The Interfolio Blog

I was reading a great post over on Web Worker Daily today about the importance of a compelling bio, and it got me thinking... a lot of these ideas can be applied to writing one of the toughest and most important parts of the application process: the personal statement.

Personal statements are one of the great challenges of the college and graduate school application process. How do you compose a compelling case for why you are a great candidate, while differentiating yourself from hundreds of other qualified candidates? Many schools recommend applicants focus on accounting their skills, life-lessons, and education. Outside of these topics, there are a few things we think can help with writing a great essay:

1. Be yourself. This is always a lot harder than it sounds, but it's worth saying, and saying first, because no matter how great a writer you are, if you're not conveying personality alongside your accomplishments, your essay will not be nearly as memorable as it could be.
2. Keep it short. Essays often call for personal stories: how you first became interested in the field or program, life-changing events that show you have overcome challenges, etc. Just make sure you are conveying the key points of these stories that relate directly to your application. Be succinct and direct when telling the story, don't ramble, and tie your story directly back to why you are an excellent candidate. Don't embellish, try to avoid cliches, and avoid touchy subjects like politics or religion.
3. Show results. Give schools more than your transcript. Tell admissions departments about successful coursework that relates directly to the program you are applying. Include any mention of related clubs, awards, employment or leadership roles that can round out your academic work in the field. Show that you have successfully completed related studies or projects and that you have what it takes to succeed.
4. Start strong and finish strong. A good opening paragraph and a strong closing argument can really make an essay. Open your essay with a strong purpose statement, and close with a compelling argument as to why you are a good candidate. Be memorable!
5. Be specific. Many schools require a similar personal statement, which leads many students to submit the same essay to every school to which they apply. However, good essays address the school or program you are applying to specifically. Cite specific program requirements, faculty, awards won or recent news, something to show you have put some thought into applying to the institution in question.