How to Write a postgraduate personal statement

How to Write a postgraduate personal statement by Michael Cheary Not sure what to include in your personal statement? Don’t panic. A well-written personal statement could make or break your postgraduate application. But with a few key differences to the one you sent over for your undergraduate degree, knowing what (and what not) to include isn’t always easy.To help get you started, here are some of our top tips on how to write your postgraduate personal statement:What is a postgraduate personal statement?A personal statement is a document submitted with your postgraduate application.It provides a brief summary of your skills, grades and relevant experience, which will help sell yourself to the university you’re applying for and set yourself apart from the competition.Why do I need a personal statement? You’ll generally be expected to include a personal statement with every application you make.Not only is it a great way to stand out and get your personality across, it also gives you the chance to include your rele vant credentials and tailor them to the course you’re applying for.How long should a postgraduate personal statement be?Ideally, your personal statement should be no more than 500 words (or between half a page and one page of A4).However, certain universities may differ in their requirements, so it’s always worth checking with each institution before you start writing.What should it say?The most effective postgraduate personal statements include the following:Why you want to pursue a postgraduate qualificationWhy you feel you can successfully transition from undergraduate to postgraduate studyWhy you want to study at this universityWhat you can offer the university (including your grades, skills, experience, awards, extracurricular activities etc.)Why you are more deserving of a place than other applicantsIf you’re struggling for inspiration, try using bullet-points to answer each individual question. That way you’ll make sure you’ve ticked all the boxes for what to includ e.How should I structure my personal statement?You should use a series of short, succinct paragraphs to set out your personal statement.It should also include an introduction, main argument and conclusion covering who you are (intro), why you’re right for the university (skills, experience, etc. for the main body), and concluding with why you feel you deserve the place.Above all else, it should be clear, concise, and to the point.Remember: Most unsuccessful personal statements are too long, not too short.How long should I spend writing my personal statement? Your personal statement is one of the most important parts of your postgraduate application.And, as a new one should be written every time you apply, it should be specifically tailored to the university and course you’re applying for. Which, unfortunately, also makes it one of the most time-consuming parts of the whole process.Think of it this way: the longer you spend on it, the more chance it will stand out to the reader. So take as long as you can to answer the questions above, and quantify each answer with relevant achievements.If you really want the place, all the extra effort will be worth it in the long-run.Top tips for writing your postgraduate personal statementThings to remember:Tailor every applicationBe professionalBe enthusiasticDemonstrate you’ve researched the course, the university, and it’s USPBack up attributes and skills with your achievementsAlways check spelling and grammar before sendingThings to avoid:Negative languageLyingRamblingSending the same personal statement to each universityTelling the reader what they already know from your applicationClichésReady to find your course? View all available university qualifications now.Find a job What Where Search JobsSign up for more Career AdviceSign up for moreCareer Advice Please enter a valid email addressmessage hereBy clicking Submit you agree to the terms and conditions applicable to our service and acknowledge that yo ur personal data will be used in accordance with our privacy policy and you will receive emails and communications about jobs and career related topics. Personal statements Postgraduate advice Postgraduatesfeatured