Personal Statement

Before you begin writing your personal statement, it is important to do some reflection and plan your content. 

Think about any experiences you have that would demonstrate why you want to enter the program or profession to which you are applying.  What are you passionate about? What are the major influences of your life? What have you learned about yourself from those experiences? How do you actively contribute to the success of others around you?

List 3 things the reader MUST know or understand about you as they relate to your future career plans and/or the impact you wish to make in that field. For example:

• I lead by example
• I have a focus on service
• Solving problems energizes me

Now, take those three things and phrase them as one sentence:

• Personal Thesis: I am an energetic, service focused, problem solver who leads by example.

Write that sentence in the personal thesis bubble below. This is the basis for a personal statement. All of your examples and stories in your personal statement should support this thesis. You may not come out and say this sentence, but by the end the readers should know it to be true about you.

Now, in the supporting experience bubbles, take some time to brainstorm up to four experiences that support this statement. You may want to consider at least one from your past, one from who you are now, and one of your goals for the future. 

Congratulations! You now have your essay content. The content you listed may change during the editing process, but hopefully you have taken the time to think about your past and what experiences led you to where you are now. Finding the words to discuss who you are now, and who you want to be, will come. Continue to think about how you will change the world, or your profession. Be realistic, but dare to dream!