What is a Personal Statement and Why is it Important?

  • A graduate or professional school’s qualitative introduction to you, the way you think, and how you express yourself
  • A non-generic reflection of your personality and intellect
  • A personalization of your résumé that highlights your human dimension
  • Your opportunity to explain yourself and set yourself apart from other applicants

Types of Personal Statements

  • General, comprehensive personal statement: Allows you maximum freedom in terms of what you write and is the type of statement often prepared for standard medical or law school applications.

  • Response to a very specific question: Business and graduate school applications often ask specific questions. Your statement should respond specifically to the question(s) being asked.