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10 Questions About Graduate School Personal Statements

A cartoon of a graduate student sitting at a desk, surrounded by books and papers, looking thoughtfully at a laptop screen labeled 'Personal Statement', with floating question marks and lightbulbs signifying ideas in a cozy study room. — Use these tips to nail your grad school personal statement!

Deciding to attend graduate school is a huge decision, and from the moment you begin this journey, it’ll be clear that your personal statement is the centerpiece of your application. More than any other single aspect, it signals your interests, describes your past, and advocates for your place and fit within the program you’re applying to. A compelling graduate school personal statement explains your intellectual journey, provides insights in your research interests, and offers a glimpse of what you aspire to do and become after completing graduate school. In this post, we address ten common questions about graduate school personal statements, offering guidance on how to craft a standout essay that effectively showcases your strengths and aspirations.

1. What is the purpose of a graduate school personal statement?

The purpose of a graduate school personal statement is to provide the admissions committee with a detailed understanding of your background, motivations, and goals. It allows you to explain why you are interested in the program, how your experiences have prepared you for graduate study, and what you hope to achieve. It is more than just a narrative version of your CV; it is the story that explains your personal and intellectual journey. This essay helps the committee assess your fit for the program and your potential for success in the field.

(note: many schools have both a personal statement and a statement of academic interest. This Essay is mostly for people applying to schools that have just the personal statement. If you want more information on tips for schools that ask for both, check this out)

2. How should I structure my graduate school personal statement?

There are many ways to do this, and so long as you cover the basics, it’s not necessarily required that you follow on particular structure. Here is one that you can use, at least as a starting point:

**Introduction:** Start with a compelling story that captures the reader’s attention and introduces the main theme of your essay. Avoid being too gimmicky or dramatic. People talk about “hooks” but to be honest, that’s high school writing. Mature writers know how to ease back and let your story do the work without all the silly fireworks and cheesy intros.
2. **Body:** Divide the body into several paragraphs, each focusing on a specific aspect of your background, experiences, and goals. Use this section to provide detailed examples and reflections.
3. **Conclusion:** Summarize the key points of your essay and reiterate how the program will help you achieve your career aspirations. End with a strong closing statement that leaves a lasting impression.

Since most people apply to multiple schools, a good rule of thumb is to have the first 2/3 of your essay be usable for every school, and the last third be specific to a particular program. That way you can customize. Here is more details on how to repurpose a single essay for multiple schools!

3. What should I include in the introduction of my personal statement?

The introduction of your personal statement should provide a clear and concise overview of your motivations and goals. Start with a compelling compelling personal anecdote or a significant experience, that captures the reader’s attention. Briefly introduce the main theme of your essay and provide a roadmap for what to expect in the rest of the document. The introduction should set the stage for your narrative and engage the reader from the outset. You will eventually transition (usually in the middle third of the text) into a detailed and granular engagement with the subject matter, your thoughts on it, and the questions you hope to explore… but I’ve found that the best essays first establish that you’re passionate about the subject and excited to explore it. It should feel meaningful to you.

4. How can I highlight my research interests in my personal statement?

To highlight your research interests, discuss specific projects or topics you have worked on and how they have influenced your academic and career goals. Explain why these areas of research are important to you and how they align with the program you are applying to. Mention any relevant coursework, research experiences, or academic achievements that demonstrate your commitment and expertise in your field of interest.

5. What are common mistakes to avoid in a graduate school personal statement?

Common mistakes to avoid in a graduate school personal statement include:
1. **Being Vague:** Provide specific examples and detailed descriptions rather than broad generalizations. Remember, your readers are usually professors who work in this space, so feel free to “nerd out” on hyper-specific questions and convey how excited you are to dig into these subjects.
2. **Lack of Focus:** Ensure your essay has a clear and coherent narrative. Avoid jumping between unrelated topics.
3. **Neglecting to Proofread:** Spelling and grammatical errors can detract from your professionalism. Proofread your essay multiple times and consider having others review it.
4. **Overemphasis on Achievements:** While it’s important to highlight your achievements, balance this with reflections on your growth and areas for improvement. In the end, you’re telling the reader why you want to search for more answers in this space, so begin from the perspective that you DO NOT have all the answers, but are eager to look for them.
5. **Ignoring the Prompt:** Ensure your essay addresses the specific question or prompt provided by the application. Most personal statements are open-ended, but if they’re not, it’s because the school specifically wants to know something. Tell them.

6. How can I make my graduate school personal statement stand out?

To make your graduate school personal statement stand out, focus on authenticity, clarity, and compelling storytelling. Here are some tips:
1. **Be Yourself:** Let your unique voice and personality shine through your writing.
2. **Tell a Story:** Use a narrative structure to make your essay more engaging. Share specific anecdotes that highlight your key qualities and experiences.
3. **Show, Don’t Just Tell:** Use concrete examples to illustrate your points rather than making broad statements.
4. **Connect the Dots:** Clearly link your past experiences, present motivations, and future goals.
5. **Tailor to Each School:** Customize your personal statement for each program, highlighting why you are a great fit for their specific offerings.

7. What role do extracurricular activities play in a personal statement?

For a graduate school application, I’d mention only those activities relevant to the field you’re applying to. Unlike college applications (and to a lesser extent law, MBA, or medical), the admissions committee isn’t looking for all-around well-rounded people with diverse interests… their primary question is “are you super-interested in a relatively narrow set of questions within this field?”)

8. How do I address a lack of experience in my personal statement?

Addressing a lack of experience in your personal statement involves focusing on your potential and willingness to learn. Highlight transferable skills from other areas of your life, such as academic projects, internships, or volunteer work. Discuss any relevant coursework or independent study you have undertaken to prepare for graduate school. Emphasize your passion for the field and your commitment to gaining the necessary experience and skills.

That said… sometimes you have to recognize if you just haven’t done enough or aren’t sufficiently experienced in an area. This might mean taking on additional coursework, working in a lab or on another project, or otherwise delaying your application for a year or two so that you can acquire the relevant experience.

9. What should I include in the conclusion of my personal statement?

The conclusion of your personal statement should reinforce the key themes of your essay and leave a lasting impression. Briefly recap the main points, emphasizing how your experiences have prepared you for graduate study and how the program will help you achieve your goals. End with a strong closing statement that conveys your enthusiasm for the program and your readiness to contribute to the academic community.

Look to the future, be positive, and return to the ideas, words, stories, and themes that you had in your introduction so that you bring the essay full circle.

10. How can I convey my passion for the field in my graduate school personal statement?

To convey your passion for the field, share personal anecdotes and experiences that illustrate your dedication and enthusiasm. Discuss moments that sparked your interest in the field and how they have influenced your academic and career goals. Reflect on what excites you about the subject and how you plan to contribute to the field in the future. Be genuine and heartfelt in your writing, allowing your passion to come through naturally.

Crafting a compelling graduate school personal statement requires careful thought, reflection, and planning. By addressing these common questions and incorporating the advice provided, you can create a personal statement that authentically represents your background, highlights your strengths, and demonstrates your readiness for graduate study. Remember to be genuine, specific, and reflective in your writing, and you will create a compelling narrative that resonates with admissions committees.

For more help with your personal statement, check us out at Gurufi.com. Our personal statement editors and consultants have decades of experience helping clients get into top Masters and Ph.D. programs in STEM, humanities, fine arts, and social sciences. Our specialty is helping you craft compelling personal statements that move the needle in your admissions process! For questions, shoot us an email at service@gurufi.com. Check us out on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

The Role of Authenticity In Personal Statements

MBA AdComs consider a host of factors, but authenticity always rings true

Striking a Balance Between Authenticity and Cynicism

In my eighteen years of helping people earn admission into their dream schools, two kinds of applicants are quite common. The first type sees their application as merely a means to an end. They want to know what the admissions committee wants, and they’ll then try to shoehorn their life into that mold. The second type treasures pure authenticity, and insists on featuring the most important moments of their lives in their personal statements, even if they’re not quite relevant.

Neither of these approaches are quite right; the first is too cynical and the second focuses so much on “authenticity” that it forgets its purpose. The correct path is one that splits the difference, and this is what makes crafting a perfect personal statement so perplexing and difficult. On one hand, there’s a compelling need to present oneself in a way that resonates with the Admissions Committees (AdComs). On the other, there’s the inherent desire to remain authentic to one’s true self. With that in mind, how can you blend sincerity with strategic insight to unlock the gates to top-tier business schools?

Every Kind of Writing Has a Purpose

Let’s start with a fundamental truth: every kind of writing serves a specific purpose. The personal statement is one of the strangest kinds of writing in that it’s a blend of memoir, CV, and interview. For MBA application essays, the purpose is unequivocally to earn admission—not to bare your soul as you might on a dating app. Understanding this is pivotal. Your personal statement must be meticulously tailored to reflect the qualities, accomplishments, and experiences that AdComs value in prospective students… but not do so in a way that feels obviously manufactured. It’s about highlighting aspects of your life that align with the school’s ethos and expectations.

However, this does not mean fabricating stories or presenting an exaggerated version of yourself. The art lies in selecting genuine experiences from your life that best demonstrate these values. This approach ensures that your essay remains grounded in reality while strategically showcasing your compatibility with the school’s culture and objectives.

Okay… so HOW?

The Utility of Authenticity

Let’s begin by talking about authenticity within the context of a personal statement. Why is it crucial, especially when you’re consciously tailoring your essay? In short, authentic essays are better essays. Authenticity brings a certain richness to your writing. It makes your stories believable and relatable. An authentic essay does not feel forced; it flows naturally and engages the reader by weaving narratives that are both compelling and true to who you are.

This might sound like a contradiction—being authentic while also being strategic. However, think of authenticity in this context as being purpose-driven. You’re not just recounting your experiences; you’re strategically selecting stories that authentically illustrate your values and attributes that align with the school’s profile.

Two Keys to Balancing Authenticity and Strategy

Align Your Stories with Core Values

Begin by identifying 3-5 core values or attributes that your target school holds in high esteem. These can be gleaned from the school’s website, promotional materials, and by engaging with alumni and current students. Note the words and ideas that they repeat often or that they lead with. Once you have this list of values, brainstorm real-life stories from your own experiences that reflect these qualities.

For instance, if leadership is a recurrent theme in the school’s ethos, reflect on instances where you demonstrated leadership. Perhaps you led a project at work that turned around an underperforming department, or maybe you spearheaded a volunteer initiative that made a significant impact. These stories are effective not just because they show you possess desirable traits, but because they are rooted in your real experiences, lending credibility and authenticity to your narrative.

Don’t Overestimate the AdComs

A common mistake applicants make is overestimating the AdComs. It’s easy to imagine them as omniscient judges capable of seeing through any embellishment or strategic positioning in your essay. While it’s true that AdComs are adept at evaluating applications, they are not infallible. They are looking for well-crafted essays that are honest, forward-looking (that connect your intended past in a realistic way with what you’ve done and hope to learn in their school), and reflective of the candidate’s true potential and fit with the school.

As long as your essay is grounded in real stories that illustrate your claims, you shouldn’t worry too much about AdComs seeing through your strategy. The key is to be honest and thoughtful in your writing, ensuring that it is both reflective of your genuine self and strategically aligned with the school’s values.

Embrace Your Multifaceted Self

Remember: truthfulness is non-negotiable. When I tell you to be strategic, I AM NOT encouraging you to be in any way dishonest. An excellent essay is an ethical essay, and even if you don’t believe in ethics (which… wow, shame on you!) understand that there are many negative consequences to dishonesty, not least that your essay will often feel phony.

However, recognizing that every person embodies multiple facets of themselves is crucial. In your MBA application essay, you are simply choosing to highlight those aspects of your personality and experience that resonate most powerfully with the AdComs. This doesn’t mean you are being insincere; rather, you are showcasing the parts of your identity that best align with the academic and cultural milieu of the school you aspire to join.

Crafting an MBA application essay is a balancing act of authenticity, cynicism, and strategy. By aunderstanding the purpose of your writing, staying true to your stories, and strategically aligning them with the values of your target program, you can create a compelling narrative that is both sincere and persuasive. Remember, the goal is not just to tell a story, but to tell your story in a way that aligns with the expectations and values of the AdComs, opening the door to the next big step in your career and personal development.

Partner’s Guide to Surviving the MBA Application Process (and beyond!)

Cartoon illustration of a supportive young man comforting his stressed MBA student wife, who is surrounded by study materials. He offers her a cup of tea and a reassuring smile in their cozy study room, filled with a soft glow from the desk lamp, emphasizing their strong bond and mutual support. — Behind every successful student, there’s a supportive partner offering strength and a cup of tea during those long study nights.

With spring around the corner, we’re going to be spending the next few weeks producing blogs designed to help people who are just starting their MBA application process with the aim of submitting in Round One this summer. At Gurufi, we help scores of people each year earn admission into their dream schools, and in the 17+ years we’ve been doing this, we’ve learned that spouses and partners often play a key role. As such, I wanted to begin this series with a discussion about the best ways to include them in your application process.

As the spouse or partner of a future MBA student, you are an important part of the support system that will help your loved one succeed in business school. While the journey through business school can be both exciting and challenging, it is important for you to be well-informed and prepared for the experience. Here are some tips to help you thrive during this pivotal and transformative moment in your partner’s career and life.

Understand the demands of business school: Business school is a rigorous and demanding program that requires a significant amount of time and effort. It is important to understand the demands of the program and be prepared to support your partner as they navigate the challenges ahead. Be aware of the time commitment involved, including late nights, early mornings, and weekends dedicated to coursework and studying.

Importantly, this extends to the application process! It’s incredibly helpful to have a frank and specific conversation about your application schedule, what it entails, and moments when you’ll need additional help. Which brings us to Point 2…

Communicate openly and honestly: Good communication is key to a healthy and supportive relationship, especially during the challenges of business school. Make sure to have regular, open, and honest conversations with your partner about their experiences and how you can support them. Be an active listener and offer encouragement and support when needed. Relationships are complex and dynamic, and at various moments one of you will need somebody to lean on, and at other times the other will… and at still other teams, you’ll prop each other up! Understand, though, that an MBA can be pretty intense, so during these two years, you should expect to do more of the propping-up for an exhausted and spread-thin partner.

Be flexible and understanding: Since business school can be demanding and stressful, it may require significant changes to your normal routine. Be flexible and understanding of your partner’s needs and try to make changes that will help both of you balance your priorities. This may include adjusting your work schedule, rearranging household responsibilities, or making other modifications to your daily routine. Remember that an MBA is an investment in both of your futures, so try to keep this collaborative and supportive attitude.

Get involved in the business school community: Joining the business school community can help you stay informed about what’s happening and provide opportunities to meet other partners and spouses. This can include attending events, participating in clubs and organizations, or volunteering for events and initiatives.

Maintain your own interests and hobbies: It is important to maintain your own interests and hobbies, even during the demanding time of business school. Make time for the activities that bring you joy and fulfillment and consider taking on new challenges and experiences that will help you grow and develop.

Encourage self-care and stress management: Business school can be a stressful time for both you and your partner. Encourage your partner to prioritize self-care and stress management, including exercise, healthy eating habits, and time for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Offer support during high-stakes times: Business school is full of high-stakes moments, such as exams, presentations, and networking events. Offer your support and encouragement during these times and be there to celebrate your partner’s successes and provide comfort during setbacks.

Be a sounding board: Business school can be a time of intense self-reflection and growth, and it is important for you to be a sounding board for your partner. Listen to their ideas and provide a supportive environment in which they can explore their thoughts and goals.

Build a network of your own: Building a network of friends and colleagues can help you stay connected and informed during business school. Seek out opportunities to connect with other partners and spouses, and consider joining clubs and organizations that align with your interests.

Of special note is that many business schools have clubs or organizations specifically for B-school partners, and having a network of partners and spouses can provide an incredible outlet for frustrations, a set of sympathetic ears who understand your particular situation, and social outlets for times when your partner is heavily involved in school or professional activities.

Plan for the future: Business school is an investment in your partner’s future… AND YOUR FUTURE TOGETHER! As such, it is important to plan for the changes and opportunities that may come with a new degree. Consider your long-term goals and aspirations and have open and honest conversations about how an MBA will alter the trajectory of your shared lives.

As the partner of a future MBA student, you have a critical role to play in their success. By offering support, encouragement, and a strong foundation of love and understanding, you can help your partner navigate the challenges of business school and achieve their goals. This is a journey you’re taking together, so try to embrace the spirit of collaboration, mutual support, and the love that brought you together in the first place!

For more help with your personal statement, check us out at Gurufi.com. Our personal statement editors and consultants have decades of experience helping clients get into top MBA programs. Our specialty is helping you craft compelling personal statements that move the needle in your admissions process! For questions, shoot us an email at service@gurufi.com. Check us out on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.