applied to journalism. Finally, I explained why I looked forward to learning at City and why I had chosen the course I had.”

What Happens After The Application?

After you submit your application, it will then be sent for review by the team at your chosen university.

If your application ticks most of the boxes, you will typically take at least a month to receive an email offering you a one-on-one interview with your course leader , which will either be conducted in person or via Zoom.

Alternatively, some courses may offer you a place straight away. You can find out more about what to expect during an MA course interview here .

And as we promised, no UCAS was involved whatsoever.

Wherever you are in the world, on any given day you are likely to see, hear or read journalism from graduates of  City’s Department of Journalism .

Each year hundreds of people from diverse backgrounds apply to us who want the best education to enable them to get a great job in the media.

Here at City, we provide an intense and highly focused education to help you acquire the up-to-date journalism skills needed to enter your chosen area of the media.

Writing Your Personal Statements

Your personal statement must demonstrate to the admissions committee that you have considered graduate school and their specific program seriously. It’s your opportunity to summarize your academic and research experiences. You must also communicate how your experiences are relevant to preparing you for the graduate degree that you will be pursuing and explain why a given program is the right one for you.

The personal statement is where you highlight your strengths. Make your strengths absolutely clear to the reviewers, because they will often be reading many other statements. Your self-assessments and honest conversations with peers and advisors should have also revealed your strengths. But you must also address (not blame others for) weaknesses or unusual aspects of your application or academic background.

Your personal statement should focus on two main aspects: your competence and commitment.

1. Identify your strengths in terms of competence that indicate that you will succeed in the grad program and provide examples to support your claims. Start your statement by describing your strengths immediately. Because faculty will be reading many statements, it’s important to start off with your strengths and not “bury your lede.” Consider traits of successful graduate students from your informational interviews, and identify which of these traits you have. These traits could involve research skills and experiences, expertise in working with techniques or instruments, familiarity with professional networks and resources in your field, etc.

• Check your responses from the exercises in the self-assessment section. You may wish to consult notes from your informational interviews and your Seven Stories . Write concise summaries and stories that demonstrate your strengths, e.g. how your strengths helped you to achieve certain goals or overcome obstacles.
• Summarize your research experience(s). What were the main project goals and the “big picture” questions? What was your role in this project? What did you accomplish? What did you learn, and how did you grow as a result of the experience(s)?

My research examines the interplay between U.S. domestic politics and foreign policy during the Cold War. As a native New Yorker, I saw firsthand how dramatically my city changed after 9/11, which prompted my early interest in U.S. policy at home and abroad. As an undergraduate at the City College of New York, I planned to study international relations with a focus on U.S. foreign affairs. I also quickly became involved in student activist groups that focused on raising awareness about a wide range of human rights issues, from the Syrian refugee crisis to asylum seekers from Central America.

The more I learned about the crises in the present, the more I realized that I needed a deeper understanding of the past to fully grasp them. I decided to pursue a PhD in history in order to gain a clearer understanding of human rights issues in the present and to empower young student-activists like myself.

— Vannessa Velez, PhD candidate in History

Addressing weaknesses or unusual aspects

• Identify weaknesses or unusual aspects in your application—e.g., a significant drop in your GPA during a term; weak GRE scores; changes in your academic trajectory, etc. Don’t ignore them, because ignoring them might be interpreted as blind spots for you. If you’re unsure if a particular issue is significant enough to address, seek advice from faculty mentors.
• Explain how you’ll improve and strengthen those areas or work around your weakness. Determine how you will address them in a positive light, e.g., by discussing how you overcame obstacles through persistence, what you learned from challenges, and how you grew from failures. Focusing on a growth mindset  or grit  and this blog on weaknesses might also help.
• Deal with any significant unusual aspects later in the statement to allow a positive impression to develop first.
• Explain, rather than provide excuses—i.e., address the issue directly and don’t blame others (even if you believe someone else is responsible). Draft it and get feedback from others to see if the explanation is working as you want it to.
• Provide supporting empirical evidence if possible. For example, “Adjusting to college was a major step for me, coming from a small high school and as a first-generation college student. My freshman GPA was not up to par with my typical achievements, as demonstrated by my improved  GPA of 3.8 during my second and third years in college."
• Be concise (don’t dwell on the issues), but also be complete (don’t lead to other potentially unanswered questions). For example, if a drop in grades during a term was due to a health issue, explain whether the health issue is recurring, managed now with medication, resolved, etc.

2. Explain your commitment to research and their graduate program, including your motivation for why you are applying to this graduate program at this university. Be as specific as possible. Identify several faculty members with whom you are interested in working, and explain why their research interests you.

• Descriptions of your commitment should explain why you’re passionate about this particular academic field and provide demonstrations of your commitment with stories (e.g., working long hours to solve a problem, overcoming challenges in research, resilience in pursuing problems). Don’t merely assert your commitment.
• Explain why you are applying to graduate school, as opposed to seeking a professional degree or a job. Discuss your interest and motivation for grad school, along with your future career aspirations.

I am definitely not your traditional graduate student. As a biracial (Native American and white), first-generation PhD student from a military family, I had very limited guidance on how best to pursue my education, especially when I decided that graduate school was a good idea. I ended up coming to this PhD in a very circuitous manner, stopping first to get a JD and, later, an MFA in Young Adult Literature. With each degree, I took time to work and apply what I’d learned, as a lawyer and as an educator. Each time, I realized that I was circling around questions that I couldn’t let go of—not just because I found them to be fascinating, but because I did (and still do!) feel that my research could help to bridge a gap that desperately needs bridging. Because my work is quite interdisciplinary, I strongly feel that I wouldn’t have been able to pursue this line of research without the degrees and life experience I gained before coming to this program.

— Jamie Fine, PhD candidate in Modern Thought and Literature

Statement of Purpose: subtle aspects

• Think in terms of engaging faculty in a conversation rather than pleading with them that you should be admitted. Ask reviewers to read drafts with this concern in mind.
• With later drafts, try developing an overall narrative theme. See if one emerges as you work.
• Write at least 10 drafts and expect your thinking and the essay to change quite a bit over time.
• Read drafts out loud to help you catch errors.
• Expect the "you' that emerges in your essay to be incomplete. . . that’s OK.
• You’re sharing a professional/scholarly slice of "you."
• Avoid humor (do you really know what senior academics find funny?) and flashy openings and closings. Think of pitching the essay to an educated person in the field, but not necessarily in your specialty. Avoid emotionally laden words (such as "love" or "passion"). Remember, your audience is a group of professors! Overly emotional appeals might make them uncomfortable. They are looking for scholarly colleagues.

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