Personal Statement Tips

Grab the attention of the admissions committee!

  1. Review your program's admission page.

    Programs have requirements that vary by department in order to gain the full scope of your abilities. The formatting changes, as well as the number of pages required.

  2. Tailor your personal statement to your program.

    A personal statement should use the same language as the program does to describe it. For example: If “theory to experiential learning and back to theory” is stated as their method of teaching, you should elaborate about how this method would be a good fit for your educational advancement.

  3. Write at the graduate-student level.

    Using clichés, gimmicks and humor can decrease the professionalism of what you are expressing. Overused words such as “passion” or “impactful” will not allow your personal statement to stand out. Be sure you’re diversifying your words.

  4. Ask others to critique your personal statement before you submit it.

    Ask supervisors, professors and trusted friends to verify that you are getting your point across with accurate grammar and clarity.

  5. Don't start with the intro.

    Attention-grabbing first sentences can be compelling, but writing the content within your personal statement will guide your introduction. A good plan for starting a personal statement is to create an outline or informally jot down your noteworthy accomplishments and defining moments. Afterwards, you can organize the content and develop a succinct statement.

  6. Communicate with specific language.

    Declaring that you want to pursue social work because you want to help children is not enough to identify why this program and field would be a good fit. You can help children in a variety of occupations. Anyone can state they are interested in a career; you want to demonstrate credibility by discussing your interest for the program in experiences such as in internships, at work or academically.

    Ready to apply to one of the many graduate programs at the College of Community and Public Affairs?  We are here to help you take the next step. Contact us with any questions about the application process.  We hope to hear from you soon!