Top 10 Personal Statement Examples for Graduate School That Will Make You Stand Out

As a graduate school applicant, your personal statement is one of the most important components of your application. It presents you with the opportunity to showcase your unique qualities, experiences, and perspectives, and convince admissions committees that you are an excellent fit for their program. While it can be challenging to write a compelling personal statement, reviewing some well-crafted examples can provide inspiration and guidance. Here are the top 10 personal statement examples for graduate school that will make you stand out.

1. Creative Writing Personal Statement

“I have always believed that storytelling is one of the most powerful forms of communication. As a child, I immersed myself in books, fascinated by the ways in which authors could transport their readers to different worlds and evoke a wide range of emotions. As I grew older, my love for storytelling only deepened, and I began to write my own works of fiction. Through workshops and critiques, I honed my craft, learning how to create memorable characters, build suspenseful plots, and evoke vivid imagery. Ultimately, my passion for writing led me to pursue an MFA in Creative Writing, where I hope to further develop my skills and contribute to the literary community.”

This personal statement stands out for its personal tone, clear passion for writing, and concise yet compelling narrative. The author demonstrates a deep understanding of the craft of storytelling and presents a clear vision for the future.

2. Computer Science Personal Statement

“My interest in computer science began when I was a child and tinkered with our family’s computer. I was fascinated by how this machine could execute complex tasks, and I began to explore programming languages on my own. As I grew older, I took every computer science class available at my high school, and eventually majored in computer science at my undergraduate institution. Through internships and research projects, I have gained experience in software development, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, and I am eager to pursue a graduate degree in computer science to deepen my knowledge and contribute to the development of cutting-edge technologies.”

This personal statement showcases the author’s technical skills and passion for computer science, while also demonstrating a clear sense of purpose and direction. The author presents concrete examples of their experience and achievements, which will help them stand out in a competitive applicant pool.

3. Public Health Personal Statement

“As a child growing up in a rural community, I witnessed firsthand the impact of health disparities on the lives of my neighbors. Lack of access to healthcare, poor nutrition, and limited resources contributed to a range of health problems, and I was determined to make a difference. In college, I majored in public health and worked with local organizations to address these issues. Through internships and research projects, I gained experience in community outreach, disease prevention, and health policy, and I am excited to pursue a graduate degree in public health to continue this work on a larger scale.”

This personal statement is notable for its focus on social justice and community advocacy. The author presents a clear motivation for pursuing a graduate degree in public health, and demonstrates an understanding of the complexities of public health issues.

4. Business Administration Personal Statement

“Throughout my career in business, I have consistently been drawn to the challenges of leadership and management. Whether working in a small startup or a large corporation, I have sought out opportunities to develop my skills and take on new responsibilities. Through these experiences, I have gained expertise in strategic planning, financial analysis, and team management. I am confident that pursuing an MBA at [school name] will provide me with the tools and knowledge to become a successful business leader.”

This personal statement emphasizes the author’s professional accomplishments and leadership skills. The author presents a clear desire to obtain an MBA and provides concrete examples of their experience in business.

5. Psychology Personal Statement

“As someone who has always been fascinated by the complexities of human behavior and emotion, I decided to pursue a degree in psychology. Through coursework, research, and internships, I have gained knowledge in areas such as developmental psychology, cognitive neuroscience, and clinical psychology. I have also developed skills in research methods, statistical analysis, and counseling. Ultimately, I hope to obtain a graduate degree in psychology so that I can contribute to the field through research and practice.”

This personal statement showcases the author’s passion for psychology and provides specifics on their areas of interest and expertise. The author presents a clear vision for their future career and demonstrates a commitment to contributing to the field.

6. Architecture Personal Statement

“Architecture has always been my passion, from the time I was a child building elaborate structures out of Legos to the present day, where I am working towards a degree in architecture. Through coursework and internships, I have gained expertise in areas such as design principles, sustainability, and project management. I am excited to pursue a graduate degree in architecture to further develop my skills and contribute to the creation of innovative, sustainable structures.”

This personal statement highlights the author’s passion for architecture and provides a clear sense of the skills and knowledge they have already gained in the field. The author also presents a vision for their future work and their interest in sustainability.

7. Biology Personal Statement

“I have always been fascinated by the natural world and the complexities of living organisms. Through coursework and research, I have gained expertise in areas such as genetics, cell biology, and ecology, and have contributed to projects investigating topics such as disease resistance and environmental sustainability. As I move towards a graduate degree in biology, I am eager to continue exploring new areas of research and contribute to a greater understanding of the biological world.”

This personal statement demonstrates the author’s passion for biology and provides concrete examples of their experience and expertise in the field. The author also presents a clear motivation for pursuing a graduate degree in biology.

8. Education Personal Statement

“Growing up, I had several teachers who profoundly impacted my life and instilled in me a love for learning. As I pursued a degree in education, I discovered a passion for working with students and helping them to achieve their full potential. Through coursework, internships, and volunteer work, I have gained experience in areas such as classroom management, curriculum development, and special education. I am eager to pursue a graduate degree in education so that I can continue to make a difference in the lives of students.”

This personal statement emphasizes the author’s passion for education and provides a clear motivation for pursuing a graduate degree in the field. The author also presents concrete examples of their experience and achievements, which will help them stand out as an applicant.

9. Law Personal Statement

“As someone who has always been deeply committed to justice and fairness, I decided to pursue a degree in law. Through coursework, internships, and legal clinics, I have gained expertise in areas such as civil rights, criminal law, and corporate law. I have also developed skills in legal research, writing, and advocacy. Ultimately, I hope to use my legal training to make a positive difference in the world and fight for the causes I believe in.”

This personal statement highlights the author’s commitment to social justice and provides a clear motivation for pursuing a degree in law. The author also provides concrete examples of their legal experience and expertise.

10. Environmental Science Personal Statement

“Growing up in [location], I witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of pollution and climate change on the environment and communities. As I pursued a degree in environmental science, I became increasingly passionate about finding sustainable solutions to these pressing problems. Through research, internships, and volunteer work, I have gained expertise in areas such as conservation biology, environmental policy, and renewable energy. I am excited to pursue a graduate degree in environmental science to deepen my understanding and contribute to the creation of a more sustainable future.”

This personal statement showcases the author’s passion for environmental science and provides a clear motivation for pursuing a graduate degree in the field. The author also presents a vision for their future work and their interest in sustainability.

Conclusion

These 10 personal statement examples for graduate school represent a range of fields and interests, but they all share certain qualities that make them stand out. They are personal yet concise, demonstrate expertise and experience, and present a clear vision for the future. By following these examples and crafting your own compelling personal statement, you can increase your chances of impressing admissions committees and securing a spot in your desired program.