how to write a personal statement for a research project

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How to Develop a Personal Statement for Research

• To share your interest and enthusiasm for the specific work you are applying to do
• To demonstrate what you can contribute to the program to which you are applying
• To state the specific lab you want to work in and why
• To state your professional goals and what or how you hope to contribute to this program

First Steps

• Read the personal statement question carefully and analyze what it is asking for
• Visualize your audience: will this be read by a scientist? A physician? An administrator?
• Make yourself as desirable to the selector as possible while being honest about yourself
• Your research interests as they relate to the work you are applying for
• Year of study and current major, related academic and career goals, impressive academic credentials

Experience in the Field

• Any special connection to this work such as prior experience or family background
• Something unique about your research interests or an idea that fuels your own research interests.

Your Proposed Contributions to the Program and Benefits of the Program to You

• Personal qualities that would benefit the program, demonstrated through examples
• What you can do for them; what you seek to gain from the opportunity
• How this specific work fits into your academic and research goals

Writing and Mechanics

Correct usage conveys your attention to detail

• Use strong word choices, particularly verbs and adjectives
• Use the more powerful "I am," rather than "I have always been"
• Make positive statements: "I have experience in…" not "I don't have experience in x, but do have…”
• Craft clear, engaging opening and closing sentences
• Check that the opening statement is supported in the body and consistent with the closing statement
• Organize the statement so it flows from sentence to sentence and paragraph to paragraph
• Proofread for grammar, spelling, paragraph breaks, and correct punctuation

Ask Yourself

• Does this statement show my interest in this specific program , or could it be sent to any program?
• Does this statement describe me specifically, or could any good student in my field use this?

Additional Suggestions:

• Reread the personal statement multiple times out loud for clarity, logic, and flow
• Have someone else read the statement. Ask someone at the Center for Career Opportunities .
• Share your finished personal statement with the faculty member writing your recommendations
• Limit the statement to one and a half to two pages with at least one and a half spacing
• Include a header with your name on each page, which will be numbered as well
• Restating the question/topic
• Rewriting your transcript or resume
• Clichés such as "to make the world a better place"; instead, explain exactly how such a lofty goal will be achieved
• Providing unrelated information, e.g., explaining when you learned you were not interested in computers
• Using phrases like "this opportunity will be fun and interesting for me"; focus on what you can contribute
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How to Draft Personal Statement for Research

Table of Contents

When applying for a research program, having an effective personal statement can make the difference between acceptance and rejection. Writing your statement is important, so it’s essential to ensure that you get it right. To help you out, we’ve compiled some examples of personal statement for research program from successful applicants.

These examples will give you a better understanding of what makes a compelling personal statement. Learn how to craft one that stands out from other applicants. 

What Is a Personal Statement for Research Program?

A personal statement is a written summary of your background, experience, and qualifications . These are used to demonstrate why you are the best candidate for a research program.

It should be concise, and straightforward and focus on pertinent information such as your academic results, study abroad experiences, or even previous research projects. Your personal statement should be to the research program you’re applying for and highlight why you are the ideal candidate. 

What to Include in Personal Statement Examples for Research Program

When writing your statement, it’s important to remember that the primary focus should be on what you can bring to the research program. Include information about any relevant courses or research experiences and any awards or honors you have received.

Additionally, mention any skills you possess that may be useful for the role such as analytical and problem-solving abilities. 

It’s also a good idea to discuss your motivation and enthusiasm for the research program in question. This will show that you are truly passionate about pursuing the project. Giving examples of potential ideas or directions of inquiry is another excellent way to demonstrate your interest and knowledge in the field. 

Importance of Personal Statement for a Research Program

Your statement is a significant opportunity to showcase your skills and make a good impression on the admissions’ committee. An effective statement will demonstrate that you are qualified, enthusiastic, and driven to succeed in the research program. It should be to the research program, highlighting why you are the ideal candidate.

How to Write a Personal Statement for Research Program

When writing your personal statement for a research program, it’s essential to keep the focus on you and what makes you an ideal candidate. Remember to be concise and provide clear examples of experiences demonstrating your passion for the subject. Additionally, use specific language to showcase your field knowledge and emphasize any awards or honors you have received. Finally, proofread your statement for any mistakes before submitting it. 

Tips for Writing a Successful Personal Statement

Personal statement examples for a research program.

This student demonstrated her commitment to pursuing a career in research through her focus on academics and passionate interest in the subject area.

She wrote about her past experiences working with faculty members and how she developed a strong work ethic. She also included her academic achievements and demonstrated how they can contribute to success in a research program. 

This student wrote about his past experiences with the university’s research center. He said how this gave him invaluable insight into the importance of rigorous research.

He also highlighted his leadership skills, demonstrating through examples such as organizing an interdisciplinary team to tackle a complex project. This proves he can take on responsibility and manage tasks successfully. 

This student wrote about his passion for research and his drive to contribute to the field. He highlighted his academic achievements and demonstrated how they could help him succeed in a research program.

He also discussed his experience working on independent projects, which gave him the opportunity to gain valuable insight into the world of research. 

Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Your Statement

1. don’t be generic.

Make sure your statement is tailored to the specific research program you are applying for and highlight why you are the best candidate. 

2. Don’t Make Exaggerated Claims

Be honest in your statement, as any exaggerations or false claims can lead to disqualification from the program. 

3. Don’t Focus on Irrelevant Information

Keep your statement focused on relevant academic and professional experiences that have prepared you for success in the research program. 

4. Remember to Proofread

Make sure your statement is free of spelling and grammar errors, as this could hurt your chances of being accepted into the program. 

By looking at personal statement examples from successful applicants, you can get an idea of what it takes to create a personal statement. Remember to tailor your statement specifically for the program you’re applying for. Use examples from your past experiences to illustrate why you’re the ideal candidate for the role . Good luck! 

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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• CAREER FEATURE
• 23 April 2021

Sell yourself and your science in a compelling personal statement

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Personal statements — essays highlighting personal circumstances, qualities and achievements — are used extensively in science to evaluate candidates for jobs, awards and promotions. Five researchers offer tips for making yours stand out in a crowded and competitive market.

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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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The personal statement.

The Personal Statement is at the heart of most scholarship and fellowship applications and it remains one of the most challenging but rewarding written efforts that you will encounter in the scholarship process. It is, strictly speaking, your story.  It asks you to find a way to articulate who you are because of the what, why, and where.  In other words, the personal statement asks you critically reflect on how you define yourself based on your sense of self, what you value, what you are passionate about, where those passions come from and how they are both manifesting in your current experience and will likely take further shape in your future.  It compels you to drop the pretense, break through any and all previous assumptions of what defined you coming into your undergraduate experience (GPA, test scores, captain of team, etc.) and really begin to dive deep into your own authenticity. 

A strong personal statement not only tells your story, it does so in a way that is both captivating and sincere.  It is focused, clear, concise, and compelling.  In actual fact, it is probably the most difficult writing you will do as a national scholarship applicant, maybe even as an undergraduate.  It is challenging for a variety of reasons:

• A Personal Statement forces you to write in way that conflates your ‘academic voice’ with your ‘personal voice’.  After years of having your ‘personal voice’ trained out of your writing style, a Personal Statement asks you to put it back in given that you are making an effort to tell your particular story;
• A Personal Statement should reflect the level of critical reflection that has both shaped your sense of self and your sense of purpose.  Meaning, you’ve given some time and thought to the effort;
• In addition to telling at least a small part of your larger story, a Personal Statement should reflect your trajectory, detailing where you have come from and how that is shaping the next steps you plan to take;
• It requires you to think about your strengths, achievements and accomplishments and maybe even write about them.  This is perhaps one of the strangest, if not most difficult things for any ‘high-achieving’  individual who also tends to be quite humble when describing themselves;
• It requires a certain level of commitment to your future plans, even though those sitting on a review committee recognize that what you put forward as your future plans (certainly while still an undergraduate) amounts to your best, well-educated guess;
• It is short.  Most Personal Statements are a maximum of 1000 words in length or less.  That means you have to reduce (in the best sense of the word) your story to fit those requirements, hence the necessity of very clear and concise writing.  A Personal Statement does not afford you the opportunity to pad your essay with a long introduction and grand, summative conclusion.  There simply isn’t word-count enough.  So, find a way in your first two sentences to capture your readers’ attention and proceed from there.

But, all that to say, if done well and with adequate time to reflect, write long, edit, revise and refine, your Personal Statement could also be one of the most rewarding pieces of writing you engage in while a student.  It will help you not only develop a strong portfolio for your national scholarship applications; it will also guide you in your efforts toward graduate school, further professional pursuits, even job interviews.  Why? Because you have given yourself a moment to stop, think, and write about what is at the very core of you and how that has and will continue to shape who you are becoming.  If done well, your Personal Statement will be an authentic representation of yourself and will serve you in the best of ways, providing you with a kind of bell-weather as you pursue your next best thing.  In fact, with minor adjustments apropos to your developing life-story, you may find your Personal Statement remains relatively unchanged at its core.  Why? Because, chances are fairly good that your own core sense of self will remain relatively the same.  So, rise to the challenge of the Personal Statement, overcome it, and benefit from the process of thinking and writing about your most authentic self.

And, of course, remember that you have the support of the CCSA staff, who recognize the difficulty of starting to write a Personal Statement.  We all have our own ways of brainstorming and ‘priming the pump’; sometimes one of the best ways to start, is to have a good long chat with someone about what you really (really) care about, why, and where and what you hope to see all those cares move you toward.  That’s precisely what we are available to do with you – chat, listen, draw story-boards, idea webs, you name it – so, contact us to make an appointment.  There is absolutely no reason you should feel you have to tackle the Personal Statement process on your own.

Suggestions and Tips:

• Do your homework and make sure you understand the purpose of the scholarship, fellowship, or nationally competitive experiential learning opportunity for which you are applying.  This will offer some shape to the tone of your writing efforts.  It will also help you identify what is important to those who will be assessing your application and making a determination as to its outcome;
• Give yourself plenty of time to brainstorm, reflect, and really dig deep into your core.  Use whatever method best suits you to keep track of important ideas, quotes, contacts, plans, connections, dreams, and opportunities so as to have a kind of personal reference collection that will be useful in both planning for your future and crafting a Personal Statement;
• Ask yourself certain key questions, like:
• What hurts you about the world and how do hope to help alleviate that hurt?
• What do you want to be remembered for?
• What gets you about of bed in the morning?
• What are your strengths? Weaknesses? What challenges have your overcome and how have you come understand them as opportunities?
• When have you lost all sense of yourself when involved in a particular activity or experience because it came so naturally to you?
• What do you really care about and why?
• Who do you really care about and why?
• Who has inspired you? Who has helped to shape your academic experience and why? 
• Why are your studying your particular subject and how have you come understand the challenges and unique opportunities within your discipline(s)
• Where have you been in the world that has shaped your sense of self and your place in the world?
• What are your greatest dreams and how do you to intend to build/have you built the foundation from which to launch those dreams?
• What do you hope to contribute to your personal circle, to your local community, to your nation, to the world? And, how do you imagine beginning to do so.

4. Even though your final draft will likely only be 1000 words or less, write long.  You can always edit down and make your drafts tighter as your thinking and writing becomes more focused. 

5. Expect to write a number of drafts, hence the necessity of giving yourself plenty of time to think, reflect, write, and edit. Once you have a draft you are comfortable with, start to peddle it out to friends, family, peers, colleagues, and faculty mentors and advisors for further guidance and suggestions on refining your statement.  Of course, share any and all drafts with CCSA staff as they are happy to help with conceptual challenges right on down to red-lining;

6. Use other parts of your developing application portfolio – like your Curriculum Vita/CV , your project or research proposal, writing samples, research you’ve done on your programs of interest, etc. to help guide your Personal Statement (but, don’t regurgitate your CV);

7. Give examples.  There is tendency when writing about oneself to keep it in the abstract realm of ‘passions’ and ‘dreams’ but your reader needs something concrete to tack down those abstract ideas and understand them in the context of your real-life experience.  So, be specific and identify relevant antidotes that help paint a better picture of the story you are telling;

8. Give yourself plenty of time to edit, revise, spell-check, edit, revise, edit, send out for review by others, read aloud, edit, revise, set the document aside for 24-48 hours, and then edit one last time.   Remember this is the core of your application and it is your chance to articulate your core self and what care about in an authentic way.  It deserves all the time you can give. 

You’ve got the ‘Do’s’, now some ‘Don’ts’

• Don’t include anything in your Personal Statement that you would not be comfortable speaking about in an interview situation.  Remember, every last bit of your application is fair game and if you don’t want to be pressed on an experience, an opinion, or anything else that may find too personal to attend to in actual conversation, don’t put it in your statement;
• Don’t use your Personal Statement as a piece of opinion writing, a journal entry, a position statement, or even a faith statement.  Remember, this a nuanced assessment of who you are as it relates to what you are proposing to pursue on a national scholarship, in graduate school or as a professional;
• Don’t apologize for yourself or your experiences.  This includes undervaluing your undergraduate institution, your personal background, even what state you’ve come from.  Find a way to describe in writing the way you have turned challenges into opportunities;
• Don’t re-hash your CV.  You’ve provided all of the specific details of your actual experiences in your CV.  There is no point in re-telling it; you don’t have space in your word-count and you will surely lose the interest of your readers from the get-go;
• Don’t go hunting for samples of Personal Statements from CCSA staff, other advisors or the internet.  There is a reason they aren’t readily available and it is largely due to the fact that if you are trying to write something that is authentically ‘you’, using someone else’s formula won’t get you very far in that effort toward sincerity.  So, don’t bother hunting anything down.  Talk with CCSA staff on how to get started and then dive in;
• DON’T WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE! A Personal Statement written the day before the deadline will not be as successful as one that has received a good deal of time and attention.  And, in fact, a poorly written statement may prove a detriment to your success.  So, plan ahead, set a schedule, and then, get to it.

Additional resources to help with writing your Personal Statement:

• CCSA Information Sessions and Personal Statement Workshops – see our current CCSA Calendar for details about current offerings.
• UChicago Writing Center
• Writing Personal Statements online manual by Joe Schall

Food for Thought: Good writing takes time and practice.  Consider adding Strunk and White’s iconic text, ‘The Elements of Style,’ to your collection:  ‘Vigorous writing is concise. A sentence should contain no unnecessary words, a paragraph no unnecessary sentences, for the reason that a drawing should have no unnecessary lines and a machine no unnecessary parts. This requires not that the writer make all his sentences short, or that he avoid detail and treat his subjects only in outline, but that every word tell’.  

Undergraduate Research & Prestigious Scholarships

Developing a personal statement for summer research.

Before apply for summer research position, there are a few items that you should be reviewed.

• To share your interest and enthusiasm for the specific work you are applying to do
• To demonstrate what you can contribute to the program to which you are applying
• To state the specific lab you want to work in and why
• To state your professional goals and what or how you hope to contribute to this program

First Steps:

• Read the personal statement question carefully and analyze what it is asking for
• Visualize your audience: will this be read by a scientist? A physician? An administrator?
• Make yourself as desirable to the selector as possible while being honest about yourself

The Basics:

• Your research interests as they relate to the work you are applying for
• Year of study and current major, related academic and career goals, impressive academic credentials

Experience in the Field:

• Any special connection to this work such as prior experience or family background
• Something unique about your research interests or an idea that fuels your own research interests.

Your Proposed Contributions to the Program and Benefits of the Program to You:

• Personal qualities that would benefit the program, demonstrated through examples
• What you can do for them; what you seek to gain from the opportunity
• How this specific work fits into your academic and research goals

Writing and Mechanics: ~ The correct usage conveys your attention to detail

• Use strong word choices, particularly verbs and adjectives
• Use the more powerful “I am,” rather than “I have always been”
• Make positive statements: “I have experience in…” not “I don’t have experience in x, but do have…”
• Craft clear, engaging opening and closing sentences
• Check that the opening statement is supported in the body and consistent with the closing statement
• Organize the statement so it flows from sentence to sentence and paragraph to paragraph
• Proofread for grammar, spelling, paragraph breaks, and correct punctuation

Ask Yourself:

• Does this statement show my interest in this specific program, or could it be sent to any program?
• Does this statement describe me specifically, or could any good student in my field use this?

Additional Suggestions:

• Reread the personal statement multiple times out loud for clarity, logic, and flow
• Have someone else read the statement. Visit the UMBC Writing Center .
• Share your finished personal statement with the faculty member writing your recommendations
• Limit the statement to one and a half to two pages with at least one and a half spacing
• Include a header with your name on each page, which will be numbered as well
• Restating the question / topic, Rewriting your transcript or resume
• Clichés such as “to make the world a better place”; instead, explain exactly how such a lofty goal will be achieved
• Providing unrelated information, e.g., explaining when you learned you were not interested in computers
• Using phrases like “this opportunity will be fun and interesting for me”; focus on what you can contribute
• Any background earlier than high school

How to write a Personal Statement

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Ten Tips for Writing a Compelling Personal/Research Statement

Whether you are applying to a graduate program at Lehigh University or at other institutions, there are certain things you can do to craft an outstanding statement for your application.  The personal or research statement is your opportunity to highlight why you, in particular, would be an excellent fit to your program of interest.  Admissions committees and faculty tend to look very closely at these statements, so it is worth investing the time and energy to get it right.  This is a non-exhaustive list of tips for writing a compelling statement. 

Focus on your intellectual interests and professional goals.

Although many programs ask for ‘personal statements’, these are not really meant to be biographies or life stories.  What the faculty hope to find out is how well your abilities, interests, experiences and goals would fit within their program. 

Describe your relevant experience (e.g., honors thesis, research assistantship, internship, etc.) in specific detail.

• If you worked on a research project, what was the research question, what was your idea/hypothesis, what methods did you use, and what did you find?  
• If you completed an internship, what were the goals of the organization or unit, what were your responsibilities, and what did you learn?
• Being specific demonstrates that you really were a key part of the project and that you understand what you did!

Whenever possible, demonstrate rather than simply state your knowledge and skills.

Honestly identify concrete skills you would bring to graduate school, and also describe the skills you hope to acquire., articulate why you want to pursue a graduate degree..

What are your career goals and how will pursuing a graduate degree advance them?

Articulate why you want to pursue a graduate degree at this specific institution !

How can this program and this university help you achieve your goals?

For research-oriented programs, outline your core research interests and explain why you think they are important.  Again, be specific.

For research-oriented programs, link your research interests to the expertise and scholarship of faculty in the program..

• Identify at least one faculty member with whom you would like to work (e.g., a potential advisor).
• Read some of their papers (or books), and describe how your interests align with their expertise.  Again, specificity is a good idea!
• This is where you can really demonstrate your fit to a research-oriented program and your ability to think critically, creatively and generatively about research.

Ask at least one professor at your current institution to give you feedback on your statement.

Proofread  or better yet, have a spelling and grammar-obsessed friend proofread your statement., news & spotlight.

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How to Craft a Personal Statement

Some practical tips and perspective

August 5, 2019 | Erika A.

There’s one part of any application that can always make you freeze: the dreaded personal statement.

Writing about yourself is an exercise in embarrassment, anxiety, and existential doubt. Don’t worry; I’m here to help!

Let’s get one thing out of the way first. The point of a personal statement is to bring your application package alive. You’re not just a resume and a research statement; you’re a whole person, with thoughts and ideas and experiences that have led you to this moment. Remember: humans respond to stories and to people . Your personal statement offers a narrative the reader will use to remember you , the person, long after they forget your GPA and your undergrad major.

With that in mind, here are a few suggestions for components that work well in your personal statement.

1. The Hook . A great way to begin a personal statement is by briefly telling a story about a moment when you had some sort of poignant experience or a pivotal moment that led you down the path to graduate school/a postdoc/whatever you’re applying for. If you’re having trouble getting started, a great exercise is to think back and come up with some favorite memories. This process can involve a fair amount of soul-searching. Don’t sweat it if you can’t think of something right away!

Often, these events happen during time periods that are on your resume, like an undergraduate research project you did or a class you took. If so, telling this story can be an opportunity to briefly highlight that bullet point and give the reader something to hold on to when they read the resume.

When writing hooks, I get really hung up on the ‘truth’ of the hook. Remember that the goal is to give the reader something that has color and flavor and is easy to remember, not to write a comprehensive autobiography. There are many true stories. Pick one. A memorable, small one.

2. Interpret your experience . Again, a personal statement isn’t just your resume. Rather, it is an opportunity  to explain to the reader how the experiences you’ve had fit together and make you a candidate that has characteristics they’re looking for. 

• Have you traveled, or do you have substantial work experience? You have a thing grad school is looking for: perspective. Think back to the time before you had this experience, and articulate how it changed your view of how the world works.
• All graduate schools want students who are resilient and self-directed (because grad school = suffering, but that’s a different blog post!). If you did a research project or an internship, you can highlight ways in which it didn’t go according to plan, and then say, for example, “these hurdles taught me to think on my feet, understand challenges, and implement a plan”
• If you have previous research experience, talk about why it was hard. Your reader has experienced research being hard in every way you can imagine! Commiserate them, and they will see you as one of their own.

These are just a few examples. The goal is to interpret how your experiences have made you the person you are today. Emphasize the characteristics your reader is most likely to care about.

If you’re having trouble filling in the body of your personal statement, I’d recommend describing your relevant experiences in chronological order and then going back through and explaining why they were important to you and how you’re different today because of them. Your personal statement is all about the narrative explaining how your experiences relate to one another and make sense together.

3. Go ahead and fantasize . Most people end their personal statement with the classic, “I am applying to the ___department at MIT because it is home to the ___ lab that already are doing work on ___ and ___, which I find to be especially aligned with my interests.” It’s a good idea to customize your personal statement to each graduate school you apply to, being VERY careful to submit the right one to each school! It can be overwhelming to try to digest the research agenda of an entire department or lab when you don’t have boots on the ground. But the reality is that writing this section is the most fun part: you get the opportunity to imagine what it would be like to work in any lab you want! Engage with the research in these different places and connect themes to the ones you’ve already talked about in your statement.

Now go ahead. Write it up!  Find the right spot for the authentic you in the right lab at the right school (hopefully MIT!) and create your own awesome graduate school experience.

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What is the personal statement?

Many applications for research opportunities require a personal statement. This is an opportunity for you to show your critical thinking skills in a creative format. It is where you get to add your voice to the mix of materials that reviewers see when you apply for fellowships. Use the personal statement to highlight positive aspects about yourself that may not be apparent in other parts of your application.

The personal statement is your place to ask and answer questions about your past, present and future, including:

• What has brought you to this point in your life?
• What have you learned from your past experiences?
• What do you want to do with your studies?
• How will this fellowship help you pursue you goals?
• Why should this fellowship want to invest in you?

The personal statement should not be a simple list of your activities and accomplishments. Instead, try to craft a narrative that shows the review committee reader that you have the qualities the fellowship is looking for.

How to write a personal statement

You can approach the personal statement in many different ways. Some students like to start with an outline, while others start by brainstorming. The main points are: What are a few things you want people to know about you? Why is this fellowship right for you?

Writing improves with successive drafts. It is not unusual to write several drafts of the personal statement. As long as the fellowship rules allow it (and most do), you should bring your writing to the URF advisers. We can discuss your ideas at any stage and talk in-depth with you about your statement. We don't try to fit you into a mold. Instead, our goal is to help you write a statement that you feel best represents you!

Keep these ideas in mind as you write:

• Use specific examples from your life to highlight your positive qualities--the more concrete the better.
• Include stories from your life, your favorite quotes, or anecdotes that reveal how you define yourself and see the world
• Show your reader that the issues that move you are important. Get them to want to "fight the fight" with you.
• Describe the ways you want to make an impact in the world.

Once you have written your personal statement, invite friends and family to read it. Do they think it portrays the person they know? Selection committees value authenticity above all other qualities. Make sure your statement reflects your true values and aspirations.

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Guidelines to writing a personal statement for an honours thesis application.

A personal statement for an Honours thesis (PS499) application is an important document that helps you introduce yourself to the professor who might supervise your thesis. It's an opportunity to convey your passion, motivation, and suitability for the proposed research and to stand out among other candidates.

Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to writing a personal statement. It's a highly personal document that should reflect your genuine interest and aptitude for your chosen field of study. While we provide some general suggestions below on what to include, feel free to adapt these guidelines to best represent your unique experiences and aspirations.

Before You Start Writing

Before you embark on the writing process, it is important to clarify your thoughts and ideas. Consider the following questions to help guide your reflection:

• Why are you interested in doing an honours thesis in Psychology?
• What has inspired your general area of interest?
• What unique perspectives or skills can you bring to this thesis?
• How do your academic and personal experiences support your research interests?
• What are your long-term academic and career goals, and how does completing a thesis align with them?

Consider Your Audience

Remember, it takes a lot of time for professors to mentor students, so they want to work with someone who will be committed to the research process and will grow and benefit from the course in different ways be it learning new skills or learning what working in a lab is like.

Your personal statement is primarily intended for the professor(s) you are hoping will supervise your thesis – you will indicate up to 8 professors of interest and 3 broad topic areas of interest (I.e., social psychology, cognitive neuroscience, behavioral neuroscience, community psychology, developmental psychology, and clinical psychology. Because they are an expert in psychology and your areas of interest, your statement should showcase your knowledge, respect, and enthusiasm for psychology in general, and describe some of the broad areas in psychology that you would be most excited to learn more about and conduct research in. Remember though – in this letter you don’t need to specify specific labs or projects you want to focus on. In the application survey, you will have other spaces to select up to 8 labs of interested give a brief explanation for why you are interested in those labs specifically

Writing Your Personal Statement

Here is a checklist of some key elements you might consider including in your personal statement:

• Introduction: Begin by introducing yourself and expressing your interest in taking part in the PS499 course. Explain why the course appeals to you and how it aligns with your goals.
• Academic Achievements: Highlight any academic achievements that are relevant to the completion of your thesis. This could include relevant courses or previous research projects
• Work Experience: If you have work or internship experience relating to your interests, detail this experience and the skills you've gained that would be beneficial for your thesis.
• Personal Experiences: If personal experiences have shaped your interests, share these stories. This can be an effective way to demonstrate your motivation and dedication. This could also help your letter stand out as a unique reflection of who you are
• Skills and Abilities: Discuss the skills and abilities you have that would make you a good candidate for the thesis. This could include skills, such as critical thinking or time management.
• Future: Describe your goals and aspirations for doing the course and how it will prepare you for further studies or career opportunities in the field.
• Conclusion: Conclude your statement with a courteous and professional tone, expressing your excitement about the possibility of working on your honour's thesis.

Writing Tips

Some things to remember and consider when writing your statement include:

• Being concise and clear. Avoid jargon or overly complex sentences.
• Ensure your statement is free of grammatical errors and typos.
• Most importantly, be genuine, honest, and don't be afraid to let your personality shine through! Remember, the personal statement is just that – personal. It should reflect who you are, your passion for the field, and your commitment to your proposed research.

Below are some more resources to help guide your personal statement writing.

If/Then Statement Templates

To help you structure your personal statement, here are some "if-then" statement templates that you can tailor to your specific experiences and goals. These templates can serve as a starting point to express your interests, experiences, and aspirations in a clear and compelling way.

Relating Your Academic Achievements to general research area of interest:

• If: You have excelled in coursework relevant to your area(s) of interest.
• Then: "My strong performance in [relevant courses x, y, and z] has equipped me with a solid foundation in [general research area of interest]."

Linking Work Experience to general research area of interest

• If: You have work or internship experience related to your general area(s) of interest.
• Then: "My experience as [job/internship title] at [organization name] has provided me with practical insights into [general research area of interest]."

Applying Personal Experiences to Research Interests

• If: Personal experiences have shaped your general area(s) of interest.
• Then: "My personal experience with [specific experience] has motivated my interest in exploring [Research Interests] in greater depth."

Highlighting Relevant Skills and Abilities

• If: You possess skills and abilities relevant to the thesis.
• Then: "My skills in [specific skills] and my ability to [specific ability] make me a strong candidate for conducting research.

Linking Academic Performance to general research area(s) of interest

• If: You have achieved high grades or awards in courses related to your area of interest.
• Then: “My academic performance in [course name(s)] has demonstrated my aptitude and interest in [general research area of interest]. I have received [grade/award] for [course/assignment/project].”

Linking Extracurricular Activities to general research area(s) of interest

• If: You have participated in clubs, societies, competitions, or events related to your area of interest.
• Then: “My involvement in [extracurricular activity name] has exposed me to various aspects of [general research area of interest]. I have learned [skill/knowledge] and contributed to [outcome/impact] through [activity/task].”

Linking Future Plans to general research area(s) of interest

• If: You have a clear vision of what you want to do after completing the course.
• Then: “My future plans are aligned with [general research area of interest]. I aspire to [goal/objective] and pursue [opportunity/pathway].”

Remember, these are just examples. It is essential to personalize your personal statement to reflect your unique experiences, interests, and aspirations. Keep in mind that the personal statement is your opportunity to showcase who you are, your passion for your chosen field, and your commitment to the possibility of conducting research.

Example Personal Statement

A finished personal statement might look something like this:

Dear potential supervisor, I am writing to express my interest in enrolling in the PS499 Honours Thesis Course for the upcoming academic year. I am currently a third-year student majoring in Psychology at the Wilfrid Laurier University. (Introduction: Provides your name, major, university and expresses your interest in the honours thesis).

I want to do the PS499 Honours Thesis Course because I am passionate about conducting original research in psychology and contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the field. I hope to gain valuable skills and experience in designing, conducting, analyzing, and presenting a research project under the guidance of a faculty supervisor. I also hope to develop a deeper understanding of a specific topic of interest within psychology and prepare myself for further studies or career opportunities in the field. (This paragraph answers why the student wants to do the PS499 Honours Thesis Course, what they hope to get from it, and where it will lead them. It shows the student's motivation, goals, and aspirations for doing the course).

I think I would be a good fit for the PS499 Honours Thesis Course because I have a strong academic background and a keen interest in research. I have completed several courses that have prepared me for the research process, such as PS394 Linear Models, PS373 Close Relationships, and PS367 Research in Cognitive Neuroscience. Parallel to my academics, I have volunteered at a local daycare. This experience has helped me develop my skills in communicating with a diverse range of individuals, particularly young children. (Highlights relevant courses and work experience and how they have built a foundation for your research interest)

In addition to my academic and research qualifications, I also possess several personal strengths that I believe will help me succeed in the PS499 Honours course. I am a curious and motivated learner who enjoys exploring new questions and topics in psychology. I am also an organized and self-disciplined student who can manage my time and resources effectively and meet deadlines. Furthermore, I am a creative and innovative thinker who can come up with original and feasible ideas for research projects. Moreover, I am a collaborative and respectful team player who can work well with my supervisor and peers and seek and provide constructive feedback. Lastly, I am an adaptable and resilient individual who can cope with challenges and uncertainties that may arise during the research process. (This paragraph lists some of the student's personal qualities and attributes that are beneficial for the course. It shows the student's positive attitude and traits that will enable them to work independently and collaboratively on a research project).

I appreciate your consideration of my application and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely, [Your Full Name] [Your Student ID]

You Are Not Alone. Contact Writing Services

Crafting a compelling personal statement can seem like a daunting task, but remember, you are not alone in this process. Laurier's Writing Services are here to support you every step of the way.

The Writing Services at both Waterloo and Brantford are dedicated to helping undergraduate and graduate students enhance the writing skills necessary for academic success. They provide an accessible, supportive, and student-focused environment where ideas can flourish, and students can hone their writing through critical thinking.

Here's what Writing Services offers:

• One-on-One Writing Appointments: You can schedule appointments (both online and in-person) with student or professional staff members. They can provide you with personalized feedback and guidance on your personal statement.
• Writing Workshops: The Writing Services organize on-campus, in-class, and online writing workshops. These workshops can equip you with valuable writing techniques and strategies.
• Online Writing Resources: You can access a wealth of online resources that provide tips and advice on various aspects of academic writing.

So, don't hesitate to reach out to Laurier's Writing Services. They are an excellent resource to help you craft a personal statement that effectively communicates your unique experiences, interests, and aspirations.

Contact Us:

Janet Reimer, Undergraduate Program Assistant

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How to Write a Strong Personal Statement

• Ruth Gotian
• Ushma S. Neill

A few adjustments can get your application noticed.

Whether applying for a summer internship, a professional development opportunity, such as a Fulbright, an executive MBA program, or a senior leadership development course, a personal statement threads the ideas of your CV, and is longer and has a different tone and purpose than a traditional cover letter. A few adjustments to your personal statement can get your application noticed by the reviewer.

• Make sure you’re writing what they want to hear. Most organizations that offer a fellowship or internship are using the experience as a pipeline: It’s smart to spend 10 weeks and $15,000 on someone before committing five years and $300,000. Rarely are the organizations being charitable or altruistic, so align your stated goals with theirs
• Know when to bury the lead, and when to get to the point. It’s hard to paint a picture and explain your motivations in 200 words, but if you have two pages, give the reader a story arc or ease into your point by setting the scene.
• Recognize that the reviewer will be reading your statement subjectively, meaning you’re being assessed on unknowable criteria. Most people on evaluation committees are reading for whether or not you’re interesting. Stated differently, do they want to go out to dinner with you to hear more? Write it so that the person reading it wants to hear more.
• Address the elephant in the room (if there is one). Maybe your grades weren’t great in core courses, or perhaps you’ve never worked in the field you’re applying to. Make sure to address the deficiency rather than hoping the reader ignores it because they won’t. A few sentences suffice. Deficiencies do not need to be the cornerstone of the application.

At multiple points in your life, you will need to take action to transition from where you are to where you want to be. This process is layered and time-consuming, and getting yourself to stand out among the masses is an arduous but not impossible task. Having a polished resume that explains what you’ve done is the common first step. But, when an application asks for it, a personal statement can add color and depth to your list of accomplishments. It moves you from a one-dimensional indistinguishable candidate to someone with drive, interest, and nuance.

• Ruth Gotian is the chief learning officer and associate professor of education in anesthesiology at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City, and the author of The Success Factor and Financial Times Guide to Mentoring . She was named the #1 emerging management thinker by Thinkers50. You can access her free list of conversation starters and test your mentoring impact . RuthGotian
• Ushma S. Neill is the Vice President, Scientific Education & Training at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. She runs several summer internships and is involved with the NYC Marshall Scholar Selection Committee. ushmaneill

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