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Essay Examples 21 Personal Statement Examples That Stand Out + Why They Work

This is your ultimate list of Personal Statement examples.

In this post, you'll learn:

• What makes a successful Personal Statement
• How to write an irresistible Personal Statement
• Ivy League personal essay examples

If you're looking to read and write Personal Statement essays, you've found the right place.

In this post, I'm going to share everything you need to go from zero to having a Personal Statement essay you can be proud of.

This guide will help you get started writing an engaging Personal Statement essay. Or if you already have one, how to make it even better.

What is a Personal Statement Essay?

A personal statement, also called a statement of purpose (SOP) or personal essay, is a piece of creative, personal writing.

The purpose of your personal statement is to express yourself and your ideas. Personal statements usually aren't piece of formal writing, but still should be thoughtful and planned out.

For undergraduate applications, your personal statement is often referred to as your Common App essay , because it is the main essay for your Common App.

21 Personal Statement Essays That Worked

It can be difficult to understand what makes a great essay without seeing some for yourself.

Here's 21 of our favorite personal statement essays that we've chosen for being unique and high-quality.

There essays were all accepted into some of the most selective schools. And while it isn't the only factor in admissions that matters, having outstanding essays can help tip the scales in your favor.

Table of Contents

Prompt: Any Topic of Your Choice

• 1. I Want To Be a Billionaire

Prompt: Background, Identity, or Interest

• 2. Uncomfortable Truths
• 3. Romanian Heritage
• 4. Film and Theater
• 5. Person of the Woods
• 6. Beautiful Walks

Prompt: Lessons from Obstacles

• 7. My Father
• 8. Self-Determination
• 9. Game Design Music
• 10. Speech and Debate

Prompt: Questioned or Challenged a Belief

• 11. Finding Answers

Prompt: Accomplishment, Event, or Realization

• 12. Connecting with Others
• 13. Summer Confidence
• 14. First Impressions
• 15. Law Career
• 16. Growing Up Asian

Prompt: Engaging Topic, Idea, or Concept

• 17. Secrets of Riddles
• 18. Rubik's Cube
• 19. Narrative Diversity
• 20. Search for Dreams
• 21. Recipe for Success

Personal Statement Example #1: I Want To Be a Billionaire

This is an amazing, risk-taking personal statement that worked for Stanford last year. It is a stand-out essay for many reasons, but especially because of its creativity, passion, and authenticity.

This essay was written by Khoi Lam ( @khoikimlam on Instagram) who is a Computer Science major.

Khoi is originally from Missouri, USA, and he had an impressive 1510 SAT, 34 ACT (superscore), and 3.932 unweighted GPA (4.581 weighted).

Khoi was heavily involved in extracurriculars, including placing 7th overall in the international ElevenLabs Online AI Hackathon and the National Winner of the Congressional App Challenge in 2023.

Khoi identifies as an Asian-American student, with no legacy or family connections to Stanford.

With that, let's read Khoi's amazing Common App essay that helped get him into Stanford.

Common App Prompt #7: Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design. (250-650 words)

I want to be a billionaire.

Vietnam's busy streets, heavy with tropical heat, filled with horns blaring, scented with the aroma of freshly cooked street food—starkly contrasting the harsh reality of homelessness that burrowed in the city. From the backseat of my mother's well-worn motorbike, I observed the hardships of many—the homeless, the hungry, the struggling masses. As we drove past a disheveled man on the sidewalk, I asked my mom if we could give him some money. She replied that we could barely afford our own needs. Still, her eyes held a sadness, knowing she couldn’t help.

I envisioned a future where basic needs are met for all, where humanity could leave the lowest level of Maslow's hierarchy behind for good. How could I play a part in making that vision a reality? I want to become fortunate enough to lend a helping hand to every person I pass.

I believe every human who has ever existed, or will ever exist, is part of a larger, reincarnating soul—and the cosmos is just... an egg . This concept comes from Andy Weir's short story The Egg. In another life, it could have been me on the streets. I could be that homeless man, that struggling mom, that starving child.

My first job as a waiter allowed me to take a small step toward my dream. I shared some of my modest earnings with the homeless I passed by on the streets. It felt right. It felt human. It warmed my heart.

Yet, I began to question the real impact of my donations. This nagging doubt led me to William MacAskill's Doing Good Better, where I discovered Effective Altruism—a philosophy of maximizing impact. The book mentioned the infamous case study, the PlayPump initiative in Africa. This project aimed to use children's play energy on a merry-go-round to pump clean water. However, it backfired because the children tired quickly, leaving women to push the heavy merry-go-round themselves, far less efficient than traditional hand pumps. I learned an invaluable lesson: empathy alone isn’t enough; it needs to be combined with analytical rigor—"to have the head of a serpent and the heart of a dove," as the Bible puts it. While giving direct cash to the homeless eased my heart, it was unlikely to provide lasting solutions.

I took action on my newfound philosophy and pledged 10% of my income to the Giving What We Can nonprofit to effective evidence-based charities. To find lasting solutions, I co-organized [Redacted] Effective Altruism to build a community focused on analytical and empathetic giving. I partnered with local nonprofits to improve their funding effectiveness through the Local Impact Evaluation project. Beyond dollars, we helped reshape our city's culture of giving by inspiring heart and mind, where empathy meets evidence. Our collective efforts to tackle local issues through rigorous analysis and compassion were born from a desire to make an impact far beyond one individual.

"But, how can I improve this research on a larger scale?" I want to develop AI systems that evaluate charities’ effectiveness. However, AI’s power to revolutionize humanity, as highlighted in Mo Gawdat's book Scary Smart, comes with ethical responsibilities. This understanding led me to explore the intersection of AI and Philosophy. I aim to combine technical skills with a strong moral compass to ensure that AI not only enhances efficiency but also upholds moral values. In the future, I want to research this topic alongside the Effective Altruism community around the world.

I want to be a billionaire—not for the sake of wealth, but to touch a billion lives. When my journey on this Earth ends, when I find myself back to our cosmic egg, I hope to be greeted by a human- sized entity, but grander than life itself, fist bumps me and smiles.

You did a great job.

Oh, and I'll leave with zero—in my bank account, but not my soul's ledger.

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The student who wrote this essay, Khoi Lam, also offered some powerful advice and insight into his successful Stanford application.

Here's what he said:

Why do you think your application was accepted?

Khoi: I try to have a voice in my writing, authenticity, provocative/bold, and focus on the academics as much as I can (ideas, books, etc.) to show my intellectual vitality.

How much do you think your essays were a factor?

Khoi: I believe they do play a big factor because I honestly didn't have great stats.

Was there anything you would've done differently (with your essays or application)?

Khoi: I would say to put more effort into the other schools because except for Stanford, I just lazily recycled my essays and didn't put in much effort for the other schools. I wish I could've put more effort into them :((

What do you want other students to know about applying to college?

Khoi: In my opinion:

Be bold in your essays. If you're an underdog (like me), then taking risks in your essays is worth it. It only takes 1 school to like your essays. If you write safely and mediocre, then you're not unique enough.

Do some research on interesting academic ideas that are related to your essays and put them in. Mentioning books (or any other ways you pursue your academic pursuits, like articles) is my fav way to show intellectual vitality. It's a great way to teach the Admission Officer something new.

Thanks to Khoi for showcasing his amazing work! If you enjoyed reading his essay and insights, consider checking out his website .

Now let's read some other amazing personal statements that worked for top colleges.

Personal Statement Example #2: Uncomfortable Truths

This is a personal statement that worked for Princeton . It is outstanding for many reasons, but most of all because of its ideas and the thoughtfulness put into organizing them.

This is one of my personal favorites because of how well-written and thought-provoking it is, while showcasing the student's achievements humbly.

Common App Prompt #1: Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story. (250-650 words)

Why This Essay Works:

Having a unifying idea is key to successful personal statements. Find your deepest idea or realization and focus your essay around that.

Find a way to showcase your achievements while connecting to broader, more universal ideas.

Connecting your ending to your beginning is a powerful way to bring your essay full circle. A great conclusion expands on your ideas introduced earlier, while leaving some room for more to be said.

• Make a Strong Impression
• Capture Your Unique Strengths
• Write Outstanding Essays
• ...and Apply Confidently!

I hope you found that essay as amazing as I did. It's a fantastic example of how to write successful college essays .

Personal Statement Example #3: Film and Theater

This student's essay was accepted to USC , among other top schools. It's topic is seemingly simple—taking walks—but the author brilliantly shows how even in the mundane there can be meaningful reflections.

This essay has lots of moments where the author's character comes across vividly. By using conversational language and interjections like "I want to—no, need—to...", the author has a clear "voice" and you can easily imagine them as if they were speaking directly to you. This student also showcases self-awareness and a sense of humor, by using slightly self-deprecating phrases like "some chubby, nerdy girl" and by recognizing how the social approval of sitting with the "popular girls" was enthralling at the time. Self-awareness is a highly valuable trait to portray, because it shows that you're able to reflect on both your strengths and weaknesses, which is a skill needed to be able to grow and develop.

This author manages to tie in their activity of producing films and reference them specifically ("Cardboard Castles") by connecting them to their main point. Instead of listing their activities or referencing them out-of-the-blue, they show how these accomplishments are perfect examples of a greater message. In this case, that message is how meaningful it is to connect with others through storytelling. To write about your activities and achievements without seeming arbitrary or boastful, make them have a specific purpose in your essay: connect to a value, idea, or use them as examples to show something.

In the intro of this essay, there are some descriptions that seem fiction-like and are ultimately unimportant to the main idea. Sentences that describe Mrs. Brewer's appearance or phrases describing how their teacher stood up after talking to them ultimately don't contribute to the story. Although these provide "context," the only context that admissions are interested in is context and details which have a purpose. Avoid writing like fiction books, which describe all the characters and settings, and instead only describe exactly what is needed to "go somewhere" in your essay.

What They Might Improve:

This essay has a strong hook which captivates the reader by making them ask a question: "What are these lunch-time horror stories?" By sparking the reader's imagination early on, you can draw them into your writing and be more engaged. However, ultimately this is somewhat of a letdown because these intriguing "lunch-time horror stories" are never described. Although it may not be completely necessary for the main point, describing one example or hinting at it more closely would be satisfying for the reader and still connect to the main idea of storytelling. One idea is to replace the conclusion with a reference to these "lunch-time horror stories" more vividly, which would be a satisfying ending that also could connect to filmmaking and storytelling. In general, anticipate what the reader will be looking for, and either use that expectation to your advantage by subverting it, or give them what they want as a satisfying, meaningful conclusion.

Although this conclusion could work as is, it could be stronger by seeming less arbitrary and less "fancy for fancy sake." Often, a good strategy is to connect your conclusion to something earlier in your essay such as your introduction or specific wording that you used throughout. In this essay, it could work much better to end by revealing one of those "lunch-time horror stories" in a way that also emphasizes their main point: how storytelling is a powerful tool to connect people.

Personal Statement Example #4: Romanian Heritage

This personal statement worked for UMichigan , among many other top schools like MIT, Rice, UNC at Chapel Hill , University of Pittsburgh, UW Madison, and more.

This author is able to vividly bring you into their world using cultural references and descriptive writing. You can practically taste and smell Buni's kitchen through her words.

This essay starts off by posing a challenge, which is typical of essays. But rather than showing how they overcame this particular challenge of speaking Romanian without an accent, this reader shows how something unexpected—baking—came to satisfy what was missing all along. By the end, this creates a conclusion that is both surprising, connected to the beginning, and makes perfect sense once you've read it. In other words, the conclusion is inevitable, but also surprising in content.

This student uses Romanian words to help exemplify the culture and language. If you're writing about a culture, using foreign language words can be a compelling way of adding depth to your essay. By including specific terms like "muni" and "cornulete," it shows a depth of knowledge which cannot be faked. Always use specific, tangible language where possible, because it is "evidence" that you know what you're talking about.

This student exhibits strong self-awareness by noting characteristics about themself, even some which may not be the most glamorous ("can be overbearing at times, stubborn in the face of offered help"). Rather than telling the reader flat out about these personal attributes, they are able to discuss them by connecting to another person—their grandmother Buni. Using another person to showcase your own character (through comparison or contrast) is a literary "foil," which can be an effective way of showing your character without stating it outright, which generally is boring and less convincing.

This student doesn't focus on surface-level ideas like "how they got better at speaking Romanian." Instead, they reflect in a creative way by connecting the Romanian language to baking. Revealing unseen connections between topics is a great way to show that you're a thoughtful and clever thinker. Ultimately, having unique ideas that are specific to you is what will create a compelling essay, and this essay is a perfect example of what that could look like.

Personal Statement Example #5: Person of the Woods

This essay was accepted into Dartmouth College . It is a brilliant example of showing how any experience, even those which originally may have been unpleasant, can be the topic of meaningful reflection.

Using visuals, like descriptions of scenarios and environments, can help bring the reader into your world. However, make sure that all of your descriptions are relevant to your main point, or else they could be distracting. For example, in this essay it would be unnecessary to describe what they're wearing or the appearance of canoes, but it makes sense to describe the nature as it relates to the main topic.

People are not isolated units. Instead, everyone depends on and is defined by those around them. By showing how you relate and connect with other people, you can provide insights into your character. In this essay, the student does a great job of delving into their strong friendships, particularly what they've learned from their friends.

Admissions officers love to see self-growth. Showing how your perspective on something has changed (in this case, how they went from disliking to loving an activity) conveys a development of your character. Ask yourself: what preconceived notions did I have before, and how did they change? This student reflects in a humble way, by first emphasizing what they've learned from others, before offering up what they might have contributed themselves. Always try to have a tone of gratitude in your essays because it makes you more likeable and shows strong character.

Personal Statement Example #6: Beautiful Walks

Personal Statement Example #7: My Father's Death

This personal statement was admitted to Michigan in recent years. It is an outstanding example of how you can write about topics that are often cliché if done poorly, such as the death of a family member.

But unlike other essays, this one works because it has a unique take and genuine approach to the topic that makes it come off as heartfelt.

Common App Prompt #2: The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience? (250-650 words)

Writing about a tragedy like a loss of a parent is a tricky topic for college essays. Many students feel obligated to choose that topic if it applies to them, but it can be challenging to not come across as trying to garner sympathy ("sob story"). This student does a graceful job of focusing on positive elements from their father's legacy, particularly the inspiration they draw from him.

This student does a great job of connecting their educational and career aspirations to their background. Admissions officers want to understand why you're pursing what you are, and by explaining the origin of your interests, you can have compelling and genuine reasons why.

In this essay, the student writes from their hypothetical perspective as an infant. This doesn't quite work because they likely wouldn't remember these moments ("I have no conscious memories of him"), but still writes as though they do. By writing about things you haven't seen or experienced yourself, it can come across as "made up" or inauthentic.

Personal Statement Example #8: Self-Determination

Some of the best essay topics are dealing with challenges you've faced, because difficulties make it easier to reflect upon what you've learned. Admissions officers ultimately are looking for self-growth, and showing how you've handled personal challenges can demonstrate your new understandings as a result. However, avoid talking about "tragedy" or difficulty without a clear purpose. Don't write about it because you think "you should," only write about challenges if they are true to yourself and you have something meaningful and unique to say about them. Otherwise, it can come off as trying to garner sympathy (i.e. "sob stories") which admissions officers generally dislike.

More convincing than telling admissions officers, is presenting them with "evidence" and allowing them to come to the conclusion themselves. If you want to show the idea "I couldn't learn due to this condition," it is far more effective to do what this student did and say, "I'd just finished learning complex trig identities, and I now couldn't even count to ten." When drafting, it is normal and okay to start off with more "telling" as you get your ideas on paper. But as your essay progresses, you should transform those moments of "telling" into more powerful and convincing moments of "showing."

Having meaningful reflections is a critical part of having compelling essays. But make sure your takeaways are not surface-level or generic. Each admissions officer has likely read thousands of essays, so they are well aware of the common ideas and tropes. Avoid cliché ideas at all costs, because it comes across as forgettable and unoriginal. Instead, it is okay to start with surface-level ideas, but keep asking yourself probing questions like "Why" and "How" to push your ideas deeper.

This essay tells a nice story of overcoming their physical impediment, but ultimately lacks meaningful reflections in the conclusion. Too much time is spent on "the problem" and not enough on how they overcame it. Your conclusion should have your best, most compelling ideas in your entire essay. Try ending your essay by connecting to the beginning with a new perspective, expanding on your idea with a new takeaway, or connecting to broader, more universal themes. Avoid having a conclusion that "sounds nice," but ultimately is lacking in meaningful content.

Personal Statement Example #9: Game Design Music

This essay was admitted into Cornell University . It discusses a common conflict of ideology that comes with pursuing the arts. What the author does brilliantly is show how that conflict was reconciled, as well as how it changed their perspective.

My mom used to tell me this a lot. She’d always disapproved of my passion for the arts.

In this essay, the author does a fantastic job of showing how they are thoughtful in considering the perspectives of others, even though they may disagree. Showing that you can entertain ideas that you may disagree with is an admirable trait that admissions officers love to see, because intellectual discussion is all about trying to see other people's views. When writing about things that you may disagree with, try to play devil's advocate and see things from their point of view. Doing so will make you come off as thoughtful, understanding, and inquisitive, and it will strengthen your own viewpoint if you can identify arguments against it.

The best essays help admissions officers understand how you think about things. One strategy is to offer up questions to explore. These can be questions that arose during a particular moment or questions that you're reflecting upon right now. By using questions in your essay, you'll also present yourself as a thoughtful and curious thinker. Ultimately, you want to help the reader see things from your perspective by showing your thought process.

A good starting place for reflection can be in comparing and contrasting different topics. This could finding the similarities and differences in an extracurricular and an academic class, or any other number of things. By finding the similarities in things often thought of as "opposing," or finding the differences in things thought of as "similar," you can get to interesting ideas. Comparisons are useful because they force you to think from a different viewpoint. For example in this essay: How does "programming" relate to "song lyrics"?

This essay ends on a note that feels somewhat off-topic and not as interesting as their main idea. The conclusion leaves more to be wanted, as the reader ends up thinking: Are you simply seeking the approval of your parents? Or are you carving your own path in life? Or does the answer lie somewhere in between? Avoid ending your essay with a tangential idea. Instead, a strong conclusion is often closely related to the main point of your essay, but with a slight twist. By planning out your essay before writing, you can make sure that each point (from start to finish) connects the way you want it to and that your conclusion ends on a strong, well-connected note.

Personal Statement Example #10: Speech and Debate

I was still high off the competition, poring over ballots by the soft streetlights as we drove. “Are you sure you want to do this?” My Dad was worried about me. Worried about my world crashing down around me, losing friends, being crushed by hate. Scarred by controversy. I laughed it off, and we rode in silence.

Fast forward to my second or third year in the league. I wanted to have some fun. I emailed the regional coordinator, asking if there’s a rule against a speech advocating for same-sex marriage.

This essay has lots of interesting ideas about having discussions between people of different viewpoints. This student is able to reflect sincerely about what the benefit of that dialogue is ("iron sharpening iron") and able to draw meaningful conclusions ("hope lives in that laughter") that express deeper ideas. By focusing on these compelling reflections, this student shows themself as a brilliant and thoughtful thinker, while demonstrating what they value: discourse between opposing viewpoints. Rather than focusing on the literal happenings (i.e. giving a speech to their club), the student reflects on what that experience represents more broadly, which allows them to connect to deeper ideas.

This essay is full of details, without being wordy or drawn out. Even small details like naming the show "The Daily Show" or giving a number of "40,000+ theologies" makes their writing much more engaging and compelling. By avoiding broad and vague language, this student paints a fascinating picture that allows the reader to enter their world. It is always better to be specific than to be generic, but make sure that the specific details are always relevant to your point. This essay is a great example of how to do both.

This essay does a fantastic job of creating a "voice." That is, you can easily imagine the student as if they were speaking to you while reading it. To craft this voice, this student uses small moments of more informal language and interjecting remarks that show their thought process. Using parentheses can be a good way to show your voice by jumping in when you have a small remark to add. This student also demonstrates a sense of humor and lightheartedness while still discussing meaningful ideas. The sarcastic remark "because controversy has no place in a debate club!" demonstrates their values (of dialogue between differing viewpoints) as well as showing their sense of personality.

This essay's weakest point is its intro or "hook." In fact, it could work much better by excluding the introduction paragraph and starting off with the second paragraph: "Forgive the melodrama: this is a story..." That short phrase is much more captivating and immediately draws the reader in. The introduction paragraph in this essay is too much of a meandering and vague story: you don't know what they're talking about, and ultimately it doesn't matter. Rather than using a fancy story or descriptions to introduce your essay, try jumping into the "meat" of your essay immediately. Consider using a short, declarative sentence or phrase like "Forgive the melodrama" as a hook, which is more impactful and draws the reader immediately into your essay.

Personal Statement Example #11: Finding Answers

Common App Prompt #3: Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome? (250-650 words)

My grandmother’s concern faded rather quickly as sirens fell distant and time passed.

After about 30 minutes, my grandfather’s friend ran toward the beach. My grandfather was not next to him. He was not there at all. At that moment, my grandma knew.

“Burt...he was with me...he slipped...he fell...I ran down the side of the mountain, off the trail, but I couldn’t find him. The park rangers are looking...” She stopped listening. She could see his lips moving, yet she heard nothing.

This essay repeats a lot of the same ideas or information, just using different words. Rather than "getting to the point," this repetition makes the essay feel meandering and like it is going nowhere ultimately. When drafting your essay, it is okay to have repetition (your drafts shouldn't be perfect, after all). But when editing, ask yourself with each sentence: does this add something new? Is this necessary to my main point? If not, you should exclude those sentences.

This essay starts off with a drawn-out story of the tragedy involving the author's grandfather. Most of this story is unnecessary, because all that really matters for this student's main idea is the fact that their grandfather passed away from a tragic accident. Details about his grandmother or his grandfather's best friend are unnecessary and distracting.

An important "rule" in college essays is to only write from your perspective. That is, don't describe things that you couldn't have seen or experienced. In this essay, the author spends a lot of time describing their grandfather's incident as if they was there to witness it. But we later learn that the author was not even alive at this point, so how could they be describing these things? On a smaller level, don't describe yourself from an outside perspective. For example, instead of, "I grimaced when I heard the news" (how did you see yourself grimace?) you could say, "I felt my stomach pang when I heard the news."

Your ideas are most valuable in your essays. Admissions officers want to see how you think, and having interesting ideas that are unique to you is how you demonstrate that you're thoughtful and insightful. Avoid surface-level ideas at all costs, as it comes off cliché. It is okay to start with more generic ideas, but you should always delve deeper. To get at deeper and more unique ideas, the key is to ask yourself questions. For example: Why is this the case? Why don't things work differently? What does this mean for other people? What does this represent? How can I apply this to other areas of life?

Personal Statement Example #12: Connecting with Others

Common App Prompt #5: Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others. (250-650 words)

It's important to create a "voice" in your personal statement, so that admissions officers can imagine your character and personality. Try to write as you would speak, but refined and polished. In this essay, natural-sounding phrases like "...let me admit, I was awful..." humanizes the author and makes the reader feel like they're being spoken to.

This essay is a perfect example of how effective essays don't need to have a super unusual story to be compelling. What makes this essay's story compelling is not necessarily the topic itself (meeting distant relatives), but instead how the student reflects and makes interesting connections to broader ideas. Even seemingly mundane experiences can make for meaningful personal statements topics.

This conclusion works well by connecting to the main story of the essay. However, certain phrases like "As a global citizen" and "I am hoping to forge relationships" are potentially too generic. Instead, try taking your main idea (in this case forming connections with others) and broaden it or connect to more universal ideas.

Personal Statement Example #13: Summer Confidence

This essay has a heartfelt moment where the author connects deeply with a camper and feels a sense of genuine gratitude. By showing their newfound connection with a person they were mentoring, this creates a sense of humanity and also tells a lot about the author themself. By talking about other people in your life, you create a literary "foil" which in turn describes something about yourself. Showing how you interact with others can be telling into your character, such as showing your empathy, sense of humor, friendliness, or how you draw inspiration from others.

This essay does a good job of expressing vulnerability, specifically the author's fears about the future and "deteriorating friendships" after going to college. By being vulnerable, these moments feel more relatable to the reader. Showing your struggles (especially emotional ones) can also make your later "successes" feel more impactful when you show how you've overcame them or persist in face of those struggles. By recognizing your flaws or insecurities, you also show self-awareness, which is a positive trait because you need to be self-aware in order to improve the areas of yourself you want to fix.

Although this essay does reflect upon the lessons learned during their time at this camp, the takeaways are ultimately surface-level and not delved into. Rather than saying things like "I had more confidence," it would be more engaging to show how that confidence made an effect and what exactly that "confidence" meant. This essay touches upon some meaningful lessons, but ultimately they fall flat because the nuances of these lessons are glossed over. Phrases like "upon further consideration it no longer fills me with...apprehension" don't delve into the most interesting part: How and why did that fear go away? What changed about your perspective and why? Instead, these are explained away with "confidence and maturity," which are too broad of terms and feel meaningless because they are overused in essays.

In your personal statement, it is completely OK to reference people by their first name. Using names makes your essay more vivid and engaging, while showing a deeper connection that you have with others. Rather than saying "other people" or "one of the older campers," it would be more impactful to use their first name. There are some caveats, however. Don't use their name if you're showing them in a negative light (which you probably shouldn't do anyway) or if you're revealing something personal about them. If you are revealing something personal, you can substitute their name for another name, or ask them for their direct permission.

Personal Statement Example #14: First Impressions

It had a nice ring to it, but I wasn’t a fan. Unfortunately, that’s what I imagined everyone saw first, and first impressions stick.

A caveat of my surgery was that the hair would grow, then one-third would fall off. My scar will never be completely gone, but I no longer feel defined by it like I did in elementary school.

An effective hook doesn't need to be complicated. Often, the best hooks are simple, declarative sentences. By using a short sentence, you'll immediately draw the reader into your essay and create a point of emphasis. In general, avoid long and meandering sentences to start your essay, and save those for later in your essay. Clear and succinct phrasing is often the hallmark of a strong hook.

To convey your ideas more strongly, show them using concrete examples. In this essay, the author does a great job of that by not saying "classmates only saw me for my scar," but instead showing that idea through the memorable image of "I learned about my classmates through their lunchbox covers...they saw me as the boy with the scar." Using tangible imagery makes for a compelling way of expressing your ideas, as it allows the reader to come to the conclusions you want them to, without just "telling" them.

Avoid exaggerating or "fluffing up" experiences in your essays. Instead, be realistic and tell them for what they are. This essay does that perfectly by using phrases like "I didn't have a sudden epiphany about my scar." Avoid using phrases like "suddenly, I..." which are often overused and unrealistic. Most new understandings aren't acquired in one moment in particular, but are developed over time.

This essay touches on some compelling ideas, such as how people can distill down other people into their physical attributes or ailments. However, it would be even stronger to delve deeper into these reflections by asking further questions: Why do we gravitate towards "categorizing" people based on surface-level attributes? What is the impact of only be acknowledged for surface-level characteristics by others, but knowing that you have much more depth to your character? This essay has some meaningful ideas, but other ideas such as "I can be whatever I want to be" feel surface-level and somewhat generic.

Personal Statement Example #15: Law Career

One great way to have interesting ideas is to show things that you find fascinating that other people may find boring. This essay describes how a judge mandating "reprimands for speeding tickets might be dull for some," but how they find it interesting. Everything, even the seemingly mundane, has interesting aspects if you're willing to look closely enough. When brainstorming, ask yourself: what do I find fascinating that others find boring? What do I think is "fun" while others may think it is "hard" or boring? By following these threads, you can often find unique and compelling ideas that allow you to bring the reader into your world and show them how you see the world uniquely.

A common trap when writing a personal statement is to use a descriptive, fiction-like story to start your essay. Although this may sound like a good idea, it is often ineffective because it buries what is most interesting (your ideas and reflections) and can easily be long and drawn out. Short, concise stories with a focus can be effective introductions, but in general avoid overly descriptive storytelling to start your essay. Also, avoid describing things that aren't critical to your main point. There is little to no benefit in describing things like "I smoothed my skirt and rose slowly from the chair." Focus on why your stories matter, rather than telling stories in a descriptive manner.

This essay does have some reflections, particularly about how the author discovered their passion for law by joining the Youth Court. However, most of these ideas end there, and there aren't any deep, unique ideas. The closest the author comes to having a unique and compelling idea is the final sentence where they write "the value of prioritizing the common good above individual success." This could be a fascinating topic to explore, but ultimately is cut short because it is tagged onto the ending. Your focus when brainstorming and drafting should be to have specific and original ideas—ideas that are not generic, not cliché, and not surface-level. To get to those ideas, ask yourself probing questions like "Why" and "How" over and over.

Personal Statement Example #16: My Asian Experience

Personal Statement Example #17: Secrets of Riddles

Common App Prompt #6: Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more? (250-650 words)

As I was going to St. Ives, Upon the road I met seven wives; Every wife had seven sacks, Every sack had seven cats: Cats, sacks, and wives, How many were going to St. Ives?

The riddles of life were not as straightforward as the puzzles in my books and websites. In fact, they were not straightforward at all, like winding mazes of philosophical quandary.

One of the most thought-provoking subjects that preoccupies my mind regards the existence of aliens. Initially, my mind was settled on the possibility of intelligent life. A universe so big could not possibly be lifeless.

As for the solution to the riddle at the start:

How many were going to St. Ives?

This essay does well by having a unique central topic—riddles—which allows the author to draw out interesting ideas related to this theme. Your topic doesn't necessarily need to be profound or hugely significant, because this author shows how you can take a seemingly unimportant topic and use it to make meaningful connections. In this essay, riddles grow to represent something greater than the activity itself, which is something you can do with almost any topic.

One of the most effective ways to "show, not tell" is to use specific and tangible examples. This essay does a great job of exemplifying their ideas. Rather than just saying "I enthralled my friends with questions," the author also shows this: "Over peanut butter and sliced ham, I assumed the role of story teller..." Examples are always more convincing because they are proof, and allow the reader to interpret for themselves. Don't tell the reader what you want them to think. Instead, set up moments that guide the reader to come to those conclusions themselves.

This conclusion connects back to the beginning, which is generally a good idea as it creates a cohesive structure. However, this ending doesn't quite make sense in the context of the riddle. Rather than creating new meaning, it comes off as arbitrary and contrived. Make sure your conclusion isn't creative just for creative-sake, and instead also has significant meaning attached to it.

Personal Statement Example #18: Rubik's Cube

Personal Statement Example #19: Narrative Diversity

If your cultural background or identity is an important part of who you are, then writing about it can make for a compelling essay. Often times in college admissions, Asian-Americans in particular are advised to "hide" their ethnic background, because it can be perceived to hurt their application. This student embraces their Asian heritage by recognizing ways in which they faced societal barriers. As this essay shows, regardless of your identity, there are unique aspects you can delve into that can make for compelling topics.

This essay does a great job of reflecting upon previously held beliefs, such as "I unconsciously succumbed to the 'reserve and quiet' Asian stereotype," and challenging them. Questioning your beliefs and where they came from can often be a good starting point for interesting reflection. Showing your new perspectives over time also conveys self-growth. Ask yourself: what did I once believe (in regards to myself, an activity, other people, etc.), what do I believe now, and how has this changed?

Rather than starting off with an activity and then reflecting upon it, this student takes a different approach. By introducing an interesting idea (the representation of underrepresented groups in media) and then later connecting to their activities, it makes the incorporation of those extracurriculars seem more appropriate and natural. The last thing you want to do is list your activities plainly, but it's still important to reference them. One strategy to naturally talk about your activities and accomplishments is to attach them to interesting ideas, as this essay shows.

Personal Statement Example #20: Search for Dreams

The diamond leaves of gnarled oak trees throw spectrums of color onto mounds of frosty snow that gleam melancholily under the moonlight. The leaves chime as wind violently rustles them in a haunting melody. I splinter a leaf off its branch and inspect the shard of my illusion, eyes dancing with amusement.

As I dwell in my worries, a cold hand reaches from behind me and taps my shoulder.

I jerk away, fear bubbling in my amygdala as I look into the nonexistent eyes of my intruding visitor.

The moon illuminates a blob of pink squish as it draws back slowly, points its spindly hands towards my drink and asks: “Could I have some of that?”

The blob wipes its invisible mouth with its nonexistent sleeve. I ask: “What are you?”

The blob tells me to stop looking at it so suspiciously. “I can prove it,” It says. I tell it, please, go ahead.

Suddenly we are back in the glowing forest. “Diamonds? Pah!” The blob dismisses them. Instantly, the leaves turn solid gold, the snow melts, and the wintry world is thrown into a blistering summer.

The blob laughs heartlessly. “Your cortex is under my control,” it says smugly.

“I heard you had a question for me?” It taps its invisible ears knowingly.

The blob wriggles its invisible brows as it waits.

It smiles that wicked smile. It laughs that sinful laugh. Then that insufferable blob wakes me up.

As I sit up in the dark and rub my bleary eyes, I am vaguely aware of the deep­set unfulfillment settling itself inside me. I yawn and plop back into bed, the soft red glow of my alarm clock indicating that it is still before midnight.

One thing is for sure about this essay: it has a unique idea that has surely not been written before. Regardless of your topic, you want your essay to be unique in some way, even if it isn't as fantastical as this essay. You can use a unique structure, such as having central symbolism, metaphor, or being structured as a recipe, for example. But this can easily become "gimmicky" if it doesn't have a clear purpose. In general, the most effective way to have a unique essay is to focus on having deep and unique ideas and reflections. By focusing on interesting takeaways and connections that are ultra-specific to you and your experiences, your essay will standout regardless of the structure.

This essay uses a lot of fiction-like writing that is fantastical and "flowery." Although moments of this kind of writing can make your essay more vivid, it is quite easy to end up with dense storytelling and descriptions that ultimately don't share anything interesting about you. The purpose of your essay is ultimately to learn about you: your values, your ideas, your identity, etc. By using dense story-like writing, it can be easy to lose focus of what admissions officers are looking for. In general, avoid writing "fancy" stories like this essay, unless you have a clear and distinct purpose for doing so. Everything in your essay should have a purpose in "going somewhere" (i.e. reaching interesting ideas and takeaways).

This essay is definitely creative, but lacks meaningful takeaways and ideas. By the end of the essay, we don't know much about the author besides the fact that they have an affinity for creative writing and are "on a search." Although the content is unique, the end result comes off as quite generic and surface-level because no interesting thoughts are explored deeply. The most interesting part of this essay is "I open my mouth and ask it my most crucial question," but this is super unsatisfying because the question is never divulged. Instead, the reader is teased by this fantasy story and the essay goes nowhere meaningful, which comes off as gimmicky and "creative for creative's sake," rather than deeply personal and interesting.

This essay ends on the idea of "continuing my search," but for what exactly? It is never explained, elaborated, or even implied (besides one reference to painting earlier). That makes this conclusion comes off as somewhat surface-level and uninteresting. Admissions officers won't care about "your search" unless they have a reason to care. That is, unless it tells something specific about you. On it's own, this idea of "exploring" and "searching" is meaningless because it is too broad and unelaborated.

Personal Statement Example #21: Recipe for Success

Step 1: Collect the ingredients

Step 2: Marinate the meat

Step 3: Wrap the dumplings

Step 4: Boil or pan-fry?

Step 5: Share and enjoy!

This essay has a clearly unique format in that it is structured as a dumpling recipe. By walking the reader through each step of dumpling-making, the student is able to explore various ideas and use the dumpling process as a metaphor for their own self-discovery. Having a creative structure like this can be beneficial, so long as you also have compelling ideas and the structure isn't unique just for the sake of being unique.

This whole essay is one big metaphor: the student compares their self-growth to the process of making dumplings. In doing so, the student introduces their heritage, while also having a creative literary device that they can use to explore various topics. By having a "central theme" such as this essay does, it makes it easier to explore a variety of ideas and activities, without seeming like you're listing them.

Struggles are one of the most defining aspects of self-development, and admissions officers are interested to see how you have overcome challenges. These difficulties don't need to be extreme tragedies or insurmountable obstacles, but everyone has faced difficulties. By reflecting upon those difficulties, you can draw out interesting ideas, showcase vulnerability, and express your personality.

How to Write a Personal Statement Essay

While there are no rules or guidelines for writing a personal statement, the best ones often have these in common:

Have Strong Ideas:

Having compelling and interesting ideas shows you are a strong thinker.

It isn't necessarily about having all the answers, but asking the right questions.

For personal statement essays, the quality of your ideas matters more than your writing level. Writing interestingly is more important than writing beautifully.

I’ve stopped tripping over my own feet, and it’s led to me not being afraid to connect and interact with patients and customers or present in front of large crowds. Life is just one long Carioca – you might stumble at first, but if you keep pushing, the right feet will find themselves in the right place. From an accepted essay to UNC at Chapel Hill →

Be Authentic

Writing authentic essays means writing from the heart.

The best personal statements tend to come naturally, because the writer is excited about the topic.

Choose an idea that makes you feel excited to write about and start writing.

As you begin drafting, ideas will naturally arise related to your original idea. Exploring these tangential ideas is what leads to even better reflections for your essay.

That's why it's so important to be genuinely passionate about your subject. You can't just have an interest "in the topic," but there has to be something deeper you're writing about that moves you.

Use Narratives and Story-Telling:

Humans are naturally drawn to stories.

And often the best insights and ideas come from real life experiences.

Telling a story, or many, is the basis for developing your analysis and ideas. Remember, all stories need conflict in order to work.

It can help to think about the different types of conflict.

• Character vs. Self
• Character vs. Character
• Character vs. Nature
• Character vs. Society

And so on...

Once you've written a meaningful story, getting insights is as simple as answering the question: What did your experiences teach you?

The sounds of my knife striking kale unnerves my cat asleep in the corner. He quickly runs over to examine the situation but becomes instantly uninterested when he sees green and smells bitterness. Unfortunately, my family has this same reaction every day of every week. From an accepted essay to University of Southern California →

Showcase Your Values and Identity:

The purpose of a personal statement is to tell about who you are.

Personal statements are your opportunity to showcase what your values are, and how you would contribute to the school, scholarship opportunity, etc.

Good writers are those who write authentically. Write about your unique ideas and ask interesting questions, even if you don't know the answers.

How Long Should a Personal Statement Be?

A typical personal statement can range in length from 500 to 650 words or more.

For applying to colleges, the Common Application essay personal statement has a word limit of 650 words.

For graduate school programs, the application essay will vary in length, but most schools require a personal statement essay of at least 500 words.

What You Can Learn From These Personal Statement Examples

With these 21 Personal Statement examples, you can get inspired and improve your own essays. If you want to get accepted into selective colleges this year, your essays need to make you stand out.

These 21 examples show how real students got into highly selective schools and teach us several lessons for writing your own successful Personal Statement essay:

• Write a compelling first sentence that grabs the reader
• Be specific and reference things by name
• Tell a meaningful story
• Reflect on your life and identity. Be self-aware.

If you enjoyed these personal statement examples, check out some of our top Common App Essays , which are also personal statements essays, but for the Common Application.

Which of these personal statement examples was your favorite?

Meet the Author

Ryan Chiang

I'm Ryan Chiang and I created EssaysThatWorked.com - a website dedicated to helping students and their families apply to college with confidence & ease. We publish the best college admissions essays from successful applicants every year to inspire and teach future students.

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1,000+ Best Personal Statement Examples [+ Templates]

Writing a personal statement feels a bit like giving a TED Talk about yourself—but with more pressure and fewer rehearsals.

Whether you’re applying to school, chasing your dream job, or defining your goals, this guide has everything you need. With 1,000 personal statement examples and 10 ready-to-use templates, you’ll leave here ready to write a statement so good it practically drops the mic.

What Is a Personal Statement?

Table of Contents

A personal statement is your opportunity to introduce yourself, highlight your achievements, and explain your goals.

It’s basically your life story—polished and edited for maximum impact. Whether it’s for an application, a job, or personal development, a personal statement answers three key questions:

• Who are you?
• What do you want?
• Why should anyone care?

A great personal statement doesn’t just tell people what you’ve done—it tells them why it matters. Let’s break it down and look at personal statement examples to inspire your own story.

Types of Personal Statements

Personal statements come in different flavors, depending on their purpose. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

Personal Statements for School

Let’s start with personal statement examples for school. This section includes high school, college, graduate school, and more.

Personal Statements for High School

High school applications typically highlight academic interests, extracurriculars, and future goals.

• I’ve always been fascinated by space, spending countless nights stargazing and dreaming of becoming an astrophysicist.
• As a student council president, I learned to lead, inspire, and listen, skills I hope to expand in high school.
• Books have been my closest companions, sparking my love for storytelling and writing.
• My passion for community service has shaped my desire to start a volunteer club in high school.
• Playing piano since the age of six has taught me discipline, patience, and the joy of creating music.
• From robotics competitions to coding bootcamps, I’ve pursued every opportunity to grow my technical skills.
• My curiosity about chemistry started with kitchen experiments and has grown into a desire to become a scientist.
• Being the oldest of four siblings has taught me leadership, responsibility, and empathy.
• After volunteering at an animal shelter, I developed a deep love for veterinary science and animal care.
• I thrive in competitive environments and look forward to joining high school debate and academic clubs.
• My artwork has been featured in local galleries, fueling my ambition to pursue visual arts.
• Sports have taught me resilience, teamwork, and determination, values I bring to all areas of life.
• Learning new languages has expanded my cultural horizons and inspired my dream of studying abroad.
• I’ve tutored younger students in math and science, strengthening my teaching and mentoring skills.
• Growing up bilingual has shown me the value of communication and cultural understanding.
• As a passionate reader, I look forward to exploring literature and improving my writing skills.
• Building models and solving puzzles sparked my love for engineering and design.
• My experiences in theater have built my confidence, creativity, and ability to collaborate.
• Through coding and app development, I’ve discovered a love for problem-solving and innovation.
• I’ve participated in student government, where I developed organizational and leadership skills.
• Studying history has taught me to analyze the past to build a better future.
• After volunteering at food drives, I became committed to fighting hunger and inequality.
• Working on my school’s newspaper has sharpened my writing and storytelling abilities.
• My experiences in band and choir have taught me discipline and teamwork.
• I’ve explored photography as a medium to capture stories and share perspectives.
• Researching climate change has fueled my desire to become an environmental scientist.
• Creating a startup business for a school project sparked my interest in entrepreneurship.
• I’m excited to continue exploring science fairs and experiments to grow as a researcher.
• My passion for health and fitness drives me to study biology and human anatomy.
• Volunteering at senior centers taught me empathy, patience, and the importance of service.

Personal Statements for College

College statements should blend academic achievements, career goals, and personality.

• Growing up in a multicultural household taught me the power of diversity and adaptability.
• My internship at the local newspaper solidified my passion for investigative journalism.
• Studying biology has shown me how microscopic processes can have monumental impacts.
• As the founder of a tutoring club, I discovered my love for teaching and mentorship.
• Researching renewable energy solutions has fueled my desire to combat climate change.
• Traveling abroad opened my eyes to the beauty of global cultures and the importance of diplomacy.
• Through volunteering in hospitals, I witnessed the transformative power of healthcare.
• Designing apps in hackathons honed my programming and problem-solving skills.
• Organizing fundraisers taught me the importance of collaboration and community support.
• Conducting laboratory research gave me insights into biochemistry and scientific discovery.
• Performing on stage developed my confidence and appreciation for the arts.
• Writing for my school’s magazine expanded my voice and storytelling techniques.
• Working on political campaigns introduced me to the world of public policy and advocacy.
• Building websites for local businesses nurtured my entrepreneurial mindset.
• Through mentorship programs, I found joy in helping others reach their potential.
• As a competitive swimmer, I learned discipline, perseverance, and time management.
• Studying economics deepened my interest in financial systems and global markets.
• Volunteering at animal shelters sparked my interest in veterinary medicine.
• Leading service projects showed me the impact of small actions on communities.
• Exploring literature helped me understand diverse perspectives and sharpen my analysis.
• Interning at a law firm gave me firsthand exposure to the legal system and advocacy.
• Creating art installations challenged my creativity and technical skills.
• Conducting experiments during science fairs strengthened my curiosity about chemistry.
• Working as a peer counselor improved my communication and empathy skills.
• My experiences in model UN shaped my interest in global diplomacy and international law.
• Playing chess taught me strategy, focus, and adaptability.
• Leading environmental clubs fueled my activism for sustainable solutions.
• Studying philosophy taught me to question ideas and defend arguments logically.
• Attending STEM workshops sparked my curiosity about robotics and artificial intelligence.
• Helping my family run a business developed my entrepreneurial skills and work ethic.

Personal Statements for Graduate School

A strong personal statement example for graduate school highlights your academic achievements, research experience, and future aspirations.

These examples showcase how to blend your passion and qualifications into a compelling narrative effectively.

• I aspire to leverage my research on renewable energy to make sustainable solutions accessible worldwide.
• Graduate studies in psychology will equip me to address mental health challenges among underserved populations.
• With a passion for public policy, I aim to influence systemic reforms through data-driven solutions.
• My work in genetics research has driven my ambition to pursue advanced studies in biotechnology.
• After working with at-risk youth, I hope to develop evidence-based therapies to improve mental health care.
• I’m committed to advancing gender equity through social research and advocacy programs.
• Investigating global health disparities has strengthened my resolve to pursue international development studies.
• My experience in environmental law inspired me to focus on sustainable policy solutions in my graduate studies.
• I intend to merge my passion for data analytics and public health to address healthcare disparities.
• Studying economics has fueled my desire to develop scalable solutions for poverty alleviation.
• Conducting research on language acquisition has deepened my interest in cognitive psychology.
• My work in disaster relief has motivated me to study urban planning and crisis management.
• By combining computer science and artificial intelligence, I aim to develop ethical AI systems.
• Analyzing voter data during political campaigns has strengthened my desire to study political science.
• Teaching high school students sparked my passion for education policy reform.
• My passion for literature has led me to study how narratives influence social justice movements.
• Volunteering in refugee camps has inspired me to research migration patterns and policies.
• Developing algorithms during internships motivated me to pursue a career in machine learning.
• My background in theater has fueled my desire to explore performance as a tool for social change.
• After working in journalism, I’m committed to studying media ethics and communication strategies.
• Researching historical archives has prepared me to specialize in cultural preservation studies.
• My internship at a biotech startup has inspired me to research advancements in pharmaceuticals.
• Studying mathematics has equipped me with analytical tools to model complex systems.
• Leading health education workshops has inspired me to study behavioral psychology.
• Volunteering in legal aid programs strengthened my desire to study law and social justice.
• My research on climate change communication strategies has influenced my academic focus.
• Working with robotics clubs has motivated me to pursue engineering and automation.
• My involvement in political organizing has fueled my interest in legislative processes and governance.
• Investigating media representations of gender has prepared me for advanced studies in sociology.
• Designing visual art installations has strengthened my focus on merging art with cultural activism.

MBA Personal Statement Examples

Each of the personal statement examples below emphasizes career goals, entrepreneurial thinking, and management skills that stand out to admissions committees.

• As a project manager, I increased efficiency by 30%, inspiring me to advance my leadership skills in an MBA program.
• My entrepreneurial journey—from launching a startup to securing funding—has prepared me for business innovation.
• With five years of experience in marketing analytics, I’m ready to refine my strategic planning skills through an MBA.
• Scaling operations in a family business has motivated me to study global supply chain management.
• Working in corporate finance sparked my interest in mergers and acquisitions, leading me to pursue an MBA.
• My passion for social entrepreneurship drives me to develop scalable solutions to address economic inequality.
• Leading cross-functional teams strengthened my ability to navigate organizational dynamics and drive performance.
• After streamlining HR processes in a tech company, I aim to deepen my expertise in organizational behavior.
• My background in software engineering and product development inspires me to merge technology with business strategy.
• Managing international marketing campaigns has shaped my vision for global business expansion.
• Building data-driven business models has fueled my ambition to specialize in business analytics.
• Negotiating client contracts has strengthened my interest in corporate law and business ethics.
• My role in a startup’s rapid growth taught me adaptability and strategic problem-solving.
• Working in nonprofit management has driven my desire to study social impact strategy.
• I’m passionate about developing scalable fintech solutions to address global banking challenges.
• My leadership in sales management has prepared me to study revenue growth strategies.
• Developing AI-based business tools inspired my interest in technology-driven entrepreneurship.
• My career in international logistics has highlighted my need to study supply chain optimization.
• Building e-commerce platforms fueled my desire to explore digital marketing strategies.
• Through managing client relationships, I’ve learned the value of trust and transparency in business.
• My background in business consulting has prepared me to tackle complex organizational challenges.
• Analyzing consumer trends motivated me to focus on behavioral economics and marketing.
• Launching a sustainability initiative within my company inspired me to study green business strategies.
• Working in venture capital sparked my passion for identifying and supporting innovative startups.
• Scaling product launches globally shaped my understanding of international markets.
• My passion for financial modeling and investment strategies drives me to pursue advanced studies.
• Coordinating remote teams taught me to embrace digital collaboration and adaptive leadership.
• Managing corporate partnerships strengthened my expertise in negotiations and relationship management.
• Designing strategic frameworks for nonprofit fundraising has inspired me to study business analytics.
• As a business owner, I’m ready to refine my skills in leadership and strategic decision-making.

MSW Personal Statement Examples

The personal statement examples here reflect a commitment to making a difference in communities.

• My work with homeless shelters inspired me to pursue social work and address housing insecurity.
• Supporting survivors of domestic violence fueled my desire to advocate for vulnerable populations.
• Counseling at-risk youth strengthened my resolve to provide mental health support in underserved areas.
• Assisting families in crisis motivated me to specialize in trauma-informed care.
• Volunteering in addiction recovery programs inspired my focus on substance abuse counseling.
• My internship in child welfare services revealed my passion for protecting children’s rights.
• Facilitating support groups taught me the power of community healing.
• Working with elderly populations strengthened my understanding of geriatric care challenges.
• Advocacy work for LGBTQ+ rights fueled my desire to address systemic inequality.
• Mentoring youth in foster care prepared me to offer guidance and stability to vulnerable communities.
• My work in disability services emphasized the importance of inclusion and accessibility.
• Volunteering at food banks inspired me to address poverty and hunger through policy reform.
• Assisting asylum seekers deepened my commitment to refugee support programs.
• Providing crisis counseling reinforced my belief in holistic mental health solutions.
• Working in community health centers highlighted the intersection of healthcare and social services.
• Volunteering at crisis hotlines taught me to provide compassionate support during emergencies.
• My experience assisting immigrant families solidified my desire to focus on cultural competency in social work.
• Supporting victims of human trafficking fueled my passion for advocacy and rehabilitation programs.
• Mentoring teens with behavioral challenges strengthened my resolve to pursue clinical counseling.
• Working in homeless outreach programs inspired me to address systemic barriers to housing security.
• My work in schools as a counselor’s assistant motivated me to focus on youth development programs.
• Volunteering at domestic violence shelters reinforced my desire to provide trauma-informed care.
• Assisting veterans in navigating mental health services fueled my passion for advocacy and support networks.
• Providing job-readiness training for formerly incarcerated individuals inspired my focus on rehabilitation programs.
• My experience in refugee resettlement highlighted the importance of community integration strategies.
• Leading peer support groups for addiction recovery strengthened my commitment to clinical social work.
• Working in hospice care deepened my understanding of grief counseling and end-of-life support.
• Supporting families impacted by disabilities inspired me to advocate for inclusion and accessibility services.
• Assisting disaster relief efforts revealed my passion for crisis intervention and emergency response.
• My background in case management has equipped me with the tools to address complex social challenges.

PhD Personal Statement Examples

Try these personal statement examples to highlight the intellectual curiosity and dedication required for doctoral studies.

• My research in computational biology has prepared me to develop groundbreaking methods in genomics.
• Investigating cultural identity through ethnographic studies fueled my desire to pursue anthropology.
• My thesis on machine learning applications in healthcare inspired my focus on AI-driven solutions.
• Conducting experiments in organic chemistry strengthened my passion for pharmaceutical research.
• Analyzing political systems in emerging democracies deepened my interest in comparative politics.
• My work on climate change models motivated me to pursue environmental science research.
• Studying neural networks fueled my ambition to advance artificial intelligence applications.
• Exploring literature’s role in shaping national identities prepared me to research cultural narratives.
• Conducting fieldwork on endangered languages inspired my commitment to linguistic preservation.
• Investigating mental health treatments through behavioral studies prepared me for clinical psychology research.
• My analysis of economic inequality equipped me to explore sustainable development strategies.
• Researching microbiome diversity strengthened my interest in microbiology and biotechnology.
• Studying medieval texts sparked my focus on historical linguistics and manuscript preservation.
• Examining urban planning challenges prepared me to develop solutions for sustainable cities.
• Researching molecular genetics deepened my understanding of gene therapy and its applications.
• My work on gender studies and intersectionality inspired my focus on identity politics.
• Analyzing global trade policies fueled my ambition to study international economics.
• Investigating childhood development patterns strengthened my interest in developmental psychology.
• Studying criminal justice reform prepared me to tackle systemic inequality and advocate for change.
• Conducting mathematical modeling of ecological systems inspired my focus on conservation science.
• My research in artificial neural networks motivated me to advance AI ethics and transparency.
• Analyzing visual culture and media narratives prepared me for cultural studies research.
• Exploring neuroplasticity strengthened my understanding of brain development and rehabilitation.
• Examining public health policies fueled my ambition to address healthcare disparities.
• Studying renewable energy systems inspired my research on sustainable technologies.
• Investigating ancient civilizations deepened my interest in archaeology and historical preservation.
• Researching political propaganda prepared me to study media influence and public perception.
• Conducting economic impact analyses fueled my desire to pursue macroeconomic research.
• Studying biomedical engineering strengthened my focus on prosthetic design and bioengineering advancements.
• Investigating migration trends inspired my research on global mobility and refugee integration.

Medical Personal Statement Examples

The personal statement examples in this section highlight your dedication to serving others and advancing medicine.

Medical School Personal Statements

Here are personal statement examples that provide inspiration for crafting impactful narratives.

• Shadowing surgeons opened my eyes to both the art and science of medicine.
• Volunteering at a children’s hospital reinforced my desire to become a pediatrician.
• I aim to combine medical expertise with empathy to improve patient care.
• Assisting in free clinics strengthened my passion for accessible healthcare.
• Conducting medical research fueled my interest in evidence-based treatment methods.
• Observing rural health disparities motivated my focus on public health advocacy.
• My work as an EMT taught me to think quickly and act compassionately under pressure.
• Volunteering in hospice care inspired my focus on palliative and end-of-life care.
• Working in addiction recovery programs emphasized the need for integrated mental health services.
• Interning in cardiology units deepened my interest in cardiovascular health and prevention.
• Serving as a peer health educator fueled my desire to promote wellness through community outreach.
• My experience in surgery observation highlighted my passion for precision and innovation.
• Researching cancer treatments motivated me to pursue oncology advancements.
• Assisting in emergency departments developed my ability to thrive in high-pressure environments.
• My studies in neuroscience prepared me to focus on brain disorders and treatments.
• Volunteering at blood donation drives deepened my understanding of preventive healthcare and inspired my passion for community outreach.
• My experience assisting physicians in rural clinics solidified my desire to address healthcare disparities in underserved areas.
• Conducting clinical research on diabetes management fueled my ambition to specialize in endocrinology.
• Observing trauma surgeries strengthened my appreciation for precision, teamwork, and resilience in the operating room.
• Working in pediatric oncology units motivated me to pursue advancements in childhood cancer treatments.
• Volunteering in medical camps abroad opened my eyes to global health challenges and fueled my desire to provide international aid.
• My time shadowing dermatologists inspired my interest in skin disorders and their impact on quality of life.
• Assisting in rehabilitation centers taught me the importance of patience and compassion in physical recovery.
• Observing neonatal care teams inspired my dream of becoming a neonatologist to support premature infants and their families.
• Witnessing the emotional challenges faced by patients with chronic illnesses strengthened my resolve to provide holistic, patient-centered care.
• Serving as a translator in medical consultations reinforced my belief in breaking language barriers to improve patient outcomes.
• My experience working in mobile health clinics ignited my passion for bringing medical care to remote and underserved communities.
• Interning with mental health professionals inspired me to integrate psychiatry into primary care practices.
• Observing organ transplant surgeries emphasized the importance of innovation and collaboration in medical advancements.
• Leading health education workshops reinforced my belief in empowering patients through knowledge and prevention strategies.

PA (Physician Assistant) Personal Statement Examples

The personal statement examples below highlight the ability to balance compassion with technical expertise in providing medical support.

• Working alongside physicians as a medical assistant taught me the importance of collaboration and adaptability in healthcare.
• My experience assisting in surgeries confirmed my passion for hands-on patient care and procedural medicine.
• Volunteering in rural clinics strengthened my commitment to providing accessible healthcare solutions.
• Shadowing PAs in emergency rooms inspired my desire to deliver fast, effective care in high-pressure environments.
• Assisting elderly patients with chronic illnesses highlighted my dedication to long-term care and treatment plans.
• Working in women’s health clinics fueled my desire to support reproductive health and patient education.
• Observing PAs lead patient consultations strengthened my communication skills and clinical confidence.
• My experience as a physical therapy aide taught me to approach rehabilitation with patience and empathy.
• Coordinating care for oncology patients motivated me to focus on holistic, team-based approaches to treatment.
• Working as a medical scribe exposed me to diagnostic strategies and patient-centered problem-solving.
• Volunteering at vaccination clinics fueled my interest in preventive medicine and public health initiatives.
• Observing wound care procedures sparked my interest in acute care and emergency response.
• Assisting in prenatal care programs reinforced my dedication to maternal and child health services.
• My work in telemedicine during the pandemic taught me adaptability and the importance of accessible virtual care.
• Volunteering in HIV/AIDS programs strengthened my resolve to fight stigma and improve patient outcomes.
• Assisting patients with mobility challenges inspired my passion for rehabilitation and physical therapy support.
• My experience in dermatology offices prepared me to address both medical and cosmetic patient needs.
• Observing chronic disease management teams emphasized the importance of collaborative care models.
• Assisting in cardiology units fueled my desire to specialize in cardiovascular diagnostics and care.
• Shadowing trauma teams solidified my interest in acute care and emergency response.
• Working in sports medicine clinics inspired my focus on orthopedic rehabilitation and performance recovery.
• Observing PAs in pediatrics motivated me to focus on preventive care for children.
• My experience in community health programs strengthened my commitment to serving vulnerable populations.
• Assisting in pain management clinics taught me the importance of balancing empathy with clinical expertise.
• Coordinating diabetes education programs reinforced my dedication to patient empowerment through education.
• Observing outpatient surgeries highlighted my interest in procedural medicine and surgical assistance.
• My role in hospice care strengthened my understanding of compassionate end-of-life support.
• Assisting with vaccination campaigns emphasized the impact of preventive care and public health outreach.
• Observing chronic wound care clinics taught me the value of persistence and attention to detail in long-term treatment.
• Working with multidisciplinary teams strengthened my belief in collaborative approaches to healthcare.

Residency Personal Statement Examples

Consider these personal statement examples to emphasize readiness to take the next step in medical training.

• My rotations in internal medicine confirmed my commitment to primary care and comprehensive patient management.
• Observing neurology consultations strengthened my focus on understanding and treating nervous system disorders.
• Working with pediatric patients deepened my passion for preventive care and developmental support.
• My experience in surgical rotations solidified my interest in precision and procedural expertise.
• Interning in family medicine clinics prepared me to approach healthcare holistically and compassionately.
• Conducting clinical research on diabetes management inspired my focus on endocrinology and chronic disease care.
• Observing trauma teams taught me to remain calm and focused in high-pressure medical situations.
• Assisting in psychiatry programs fueled my interest in mental health and integrated care approaches.
• My experience in obstetrics rotations sparked my passion for maternal and fetal health.
• Leading patient education programs emphasized my dedication to improving health literacy and prevention.
• Observing orthopedic procedures fueled my ambition to specialize in musculoskeletal care.
• Working with oncology patients reinforced my interest in comprehensive cancer treatments and support systems.
• My time in emergency departments highlighted the importance of adaptability and quick decision-making.
• Assisting in pain management clinics prepared me to address chronic pain through multidisciplinary care.
• Observing dermatology cases strengthened my interest in treating skin conditions with both medical and cosmetic solutions.
• Observing neonatal intensive care teams inspired my dedication to caring for vulnerable newborns.
• My rotations in anesthesiology fueled my interest in pain management and procedural sedation techniques.
• Working with geriatric patients strengthened my focus on aging-related care and chronic disease management.
• Assisting in critical care units emphasized the importance of rapid decision-making and teamwork.
• My experiences in radiology rotations deepened my passion for diagnostic imaging and technological advancements.
• Observing psychiatry teams inspired my desire to address mental health disparities and stigma.
• My rotations in internal medicine reinforced my passion for managing complex patient cases.
• Working with orthopedic teams motivated me to focus on restoring mobility and improving quality of life.
• Assisting in gastroenterology units emphasized my interest in digestive health and procedural techniques.
• Observing infectious disease specialists reinforced my desire to combat global health challenges.
• My time in rehabilitation units highlighted my dedication to long-term recovery and patient empowerment.
• Shadowing ophthalmology teams inspired my focus on vision care and surgical advancements.
• Assisting in dermatology rotations fueled my passion for treating skin conditions and cosmetic concerns.
• Working with pediatric oncology teams solidified my focus on cancer treatment and compassionate care.
• My experiences in palliative care emphasized my belief in holistic, patient-centered approaches to end-of-life care.

Internal Medicine Personal Statement Examples

Go through these personal statement examples focusing on clinical expertise and commitment to improving patient outcomes.

• My rotations in internal medicine taught me to approach each patient’s case with curiosity and empathy.
• Assisting with chronic disease management highlighted my dedication to improving long-term patient care.
• Observing diagnostic evaluations inspired my passion for solving complex medical puzzles.
• Working in cardiology clinics fueled my interest in preventing and managing heart diseases.
• My experience in endocrinology units emphasized my focus on metabolic disorders and diabetes care.
• Observing autoimmune disease cases deepened my desire to investigate immune system disorders.
• My rotations in nephrology motivated me to address kidney diseases through innovative treatments.
• Treating infectious diseases reinforced my commitment to combating public health challenges.
• Working with geriatric patients strengthened my interest in addressing the needs of aging populations.
• My experiences in pulmonology emphasized the importance of respiratory health and disease prevention.
• Observing hematology teams fueled my passion for treating blood disorders and advancing research.
• My time in intensive care units reinforced my belief in the power of collaborative care teams.
• Assisting in endocrinology clinics deepened my interest in hormonal disorders and metabolic health.
• Working with rheumatology specialists inspired my focus on autoimmune diseases and innovative treatments.
• Observing gastrointestinal specialists motivated me to address digestive health challenges through preventive care.
• My experiences in hospital wards highlighted my passion for comprehensive, multi-system care.
• Shadowing infectious disease experts taught me the importance of global health initiatives.
• Assisting in weight management programs inspired my focus on preventive medicine and lifestyle interventions.
• Working with diabetic patients emphasized my dedication to improving patient education and self-management.
• Observing respiratory therapy teams fueled my desire to address lung diseases and breathing disorders.
• My rotations in hematology inspired me to investigate treatments for anemia and blood-related illnesses.
• Assisting oncology patients strengthened my focus on cancer prevention and personalized therapies.
• Observing gastrointestinal procedures fueled my interest in endoscopic techniques and patient care.
• My work with palliative care teams emphasized the importance of dignity and comfort in serious illnesses.
• Treating cardiovascular diseases motivated me to pursue research in heart health and prevention.
• Assisting in endocrinology clinics deepened my understanding of diabetes management and metabolic health.
• Observing critical care teams reinforced my ability to thrive in high-pressure situations.
• My experiences in primary care clinics highlighted my dedication to holistic patient care and disease prevention.
• Working with liver disease specialists fueled my interest in hepatology and transplant medicine.
• Observing internal medicine physicians inspired my vision of providing compassionate, evidence-based care.

Dental School Personal Statement Examples

These personal statement examples highlight their commitment to dentistry and technical expertise.

• Observing dental surgeries taught me the importance of precision and innovation in oral healthcare.
• My experience in orthodontics inspired my focus on restorative dentistry and improving smiles.
• Volunteering in dental outreach programs fueled my passion for providing accessible dental care.
• Assisting in pediatric dentistry strengthened my desire to make dental visits positive for children.
• Observing oral surgeons motivated me to specialize in surgical procedures and implantology.
• My experience in cosmetic dentistry reinforced my focus on aesthetics and patient confidence.
• Working in dental hygiene clinics highlighted the importance of preventive oral care.
• Assisting with periodontal treatments inspired my interest in gum disease prevention and treatment.
• Observing dental emergencies taught me adaptability and problem-solving in acute care settings.
• My work in community health clinics fueled my passion for addressing disparities in dental care.
• Assisting with prosthodontics cases deepened my interest in creating functional and aesthetic dental solutions.
• Observing oral cancer screenings motivated me to emphasize early detection and patient education.
• Working with patients in orthodontics clinics strengthened my focus on alignment and corrective treatments.
• Shadowing endodontists fueled my interest in root canal treatments and pain relief solutions.
• My experience in pediatric dentistry highlighted my commitment to promoting lifelong oral health habits.
• Observing dental surgeries emphasized my dedication to precision and patient-centered care.
• Assisting with dental implant procedures fueled my passion for restorative treatments.
• My work in public health programs reinforced my desire to improve dental health education.
• Observing prosthodontics cases highlighted my focus on combining function and aesthetics in dental care.
• Assisting in orthodontic clinics strengthened my understanding of corrective dental techniques.
• Working with underserved communities inspired my focus on affordable dental care solutions.
• Observing pediatric oral surgeries motivated my dedication to child-friendly dental practices.
• My experience in oral pathology labs reinforced my interest in diagnosing and treating dental diseases.
• Assisting with dental cleanings taught me the importance of prevention and regular care routines.
• Observing root canal procedures inspired my focus on pain relief and dental preservation.
• My work in denture clinics deepened my interest in prosthetics and functional restorations.
• Assisting in oral health education programs fueled my passion for preventive care strategies.
• Observing maxillofacial surgeries emphasized my desire to integrate surgery and dental care.
• Working with orthodontists solidified my goal of improving smiles and restoring confidence.
• My experience in dental technology labs inspired my interest in combining science and artistry in dentistry.

Veterinary School Personal Statement Examples

Here are personal statement examples to highlight your commitment to improving animal health and well-being.

• Growing up on a farm surrounded by animals sparked my lifelong fascination with veterinary medicine.
• Volunteering at an animal shelter taught me the importance of compassion and preventive care for pets.
• Assisting in wildlife rehabilitation centers solidified my passion for exotic animal care and conservation.
• Observing large-animal surgeries strengthened my interest in agricultural veterinary medicine.
• My experience fostering abandoned pets inspired me to advocate for adoption and animal welfare.
• Working with veterinary teams during spay and neuter programs taught me surgical skills and empathy.
• Observing equine therapy sessions fueled my passion for combining veterinary science with rehabilitation programs.
• Assisting veterinarians during emergency procedures highlighted my ability to remain calm under pressure.
• My experience in aquaculture research motivated me to address sustainability and aquatic animal health.
• Volunteering in rural areas taught me the importance of accessible veterinary services for underserved communities.
• Observing exotic pet specialists fueled my interest in treating reptiles and amphibians.
• My time shadowing veterinarians in urban clinics highlighted the need for affordable pet care.
• Assisting in avian rehabilitation programs inspired my focus on bird health and conservation.
• Working in farm animal medicine clinics deepened my understanding of large-animal veterinary care.
• My experience in zoo animal care emphasized the importance of collaborative research and species preservation.
• Assisting in diagnostic imaging clinics taught me how technology enhances veterinary diagnoses.
• Volunteering in animal rescue programs highlighted my commitment to ethical treatment and care.
• Observing canine physical therapy sessions inspired my focus on post-operative rehabilitation.
• Working with shelter veterinarians strengthened my resolve to address overpopulation and rescue challenges.
• Assisting in clinical pathology labs fueled my curiosity about disease prevention and diagnostics.
• My experience in dairy farm health programs motivated me to improve herd management practices.
• Observing emergency veterinary surgeries reinforced my passion for fast-paced, life-saving treatments.
• Working with exotic animal specialists sparked my interest in wildlife veterinary medicine.
• Assisting in equine dentistry clinics emphasized the importance of preventive oral care in horses.
• Volunteering at pet vaccination drives taught me the value of preventive medicine.
• Observing veterinary ophthalmology cases inspired my desire to preserve vision in animals.
• My time working in small animal clinics strengthened my skills in client communication and diagnostics.
• Assisting in zoo animal surgeries motivated my focus on wildlife preservation through veterinary care.
• Working with marine mammal rehabilitation teams fueled my desire to improve aquatic animal welfare.
• Observing animal behavior specialists inspired my interest in animal psychology and behavioral training.

Personal Statements for Work

In this section, you’ll find personal statement examples that show how to make a strong impression in job applications and promotions.

Resume Personal Statements

Here are personal statement examples that put a spotlight on your achievements and ambitions in a concise format.

• Experienced marketing professional with expertise in digital strategy and a proven track record of increasing sales by 30%.
• Results-driven project manager skilled in streamlining workflows and delivering projects on time and under budget.
• Data analyst with a passion for transforming complex data into actionable insights that drive business growth.
• Creative graphic designer with 5+ years of experience producing engaging visual content for global brands.
• Dynamic sales representative recognized for exceeding targets and building long-lasting client relationships.
• Highly organized administrative assistant with expertise in managing schedules, coordinating meetings, and improving efficiency.
• Software developer with a talent for coding scalable applications and a passion for problem-solving.
• Compassionate registered nurse skilled in patient care, clinical procedures, and health education programs.
• Motivated human resources professional with expertise in talent acquisition, employee relations, and compliance management.
• Financial analyst with a proven ability to evaluate risks, forecast trends, and optimize investment strategies.
• Passionate educator with a talent for developing engaging lesson plans and improving student outcomes.
• Experienced operations manager focused on streamlining processes and improving organizational performance.
• Detail-oriented accountant skilled in budget planning, financial reporting, and compliance auditing.
• Versatile content writer experienced in crafting SEO-driven articles and compelling marketing copy.
• Innovative UX designer focused on creating intuitive user experiences and improving customer satisfaction.
• Proactive customer service representative with a reputation for resolving issues quickly and improving retention rates.
• Strategic business consultant with expertise in market analysis, financial planning, and performance optimization.
• Passionate event planner with a track record of executing seamless corporate events and fundraisers.
• Experienced IT specialist skilled in cybersecurity, network management, and troubleshooting complex systems.
• Creative social media manager with a history of growing engagement and launching viral campaigns.
• Supply chain specialist with expertise in inventory management, procurement, and logistics optimization.
• Motivated healthcare administrator experienced in managing budgets, implementing policies, and improving patient care.
• Insightful market researcher skilled in data collection, analysis, and identifying emerging trends.
• Energetic personal trainer dedicated to developing personalized fitness programs and improving client health.
• Resourceful real estate agent focused on marketing properties and negotiating successful deals.
• Driven engineer with expertise in design, testing, and optimizing mechanical systems.
• Compassionate social worker with a commitment to providing counseling, advocacy, and community support.
• Experienced public relations specialist focused on building media relationships and managing brand reputations.
• Goal-oriented sales manager with a history of driving revenue growth and mentoring high-performing teams.
• Accomplished executive assistant with a talent for organizing workflows, prioritizing tasks, and supporting leadership teams.

Promotion Request Personal Statement Examples

The personal statement examples below demonstrate how to effectively advocate for career advancement.

• Over the past three years, I have consistently exceeded sales targets, showcasing my ability to lead and deliver results.
• By streamlining workflows and reducing inefficiencies, I increased team productivity by 25%, proving my readiness for a leadership role.
• Managing cross-departmental projects has honed my collaboration skills and prepared me for expanded responsibilities.
• I successfully launched two high-impact marketing campaigns that generated a 40% increase in leads, positioning me as a strategic thinker.
• My ability to mentor junior staff and develop training programs highlights my leadership potential.
• Implementing new quality control systems led to a 15% reduction in errors, demonstrating my focus on continuous improvement.
• Overseeing budgets and reducing expenses by 18% reflects my financial management skills and cost-saving strategies.
• Leading a product launch that resulted in record-breaking sales confirmed my expertise in project planning and execution.
• My commitment to customer satisfaction has led to a 30% increase in client retention, underscoring my results-driven approach.
• I have managed teams through organizational changes, maintaining morale and productivity during transitions.
• Developing innovative marketing strategies contributed to a 20% boost in revenue, showcasing my creative thinking.
• Building partnerships with key stakeholders expanded our network and improved team performance.
• By streamlining internal processes, I reduced turnaround times by 10%, improving operational efficiency.
• My ability to train and motivate teams has resulted in consistent growth and employee engagement.
• Leading company-wide initiatives to modernize systems demonstrates my strategic vision and adaptability.
• I played a key role in launching a new service line that increased revenue streams and expanded the company’s reach.
• Managing crisis communication plans showcased my ability to remain calm and make data-driven decisions under pressure.
• My track record of implementing process improvements highlights my ability to drive organizational success.
• I have successfully led training sessions for over 200 employees, improving skill development and retention rates.
• My experience in negotiating contracts and vendor partnerships has saved the company thousands in operational costs.
• Leading cross-functional teams has strengthened my communication and leadership skills, preparing me for senior roles.
• I developed performance metrics that increased accountability and ensured continuous team growth.
• My leadership in data analysis and reporting has resulted in more informed decision-making across departments.
• I created and implemented a mentorship program that boosted morale and improved team cohesion.
• Managing a large-scale rebranding project showcased my ability to execute strategic initiatives under tight deadlines.
• My problem-solving skills have been instrumental in resolving client issues and maintaining customer satisfaction.
• I introduced new technologies to streamline processes and increase efficiency by 20%.
• My contributions to employee training programs have strengthened our team’s performance and skill development.
• Successfully managing high-budget projects demonstrates my financial acumen and attention to detail.
• My ability to identify and seize growth opportunities highlights my readiness to take on higher-level responsibilities.

Personal Mission Statement Examples

Here are personal statement examples that show how to express vision and motivation clearly and confidently.

• My mission is to empower others by creating innovative solutions that improve lives and build stronger communities.
• I am dedicated to promoting equality and fairness in all aspects of life through advocacy and education.
• My purpose is to inspire others to embrace lifelong learning and pursue personal growth.
• I aim to develop sustainable technologies that combat climate change and preserve the environment.
• My goal is to make healthcare more accessible and affordable through research and innovation.
• I strive to lead with integrity, building teams that value trust, collaboration, and excellence.
• My vision is to drive business growth through data-driven strategies and customer-focused solutions.
• I am committed to mentoring and empowering the next generation of leaders and innovators.
• My mission is to use creativity and storytelling to build connections and spark meaningful change.
• I aspire to deliver exceptional service and foster relationships that create lasting value for clients.
• My purpose is to bridge gaps in education and opportunity through teaching and mentorship.
• I am committed to advancing mental health awareness and improving access to treatment.
• My mission is to build sustainable communities through strategic planning and public service.
• I aim to champion diversity and inclusion by creating spaces where everyone feels valued.
• My goal is to transform industries through technology and forward-thinking innovation.
• I strive to empower individuals to achieve financial independence and security through education.
• My purpose is to simplify complex problems and deliver impactful solutions that drive results.
• I am dedicated to building tools and resources that improve the quality of life for underserved populations.
• My mission is to create opportunities for growth and advancement through leadership and mentorship.
• I aim to inspire action and drive change by telling stories that resonate with global audiences.
• My goal is to improve health outcomes by advancing research and promoting evidence-based practices.
• I am committed to empowering women and girls through education and advocacy programs.
• My purpose is to lead with empathy and create inclusive environments that foster innovation.
• I strive to develop programs and policies that create equal opportunities for all individuals.
• My mission is to help businesses grow sustainably by focusing on environmental responsibility.
• I am dedicated to connecting people through technology to solve complex challenges.
• My goal is to build products that solve problems and enhance everyday experiences.
• I aim to inspire positive change through thoughtful leadership and meaningful collaboration.
• My purpose is to promote health and wellness by supporting holistic approaches to care.
• I strive to create pathways for success by removing barriers and providing opportunities for growth.

Creative Personal Statement Examples

These personal statement examples demonstrate how to showcase creativity for artistic programs, fellowships, and residencies.

Writing and Literature Personal Statements

The personal statement examples below illustrate how writers and literature enthusiasts can share their passion for storytelling, analysis, and cultural exploration.

• My love for poetry began with a childhood fascination for rhyme and rhythm, inspiring me to explore language as both art and communication.
• Studying world literature broadened my perspective, allowing me to uncover stories that transcend borders and cultures.
• I have dedicated my career to examining how words shape identity, culture, and movements for social change.
• My passion for screenwriting stems from my desire to create meaningful characters that resonate with audiences.
• After publishing my first short story, I became committed to using fiction as a platform for storytelling and advocacy.
• My exploration of post-colonial literature inspired my focus on marginalized voices and cultural narratives.
• I aim to use writing to amplify underrepresented stories and challenge societal norms.
• My fascination with historical fiction drives my ambition to recreate overlooked stories and forgotten histories.
• My poetry reflects personal experiences and seeks to spark conversations about mental health and resilience.
• I have spent years refining my craft, using writing as a tool for expression and reflection.
• My dedication to memoir writing is rooted in my belief that personal stories can create empathy and inspire change.
• I combine research with creative storytelling to bridge gaps between history and contemporary audiences.
• My background in journalism taught me to merge factual reporting with compelling narratives.
• I use experimental forms and structures in my writing to challenge conventions and redefine storytelling.
• My passion for humor writing is driven by the belief that laughter can illuminate life’s most profound truths.
• I focus on translating cultural experiences into poetry that celebrates identity and tradition.
• As a novelist, my goal is to create immersive worlds that challenge readers’ perceptions.
• My research into oral storytelling traditions inspires my work as a playwright and performer.
• I have a passion for horror and speculative fiction, exploring human fears and societal anxieties.
• My work as an editor taught me to value precision and structure in crafting compelling narratives.
• I strive to capture the complexity of human relationships in my writing, blending humor and heartache.
• My exploration of language in translation studies drives my mission to make global literature more accessible.
• My career in ghostwriting has strengthened my ability to adapt tone and voice across genres.
• I combine journalism with creative nonfiction to produce investigative pieces that promote awareness and reform.
• My focus on young adult literature stems from my desire to empower and inspire future generations.
• Writing children’s books allows me to create engaging stories that foster curiosity and imagination.
• My background in scriptwriting has honed my ability to craft dialogue-driven narratives for stage and screen.
• I aim to capture cultural intersections through essays that celebrate diversity and shared experiences.
• My work in satire highlights the importance of humor as a tool for critique and commentary.
• I explore themes of identity and displacement in my fiction, focusing on characters navigating cultural change.

Visual Arts Personal Statements

The personal statement examples below focus on showcasing artistic vision, technical skill, and creative purpose.

• My artwork explores identity and transformation, blending traditional techniques with modern perspectives.
• I use painting to express themes of memory, nostalgia, and cultural heritage.
• My focus on digital art allows me to merge technology with visual storytelling.
• I aim to create sculptures that challenge viewers’ perceptions of space, form, and texture.
• My photography highlights the beauty of imperfection, capturing candid moments and raw emotions.
• I use abstract art to communicate complex ideas and provoke emotional responses.
• My goal is to use art as a tool for activism, amplifying voices and advocating for change.
• I specialize in portrait painting, capturing the essence of human expression and connection.
• My work in street art combines rebellion with reflection, addressing social and political issues.
• I blend illustration and animation to tell dynamic stories that entertain and educate.
• My experience in graphic design has taught me to balance creativity with functionality.
• I explore light and shadow in photography to emphasize contrasts and create mood.
• My focus on mixed-media art allows me to experiment with texture and layers.
• I use visual metaphors to convey complex narratives, creating work that sparks conversation.
• My art installations encourage interaction and reflection, inviting viewers to become part of the experience.
• I draw inspiration from nature, using organic forms and materials to emphasize sustainability.
• My paintings explore identity and representation, highlighting the beauty of diversity.
• I create art as a response to societal challenges, using visual mediums to advocate for justice.
• My focus on textile art allows me to blend history, tradition, and modern innovation.
• I use surrealism to explore dreams, emotions, and subconscious thoughts.
• My work with recycled materials emphasizes environmental sustainability and resourcefulness.
• I focus on minimalist designs, using simplicity to evoke clarity and focus.
• My goal is to create public art pieces that promote dialogue and foster community connection.
• I explore cultural identity through ceramics, combining ancient techniques with contemporary aesthetics.
• My background in set design has honed my ability to create immersive visual experiences.
• I focus on portrait photography to document personal stories and expressions of individuality.
• My experiments with color theory allow me to create visual compositions that evoke mood and emotion.
• I use 3D modeling to bring ideas to life, blending art with cutting-edge technology.
• My art installations examine the relationship between humans and their environments.
• I create visual art that challenges perceptions, inspires change, and promotes inclusivity.

Performing Arts Personal Statements

The personal statement examples below highlight dedication to performance, creativity, and stage presence.

• My work as a dancer blends discipline and emotion, using movement to tell powerful stories.
• I aim to use acting as a tool for exploring identity and representing diverse experiences.
• My passion for theater began in childhood, and I’ve spent my life mastering performance techniques.
• As a musician, I strive to connect with audiences through rhythm, melody, and emotion.
• My background in directing allows me to guide productions that challenge perspectives and inspire dialogue.
• I use spoken word performances to amplify social issues and advocate for equity.
• My experience in musical theater combines singing, acting, and dance to create multidimensional performances.
• I strive to push creative boundaries through experimental theater and collaborative storytelling.
• My training in classical ballet has taught me discipline, grace, and the power of nonverbal storytelling.
• I use comedy as a medium to challenge stereotypes and encourage meaningful discussions.
• My work in film acting blends vulnerability with technique to create authentic performances.
• I focus on improvisational theater, celebrating spontaneity and audience interaction.
• My songwriting captures personal stories and universal emotions, bridging gaps between listeners.
• I use puppetry as a tool for education and entertainment, creating imaginative narratives for all ages.
• My experience as a voice actor emphasizes adaptability and emotional connection in performances.
• My work as a choreographer allows me to merge storytelling with movement, creating performances that resonate emotionally.
• I use theater to amplify marginalized voices, highlighting stories that promote empathy and social change.
• My passion for opera combines vocal precision with dramatic expression, showcasing the beauty of classical music.
• As a jazz musician, I strive to honor tradition while pushing creative boundaries through improvisation.
• My work in experimental dance explores abstract themes and emotions through fluid movement.
• I use stand-up comedy to address cultural topics, sparking laughter while promoting awareness.
• My performances in physical theater emphasize body language as a tool for nonverbal communication.
• I write and perform monologues that explore identity, relationships, and cultural heritage.
• My goal as a filmmaker is to capture human experiences through visual storytelling and cinematic techniques.
• I use mime as an expressive art form to create performances that transcend language barriers.
• My love for percussion instruments has fueled my journey as a performer focused on rhythm and cultural traditions.
• I integrate dance and multimedia projections to create immersive, sensory experiences for audiences.
• My work as a singer-songwriter emphasizes lyrical storytelling and emotional authenticity.
• I combine spoken word poetry with movement to craft performances that challenge social norms.
• My background in stage management has given me the tools to coordinate productions that run seamlessly and inspire audiences.

Leadership Personal Statement Examples

These personal statement examples highlight the qualities and experiences that define effective leaders.

Corporate Leadership Personal Statements

The personal statement examples below showcase leadership in corporate settings, focusing on strategy, decision-making, and innovation.

• As a senior manager, I have led teams to exceed performance goals by fostering collaboration, accountability, and creativity.
• My focus on strategic planning and market analysis has driven revenue growth and improved operational efficiency.
• I lead by example, inspiring my teams to embrace challenges, innovate solutions, and achieve measurable results.
• My ability to navigate organizational change has resulted in successful restructurings that increased productivity and morale.
• I empower employees through mentorship and professional development, creating high-performing teams built on trust and growth.
• As a results-driven executive, I excel at transforming ideas into actionable strategies that deliver measurable success.
• My leadership style combines empathy with data-driven decision-making, ensuring balanced and impactful outcomes.
• I have spearheaded multimillion-dollar projects, achieving key milestones through careful planning and resource management.
• My commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion has strengthened company culture and improved team engagement.
• I leverage my expertise in financial analysis to guide budget planning and improve profitability.
• I excel in building partnerships and negotiating contracts that drive sustainable business growth.
• My ability to identify opportunities and mitigate risks has resulted in consistent revenue increases year over year.
• I lead cross-functional teams with clarity and focus, ensuring projects are completed on time and within scope.
• As a corporate leader, I prioritize continuous improvement by implementing systems that streamline operations.
• I focus on empowering teams to develop solutions that align with long-term organizational goals.
• My experience in change management allows me to lead organizations through growth and transformation effectively.
• I use data analytics to evaluate performance metrics and create actionable strategies for growth.
• My ability to develop talent has created leadership pipelines that ensure organizational stability.
• I believe in transparent leadership, building trust and motivating teams to embrace accountability.
• My focus on collaboration and team-building has strengthened relationships across departments and driven success.
• I integrate cutting-edge technology to improve efficiency and ensure long-term competitiveness.
• My experience in crisis management has taught me how to remain calm under pressure and deliver solutions.
• I focus on sustainability and ethical leadership to drive socially responsible business practices.
• My track record of executing high-stakes projects proves my ability to balance vision with execution.
• I lead with adaptability, recognizing challenges as opportunities for innovation and growth.
• My expertise in negotiations has resulted in securing long-term contracts and business expansion.
• I believe in fostering an inclusive culture where diverse perspectives fuel creativity and innovation.
• My focus on goal-setting and accountability has empowered my teams to exceed expectations consistently.
• I integrate long-term planning with day-to-day execution, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
• My leadership philosophy centers around servant leadership, prioritizing the needs of my team to achieve shared goals.

Nonprofit Leadership Personal Statements

These personal statement examples emphasize purpose-driven leadership and advocacy in nonprofit organizations.

• As a nonprofit director, I have dedicated my career to developing programs that uplift underserved communities.
• My focus on grant writing and fundraising has enabled my organization to expand services and reach new audiences.
• I lead with empathy, ensuring programs are tailored to meet the needs of those we serve.
• My passion for advocacy has driven campaigns that increased awareness and built community support.
• I’ve successfully managed volunteer programs, building engaged and motivated teams that drive our mission forward.
• My focus on impact measurement has ensured accountability and transparency in all of our initiatives.
• I develop partnerships with businesses and donors, creating sustainable funding streams for long-term growth.
• My experience leading advocacy campaigns has resulted in policy changes that benefit vulnerable populations.
• I implement data-driven strategies to improve service delivery and maximize our impact.
• My expertise in crisis response has allowed me to lead teams effectively during natural disasters and emergencies.
• I lead with integrity, ensuring our programs meet the highest ethical standards while fulfilling our mission.
• My ability to manage diverse teams has strengthened collaboration and expanded our organizational reach.
• I have launched mentorship programs that empower youth to succeed academically and professionally.
• My work in public health nonprofits has focused on reducing disparities and improving access to care.
• I develop training programs that build the skills and confidence of staff and volunteers alike.
• My experience in policy advocacy has allowed me to drive meaningful legislative changes that address inequality.
• I use storytelling to connect with donors, raising funds and awareness for vital programs.
• My leadership in disaster relief programs has provided rapid, life-saving support to communities in crisis.
• I build coalitions with other nonprofits, amplifying our collective impact through collaboration.
• My experience in program evaluation ensures that resources are allocated effectively to achieve measurable results.
• I lead efforts to improve mental health resources, breaking stigma and providing access to care.
• My focus on grassroots organizing has mobilized communities to advocate for systemic change.
• I’ve launched environmental programs that promote sustainability and address climate change.
• My ability to inspire teams has resulted in stronger engagement and increased volunteer retention.
• I develop scalable models for growth, enabling nonprofits to replicate successful programs across regions.
• My experience in international aid has prepared me to tackle global challenges and build cross-cultural partnerships.
• I lead health education programs that empower individuals to make informed decisions about their well-being.
• My focus on social justice drives my commitment to building equitable opportunities for marginalized groups.
• I design public awareness campaigns that shift mindsets and inspire action on critical issues.
• My goal is to create sustainable solutions that address root causes, empowering communities to thrive.

Educational Leadership Personal Statements

These personal statement examples focus on leadership in schools, colleges, and universities.

• As a principal, I have redefined school culture by promoting inclusivity, academic excellence, and student engagement.
• My focus on curriculum development has improved learning outcomes and increased student performance.
• I lead by inspiring teachers to innovate, fostering environments where creativity and critical thinking flourish.
• My experience in higher education administration has allowed me to improve enrollment and retention rates.
• I develop mentorship programs that prepare teachers for leadership roles and career advancement.
• My work in curriculum design integrates cultural diversity and modern technology to enrich learning experiences.
• I focus on creating safe, supportive environments where every student feels valued and included.
• My expertise in policy implementation has driven reform efforts that strengthen educational equity.
• I use data analysis to evaluate teaching methods and implement improvements that drive success.
• My commitment to lifelong learning inspires my approach to professional development for educators.
• I have successfully implemented technology-driven teaching strategies, enhancing student engagement and digital literacy.
• My leadership in teacher training programs has improved classroom management and teaching effectiveness across departments.
• I have developed partnerships with local businesses to create internship opportunities that bridge education and career readiness.
• My focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion has reshaped hiring practices, ensuring representation and fairness in education.
• I lead efforts to integrate STEM education into core curriculums, inspiring innovation and problem-solving skills in students.
• My expertise in academic advising has supported students in identifying career goals and navigating educational pathways.
• I launched after-school programs focused on arts and athletics, enriching student experiences and encouraging participation.
• My leadership in budget planning has secured grants and funding that expanded school resources and facilities.
• I designed intervention programs to support struggling students, improving retention and graduation rates.
• My commitment to parent and community engagement has strengthened partnerships that support student success.
• I created mentoring networks for first-generation college students, ensuring academic and emotional support throughout their studies.
• My work in special education reform has promoted inclusivity and improved accessibility for students with disabilities.
• I advocate for social-emotional learning programs that build resilience, empathy, and problem-solving abilities.
• My leadership in dual-enrollment programs has enabled high school students to earn college credits, accelerating their academic journeys.
• I developed peer tutoring systems that empower students to learn collaboratively and build academic confidence.
• My implementation of restorative justice practices has improved school discipline and reduced suspension rates.
• I created summer enrichment programs that prevent learning loss and provide students with hands-on educational opportunities.
• My expertise in crisis management has prepared schools to respond effectively to emergencies and protect student safety.
• I lead efforts to incorporate environmental education into science programs, encouraging sustainability and awareness.
• My leadership philosophy focuses on empowering educators and students to embrace growth and lifelong learning.

Entrepreneurship Personal Statement Examples

Consider the following personal statement examples when you want to focus on launching businesses, developing strategies, and solving market challenges.

Startup Founder Personal Statements

The personal statement examples below highlight the creativity, risk-taking, and vision required to build and scale startups.

• My entrepreneurial journey began with a single idea—creating sustainable products—and grew into a business that now serves thousands of customers.
• I launched a tech startup that streamlines online payments, transforming small business operations through automation.
• My passion for fashion and sustainability drove me to create a clothing line focused on ethical sourcing and eco-friendly materials.
• I developed an app that connects freelancers with clients, addressing the growing gig economy’s needs for accessibility and trust.
• Starting a mobile food service taught me adaptability, operational efficiency, and customer-focused marketing.
• My vision to reduce food waste led to the creation of a subscription service that delivers surplus produce to families in need.
• I founded a nonprofit organization that provides microloans to entrepreneurs in developing countries.
• Launching a fitness brand allowed me to combine my passion for wellness with business strategy, growing a loyal customer base.
• I created an e-commerce platform that supports artisans by giving them access to global markets.
• My startup focuses on smart home technology, delivering innovative solutions to improve energy efficiency.
• Developing a digital marketing agency taught me the importance of agility, analytics, and adapting to industry trends.
• I built an online tutoring platform to help students access affordable, high-quality education.
• My mobile app, which connects pet owners to local veterinarians, reflects my commitment to improving pet care accessibility.
• I turned my hobby into a profitable side hustle by launching an online store for handmade jewelry.
• My focus on health and nutrition led to the creation of a meal-prep delivery service that caters to busy professionals.
• I founded a community co-working space that provides resources and mentorship for emerging entrepreneurs.
• Launching a podcast production company allowed me to create content that informs and inspires global audiences.
• My startup uses AI to match job seekers with employers, streamlining recruitment processes.
• I developed a language-learning app that combines gamification and interactive lessons to make learning fun and effective.
• My e-commerce store has grown into a global brand, emphasizing sustainability and fair-trade practices.
• I created a wellness retreat program that combines mindfulness, fitness, and nutrition coaching.
• My startup helps local farmers sell directly to consumers, cutting out intermediaries and improving profit margins.
• I founded a drone services company that specializes in aerial photography for real estate and construction industries.
• My focus on mental health advocacy led me to launch a counseling platform that connects users with licensed therapists.
• I built a subscription box service that curates unique products and promotes small businesses.
• My passion for travel inspired me to develop a travel-planning app that simplifies itinerary creation.
• Launching a tech hardware company allowed me to innovate wearable devices that track fitness and health data.
• My startup focuses on providing affordable and customizable web design services for small businesses.
• I created a virtual reality training platform that enhances skill-building for industries like healthcare and manufacturing.
• My experience launching a specialty coffee brand taught me branding, logistics, and supply chain management.

Small Business Owner Personal Statements

The personal statement examples below highlight resilience, adaptability, and business growth strategies.

• I built a family-owned bakery from the ground up, creating a community-focused brand known for quality and service.
• My journey as a local coffee shop owner taught me the value of personalized service and community engagement.
• I launched a boutique gift store that supports artisans and promotes handmade crafts.
• My landscaping business grew through innovative marketing and exceptional customer service.
• I transformed a small cleaning service into a franchise that operates in multiple cities.
• My bookstore emphasizes inclusivity, offering diverse literature that reflects the local community.
• I expanded my photography business by focusing on branding, digital presence, and personalized customer experiences.
• Launching a catering service allowed me to combine culinary skills with event planning expertise.
• My passion for fitness drove me to create a personal training studio that emphasizes holistic health.
• I grew a home-based jewelry-making business into a national brand through e-commerce and social media.
• My passion for art and design inspired me to create a custom furniture business that merges creativity with functionality.
• I turned my love for baking into a thriving bakery that focuses on organic ingredients and sustainable practices.
• My mobile dog grooming service was born out of a desire to make pet care more convenient and stress-free.
• I built a landscaping company that combines innovative designs with eco-friendly solutions to create sustainable outdoor spaces.
• My journey as a wedding planner has taught me to balance creativity, organization, and client satisfaction.
• Launching a boutique clothing store allowed me to share my love for fashion while supporting emerging designers.
• My passion for books drove me to open a bookstore and café, providing a space for reading, connection, and community events.
• I created a handmade soap company that promotes natural skincare and eco-conscious living.
• My journey as a florist has been rooted in transforming simple bouquets into works of art that celebrate life’s moments.
• I built a photography studio that captures milestones and creates lasting memories for clients.
• My home improvement business focuses on providing high-quality renovations that blend craftsmanship with modern design.
• I created a vintage resale shop to promote sustainability by giving pre-loved clothing and furniture new life.
• My mobile car detailing service combines convenience with attention to detail, delivering a luxury experience to every client.
• I launched a specialty coffee cart that brings gourmet coffee to farmers’ markets, festivals, and local events.
• My tutoring business started as a passion project and grew into a company that helps students improve confidence and academic performance.
• I opened a boutique fitness studio focused on personalized training and wellness programs to support healthier lifestyles.
• My catering company specializes in custom menus, combining culinary creativity with exceptional customer service.
• I built a home organizing business that empowers clients to declutter and create functional, stylish spaces.
• My handmade jewelry business has expanded from craft fairs to online marketplaces, reaching a global audience.
• I founded a music lesson studio that fosters creativity and inspires the next generation of musicians.

Technology Personal Statement Examples

The personal statement examples below focus on programming, software engineering, IT, and AI development.

Software Engineer Personal Statements

These personal statement examples highlight expertise in coding, software development, and creating scalable solutions.

• My journey as a software engineer began with building small applications, which grew into designing large-scale systems that optimize workflows.
• I specialize in developing mobile applications that improve user experience and streamline everyday tasks.
• My focus on full-stack development allows me to create seamless, user-friendly platforms from front-end design to back-end infrastructure.
• I developed an e-commerce platform that integrates AI, improving customer recommendations and boosting sales.
• My experience in cybersecurity has fueled my passion for designing systems that protect sensitive data and mitigate risks.
• I use machine learning algorithms to create predictive models that enhance business intelligence and decision-making.
• My background in cloud computing allows me to build scalable infrastructure that supports business growth.
• I developed a blockchain application that improves supply chain transparency and security.
• My work in game development combines creativity with coding to deliver engaging and immersive experiences.
• I specialize in building APIs that enable seamless communication between platforms and improve functionality.
• My expertise in AI development has allowed me to create natural language processing tools that enhance communication.
• I designed an IoT platform that monitors energy usage and improves efficiency in smart homes.
• My passion for data science led me to build analytical dashboards that provide actionable insights.
• I developed mobile health apps that support patient monitoring and improve access to care.
• My focus on automation tools has streamlined repetitive tasks, improving efficiency for small businesses.
• I use augmented reality technologies to create interactive learning tools and training simulations.
• My passion for coding led me to contribute to open-source projects that support global collaboration and innovation.
• I developed fintech solutions that simplify payment processing and improve financial security.
• My work in enterprise software development focuses on scalable solutions for managing business operations.
• I specialize in DevOps practices, integrating deployment pipelines that improve reliability and speed.
• My background in robotics programming fuels my drive to create intelligent systems that simplify tasks.
• I design mobile gaming apps that combine intuitive gameplay with engaging storylines.
• My expertise in database management systems ensures data integrity and optimized storage solutions.
• I built chatbots using AI frameworks to improve customer service and engagement.
• My experience in SaaS development has helped businesses transition to cloud-based platforms seamlessly.
• I focus on responsive design principles to deliver websites that are both functional and visually appealing.
• My work in wearable technology development combines fitness tracking with smart diagnostics.
• I designed a project management tool that simplifies collaboration and improves productivity for remote teams.
• My expertise in coding languages like Python, JavaScript, and C++ allows me to build versatile applications.
• I use virtual reality platforms to create simulations for healthcare training and education.

IT Specialist Personal Statements

The personal statement examples below showcase technical expertise, troubleshooting abilities, and a focus on IT solutions.

• My role as an IT specialist has taught me to implement security protocols that protect sensitive data from cyber threats.
• I design and manage networks that provide reliable connectivity and support business growth.
• My experience in IT consulting allows me to develop strategies that optimize technology usage for clients.
• I specialize in disaster recovery planning, ensuring that businesses remain operational during emergencies.
• My focus on hardware and software integration supports smooth technology adoption and upgrades.
• I create IT infrastructure solutions that enhance performance while reducing costs.
• My expertise in database administration ensures secure storage and easy retrieval of critical information.
• I develop IT training programs that empower employees to maximize productivity using modern technologies.
• My work in network security helps organizations safeguard data and maintain compliance.
• I specialize in cloud migration services, enabling businesses to scale operations with minimal downtime.
• My troubleshooting skills allow me to resolve complex technical issues quickly and efficiently.
• I implement IT support systems that improve response times and customer satisfaction.
• My expertise in IT project management ensures that technology implementations meet deadlines and budgets.
• I focus on integrating new technologies that improve business processes and user experiences.
• My passion for technology drives me to stay updated with emerging trends and innovations.
• I design virtual private networks (VPNs) to enable secure remote work environments.
• My experience in IT compliance helps businesses maintain security standards and pass audits.
• I optimize server performance through proactive monitoring and upgrades.
• My work in system administration ensures that operating systems function smoothly and securely.
• I specialize in IT asset management, tracking resources and optimizing costs.
• My expertise in virtualization technologies supports businesses in building scalable IT systems.
• I create backup and recovery strategies to protect critical data against loss.
• My focus on IT governance helps organizations align technology with business goals.
• I specialize in managing helpdesk operations, improving ticket resolution times and user satisfaction.
• My background in IT architecture enables me to design scalable and future-proof infrastructures.
• I integrate CRM systems that improve customer tracking and data analysis for businesses.
• My expertise in wireless network deployment has supported businesses in building flexible office spaces.
• I streamline IT operations by automating repetitive tasks and improving workflows.
• My work in endpoint security protects devices and networks from unauthorized access.
• I focus on data analytics to help businesses make informed decisions and predict trends.

Data Science Personal Statements

The personal statement examples below emphasize analytical thinking, machine learning, and data-driven solutions.

• My passion for data science began with analyzing trends in social media engagement, which led me to pursue machine learning to predict patterns and behaviors.
• I specialize in building predictive models that drive business strategies and enhance decision-making processes.
• My expertise in Python and SQL has allowed me to develop dashboards that simplify data visualization for stakeholders.
• I leverage statistical algorithms to uncover insights, improving marketing strategies and customer engagement.
• My focus on data ethics ensures the development of transparent and fair algorithms.
• I have developed AI systems that predict financial risks, helping businesses safeguard investments and optimize performance.
• My work with big data platforms has supported companies in optimizing workflows and reducing costs.
• I create machine learning tools that detect fraud patterns, strengthening security in online transactions.
• My background in bioinformatics has enabled me to analyze genetic data, contributing to advancements in healthcare research.
• I specialize in building recommendation engines that personalize user experiences in e-commerce platforms.
• My expertise in deep learning has allowed me to develop image recognition systems used in quality control and diagnostics.
• I have developed time-series forecasting models that improve inventory management and reduce waste.
• My focus on natural language processing supports businesses in automating responses and improving customer service.
• I create data pipelines that streamline data collection and storage, enabling faster processing and analysis.
• My work with cloud data platforms has enabled organizations to scale operations while ensuring data security.
• I use sentiment analysis tools to gauge customer satisfaction and refine marketing strategies.
• My background in geospatial analytics allows me to model geographic trends and support urban planning projects.
• I build algorithms that automate business intelligence reports, saving time and reducing errors.
• My experience in data mining has helped uncover hidden patterns that inform decision-making.
• I focus on machine learning frameworks to detect anomalies and prevent system failures.
• My work in healthcare analytics has enabled hospitals to predict patient outcomes and allocate resources efficiently.
• I develop AI-driven chatbots that streamline customer interactions and provide real-time solutions.
• My expertise in neural networks supports advancements in autonomous vehicles and robotics.
• I build real-time monitoring systems that alert teams to issues, improving performance and reliability.
• My focus on user behavior analytics has optimized marketing campaigns and increased conversion rates.
• I design AI tools for language translation, making communication more accessible globally.
• My work in financial analytics helps organizations predict market trends and minimize investment risks.
• I leverage statistical modeling to assess risk factors in public health data, guiding intervention strategies.
• My data-driven insights into sales patterns have helped businesses optimize inventory and pricing.
• I create data dashboards that transform complex datasets into actionable insights for leadership teams.

Cybersecurity Personal Statements

The following personal statement examples showcase expertise in protecting systems, networks, and data from digital threats.

• My work in cybersecurity focuses on developing threat detection tools that identify and mitigate risks before breaches occur.
• I specialize in encryption technologies that protect sensitive data and ensure secure communication channels.
• My expertise in penetration testing allows me to uncover vulnerabilities and strengthen security frameworks.
• I develop security protocols that meet compliance standards and safeguard organizations against cyberattacks.
• My focus on network defense has enabled companies to prevent intrusions and improve firewall efficiency.
• I create security awareness training programs that teach employees how to recognize and prevent phishing attacks.
• My work in endpoint security ensures that remote devices are protected against malware and unauthorized access.
• I design multi-factor authentication systems that enhance identity protection and data security.
• My experience in incident response has prepared me to handle breaches quickly and effectively, minimizing damage.
• I use AI-driven threat intelligence to monitor systems and predict potential vulnerabilities.
• My focus on securing IoT devices has strengthened protections for smart homes and industrial systems.
• I develop risk assessment tools that help businesses prioritize vulnerabilities and improve resilience.
• My expertise in database security has protected sensitive customer information from unauthorized access.
• I create encryption algorithms that protect financial transactions and sensitive data transfers.
• My work in forensics has supported investigations into data breaches, uncovering causes and recovery solutions.
• I specialize in designing intrusion detection systems that monitor traffic and alert teams to anomalies.
• My focus on zero-trust architecture has helped businesses enforce strict access controls and reduce risks.
• I develop automated backup systems that ensure data recovery in case of disasters or attacks.
• My expertise in mobile security has protected apps and devices from vulnerabilities in today’s connected world.
• I design virtual private networks (VPNs) that secure connections for remote teams and protect sensitive data.
• My experience in ethical hacking has allowed me to identify weaknesses and implement stronger defenses.
• I create security dashboards that monitor systems in real-time, allowing teams to respond quickly to threats.
• My work in compliance auditing has ensured businesses meet industry standards and avoid penalties.
• I develop email filtering tools that block spam, phishing attempts, and malicious attachments.
• My focus on security testing has prepared systems for large-scale cyberattacks, ensuring reliability.
• I specialize in cloud security, protecting data stored in virtual environments from breaches and downtime.
• My expertise in digital forensics supports legal cases and helps organizations recover from cybercrimes.
• I design honeypots that lure hackers and analyze attack patterns, improving defensive strategies.
• My focus on malware analysis has enabled me to develop tools that detect and eliminate harmful software.
• I create secure coding practices that minimize vulnerabilities and ensure software reliability.

More Creative Careers Personal Statement Examples

In this section, you’ll find personal statement examples that highlight how creative professionals express ideas, connect with audiences, and shape culture.

Graphic Design Personal Statements

The personal statement examples in this list emphasize visual storytelling, technical expertise, and problem-solving through design.

• My passion for graphic design began with creating posters for school events, which taught me the power of visual communication.
• I specialize in branding and logo design, helping businesses build recognizable identities through creative visuals.
• My expertise in Adobe Creative Suite allows me to develop eye-catching layouts that combine functionality with aesthetics.
• I design user-friendly interfaces that improve navigation and create memorable digital experiences.
• My background in illustration enables me to blend traditional artistry with modern graphic design tools.
• I focus on creating impactful infographics that simplify complex data for broader audiences.
• My work in packaging design emphasizes sustainability, ensuring that products are both appealing and eco-friendly.
• I develop marketing materials that capture attention and drive engagement across digital and print platforms.
• My passion for typography allows me to create custom fonts and layouts that enhance branding.
• I design mobile app interfaces that prioritize accessibility and ease of use.
• My experience in publication design has given me the skills to create magazines, catalogs, and brochures that stand out.
• I build interactive designs that engage users through motion graphics and animation.
• My work in brand strategy combines market research with design to develop cohesive visual identities.
• I create social media graphics that increase visibility and strengthen online presence for businesses.
• My expertise in web design focuses on balancing visuals with functionality to improve user experience.
• I develop visual advertising campaigns that tell stories and evoke emotions through powerful imagery.
• My interest in minimalist design fuels my commitment to creating clean, modern layouts that emphasize simplicity.
• I use design thinking to create solutions that align with business goals and connect with audiences.
• My work in environmental graphics transforms spaces into immersive, visually dynamic experiences.
• I create motion graphics that bring stories to life through animation and seamless transitions.
• My experience designing e-commerce websites has taught me how to increase conversions through thoughtful layouts.
• I focus on designing presentations that turn data into compelling narratives for clients and stakeholders.
• My expertise in photo manipulation allows me to create surreal visual effects and unique marketing materials.
• I build branding kits that provide consistency across multiple platforms and materials.
• My work in advertising combines typography, color theory, and design trends to capture audience attention.
• I design promotional materials that support product launches and marketing campaigns.
• My background in 3D modeling enhances my ability to create dynamic designs for architecture and animation.
• I create patterns and textures that bring products to life in textiles and print materials.
• My ability to collaborate with writers, marketers, and developers has led to award-winning design campaigns.
• I design user interfaces for SaaS platforms, improving workflow and increasing customer satisfaction.

Photography Personal Statements

The following personal statement examples focus on visual storytelling, capturing emotions, and showcasing artistic vision.

• My passion for photography began with capturing candid moments at family events, sparking my interest in visual storytelling.
• I specialize in portrait photography, creating timeless images that reflect personality and emotion.
• My work as a wedding photographer has taught me to balance creativity with professionalism under pressure.
• I focus on documentary photography to highlight social issues and promote awareness.
• My passion for nature photography drives me to capture the beauty and fragility of the natural world.
• I create product photography that helps businesses showcase their products with clarity and style.
• My expertise in editing tools allows me to refine images and create visually striking compositions.
• I develop visual narratives through travel photography, documenting diverse cultures and landscapes.
• My background in fashion photography has prepared me to work with models, designers, and creative teams.
• I specialize in food photography, emphasizing texture, color, and presentation to make dishes stand out.
• My architectural photography focuses on highlighting design details and spatial relationships.
• I use black-and-white photography to emphasize contrast, texture, and timeless beauty.
• My aerial photography captures landscapes and structures from new perspectives using drone technology.
• I create fine art photography that explores abstract concepts and personal identity.
• My work in commercial photography focuses on marketing campaigns and advertising visuals.
• I capture sports photography that freezes moments of energy, determination, and victory.
• My photojournalism projects document events and stories that shape communities.
• I specialize in wildlife photography, documenting rare species and ecosystems to promote conservation.
• My experience with macro photography allows me to highlight the intricate details of everyday objects.
• I create lifestyle photography that captures authentic moments and emotions in real-life settings.
• My work in event photography has taught me to adapt quickly and capture memories in fast-paced environments.
• I focus on experimental photography, using light, reflections, and shadows to create abstract visuals.
• My travel photography celebrates diversity, connecting viewers with cultures and traditions around the world.
• I develop branding images that reflect corporate values and connect with target audiences.
• My passion for urban photography documents city life, architecture, and street art.
• I specialize in conceptual photography that uses symbolism and visual metaphors to tell stories.
• My background in editorial photography has prepared me to produce images for magazines and publications.
• I create family photography that celebrates relationships and milestones.
• My work in maternity photography captures the beauty and anticipation of parenthood.
• I use light and composition to create dramatic portraits that leave lasting impressions.

Film and Video Production Personal Statements

The personal statement examples below emphasize visual storytelling, editing, and directing skills in film and video production.

• My passion for filmmaking began with home videos, which sparked my desire to tell impactful stories through visuals.
• I specialize in directing short films that explore human emotions and relationships.
• My expertise in video editing allows me to transform raw footage into cohesive, engaging narratives.
• I create promotional videos that highlight brands and products, driving engagement and sales.
• My work in documentary filmmaking emphasizes storytelling that raises awareness about social issues.
• I use cinematography to capture powerful imagery that evokes emotion and meaning.
• My focus on animation and motion graphics allows me to create visually stunning visual effects.
• I develop music videos that combine rhythm and imagery to create artistic expressions.
• My passion for storytelling drives my work in screenwriting and script development.
• I create video content for digital marketing campaigns that captivate audiences and improve visibility.
• My background in directing has taught me to lead production teams and execute creative visions effectively.
• I specialize in producing educational videos that simplify complex topics through visuals.
• My expertise in drone videography allows me to capture dynamic aerial shots.
• I create wedding films that preserve emotions and memories in cinematic style.
• My documentary work focuses on cultural preservation and environmental advocacy.
• My work as a cinematographer allows me to craft visual narratives that captivate audiences and provoke thought.
• I specialize in post-production editing, blending sound, visuals, and effects to create compelling stories.
• My background in documentary filmmaking enables me to explore real-life events and share untold stories.
• I focus on producing commercials that combine creativity and strategy to connect with consumers.
• My passion for independent filmmaking has driven me to write, direct, and produce films that highlight social issues.
• I develop short films that focus on character-driven stories, evoking emotions through subtle performances.
• My expertise in sound design adds depth and atmosphere to every production, enhancing audience engagement.
• I specialize in visual effects, creating immersive worlds that bring fantasy and science fiction to life.
• My work in video journalism focuses on delivering impactful stories that raise awareness and inspire action.
• I create corporate training videos that simplify complex information and improve retention.
• My focus on stop-motion animation allows me to create visually unique and intricate stories.
• I direct live-event coverage, capturing important moments and translating them into powerful narratives.
• My experience in reality television production has taught me to balance authenticity with entertainment.
• I produce travel videos that highlight cultural experiences and inspire wanderlust.
• My expertise in experimental filmmaking pushes creative boundaries, challenging traditional formats and storytelling techniques.

Science and Research Personal Statement Examples

These personal statement examples highlight curiosity, innovation, and dedication to advancing understanding.

Biological Sciences Personal Statements

The personal statement examples below emphasize research, laboratory work, and contributions to biological science.

• My fascination with genetics began during high school biology, leading me to research DNA sequencing and its applications in medicine.
• I specialize in microbiology, studying how bacteria interact with their environments to inform treatment strategies.
• My focus on cell biology has prepared me to investigate cellular mechanisms and their role in diseases.
• I conducted research on plant genetics to improve crop resistance and sustainability in agriculture.
• My work in molecular biology has contributed to identifying biomarkers for early disease detection.
• I explore evolutionary biology to understand species adaptation and improve conservation strategies.
• My research in neurobiology examines brain plasticity and its potential applications in cognitive therapy.
• I focus on marine biology, studying ecosystems to support biodiversity and protect coral reefs.
• My studies in immunology investigate immune responses to develop vaccines and improve treatments.
• I develop research techniques in biochemistry to analyze protein structures and enzyme functions.
• My passion for zoology drives me to study animal behavior and improve wildlife management practices.
• I use computational biology to analyze genetic data and uncover patterns related to genetic disorders.
• My research in pharmacology focuses on drug development and improving therapeutic approaches.
• I specialize in toxicology, investigating environmental contaminants and their effects on human health.
• My studies in virology focus on identifying viral mechanisms and developing antiviral therapies.
• I explore physiology to understand human body systems and improve health outcomes.
• My background in biotechnology allows me to develop bioengineering solutions for medical applications.
• I research synthetic biology to create engineered organisms that solve industrial and environmental problems.
• My focus on ecological research examines the impacts of climate change on ecosystems.
• I conduct experiments in stem cell biology, focusing on tissue regeneration and medical therapies.
• My work in microbiome studies explores how gut bacteria influence health and immunity.
• I investigate cancer biology to understand tumor growth and improve treatment strategies.
• My studies in reproductive biology focus on fertility treatments and family planning solutions.
• I develop laboratory techniques for DNA analysis, enabling more precise genetic testing.
• My interest in endocrinology examines hormone systems and their influence on metabolism.
• I research animal physiology to improve veterinary treatments and livestock management.
• My focus on molecular diagnostics helps advance early disease detection and personalized medicine.
• I explore bioinformatics to analyze genomic data and accelerate discoveries in genetics.
• My work in cellular signaling pathways investigates mechanisms that drive disease progression.
• I examine biotechnology innovations to improve crop yields and support global food security.

Physical Sciences Personal Statements

The personal statement examples below emphasize exploration, experimentation, and problem-solving in the physical sciences.

• My passion for physics began with experiments on motion and forces, inspiring me to explore quantum mechanics.
• I research astronomy to study celestial phenomena and uncover the mysteries of the universe.
• My work in geophysics focuses on earthquake modeling and improving early detection systems.
• I study nanotechnology to develop materials with unique properties for engineering applications.
• My research in thermodynamics examines heat transfer systems to improve energy efficiency.
• I analyze particle physics to understand the building blocks of matter and their interactions.
• My work in atmospheric science studies weather patterns and climate change mitigation.
• I explore chemical reactions to design more sustainable materials and manufacturing processes.
• My research in fluid dynamics examines how liquids and gases behave in complex systems.
• I use spectroscopy to analyze chemical compositions and identify unknown substances.
• My studies in materials science develop stronger, lighter materials for aerospace and construction.
• I explore magnetism and electromagnetic fields to advance wireless communication technologies.
• My work in crystallography investigates molecular structures to improve drug design.
• I study quantum computing, working to develop faster, more secure processing systems.
• My research in photonics explores light-based technologies to improve imaging and communication.
• I investigate renewable energy solutions, focusing on solar and wind power optimization.
• My studies in acoustics examine sound waves and their applications in engineering and medicine.
• I develop mathematical models to simulate physical phenomena and predict outcomes.
• My research in nuclear physics examines atomic structures and their applications in energy and medicine.
• I analyze solid-state physics to advance semiconductor technology and improve electronics.
• My focus on plasma physics explores ionized gases for use in energy production and space exploration.
• I conduct experiments in thermoelectrics to improve energy harvesting and efficiency.
• My work in hydrology investigates water cycles and conservation strategies.
• I study optics to improve lenses, lasers, and imaging systems for medical and industrial applications.
• My focus on crystallization processes contributes to the development of advanced materials.
• I analyze meteorology data to improve weather prediction models and early warning systems.
• My research in mechanical dynamics examines systems to improve engineering design and performance.
• I use computational simulations to test theories in physics and optimize experimental designs.
• My work in environmental chemistry investigates pollutants and their impacts on ecosystems.
• I explore thermodynamics to develop energy-efficient engines and heat transfer technologies.

Short Personal Statement Examples (100–300 Words)

The short personal statement examples below demonstrate how to be concise yet memorable.

• As a dedicated educator, I am passionate about empowering students through creative teaching methods and personalized learning strategies.
• With five years of experience in project management, I excel at streamlining processes, improving efficiency, and leading teams to exceed goals.
• My background in software engineering and AI development drives my ambition to create cutting-edge technologies that solve real-world problems.
• I am committed to building inclusive communities and advocating for social justice through education, outreach, and policy reform.
• My experience in data analysis allows me to transform insights into strategies that drive business growth and innovation.
• Passionate about environmental sustainability, I work to develop eco-friendly technologies that reduce waste and conserve resources.
• I bring expertise in digital marketing, creating campaigns that engage audiences and deliver measurable results.
• Focused on health and wellness, I strive to improve patient outcomes through research and compassionate care practices.
• As a visual artist, I aim to tell stories that inspire change and challenge perceptions through multimedia platforms.
• My career in finance has taught me the importance of integrity, data-driven decision-making, and building long-term client trust.
• I create innovative learning programs that help students build confidence and achieve academic success.
• With a passion for entrepreneurship, I help startups develop growth strategies and build sustainable business models.
• Dedicated to public health, I focus on designing interventions that improve accessibility and reduce health disparities.
• I blend creativity and analytics to develop marketing strategies that resonate with target audiences.
• As an advocate for mental health awareness, I use storytelling to educate, inspire, and break down stigma.
• My experience in international relations motivates me to build partnerships that promote peace and cooperation.
• I create programs that empower youth to develop leadership skills and shape their communities.
• As a dedicated researcher, I focus on developing medical technologies that improve quality of life.
• I strive to merge technology with education to create more accessible and engaging learning experiences.
• Focused on diversity and inclusion, I design strategies to build equitable work environments.
• As a health coach, I empower clients to achieve long-term wellness through practical, science-based solutions.
• My role as a team leader has taught me to foster collaboration and bring out the best in others.
• I develop digital tools that simplify workflows and improve operational efficiency.
• With a background in journalism, I aim to tell impactful stories that drive social change and public awareness.
• I create strategic marketing plans that combine creativity and data to achieve measurable growth.
• My passion for urban planning fuels my desire to design cities that are sustainable and accessible.
• As a STEM educator, I work to inspire curiosity and problem-solving in the next generation of innovators.
• I build platforms that connect entrepreneurs with resources to scale their businesses.
• My commitment to wildlife conservation drives my work in environmental research and advocacy.
• Focused on leadership development, I help individuals and organizations achieve their highest potential.

Medium-Length Personal Statement Examples (300–1,000 Words)

These medium-length personal statement examples showcase narratives that blend professionalism with personality.

• My passion for healthcare began when I volunteered at a community clinic, where I witnessed firsthand the impact of affordable care on underserved populations. Inspired by this experience, I pursued a degree in public health, focusing my studies on health equity and policy reform. With internships in both hospital administration and nonprofit advocacy, I have developed the skills to lead programs that expand healthcare access. My goal is to continue addressing disparities by implementing sustainable solutions through policy innovation and community partnerships.
• As a marketing professional with a decade of experience, I have successfully launched campaigns that grew revenue by 45% and built brand loyalty. My passion lies in connecting with audiences through authentic storytelling and data-driven strategies. From managing social media teams to collaborating with creative designers, I have honed my ability to deliver campaigns that not only engage but also convert. With this foundation, I am prepared to take on leadership roles that challenge me to drive larger-scale projects and global marketing strategies.
• Growing up in a multicultural household, I learned to appreciate diverse perspectives, which fueled my decision to study international relations. During my undergraduate years, I conducted research on migration patterns, examining how policy impacts refugee integration. My work in nonprofit refugee programs has prepared me to advocate for human rights through both research and policy reform. I hope to continue this mission by pursuing graduate studies in global development to refine my expertise and amplify my impact.
• My journey in software engineering began as a teenager when I built my first mobile app. Since then, I have expanded my skills through internships, hackathons, and freelance projects. My expertise in coding languages like Python and JavaScript, paired with my problem-solving mindset, has enabled me to develop scalable applications for small businesses. My goal is to lead a development team focused on building AI-driven tools that improve efficiency and accessibility across industries.
• As a teacher, my philosophy is rooted in fostering curiosity and confidence in my students. I began my career as a volunteer tutor, where I discovered my passion for helping learners overcome challenges. After earning my degree in education, I worked with at-risk youth, designing programs that improved literacy rates by 25%. My mission is to continue creating inclusive, engaging classrooms that inspire students to succeed both academically and personally.
• My interest in environmental science started during high school, where I participated in cleanup drives and research projects. In college, I expanded this passion by working on sustainability initiatives, including renewable energy pilot programs. Through internships at environmental agencies, I learned to develop data-driven strategies that address climate challenges. My long-term goal is to become an environmental policy advisor, helping governments and organizations implement sustainable practices.
• I discovered my passion for mental health advocacy after volunteering at a crisis helpline. This experience led me to pursue a psychology degree and focus on clinical counseling. Working with clients in therapy sessions has taught me to approach each case with empathy and evidence-based techniques. My next step is to specialize in trauma counseling to provide long-term support for survivors of abuse and mental illness.
• My journey toward becoming a social worker began with volunteering at homeless shelters, where I witnessed the transformative power of empathy and support. Inspired by these experiences, I pursued a degree in social work and completed internships focused on community outreach programs. Through these roles, I developed skills in case management, advocacy, and crisis intervention. My ultimate goal is to create sustainable programs that address poverty and homelessness, ensuring that every individual has access to resources and opportunities for growth.
• From a young age, I’ve been fascinated by computers and programming languages. I started by teaching myself HTML and JavaScript, eventually building small websites and apps. During college, I expanded my skills in machine learning and data science, leading projects that analyzed consumer behavior to predict trends. My goal is to develop AI systems that enhance decision-making processes, improve efficiency, and support data-driven strategies in industries ranging from healthcare to finance.
• My passion for public policy stems from growing up in a community impacted by economic hardship. Seeing how policies influenced my neighbors’ lives pushed me to study political science, focusing on economic development and policy analysis. During internships, I worked with nonprofits to research affordable housing solutions and supported grant-writing efforts. My goal is to combine research and advocacy to develop policies that empower underserved communities and reduce systemic inequalities.
• Working in hospital emergency rooms as a volunteer exposed me to the realities of patient care, inspiring my decision to pursue medicine. My undergraduate studies in biology solidified my scientific foundation, while research projects in microbiology honed my analytical skills. Shadowing doctors during rotations taught me the importance of empathy, adaptability, and teamwork. I plan to specialize in emergency medicine, focusing on trauma care and rapid-response treatments to save lives.
• As a graphic designer, I have always been drawn to the power of visual storytelling. Early in my career, I worked as a freelance designer, helping startups build their brands. Over time, I transitioned to working with larger corporations, where I led creative teams and managed high-budget campaigns. My goal is to continue blending strategy with design, creating impactful visual campaigns that resonate with audiences and drive results.
• I discovered my passion for mental health advocacy while volunteering with suicide prevention hotlines during college. Witnessing the struggles people faced motivated me to pursue a degree in psychology. My internships in clinical settings helped me develop counseling techniques, crisis intervention strategies, and research skills. I aim to specialize in trauma counseling and advocate for mental health resources that are accessible to all.
• Growing up in a military family gave me the opportunity to live in different countries, which broadened my perspective on cultural diversity. Inspired by these experiences, I pursued a degree in international relations and worked with NGOs on refugee resettlement programs. My goal is to develop policies that support integration and address migration challenges, combining research, advocacy, and diplomacy to create sustainable solutions.
• As a financial analyst, I have spent my career identifying trends and developing strategies that drive profitability. After earning my degree in finance, I joined a Fortune 500 company, where I created forecasting models that improved revenue projections. My goal is to transition into financial consulting, helping businesses scale sustainably while implementing data-driven decision-making processes.
• My passion for veterinary medicine began when I volunteered at animal shelters, helping care for abandoned and injured pets. Studying animal biology in college expanded my understanding of disease prevention and treatment. After assisting veterinarians during clinical rotations, I became determined to specialize in exotic animal care and wildlife preservation. My goal is to improve animal health through innovative research and hands-on veterinary practice.
• As an educator, my mission is to inspire curiosity and foster critical thinking in my students. After earning a degree in education, I began teaching high school science, focusing on hands-on experiments to engage learners. I later developed after-school STEM programs that encouraged students to explore careers in science and engineering. My goal is to continue improving curriculum design and promoting inclusive learning environments that prepare students for the future.
• I have always been passionate about entrepreneurship, starting my first online store at the age of 16. While studying business administration, I interned with several startups, learning the fundamentals of marketing, financial planning, and operations management. Today, I focus on helping small businesses scale through strategic growth initiatives. My long-term goal is to develop a mentorship program for young entrepreneurs, providing resources and guidance for launching sustainable businesses.
• My experience in nursing began with volunteering at local clinics, where I developed a deep appreciation for patient-centered care. Pursuing my nursing degree allowed me to gain hands-on experience in hospital settings, where I assisted with surgeries and administered treatments. I aim to specialize in oncology nursing, focusing on providing compassionate care and advancing cancer treatment options through research.
• As a journalist, my work has always been driven by a desire to uncover stories that inspire change. After earning a degree in communications, I began working with investigative teams to highlight social justice issues and advocate for reform. My goal is to continue using storytelling as a tool for advocacy, ensuring that marginalized voices are heard and systemic issues are addressed through public discourse.
• Growing up in a bilingual household shaped my interest in linguistics and language acquisition. While studying linguistics in college, I conducted research on language learning strategies and worked as a tutor for ESL students. My goal is to continue exploring how language impacts identity and to develop tools that support language preservation in indigenous communities.
• My journey into public health began while volunteering in vaccination drives, which exposed me to the challenges of healthcare accessibility. Studying epidemiology allowed me to analyze health trends and design intervention strategies. My goal is to focus on pandemic preparedness and preventive care programs to improve global health outcomes.
• After years of working in nonprofit fundraising, I have developed a deep understanding of donor relations, grant writing, and program development. My experience has taught me the importance of storytelling in connecting with donors and building lasting partnerships. My goal is to become a development director, helping organizations grow and create meaningful social impact.
• My interest in renewable energy began in college, where I led research projects on solar power optimization. Through internships, I gained experience in policy development and sustainable engineering practices. My goal is to work in renewable energy consulting, designing systems that reduce carbon footprints and promote environmental responsibility.
• As a human resources professional, I specialize in building strong organizational cultures that promote growth and inclusion. My experience includes developing onboarding programs, conducting diversity training, and improving retention rates. My goal is to become a talent development director, helping organizations attract, retain, and empower top talent.
• My passion for urban planning developed while volunteering with community revitalization projects, where I saw the impact of thoughtful design on livability. Earning my degree in urban studies allowed me to analyze zoning policies and infrastructure development, deepening my knowledge of sustainable city planning. Through internships in transportation planning and green space design, I gained practical experience that has prepared me to lead projects promoting equitable and environmentally conscious development. My goal is to create urban spaces that foster connectivity, sustainability, and economic growth.
• I first became interested in psychology while volunteering at a crisis center, where I supported individuals struggling with anxiety and depression. Studying psychology in college allowed me to research the biological and behavioral underpinnings of mental health disorders. Working as a research assistant on a cognitive therapy project furthered my understanding of evidence-based treatments. I hope to use this foundation to pursue clinical psychology, focusing on helping clients build resilience and coping mechanisms through therapy.
• My journey into software development began when I joined a robotics club in high school, where I learned to code and troubleshoot systems. Pursuing computer science in college allowed me to work on AI-driven projects, developing skills in programming languages like Python and C++. My internship at a tech startup gave me hands-on experience building scalable applications and solving real-world problems. I aim to lead development teams that design ethical, user-friendly technology solutions.
• After witnessing my grandfather’s struggle with Alzheimer’s, I became committed to researching neurological disorders. While earning my biology degree, I conducted studies on brain plasticity and memory loss, deepening my understanding of neurobiology. My experience volunteering in assisted living centers also taught me the importance of compassionate care for patients with dementia. I aspire to advance this field by conducting research on treatment methods that improve quality of life and slow disease progression.
• My fascination with international law began during my undergraduate studies, where I focused on global governance and human rights. Working with nonprofit organizations allowed me to see the practical application of international policies, inspiring me to address issues like human trafficking and refugee resettlement. My internships with legal aid programs further developed my analytical skills and commitment to justice. I hope to continue advocating for human rights by pursuing a legal career focused on policy reform and global advocacy.

Long Personal Statement Examples (1,000+ Words)

The following long personal statement examples illustrate how to build detailed and engaging narratives for academic and career advancement.

• Growing up in a rural community with limited healthcare access fueled my passion for medicine and advocacy. My first experience with patient care began as a volunteer EMT, where I learned to stay calm in emergencies and offer support during crises. This role inspired me to pursue a degree in biology, where I conducted research on community health disparities and collaborated with local organizations to provide wellness programs. Through internships in hospital administration, I gained insight into healthcare systems and policies, reinforcing my desire to specialize in public health. I plan to use my skills to develop scalable solutions for improving rural healthcare infrastructure while integrating technology to make resources more accessible. My ultimate goal is to address systemic inequalities through innovative policies and programs that empower underserved populations.
• As a first-generation college student, education has been my greatest tool for transformation. I began tutoring peers in high school, which sparked my interest in teaching and mentorship. Earning a degree in education allowed me to research innovative teaching methods and lead after-school programs in underserved neighborhoods. I later designed a curriculum for STEM-focused learning, which improved engagement and test scores. Through these experiences, I realized the power of mentorship in shaping students’ futures. My goal is to continue bridging gaps in education by training teachers, developing community programs, and advocating for policy changes that promote equity and inclusion.
• My interest in environmental engineering began with volunteering at local conservation efforts, where I witnessed the damaging effects of pollution firsthand. Studying environmental science deepened my understanding of water quality testing and renewable energy systems. During internships, I developed models for energy-efficient buildings and led teams focused on sustainable designs. I also collaborated with city planners to address issues like water scarcity and waste management. My goal is to merge engineering principles with policy development to create impactful sustainability initiatives that address climate change and protect natural resources for future generations.
• My journey into social work began when my family faced housing insecurity during my childhood. Experiencing the challenges of poverty firsthand motivated me to advocate for those in similar situations. While earning my social work degree, I completed internships in crisis counseling and housing assistance programs, where I developed skills in case management and advocacy. I also conducted research on homelessness prevention strategies, presenting my findings at national conferences. My goal is to create community-driven initiatives that address systemic issues, ensuring that everyone has access to housing and resources for stability. With my passion for advocacy and hands-on experience, I’m prepared to make a lasting impact through policy reform and outreach programs.
• My fascination with neuroscience started during my undergraduate studies, where I worked on research exploring brain activity and cognition. Conducting experiments on memory retention and brain plasticity gave me hands-on lab experience and strengthened my analytical skills. I later shadowed neurologists, witnessing the transformative effects of treatments on patients with epilepsy and neurodegenerative diseases. Inspired by these experiences, I pursued graduate studies in neurobiology, contributing to publications on neural regeneration therapies. My goal is to continue this research by developing innovative solutions for brain injuries, improving outcomes, and advancing the field of neuroscience.
• As an aspiring entrepreneur, my passion for business began with launching a clothing line during high school, where I learned the fundamentals of marketing, budgeting, and supply chain management. Studying business administration allowed me to further explore entrepreneurship, leading to internships with venture capital firms and startup accelerators. These experiences taught me the importance of scalability, innovation, and networking. I later led a team in developing a product prototype that secured funding, proving my ability to turn ideas into viable businesses. My goal is to mentor aspiring entrepreneurs while continuing to create ventures that address market needs and drive economic growth.
• Growing up as the daughter of immigrants, I witnessed my parents face language barriers and financial hardships, which shaped my passion for immigration law. I earned my degree in political science and interned with immigration advocacy organizations, where I assisted families with visa applications and asylum cases. My work in legal aid programs solidified my desire to pursue law school and specialize in immigration law. I aim to build a career helping immigrants navigate complex systems while advocating for policies that promote fairness and inclusion. By combining legal expertise with empathy, I hope to empower individuals and create systemic change.
• My love for literature and storytelling began in childhood, leading me to study English and creative writing in college. During my studies, I explored themes of identity, culture, and resilience, which shaped my work as a writer. I later interned with publishing houses, where I gained experience editing manuscripts and marketing books. My goal is to continue developing stories that reflect diverse voices and experiences, using literature as a tool for social commentary and cultural understanding. I also plan to teach creative writing to inspire future authors and encourage them to share their stories.
• As a public health advocate, my work started with volunteering in vaccination drives, which highlighted the importance of preventive care. Studying epidemiology deepened my understanding of disease prevention and data analysis. My internships at global health organizations allowed me to design intervention strategies and monitor public health campaigns. I later collaborated with government agencies to improve maternal and child health programs, strengthening my leadership and policy development skills. My goal is to lead international health initiatives, focusing on preventive care and reducing health disparities worldwide.
• My passion for music education stems from my experiences as a band leader in high school, where I witnessed the power of music to build confidence and connection. I pursued a degree in music education, combining performance training with teaching methodologies. Through internships, I worked with underfunded schools to develop music programs, improving student engagement and creativity. My goal is to expand access to music education by designing curricula that emphasize cultural diversity and inclusivity. I hope to inspire students to express themselves through music while advocating for the arts in education policies.

Watch this popular video about writing personal statements:

Personal Statement Templates

When you go to create your own personal statement, start with one of these templates.

• “I have always been passionate about [field], and my experience in [specific activity] has prepared me to [goal].”
• “As someone who values [quality], I am eager to contribute to [organization or program] by [specific action].”
• “With a background in [field], I bring [skill] and [skill] to [goal or project].”
• My dedication to [field or cause] has driven me to [specific achievement], and I am excited to continue this work by [future goal].
• Fueled by my passion for [interest], I aim to [goal] while leveraging my experience in [specific activity].
• Having honed my skills in [skill or area], I am ready to apply my expertise to [goal or project] at [organization or program].
• I am committed to [cause or mission] and plan to use my background in [field] to [specific action or contribution].
• My experience with [activity] has taught me [lesson or skill], which I plan to build upon as I [goal or next step].
• I believe that [core belief or value] drives success, and I am prepared to bring [specific skill] to [goal or project].
• Through my work in [field], I have developed [skill] and [skill], equipping me to [goal or contribution].

Final Thoughts

Take inspiration, add your unique spin, and let your story shine. Good luck—now go write something amazing.

For more words and ideas to use in your personal statements, check out some of the blog posts below.

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10 Personal Statement Essay Examples That Worked

What’s covered:, what is a personal statement.

• Essay 1: Summer Program
• Essay 2: Being Bangladeshi-American
• Essay 3: Why Medicine
• Essay 4: Love of Writing
• Essay 5: Starting a Fire
• Essay 6: Dedicating a Track
• Essay 7: Body Image and Eating Disorders
• Essay 8: Becoming a Coach
• Essay 9: Eritrea
• Essay 10: Journaling
• Is Your Personal Statement Strong Enough?

Your personal statement is any essay that you must write for your main application, such as the Common App Essay , University of California Essays , or Coalition Application Essay . This type of essay focuses on your unique experiences, ideas, or beliefs that may not be discussed throughout the rest of your application. This essay should be an opportunity for the admissions officers to get to know you better and give them a glimpse into who you really are.

In this post, we will share 10 different personal statements that were all written by real students. We will also provide commentary on what each essay did well and where there is room for improvement, so you can make your personal statement as strong as possible!

Please note: Looking at examples of real essays students have submitted to colleges can be very beneficial to get inspiration for your essays. You should never copy or plagiarize from these examples when writing your own essays. Colleges can tell when an essay isn’t genuine and will not view students favorably if they plagiarized. 

Personal Statement Examples

Essay example #1: exchange program.

The twisting roads, ornate mosaics, and fragrant scent of freshly ground spices had been so foreign at first. Now in my fifth week of the SNYI-L summer exchange program in Morocco, I felt more comfortable in the city. With a bag full of pastries from the market, I navigated to a bus stop, paid the fare, and began the trip back to my host family’s house. It was hard to believe that only a few years earlier my mom was worried about letting me travel around my home city on my own, let alone a place that I had only lived in for a few weeks. While I had been on a journey towards self-sufficiency and independence for a few years now, it was Morocco that pushed me to become the confident, self-reflective person that I am today.

As a child, my parents pressured me to achieve perfect grades, master my swim strokes, and discover interesting hobbies like playing the oboe and learning to pick locks. I felt compelled to live my life according to their wishes. Of course, this pressure was not a wholly negative factor in my life –– you might even call it support. However, the constant presence of my parents’ hopes for me overcame my own sense of desire and led me to become quite dependent on them. I pushed myself to get straight A’s, complied with years of oboe lessons, and dutifully attended hours of swim practice after school. Despite all these achievements, I felt like I had no sense of self beyond my drive for success. I had always been expected to succeed on the path they had defined. However, this path was interrupted seven years after my parents’ divorce when my dad moved across the country to Oregon.

I missed my dad’s close presence, but I loved my new sense of freedom. My parents’ separation allowed me the space to explore my own strengths and interests as each of them became individually busier. As early as middle school, I was riding the light rail train by myself, reading maps to get myself home, and applying to special academic programs without urging from my parents. Even as I took more initiatives on my own, my parents both continued to see me as somewhat immature. All of that changed three years ago, when I applied and was accepted to the SNYI-L summer exchange program in Morocco. I would be studying Arabic and learning my way around the city of Marrakesh. Although I think my parents were a little surprised when I told them my news, the addition of a fully-funded scholarship convinced them to let me go.

I lived with a host family in Marrakesh and learned that they, too, had high expectations for me. I didn’t know a word of Arabic, and although my host parents and one brother spoke good English, they knew I was there to learn. If I messed up, they patiently corrected me but refused to let me fall into the easy pattern of speaking English just as I did at home. Just as I had when I was younger, I felt pressured and stressed about meeting their expectations. However, one day, as I strolled through the bustling market square after successfully bargaining with one of the street vendors, I realized my mistake. My host family wasn’t being unfair by making me fumble through Arabic. I had applied for this trip, and I had committed to the intensive language study. My host family’s rules about speaking Arabic at home had not been to fulfill their expectations for me, but to help me fulfill my expectations for myself. Similarly, the pressure my parents had put on me as a child had come out of love and their hopes for me, not out of a desire to crush my individuality.

As my bus drove through the still-bustling market square and past the medieval Ben-Youssef madrasa, I realized that becoming independent was a process, not an event. I thought that my parents’ separation when I was ten had been the one experience that would transform me into a self-motivated and autonomous person. It did, but that didn’t mean that I didn’t still have room to grow. Now, although I am even more self-sufficient than I was three years ago, I try to approach every experience with the expectation that it will change me. It’s still difficult, but I understand that just because growth can be uncomfortable doesn’t mean it’s not important.

What the Essay Did Well

This is a nice essay because it delves into particular character trait of the student and how it has been shaped and matured over time. Although it doesn’t focus the essay around a specific anecdote, the essay is still successful because it is centered around this student’s independence. This is a nice approach for a personal statement: highlight a particular trait of yours and explore how it has grown with you.

The ideas in this essay are universal to growing up—living up to parents’ expectations, yearning for freedom, and coming to terms with reality—but it feels unique to the student because of the inclusion of details specific to them. Including their oboe lessons, the experience of riding the light rail by themselves, and the negotiations with a street vendor helps show the reader what these common tropes of growing up looked like for them personally. 

Another strength of the essay is the level of self-reflection included throughout the piece. Since there is no central anecdote tying everything together, an essay about a character trait is only successful when you deeply reflect on how you felt, where you made mistakes, and how that trait impacts your life. The author includes reflection in sentences like “ I felt like I had no sense of self beyond my drive for success, ” and “ I understand that just because growth can be uncomfortable doesn’t mean it’s not important. ” These sentences help us see how the student was impacted and what their point of view is.

What Could Be Improved

The largest change this essay would benefit from is to show not tell. The platitude you have heard a million times no doubt, but for good reason. This essay heavily relies on telling the reader what occurred, making us less engaged as the entire reading experience feels more passive. If the student had shown us what happens though, it keeps the reader tied to the action and makes them feel like they are there with the student, making it much more enjoyable to read. 

For example, they tell us about the pressure to succeed their parents placed on them: “ I pushed myself to get straight A’s, complied with years of oboe lessons, and dutifully attended hours of swim practice after school.”  They could have shown us what that pressure looked like with a sentence like this: “ My stomach turned somersaults as my rattling knee thumped against the desk before every test, scared to get anything less than a 95. For five years the painful squawk of the oboe only reminded me of my parents’ claps and whistles at my concerts. I mastered the butterfly, backstroke, and freestyle, fighting against the anchor of their expectations threatening to pull me down.”

If the student had gone through their essay and applied this exercise of bringing more detail and colorful language to sentences that tell the reader what happened, the essay would be really great. 

Table of Contents

Essay Example #2: Being Bangladeshi-American

Life before was good: verdant forests, sumptuous curries, and a devoted family.

Then, my family abandoned our comfortable life in Bangladesh for a chance at the American dream in Los Angeles. Within our first year, my father was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. He lost his battle three weeks before my sixth birthday. Facing a new country without the steady presence of my father, we were vulnerable — prisoners of hardship in the land of the free. We resettled in the Bronx, in my uncle’s renovated basement. It was meant to be our refuge, but I felt more displaced than ever. Gone were the high-rise condos of West L.A.; instead, government projects towered over the neighborhood. Pedestrians no longer smiled and greeted me; the atmosphere was hostile, even toxic. Schoolkids were quick to pick on those they saw as weak or foreign, hurling harsh words I’d never heard before.

Meanwhile, my family began integrating into the local Bangladeshi community. I struggled to understand those who shared my heritage. Bangladeshi mothers stayed home while fathers drove cabs and sold fruit by the roadside — painful societal positions. Riding on crosstown buses or walking home from school, I began to internalize these disparities. During my fleeting encounters with affluent Upper East Siders, I saw kids my age with nannies, parents who wore suits to work, and luxurious apartments with spectacular views. Most took cabs to their destinations: cabs that Bangladeshis drove. I watched the mundane moments of their lives with longing, aching to plant myself in their shoes. Shame prickled down my spine. I distanced myself from my heritage, rejecting the traditional panjabis worn on Eid and refusing the torkari we ate for dinner every day. 

As I grappled with my relationship with the Bangladeshi community, I turned my attention to helping my Bronx community by pursuing an internship with Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda. I handled desk work and took calls, spending the bulk of my time actively listening to the hardships constituents faced — everything from a veteran stripped of his benefits to a grandmother unable to support her bedridden grandchild.

I’d never exposed myself to stories like these, and now I was the first to hear them. As an intern, I could only assist in what felt like the small ways — pointing out local job offerings, printing information on free ESL classes, reaching out to non-profits. But to a community facing an onslaught of intense struggles, I realized that something as small as these actions could have vast impacts. Seeing the immediate consequences of my actions inspired me. Throughout that summer, I internalized my community’s daily challenges in a new light. I began to stop seeing the prevalent underemployment and cramped living quarters less as sources of shame. Instead, I saw them as realities that had to be acknowledged, but could ultimately be remedied. I also realized the benefits of the Bangladeshi culture I had been so ashamed of. My Bangla language skills were an asset to the office, and my understanding of Bangladeshi etiquette allowed for smooth communication between office staff and its constituents. As I helped my neighbors navigate city services, I saw my heritage with pride — a perspective I never expected to have.

I can now appreciate the value of my unique culture and background, and of living with less. This perspective offers room for progress, community integration, and a future worth fighting for. My time with Assemblyman Sepulveda’s office taught me that I can be a change agent in enabling this progression. Far from being ashamed of my community, I want to someday return to local politics in the Bronx to continue helping others access the American Dream. I hope to help my community appreciate the opportunity to make progress together. By embracing reality, I learned to live it. Along the way, I discovered one thing: life is good, but we can make it better.

This student’s passion for social justice and civic duty shines through in this essay because of how honest it is. Sharing their personal experience with immigrating, moving around, being an outsider, and finding a community allows us to see the hardships this student has faced and builds empathy towards their situation. However, what really makes it strong is that they go beyond describing the difficulties they faced and explain the mental impact it had on them as a child: Shame prickled down my spine. I distanced myself from my heritage, rejecting the traditional panjabis worn on Eid and refusing the torkari we ate for dinner every day. 

The rejection of their culture presented at the beginning of the essay creates a nice juxtaposition with the student’s view in the latter half of the essay and helps demonstrate how they have matured. They use their experience interning as a way to delve into a change in their thought process about their culture and show how their passion for social justice began. Using this experience as a mechanism to explore their thoughts and feelings is an excellent example of how items that are included elsewhere on your application should be incorporated into your essay.

This essay prioritizes emotions and personal views over specific anecdotes. Although there are details and certain moments incorporated throughout to emphasize the author’s points, the main focus remains on the student and how they grapple with their culture and identity.  

One area for improvement is the conclusion. Although the forward-looking approach is a nice way to end an essay focused on social justice, it would be nice to include more details and imagery in the conclusion. How does the student want to help their community? What government position do they see themselves holding one day? 

A more impactful ending might look like the student walking into their office at the New York City Housing Authority in 15 years and looking at the plans to build a new development in the Bronx just blocks away from where the grew up that would provide quality housing to people in their Bangladeshi community. They would smile while thinking about how far they have come from that young kid who used to be ashamed of their culture. 

Essay Example #3: Why Medicine

I took my first trip to China to visit my cousin Anna in July of 2014. Distance had kept us apart, but when we were together, we fell into all of our old inside jokes and caught up on each other’s lives. Her sparkling personality and optimistic attitude always brought a smile to my face. This time, however, my heart broke when I saw the effects of her brain cancer; she had suffered from a stroke that paralyzed her left side. She was still herself in many ways, but I could see that the damage to her brain made things difficult for her. I stayed by her every day, providing the support she needed, whether assisting her with eating and drinking, reading to her, or just watching “Friends.” During my flight back home, sorrow and helplessness overwhelmed me. Would I ever see Anna again? Could I have done more to make Anna comfortable? I wished I could stay in China longer to care for her. As I deplaned, I wondered if I could transform my grief to help other children and teenagers in the US who suffered as Anna did.

The day after I got home, as jet lag dragged me awake a few minutes after midnight, I remembered hearing about the Family Reach Foundation (FRF) and its work with children going through treatments at the local hospital and their families. I began volunteering in the FRF’s Children’s Activity Room, where I play with children battling cancer. Volunteering has both made me appreciate my own health and also cherish the new relationships I build with the children and families. We play sports, make figures out of playdoh, and dress up. When they take on the roles of firefighters or fairies, we all get caught up in the game; for that time, they forget the sanitized, stark, impersonal walls of the pediatric oncology ward. Building close relationships with them and seeing them giggle and laugh is so rewarding — I love watching them grow and get better throughout their course of treatment.

Hearing from the parents about their children’s condition and seeing the children recover inspired me to consider medical research. To get started, I enrolled in a summer collegelevel course in Abnormal Psychology. There I worked with Catelyn, a rising college senior, on a data analysis project regarding Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). Together, we examined the neurological etiology of DID by studying four fMRI and PET cases. I fell in love with gathering data and analyzing the results and was amazed by our final product: several stunning brain images showcasing the areas of hyper and hypoactivity in brains affected by DID. Desire quickly followed my amazement — I want to continue this project and study more brains. Their complexity, delicacy, and importance to every aspect of life fascinate me. Successfully completing this research project gave me a sense of hope; I know I am capable of participating in a large scale research project and potentially making a difference in someone else’s life through my research.

Anna’s diagnosis inspired me to begin volunteering at FRF; from there, I discovered my desire to help people further by contributing to medical research. As my research interest blossomed, I realized that it’s no coincidence that I want to study brains—after all, Anna suffered from brain cancer. Reflecting on these experiences this past year and a half, I see that everything I’ve done is connected. Sadly, a few months after I returned from China, Anna passed away. I am still sad, but as I run a toy truck across the floor and watch one of the little patients’ eyes light up, I imagine that she would be proud of my commitment to pursue medicine and study the brain.

This essay has a very strong emotional core that tugs at the heart strings and makes the reader feel invested. Writing about sickness can be difficult and doesn’t always belong in a personal statement, but in this case it works well because the focus is on how this student cared for her cousin and dealt with the grief and emotions surrounding her condition. Writing about the compassion she showed and the doubts and concerns that filled her mind keeps the focus on the author and her personality. 

This continues when she again discusses the activities she did with the kids at FRF and the personal reflection this experience allowed her to have. For example, she writes: Volunteering has both made me appreciate my own health and also cherish the new relationships I build with the children and families. We play sports, make figures out of playdoh, and dress up.

Concluding the essay with the sad story of her cousin’s passing brings the essay full circle and returns to the emotional heart of the piece to once again build a connection with the reader. However, it finishes on a hopeful note and demonstrates how this student has been able to turn a tragic experience into a source of lifelong inspiration. 

One thing this essay should be cognizant of is that personal statements should not read as summaries of your extracurricular resume. Although this essay doesn’t fully fall into that trap, it does describe two key extracurriculars the student participated in. However, the inclusion of such a strong emotional core running throughout the essay helps keep the focus on the student and her thoughts and feelings during these activities.

To avoid making this mistake, make sure you have a common thread running through your essay and the extracurriculars provide support to the story you are trying to tell, rather than crafting a story around your activities. And, as this essay does, make sure there is lots of personal reflection and feelings weaved throughout to focus attention to you rather than your extracurriculars. 

Essay Example #4: Love of Writing

“I want to be a writer.” This had been my answer to every youthful discussion with the adults in my life about what I would do when I grew up. As early as elementary school, I remember reading my writing pieces aloud to an audience at “Author of the Month” ceremonies. Bearing this goal in mind, and hoping to gain some valuable experience, I signed up for a journalism class during my freshman year. Despite my love for writing, I initially found myself uninterested in the subject and I struggled to enjoy the class. When I thought of writing, I imagined lyrical prose, profound poetry, and thrilling plot lines. Journalism required a laconic style and orderly structure, and I found my teacher’s assignments formulaic and dull. That class shook my confidence as a writer. I was uncertain if I should continue in it for the rest of my high school career.

Despite my misgivings, I decided that I couldn’t make a final decision on whether to quit journalism until I had some experience working for a paper outside of the classroom. The following year, I applied to be a staff reporter on our school newspaper. I hoped this would help me become more self-driven and creative, rather than merely writing articles that my teacher assigned. To my surprise, my time on staff was worlds away from what I experienced in the journalism class. Although I was unaccustomed to working in a fast-paced environment and initially found it burdensome to research and complete high-quality stories in a relatively short amount of time, I also found it exciting. I enjoyed learning more about topics and events on campus that I did not know much about; some of my stories that I covered in my first semester concerned a chess tournament, a food drive, and a Spanish immersion party. I relished in the freedom I had to explore and learn, and to write more independently than I could in a classroom.

Although I enjoyed many aspects of working for the paper immediately, reporting also pushed me outside of my comfort zone. I am a shy person, and speaking with people I did not know intimidated me. During my first interview, I met with the basketball coach to prepare for a story about the team’s winning streak. As I approached his office, I felt everything from my toes to my tongue freeze into a solid block, and I could hardly get out my opening questions. Fortunately, the coach was very kind and helped me through the conversation. Encouraged, I prepared for my next interview with more confidence. After a few weeks of practice, I even started to look forward to interviewing people on campus. That first journalism class may have bored me, but even if journalism in practice was challenging, it was anything but tedious.

Over the course of that year, I grew to love writing for our school newspaper. Reporting made me aware of my surroundings, and made me want to know more about current events on campus and in the town where I grew up. By interacting with people all over campus, I came to understand the breadth of individuals and communities that make up my high school. I felt far more connected to diverse parts of my school through my work as a journalist, and I realized that journalism gave me a window into seeing beyond my own experiences. The style of news writing may be different from what I used to think “writing” meant, but I learned that I can still derive exciting plots from events that may have gone unnoticed if not for my stories. I no longer struggle to approach others, and truly enjoy getting to know people and recognizing their accomplishments through my writing. Becoming a writer may be a difficult path, but it is as rewarding as I hoped when I was young.

This essay is clearly structured in a manner that makes it flow very nicely and contributes to its success. It starts with a quote to draw in the reader and show this student’s life-long passion for writing. Then it addresses the challenges of facing new, unfamiliar territory and how this student overcame it. Finally, it concludes by reflecting on this eye-opening experience and a nod to their younger self from the introduction. Having a well-thought out and sequential structure with clear transitions makes it extremely easy for the reader to follow along and take away the main idea.

Another positive aspect of the essay is the use of strong and expressive language. Sentences like “ When I thought of writing, I imagined lyrical prose, profound poetry, and thrilling plot lines ” stand out because of the intentional use of words like “lyrical”, “profound”, and “thrilling” to convey the student’s love of writing. The author also uses an active voice to capture the readers’ attention and keep us engaged. They rely on their language and diction to reveal details to the reader, for instance saying “ I felt everything from my toes to my tongue freeze into a solid block ” to describe feeling nervous.

This essay is already very strong, so there isn’t much that needs to be changed. One thing that could take the essay from great to outstanding would be to throw in more quotes, internal dialogue, and sensory descriptors.

It would be nice to see the nerves they felt interviewing the coach by including dialogue like “ Um…I want to interview you about…uh…”.  They could have shown their original distaste for journalism by narrating the thoughts running through their head. The fast-paced environment of their newspaper could have come to life with descriptions about the clacking of keyboards and the whirl of people running around laying out articles.

Essay Example #5: Starting a Fire

Was I no longer the beloved daughter of nature, whisperer of trees? Knee-high rubber boots, camouflage, bug spray—I wore the garb and perfume of a proud wild woman, yet there I was, hunched over the pathetic pile of stubborn sticks, utterly stumped, on the verge of tears. As a child, I had considered myself a kind of rustic princess, a cradler of spiders and centipedes, who was serenaded by mourning doves and chickadees, who could glide through tick-infested meadows and emerge Lyme-free. I knew the cracks of the earth like the scars on my own rough palms. Yet here I was, ten years later, incapable of performing the most fundamental outdoor task: I could not, for the life of me, start a fire. 

Furiously I rubbed the twigs together—rubbed and rubbed until shreds of skin flaked from my fingers. No smoke. The twigs were too young, too sticky-green; I tossed them away with a shower of curses, and began tearing through the underbrush in search of a more flammable collection. My efforts were fruitless. Livid, I bit a rejected twig, determined to prove that the forest had spurned me, offering only young, wet bones that would never burn. But the wood cracked like carrots between my teeth—old, brittle, and bitter. Roaring and nursing my aching palms, I retreated to the tent, where I sulked and awaited the jeers of my family. 

Rattling their empty worm cans and reeking of fat fish, my brother and cousins swaggered into the campsite. Immediately, they noticed the minor stick massacre by the fire pit and called to me, their deep voices already sharp with contempt. 

“Where’s the fire, Princess Clara?” they taunted. “Having some trouble?” They prodded me with the ends of the chewed branches and, with a few effortless scrapes of wood on rock, sparked a red and roaring flame. My face burned long after I left the fire pit. The camp stank of salmon and shame. 

In the tent, I pondered my failure. Was I so dainty? Was I that incapable? I thought of my hands, how calloused and capable they had been, how tender and smooth they had become. It had been years since I’d kneaded mud between my fingers; instead of scaling a white pine, I’d practiced scales on my piano, my hands softening into those of a musician—fleshy and sensitive. And I’d gotten glasses, having grown horrifically nearsighted; long nights of dim lighting and thick books had done this. I couldn’t remember the last time I had lain down on a hill, barefaced, and seen the stars without having to squint. Crawling along the edge of the tent, a spider confirmed my transformation—he disgusted me, and I felt an overwhelming urge to squash him. 

Yet, I realized I hadn’t really changed—I had only shifted perspective. I still eagerly explored new worlds, but through poems and prose rather than pastures and puddles. I’d grown to prefer the boom of a bass over that of a bullfrog, learned to coax a different kind of fire from wood, having developed a burn for writing rhymes and scrawling hypotheses. 

That night, I stayed up late with my journal and wrote about the spider I had decided not to kill. I had tolerated him just barely, only shrieking when he jumped—it helped to watch him decorate the corners of the tent with his delicate webs, knowing that he couldn’t start fires, either. When the night grew cold and the embers died, my words still smoked—my hands burned from all that scrawling—and even when I fell asleep, the ideas kept sparking—I was on fire, always on fire.

This student is an excellent writer, which allows a simple story to be outstandingly compelling. The author articulates her points beautifully and creatively through her immense use of details and figurative language. Lines like “a rustic princess, a cradler of spiders and centipedes, who was serenaded by mourning doves and chickadees,” and “rubbed and rubbed until shreds of skin flaked from my fingers,” create vivid images that draw the reader in. 

The flowery and descriptive prose also contributes to the nice juxtaposition between the old Clara and the new Clara. The latter half of the essay contrasts elements of nature with music and writing to demonstrate how natural these interests are for her now. This sentence perfectly encapsulates the contrast she is trying to build: “It had been years since I’d kneaded mud between my fingers; instead of scaling a white pine, I’d practiced scales on my piano, my hands softening into those of a musician—fleshy and sensitive.”

In addition to being well-written, this essay is thematically cohesive. It begins with the simple introduction “Fire!” and ends with the following image: “When the night grew cold and the embers died, my words still smoked—my hands burned from all that scrawling—and even when I fell asleep, the ideas kept sparking—I was on fire, always on fire.” This full-circle approach leaves readers satisfied and impressed.

There is very little this essay should change, however one thing to be cautious about is having an essay that is overly-descriptive. We know from the essay that this student likes to read and write, and depending on other elements of her application, it might make total sense to have such a flowery and ornate writing style. However, your personal statement needs to reflect your voice as well as your personality. If you would never use language like this in conversation or your writing, don’t put it in your personal statement. Make sure there is a balance between eloquence and your personal voice.

Essay Example #6: Dedicating a Track

“Getting beat is one thing – it’s part of competing – but I want no part in losing.” Coach Rob Stark’s motto never fails to remind me of his encouragement on early-morning bus rides to track meets around the state. I’ve always appreciated the phrase, but an experience last June helped me understand its more profound, universal meaning.

Stark, as we affectionately call him, has coached track at my high school for 25 years. His care, dedication, and emphasis on developing good character has left an enduring impact on me and hundreds of other students. Not only did he help me discover my talent and love for running, but he also taught me the importance of commitment and discipline and to approach every endeavor with the passion and intensity that I bring to running. When I learned a neighboring high school had dedicated their track to a longtime coach, I felt that Stark deserved similar honors.

Our school district’s board of education indicated they would only dedicate our track to Stark if I could demonstrate that he was extraordinary. I took charge and mobilized my teammates to distribute petitions, reach out to alumni, and compile statistics on the many team and individual champions Stark had coached over the years. We received astounding support, collecting almost 3,000 signatures and pages of endorsements from across the community. With help from my teammates, I presented this evidence to the board.

They didn’t bite. 

Most members argued that dedicating the track was a low priority. Knowing that we had to act quickly to convince them of its importance, I called a team meeting where we drafted a rebuttal for the next board meeting. To my surprise, they chose me to deliver it. I was far from the best public speaker in the group, and I felt nervous about going before the unsympathetic board again. However, at that second meeting, I discovered that I enjoy articulating and arguing for something that I’m passionate about.

Public speaking resembles a cross country race. Walking to the starting line, you have to trust your training and quell your last minute doubts. When the gun fires, you can’t think too hard about anything; your performance has to be instinctual, natural, even relaxed. At the next board meeting, the podium was my starting line. As I walked up to it, familiar butterflies fluttered in my stomach. Instead of the track stretching out in front of me, I faced the vast audience of teachers, board members, and my teammates. I felt my adrenaline build, and reassured myself: I’ve put in the work, my argument is powerful and sound. As the board president told me to introduce myself, I heard, “runners set” in the back of my mind. She finished speaking, and Bang! The brief silence was the gunshot for me to begin. 

The next few minutes blurred together, but when the dust settled, I knew from the board members’ expressions and the audience’s thunderous approval that I had run quite a race. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough; the board voted down our proposal. I was disappointed, but proud of myself, my team, and our collaboration off the track. We stood up for a cause we believed in, and I overcame my worries about being a leader. Although I discovered that changing the status quo through an elected body can be a painstakingly difficult process and requires perseverance, I learned that I enjoy the challenges this effort offers. Last month, one of the school board members joked that I had become a “regular” – I now often show up to meetings to advocate for a variety of causes, including better environmental practices in cafeterias and safer equipment for athletes.

Just as Stark taught me, I worked passionately to achieve my goal. I may have been beaten when I appealed to the board, but I certainly didn’t lose, and that would have made Stark proud.

This essay effectively conveys this student’s compassion for others, initiative, and determination—all great qualities to exemplify in a personal statement!

Although they rely on telling us a lot of what happened up until the board meeting, the use of running a race (their passion) as a metaphor for public speaking provides a lot of insight into the fear that this student overcame to work towards something bigger than themself. Comparing a podium to the starting line, the audience to the track, and silence to the gunshot is a nice way of demonstrating this student’s passion for cross country running without making that the focus of the story.

The essay does a nice job of coming full circle at the end by explaining what the quote from the beginning meant to them after this experience. Without explicitly saying “ I now know that what Stark actually meant is…” they rely on the strength of their argument above to make it obvious to the reader what it means to get beat but not lose. 

One of the biggest areas of improvement in the intro, however, is how the essay tells us Stark’s impact rather than showing us: His care, dedication, and emphasis on developing good character has left an enduring impact on me and hundreds of other students. Not only did he help me discover my talent and love for running, but he also taught me the importance of commitment and discipline and to approach every endeavor with the passion and intensity that I bring to running.

The writer could’ve helped us feel a stronger emotional connection to Stark if they had included examples of Stark’s qualities, rather than explicitly stating them. For example, they could’ve written something like: Stark was the kind of person who would give you gas money if you told him your parents couldn’t afford to pick you up from practice. And he actually did that—several times. At track meets, alumni regularly would come talk to him and tell him how he’d changed their lives. Before Stark, I was ambivalent about running and was on the JV team, but his encouragement motivated me to run longer and harder and eventually make varsity. Because of him, I approach every endeavor with the passion and intensity that I bring to running.

Essay Example #7: Body Image and Eating Disorders

I press the “discover” button on my Instagram app, hoping to find enticing pictures to satisfy my boredom. Scrolling through, I see funny videos and mouth-watering pictures of food. However, one image stops me immediately. A fit teenage girl with a “perfect body” relaxes in a bikini on a beach. Beneath it, I see a slew of flattering comments. I shake with disapproval over the image’s unrealistic quality. However, part of me still wants to have a body like hers so that others will make similar comments to me.

I would like to resolve a silent issue that harms many teenagers and adults: negative self image and low self-esteem in a world where social media shapes how people view each other. When people see the façades others wear to create an “ideal” image, they can develop poor thought patterns rooted in negative self-talk. The constant comparisons to “perfect” others make people feel small. In this new digital age, it is hard to distinguish authentic from artificial representations.

When I was 11, I developed anorexia nervosa. Though I was already thin, I wanted to be skinny like the models that I saw on the magazine covers on the grocery store stands. Little did I know that those models probably also suffered from disorders, and that photoshop erased their flaws. I preferred being underweight to being healthy. No matter how little I ate or how thin I was, I always thought that I was too fat. I became obsessed with the number on the scale and would try to eat the least that I could without my parents urging me to take more. Fortunately, I stopped engaging in anorexic behaviors before middle school. However, my underlying mental habits did not change. The images that had provoked my disorder in the first place were still a constant presence in my life.

By age 15, I was in recovery from anorexia, but suffered from depression. While I used to only compare myself to models, the growth of social media meant I also compared myself to my friends and acquaintances. I felt left out when I saw my friends’ excitement about lake trips they had taken without me. As I scrolled past endless photos of my flawless, thin classmates with hundreds of likes and affirming comments, I felt my jealousy spiral. I wanted to be admired and loved by other people too. However, I felt that I could never be enough. I began to hate the way that I looked, and felt nothing in my life was good enough. I wanted to be called “perfect” and “body goals,” so I tried to only post at certain times of day to maximize my “likes.” When that didn’t work, I started to feel too anxious to post anything at all.  

Body image insecurities and social media comparisons affect thousands of people – men, women, children, and adults – every day. I am lucky – after a few months of my destructive social media habits, I came across a video that pointed out the illusory nature of social media; many Instagram posts only show off good things while people hide their flaws. I began going to therapy, and recovered from my depression. To address the problem of self-image and social media, we can all focus on what matters on the inside and not what is on the surface. As an effort to become healthy internally, I started a club at my school to promote clean eating and radiating beauty from within. It has helped me grow in my confidence, and today I’m not afraid to show others my struggles by sharing my experience with eating disorders. Someday, I hope to make this club a national organization to help teenagers and adults across the country. I support the idea of body positivity and embracing difference, not “perfection.” After all, how can we be ourselves if we all look the same?

This essay covers the difficult topics of eating disorders and mental health. If you’re thinking about covering similar topics in your essay, we recommend reading our post Should You Talk About Mental Health in College Essays?

The short answer is that, yes, you can talk about mental health, but it can be risky. If you do go that route, it’s important to focus on what you learned from the experience.

The strength of this essay is the student’s vulnerability, in excerpts such as this: I wanted to be admired and loved by other people too. However, I felt that I could never be enough. I began to hate the way that I looked, and felt nothing in my life was good enough. I wanted to be called “perfect” and “body goals,” so I tried to only post at certain times of day to maximize my “likes.”

The student goes on to share how they recovered from their depression through an eye-opening video and therapy sessions, and they’re now helping others find their self-worth as well. It’s great that this essay looks towards the future and shares the writer’s goals of making their club a national organization; we can see their ambition and compassion.

The main weakness of this essay is that it doesn’t focus enough on their recovery process, which is arguably the most important part. They could’ve told us more about the video they watched or the process of starting their club and the interactions they’ve had with other members. Especially when sharing such a vulnerable topic, there should be vulnerability in the recovery process too. That way, the reader can fully appreciate all that this student has overcome.

Essay Example #8: Becoming a Coach

”Advanced females ages 13 to 14 please proceed to staging with your coaches at this time.” Skittering around the room, eyes wide and pleading, I frantically explained my situation to nearby coaches. The seconds ticked away in my head; every polite refusal increased my desperation.

Despair weighed me down. I sank to my knees as a stream of competitors, coaches, and officials flowed around me. My dojang had no coach, and the tournament rules prohibited me from competing without one.

Although I wanted to remain strong, doubts began to cloud my mind. I could not help wondering: what was the point of perfecting my skills if I would never even compete? The other members of my team, who had found coaches minutes earlier, attempted to comfort me, but I barely heard their words. They couldn’t understand my despair at being left on the outside, and I never wanted them to understand.

Since my first lesson 12 years ago, the members of my dojang have become family. I have watched them grow up, finding my own happiness in theirs. Together, we have honed our kicks, blocks, and strikes. We have pushed one another to aim higher and become better martial artists. Although my dojang had searched for a reliable coach for years, we had not found one. When we attended competitions in the past, my teammates and I had always gotten lucky and found a sympathetic coach. Now, I knew this practice was unsustainable. It would devastate me to see the other members of my dojang in my situation, unable to compete and losing hope as a result. My dojang needed a coach, and I decided it was up to me to find one.

I first approached the adults in the dojang – both instructors and members’ parents. However, these attempts only reacquainted me with polite refusals. Everyone I asked told me they couldn’t devote multiple weekends per year to competitions. I soon realized that I would have become the coach myself.

At first, the inner workings of tournaments were a mystery to me. To prepare myself for success as a coach, I spent the next year as an official and took coaching classes on the side. I learned everything from motivational strategies to technical, behind-the-scenes components of Taekwondo competitions. Though I emerged with new knowledge and confidence in my capabilities, others did not share this faith.

Parents threw me disbelieving looks when they learned that their children’s coach was only a child herself. My self-confidence was my armor, deflecting their surly glances. Every armor is penetrable, however, and as the relentless barrage of doubts pounded my resilience, it began to wear down. I grew unsure of my own abilities.

Despite the attack, I refused to give up. When I saw the shining eyes of the youngest students preparing for their first competition, I knew I couldn’t let them down. To quit would be to set them up to be barred from competing like I was. The knowledge that I could solve my dojang’s longtime problem motivated me to overcome my apprehension.

Now that my dojang flourishes at competitions, the attacks on me have weakened, but not ended. I may never win the approval of every parent; at times, I am still tormented by doubts, but I find solace in the fact that members of my dojang now only worry about competing to the best of their abilities.

Now, as I arrive at a tournament with my students, I close my eyes and remember the past. I visualize the frantic search for a coach and the chaos amongst my teammates as we competed with one another to find coaches before the staging calls for our respective divisions. I open my eyes to the exact opposite scene. Lacking a coach hurt my ability to compete, but I am proud to know that no member of my dojang will have to face that problem again.

This essay begins with an in-the-moment narrative that really illustrates the chaos of looking for a coach last-minute. We feel the writer’s emotions, particularly her dejectedness, at not being able to compete. Starting an essay in media res  is a great way to capture the attention of your readers and build anticipation for what comes next.

Through this essay, we can see how gutsy and determined the student is in deciding to become a coach themselves. She shows us these characteristics through their actions, rather than explicitly telling us: To prepare myself for success as a coach, I spent the next year as an official and took coaching classes on the side.  Also, by discussing the opposition she faced and how it affected her, the student is open and vulnerable about the reality of the situation.

The essay comes full circle as the author recalls the frantic situations in seeking out a coach, but this is no longer a concern for them and their team. Overall, this essay is extremely effective in painting this student as mature, bold, and compassionate.

The biggest thing this essay needs to work on is showing not telling. Throughout the essay, the student tells us that she “emerged with new knowledge and confidence,” she “grew unsure of her own abilities,” and she “refused to give up”. What we really want to know is what this looks like.

Instead of saying she “emerged with new knowledge and confidence” she should have shared how she taught a new move to a fellow team-member without hesitation. Rather than telling us she “grew unsure of her own abilities” she should have shown what that looked like by including her internal dialogue and rhetorical questions that ran through her mind. She could have demonstrated what “refusing to give up” looks like by explaining how she kept learning coaching techniques on her own, turned to a mentor for advice, or devised a plan to win over the trust of parents. 

Essay Example #9: Eritrea

No one knows where Eritrea is.

On the first day of school, for the past nine years, I would pensively stand in front of a class, a teacher, a stranger  waiting for the inevitable question: Where are you from?

I smile politely, my dimples accentuating my ambiguous features. “Eritrea,” I answer promptly and proudly. But I  am always prepared. Before their expression can deepen into confusion, ready to ask “where is that,” I elaborate,  perhaps with a fleeting hint of exasperation, “East Africa, near Ethiopia.”

Sometimes, I single out the key-shaped hermit nation on a map, stunning teachers who have “never had a student  from there!” Grinning, I resist the urge to remark, “You didn’t even know it existed until two minutes ago!”

Eritrea is to the East of Ethiopia, its arid coastline clutches the lucrative Red Sea. Battle scars litter the ancient  streets – the colonial Italian architecture lathered with bullet holes, the mosques mangled with mortar shells.  Originally part of the world’s first Christian kingdom, Eritrea passed through the hands of colonial Italy, Britain, and  Ethiopia for over a century, until a bloody thirty year war of Independence liberated us.

But these are facts that anyone can know with a quick Google search. These are facts that I have memorised and compounded, first from my Grandmother and now from pristine books  borrowed from the library.

No historical narrative, however, can adequately capture what Eritrea is.  No one knows the aroma of bushels of potatoes, tomatoes, and garlic – still covered in dirt – that leads you to the open-air market. No one knows the poignant scent of spices, arranged in orange piles reminiscent of compacted  dunes.  No one knows how to haggle stubborn herders for sheep and roosters for Christmas celebrations as deliberately as my mother. No one can replicate the perfect balance of spices in dorho and tsebhi as well as my grandmother,  her gnarly hands stirring the pot with ancient precision (chastising my clumsy knife work with the potatoes).  It’s impossible to learn when the injera is ready – the exact moment you have to lift the lid of the mogogo. Do it too  early (or too late) and the flatbread becomes mangled and gross. It is a sixth sense passed through matriarchal  lineages.

There are no sources that catalogue the scent of incense that wafts through the sunlit porch on St. Michael’s; no  films that can capture the luminescence of hundreds of flaming bonfires that fluoresce the sidewalks on Kudus  Yohannes, as excited children chant Ge’ez proverbs whose origin has been lost to time.  You cannot learn the familiarity of walking beneath the towering Gothic figure of the Enda Mariam Cathedral, the  crowds undulating to the ringing of the archaic bells.  I have memorized the sound of the rains hounding the metal roof during kiremti , the heat of the sun pounding  against the Toyota’s window as we sped down towards Ghinda , the opulent brilliance of the stars twinkling in a  sky untainted by light pollution, the scent of warm rolls of bani wafting through the streets at precisely 6 o’clock each day…

I fill my flimsy sketchbook with pictures from my memory. My hand remembers the shapes of the hibiscus drifting  in the wind, the outline of my grandmother (affectionately nicknamed a’abaye ) leaning over the garden, the bizarre architecture of the Fiat Tagliero .  I dice the vegetables with movements handed down from generations. My nose remembers the scent of frying garlic, the sourness of the warm tayta , the sharpness of the mit’mt’a …

This knowledge is intrinsic.  “I am Eritrean,” I repeat. “I am proud.”  Within me is an encyclopedia of history, culture, and idealism.

Eritrea is the coffee made from scratch, the spices drying in the sun, the priests and nuns. Eritrea is wise, filled with ambition, and unseen potential.  Eritrea isn’t a place, it’s an identity.

This is an exceptional essay that provides a window into this student’s culture that really makes their love for their country and heritage leap off the page. The sheer level of details and sensory descriptors this student is able to fit in this space makes the essay stand out. From the smells, to the traditions, sounds, and sights, the author encapsulates all the glory of Eritrea for the reader. 

The vivid images this student is able to create for the reader, whether it is having the tedious conversation with every teacher or cooking in their grandmother’s kitchen, transports us into the story and makes us feel like we are there in the moment with the student. This is a prime example of an essay that shows , not tells.

Besides the amazing imagery, the use of shorter paragraphs also contributes to how engaging this essay is. Employing this tactic helps break up the text to make it more readable and it isolates ideas so they stick out more than if they were enveloped in a large paragraph.

Overall, this is a really strong essay that brings to life this student’s heritage through its use of vivid imagery. This essay exemplifies what it means to show not tell in your writing, and it is a great example of how you can write an intimate personal statement without making yourself the primary focus of your essay. 

There is very little this essay should improve upon, but one thing the student might consider would be to inject more personal reflection into their response. Although we can clearly take away their deep love and passion for their homeland and culture, the essay would be a bit more personal if they included the emotions and feelings they associate with the various aspects of Eritrea. For example, the way their heart swells with pride when their grandmother praises their ability to cook a flatbread or the feeling of serenity when they hear the bells ring out from the cathedral. Including personal details as well as sensory ones would create a wonderful balance of imagery and reflection.

Essay Example #10: Journaling

Flipping past dozens of colorful entries in my journal, I arrive at the final blank sheet. I press my pen lightly to the page, barely scratching its surface to create a series of loops stringing together into sentences. Emotions spill out, and with their release, I feel lightness in my chest. The stream of thoughts slows as I reach the bottom of the page, and I gently close the cover of the worn book: another journal finished.

I add the journal to the stack of eleven books on my nightstand. Struck by the bittersweet sensation of closing a chapter of my life, I grab the notebook at the bottom of the pile to reminisce.

“I want to make a flying mushen to fly in space and your in it” – October 2008

Pulling back the cover of my first Tinkerbell-themed diary, the prompt “My Hopes and Dreams” captures my attention. Though “machine” is misspelled in my scribbled response, I see the beginnings of my past obsession with outer space. At the age of five, I tore through novels about the solar system, experimented with rockets built from plastic straws, and rented Space Shuttle films from Blockbuster to satisfy my curiosities. While I chased down answers to questions as limitless as the universe, I fell in love with learning. Eight journals later, the same relentless curiosity brought me to an airplane descending on San Francisco Bay.

“I wish I had infinite sunsets” – July 2019

I reach for the charcoal notepad near the top of the pile and open to the first page: my flight to the Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes. While I was excited to explore bioengineering, anxiety twisted in my stomach as I imagined my destination, unsure of whether I could overcome my shyness and connect with others.

With each new conversation, the sweat on my palms became less noticeable, and I met students from 23 different countries. Many of the moments where I challenged myself socially revolved around the third story deck of the Jerry house. A strange medley of English, Arabic, and Mandarin filled the summer air as my friends and I gathered there every evening, and dialogues at sunset soon became moments of bliss. In our conversations about cultural differences, the possibility of an afterlife, and the plausibility of far-fetched conspiracy theories, I learned to voice my opinion. As I was introduced to different viewpoints, these moments challenged my understanding of the world around me. In my final entries from California, I find excitement to learn from others and increased confidence, a tool that would later allow me to impact my community.

“The beauty in a tower of cans” – June 2020

Returning my gaze to the stack of journals, I stretch to take the floral-patterned book sitting on top. I flip through, eventually finding the beginnings of the organization I created during the outbreak of COVID-19. Since then, Door-to-Door Deliveries has woven its way through my entries and into reality, allowing me to aid high-risk populations through free grocery delivery.

With the confidence I gained the summer before, I took action when seeing others in need rather than letting my shyness hold me back. I reached out to local churches and senior centers to spread word of our services and interacted with customers through our website and social media pages. To further expand our impact, we held two food drives, and I mustered the courage to ask for donations door-to-door. In a tower of canned donations, I saw the value of reaching out to help others and realized my own potential to impact the world around me.

I delicately close the journal in my hands, smiling softly as the memories reappear, one after another. Reaching under my bed, I pull out a fresh notebook and open to its first sheet. I lightly press my pen to the page, “And so begins the next chapter…”

The structuring of this essay makes it easy and enjoyable to read. The student effectively organizes their various life experiences around their tower of journals, which centers the reader and makes the different stories easy to follow. Additionally, the student engages quotes from their journals—and unique formatting of the quotes—to signal that they are moving in time and show us which memory we should follow them to.

Thematically, the student uses the idea of shyness to connect the different memories they draw out of their journals. As the student describes their experiences overcoming shyness at the Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes and Door-to-Door Deliveries, this essay can be read as an Overcoming Obstacles essay.

At the end of this essay, readers are fully convinced that this student is dedicated (they have committed to journaling every day), thoughtful (journaling is a thoughtful process and, in the essay, the student reflects thoughtfully on the past), and motivated (they flew across the country for a summer program and started a business). These are definitely qualities admissions officers are looking for in applicants!

Although this essay is already exceptionally strong as it’s written, the first journal entry feels out of place compared to the other two entries that discuss the author’s shyness and determination. It works well for the essay to have an entry from when the student was younger to add some humor (with misspelled words) and nostalgia, but if the student had either connected the quote they chose to the idea of overcoming a fear present in the other two anecdotes or if they had picked a different quote all together related to their shyness, it would have made the entire essay feel more cohesive.

Where to Get Your Personal Statement Edited

Do you want feedback on your personal statement? After rereading your essays countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools. Find the right advisor for you to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

Next Step: Supplemental Essays

Essay Guides for Each School

How to Write a Stellar Extracurricular Activity College Essay

4 Tips for Writing a Diversity College Essay

How to Write the “Why This College” Essay

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Last updated August 7, 2024

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Blog > Common App , Essay Examples , Personal Statement > 16 Amazing Personal Statement Examples (2024 Update)

16 Amazing Personal Statement Examples (2024 Update)

Admissions officer reviewed by Ben Bousquet, M.Ed Former Vanderbilt University

Written by Kylie Kistner, MA Former Willamette University Admissions

Key Takeaway

What’s that old saying? “The best way to learn is by doing.” Well, we believe that, in personal statements and in life, cliches like this should be avoided. That's why we recommend reading some example essays before you start writing your own.

Now, before we get into our examples, we should quickly talk about what admissions officers look for in personal statements in the first place.

What does an admissions officer look for in a personal statement?

Before we get to the essays, let’s briefly walk through what goes through an admissions officer’s head when they open an application.

Admissions officers (AOs) read hundreds to thousands of applications in a single year. Different institutions require admissions officers to use different criteria when evaluating applications, so the specifics will vary by school. Your entire application should cohere to form a seamless narrative . You'll be crafting that narrative across the following categories:

• Transcripts and course rigor : AOs look at the classes you’ve taken to assess how much you’ve challenged yourself based on the classes your school offers. They’re also looking at how well you've done in these classes each term.
• Extracurricular activities : When reading through your activities list, AOs look at the activities you’ve done, how many years you’ve participated in them, and how many hours a week you devote to them. They’re assessing your activities for the levels of magnitude, impact, and reach that they demonstrate. (Want to know more about these terms? Check out our extracurricular impact post .)
• Background information : This background information briefly tells admissions officers about demographic and family information, your school context, and any honors or awards you’ve received.
• Letters of recommendation : Letters of recommendation give AOs insight into who you are in the classroom.
• Essays : And, finally, the essays. Whether you’re writing a personal statement or a supplemental essay , essays are the main place AOs get to hear your voice and learn more about you. Your personal statement in particular is the place where you get to lay out your overall application narrative and say something meaningful about your personal strengths.

So, with all that in mind, what does an admissions officer actually look for when reading your personal statement?

A few traits tend to surface across the best personal statements, no matter the topic or format. There are four primary areas you should focus on as you craft your personal statement.

• Strengths : AOs want to know about your strengths. That doesn’t mean bragging about your accomplishments, but it does mean writing about a topic that lets you showcase something positive about yourself.
• Personal meaning : Personal statements shouldn’t be fluff. They shouldn’t be history essays. They should be personal essays that ooze meaning. The topic you choose should show something significant about yourself that the admissions officers won’t get from any other part of your application.
• Authenticity and vulnerability : These characteristics can be the most difficult to achieve. Being “vulnerable” doesn’t mean airing all your dirty laundry. It means revealing something authentic and meaningful about who you are. To be vulnerable means to go beyond the surface level to put yourself out there, even to admissions officers who you’ve never met.
• Clear organization and writing : And lastly, admissions officers also want your essay to be organized clearly so it’s easy to follow along. Remember that admissions officers are reading lots of applications, even in one sitting. So you want to make your reader’s job as easy as possible. Thoughtful and skillful writing can also help take your personal statement to the next level.

If you want to know more about how to incorporate these traits into your own essay, we have a whole guide about how to write the perfect personal statement .

But for now, let’s get into the examples.

We’ve broken up the example personal statements into three categories: best personal statement examples, good personal statement examples, and “bad” personal statement examples. These categories show you that there is a spectrum of what personal statements can look like. The best examples are the gold standard. They meet or exceed all four of the main criteria admissions officers are looking for. The good examples are just that: good. They’re solid examples that may be lacking in a specific area but are still effective personal statements. The “bad” examples are those that don’t yet stack up to the expectations of a personal statement. They’re not objectively bad, but they need some specific improvements to align with what admissions officers are looking for.

Here we go!

The Best Personal Statement Examples

Writing an exceptional personal statement takes a lot of time and effort. Even the best writers can find the genre challenging. But when you strike the perfect chord and get it right, it’s almost like magic. Your essay jumps off the page and captures an admissions officer’s attention. They feel like you’re right there with them, telling them everything they need to know to vote “yes” on your admission.

The following essays are some of our favorites. They cover a range of topics, styles, and student backgrounds. But they all tell meaningful stories about the writers’ lives. They are well-organized, use vivid language, and speak to the writers’ strengths.

For each essay, our team of former admissions officers have offered comments about what makes the essay exceptional. Take a look through the annotations and feedback to see what lessons you can apply to your own personal statement.

Personal Statement Example #1: Reinvention

For our first example, which we’ve titled “Reinvention,” we’re going to watch Alex break the essay down paragraph by paragraph. This one’s really good. Let’s take a look.

As Alex explains, this essay takes a couple of (very beautiful!) paragraphs to get to its central message: reinvention. Once we reach that turning point, the writer seamlessly introduces us to their engineering interests, then returns again to their mother’s influence. The metaphor of “watermelon rinds” ties everything together. The writer comes across as a clever, thoughtful person—one we would surely want on our campus.

(Want to see more video examples and get personalized application and essay help? Let’s work together. )

Personal Statement Example #2: Thankful

My family has always been broke. Saturday mornings and Thursday evenings, always the same drill: the kids (my brothers and me) would be loaded in the car with my parents and off we’d all go to the food pantry. New clothes were few and far between, and going on vacation was something that we could only dream of. Despite our financial struggles, one year, my parents decided to surprise us with a trip to Disney Land. It was a complete shock to me and my siblings. We were over the moon. In fact, the screams of excitement that emanated from my younger brother’s mouth still ring in my ears.

But as the trip drew close, my excitement tempered and I began to worry. Being poor when you’re young doesn’t just affect you materially. It also affects how you see the world and loads you up with a whole range of anxieties that, in an ideal world, no child should have to face. How were my parents going to afford this, I wondered? Would an expense like this push us over the brink?(( The beginning of this essay, and especially this sentence, show the writer’s empathy. They are not selfish; they understand their broader family context and take that into consideration.)) I didn't want to ruin the surprise by asking, but I couldn't shake the feeling of dread building inside of me.

The day of our trip arrived and we set off for the airport. In the car, my dad made an off-the-cuff comment about a new video game that he’d wanted to play but didn’t buy, and everything clicked—my parents had made the trip possible by saving for months, cutting back on expenses and sacrificing their own comforts to make the trip happen.

As we boarded the plane, I was filled with a mix of emotions. I was grateful beyond words for my parents' sacrifice, but I was also overwhelmed by the guilt of knowing that they had given up so much for us. I didn't know how to express my gratitude; when we deplaned in LAX, I gave my mom and dad a rib-crushing hug.

The trip itself was everything that I had dreamed of and more. We spent four magical days at Disney Land(( Nice use of vivid details here. The reader can picture the sights and smells of Disney—and the ensuing hunger when passing a churro stand.)) , speed running the roller coasters and campy boat rides from the 70s. Sure, we packed our own food and walked right by the churro stands with a hungry look in our eyes. But I will never forget the feeling of unmitigated joy that my family shared on that trip, the smiles that painted my parents’ faces.

But the trip itself was nothing compared to the gratitude I felt for my parents(( Here, the writer transitions to reintroducing the theme of gratitude.)) . They had given us the gift of a lifetime, and I knew that I would never be able to repay them for their sacrifice.

In the years since that trip, I have carried that feeling of gratitude with me. It has motivated me to work hard and to always strive to be the best person that I can be. I want to make my parents proud and to show them that their sacrifice was worth it(( Finally, the writer sums things up with an eye to the future. It’s helpful for an admission officer to picture what the essay’s lessons might mean for the student as a future community member.)) .

I will never be able to fully express my gratitude for what my parents did for us, but I will always remember their selflessness and their willingness to put their own needs aside for the sake of our happiness. It was a truly surprising and incredible act of love, and one that I will always be thankful for.

AO Notes on Thankful

This essay accomplishes a few things even though it essentially tells one story and offers a quick reflection. It gives some important context regarding the challenges of being from a lower-income family. It does that in a way that is authentic, rather than problem-focused. It also shows that the writer is empathetic, family-oriented, and reflective.

Why this essay stands out:

• Vulnerability : This essay is upfront about a challenging topic: financial insecurity. While you don’t have to tell your most difficult challenge in an essay, this writer chose to write about a circumstance that gives additional context that may be helpful as admissions considers their application.
• Personal : The writer gets into some family dynamics and paints a picture of how their family treats and takes care of each other.
• Values: We clearly see some values the writer has and that they don’t take their parents’ sacrifices for granted. As an admission officer, I can picture this student using their education to give back—to their family or to others.

Personal Statement Example #3: Pickleball

I’ve always been one to have a good attitude no matter the circumstances. Except when it comes to exercise. From dodgeball in PE class to family Turkey Trots, I’m always the first one out and the last one across the finish line. These realities aren’t from a lack of skill—I’m actually quite coordinated and fast. They are from a lack of effort(( This is a quick hit of… either humor or vulnerability. I chuckled at the blunt honesty, and am intrigued to learn more.)) . Despite my best intentions, I can never get myself to care about sports or competitions. So when my dad first asked me to be his pickleball partner last summer, I did nothing but laugh.

But soon, I realized that he was serious. My dad started playing pickleball two years ago as a fun way to exercise. He’d become a star in our city’s recreation league, and I always enjoyed cheering him on from the sidelines. When his doubles partner got relocated for work, my dad decided that the disruption was a good opportunity for us bond through pickleball. Even though I was mortified by the thought of running back and forth to hit a bouncing ball, I reluctantly agreed.

The next Saturday morning, we went to the court for our first practice. I was wearing sweatpants, an old sweatshirt, and a grimace. My dad showed me how to hold the paddle, serve, and return the ball to our opponents. He told me about staying out of the kitchen—an endearing pickleball term that references the “kitchen,” or the middle part of the court—trying to make me laugh. Instead, I sighed impatiently and walked to my end of the court, ready to get it over with.

My dad remained patient in spite of my bad attitude. He gently served me the ball, and I gave a lackluster attempt to return it. The ball bounced into the net. I hadn’t even made it to his side of the court. Trying his best to encourage me, my dad gave me the ball so I could serve it to him instead. I tossed the ball up and hit it underhand toward my dad. It hit the net again. I tried again and again, each attempt with less care than the last. I grew frustrated and threw my paddle down in anger(( Okay, this paragraph gives a good dose of openness to the emotions of the writer. They’ve served up an opportunity to learn a lesson soon…)) .

After seeing my mini-meltdown, my dad crossed the kitchen to talk to me. During our conversation, I began to ask myself why I got so frustrated when I wasn’t trying very hard in the first place. I thought pickleball was a miserable sport, but I realized that it wasn’t pickleball that I cared about. I cared about my dad. I wanted to make him proud(( Ah, and there it is! A realization. As the admission officer I’m thinking, “Go on…”)) . Playing pickleball with him was the least I could do to thank him for everything he’d done for me. I dusted off my bad attitude alongside my paddle, and I got up to try another serve.

That serve hit the net again. But more determined now, I kept trying until my serves went over the net and through my dad’s weak side. I couldn’t believe it. My attitude adjustment helped me see the game for what it was: a game. It wasn’t supposed to be agonizing or cruel. It was supposed to be fun.

I learned that my attitude towards sports was unacceptable. This experience taught me that it’s okay to have preferences about what you enjoy, but it’s important to always maintain a positive attitude(( And the lesson learned! )) . You may just enjoy it after all.

Now my dad and I are both stars in our recreation league. Soon, we will make our way to our league’s semi-finals. We’ve worked our way through the bracket and are close to the championship. What I appreciate more about this experience, however, is how close it’s brought my dad and I together. His patience, positivity, and persistence have and will always inspire me. I want to be more like him every day, especially on the pickleball court.

AO Notes on Pickleball

This is a strong “attitude adjustment” essay, a bit of a remix of a challenge essay. The challenge, in this case, was a fixed mindset about sports that needed to be adjusted. The writer takes us on a witty journey through their own attitude towards organized athletic activities and their father.

• Self-aware : Similar to the vulnerability of other essays, this writer is willing to criticize themselves by recognizing that they need an attitude adjustment. Even before they changed their attitude, we get the sense that they are at least aware of their own lack of effort.
• Strong conclusion : We see a nice lesson at the end that relates both to having an open mind and caring for others. They even make a point about simply enjoying things because they are fun.
• Life lesson : Beyond the stated lesson, as an admission officer with a few more years on this Earth than the writer, I can tell this lesson will apply beyond sports. In fact, I can easily picture this student trying a new class, club, or group of friends in college because they are now more open to novel experiences.

Personal Statement Example #4: The Bird Watcher

I’m an avid walker and bird watcher(( Okay, the writer gets right into it! I think this simple introduction of the topic works well because they are writing about a less common hobby among teenagers. If they had said “I am an avid baseball player”, I would have been less eager to learn more.)) . Growing up, I’d clear my head by walking along the trail in the woods behind my house. By the time I was immersed in the chaos of high school, these walks became an afternoon routine. Now, every day at three o’clock, I don my jacket and hiking shoes and set off. As I walk, I note the flora and fauna around me. The wind whispering through the trees, the quiet rustling of a chipmunk underfoot, and the high-pitched call of robins perched atop branches, all of it brings me back to life after a difficult day.

And recently, the days have been more difficult than not. My grandparents passing, parents divorcing, and doctor diagnosing me with ADHD have presented me with more challenges than I’ve ever experienced before. But no matter what’s going on in my life, the wildlife on my walks brings me peace. As an aspiring ornithologist, the birds are my favorite(( This paragraph accomplishes a lot: a montage of difficult circumstances, context for their application, and declares their future career.)) .

I became interested in ornithology during long childhood afternoons spent at my grandparents’ house. They would watch me while my parents finished up work. I’d listen to the old bird clock that hung on the wall in the kitchen. Each number on the clock corresponded with a different bird. Every hour, the clock would chirp rather than chime. When the cardinal sang, I knew my parents would be arriving soon. Those chirps are all seared into my memory.

Twelve o’clock: robin. The short, fast, almost laugh-like sound of the robin always makes me hungry. All those Saturday afternoons filled with laughter and good food have resulted in a Pavlovian response. I’d cook meatballs with my grandma, splashing sauce on her floral wall paper. We’d laugh and laugh and enjoy the meal together at her plastic-covered kitchen table. This wasn’t my home, but I felt at home just the same.

Three o’clock: blue jay. It’d chime as soon as we walked in the door after school. The blue jay was my grandpa’s favorite. It was also mine. Why he loved it, I’m not completely sure. But it was my favorite because it marked the beginning of the best parts of my day. Symbolizing strength and confidence, blue jays always remind me of my grandpa.

Six o’clock: cardinal. The sharp whistle and staccato of the cardinal indicated that it was almost time for me to leave. Like the whistle of a closing shift, I’d hear it and start to pack my things. The cardinal has always been my least favorite.

Nine o’clock: house finch. The high, sweet, almost inquisitive call of the house finch was the one my grandma loved most. It was also the one I rarely heard. Either too early or too late in the day, the house finch was reserved for the occasional weekends when I’d spend the night at their house. My grandma would explain that finches symbolize harmony and peace. They are petite but mighty, just like she was(( This is a clever and sweet way of describing summer days with grandparents, while sprinkling in some vivid details to bring the story to life.)) .

This past weekend was the anniversary of my grandpa’s passing. Longing for my grandparents, I went for a walk. Winter is approaching, so the sky was darkening quickly. I walked slowly. As the sun set, I heard the tell-tale squawk of a blue jay, loud and piercing through the chill of the wind. I looked around and saw it sitting on an old stump, a small house finch behind it. I extracted my binoculars from my backpack, hoping to get a better glimpse through the dark. I turned the dial to focus the lenses, just as the birds flew away together. I took a deep breath, binoculars in hand, and continued on, spotting a robin in the distance(( The ending stylistically wraps the essay up without tying a bow on it. It’s a more artful way of concluding, and it works well here.)) .

AO Notes on Birdwatcher

This first two paragraphs are well-written and fairly to-the-point in their language. They do a nice job of setting the scene, but the third paragraph transitions into the writer’s distinctive voice. They detail the birds on the clock to chronicle the hours of their summer days and end, not without concluding, but leaving the reader wanting to read more of their stories.

• Voice: The writer transitions to writing in their own distinct voice, which comes to a crescendo in the final paragraph.
• Interesting approach: Sometimes students use an approach to tell a story that feels overly forced or cliche. This one feels organic and relates nicely to the writer, their family, and the story as a whole.
• Career path : This is far from a “What I want to be when I grow up” essay, but it clearly shows an academic interest grounded in family and childhood memories. This is an artistic and beautiful approach to showing admissions how the writer may use their college education.

Personal Statement Example #5: Chekov’s Wig

At the age of six, I starred in an at-home, one-woman production of Annie. My family watched as I switched between a wig I’d fashioned from maroon yarn, a dog’s tail leftover from Halloween, and a tie I’d stolen from my dad.

When the reveal came that Annie’s parents had actually passed away, I took a creative liberty: they had left Annie a small unicorn farm. The rest of the play proceeded as normal. When the curtain closed, I bowed to the sound of my family’s applause. But one set of hands was missing: my grandmother’s. Instead she sat, arms raised, and jokingly exclaimed, “But what about the unicorns?”(( Wow, an interesting intro! We see creativity and a silly side to the writer. As the admission officer, I’m eager to see where this leads.))

My grandma, an avid thespian, taught me a lot about life. But one of the most important lessons followed this production of Annie . After we laughed about her remark, she introduced me to the concept of Chekov’s gun. For Anton Chekov, brilliant playwright, the theory goes something like this: a writer shouldn’t write about a loaded gun if it’s not going to be fired. In other words, writers shouldn’t include details about something if it won’t serve a purpose in the story later. My unicorn farm had committed this writing faux pas egregiously.

I’m not a natural writer, and I have no goal to become one, but I’ve taken this concept of Chekov’s gun to heart—it forms the foundation of my life philosophy. I don’t believe that everything was meant to be(( This philosophical reflection is a nice introduction to the paragraphs that follow. )) . In fact, I think that sometimes bad things just happen. But I believe that these details will always play a part in our larger story.

The first test of my Chekov’s gun philosophy occurred shortly after Annie when my grandma, my biggest supporter, passed away. My family tried to console me saying that “it was her time to go,” but I disagreed. I couldn’t see how a death could be destined. Instead, I found comfort knowing that her presence, her support, and her death wasn’t for nothing. Like Chekov’s gun, I wasn’t quite sure how or why, but I knew that she would return for me.

As I grew older, my philosophy was tested time and again. Most recently, I fell back on Chekov’s gun as I coped with my parents’ divorce and my subsequent move to a new town. Both events shattered my world. My happy family theatre productions turned into custody hearings and overnight bags. The community I’d found at my old school became a sea of unfamiliar faces at my new one. None of this was meant to be. But as the writer of my own life, I won’t let the details become inconsequential.

I’ve used these events as plot points in my high school experience. Dealing with my parents’ divorce has taught me how to make the best of what’s given to me. I got the chance to decorate two bedrooms, live in both the suburbs and the city, and even have twice the amount of pets. And without the inciting incident of the divorce and move(( We see that the writer is able to make lemonade out of lemons here.)) , I never would have joined a new drama club or landed leading roles in Mama Mia and Twelfth Night. The divorce and move, like Chekov’s gun, have been crucial details in getting me where I’m at today.

I know that Chekov’s gun is more about the details in a story, but this philosophy empowers me to take what happens, the good and the bad, as part of my personal character development. Nothing would be happening if it weren’t important.

This summer, as we cleaned our garage in preparation for yet another move, I found my old Annie wig, yarn tangled from the box. Next to the wig was a note, handwritten in a script I’d recognize anywhere. My darling star, it read. You are going to go on to do great things. Love, Grandma ((And a sweet, or bittersweet, conclusion.)) .

AO Notes on Chekov’s Wig

This essay tells a beautiful story about a foundational philosophy in this young writer’s life. As their admission officer, I can see how grounded and positive they are. I can also imagine them taking this lesson to college: really paying attention to life, reflecting on the past, and understanding the value of even the smallest instances. There is an inherent maturity in this essay.

• Creativity: From the first few sentences, we can see that this student is now, and was as a child, creative. An original thinker.
• Reflective: When challenged by their grandmother, the writer didn’t insist that their way was correct. They took the criticism in stride and absorbed it as a salient life lesson. This shows open-mindedness and an uncommon level of maturity.
• Silver linings: It’s clear that this young writer has had some familial challenges that are likely familiar to some of you. They don’t gloss over them, but instead they learn from them. From having more pets to starring in the school musicals, there are lessons to glean from even life’s more difficult challenges.

Personal Statement Example #6: An Afternoon with Grandmother

The Buddhist temple on the hillside above my home has always possessed a deep power for me. With its towering spires and intricate carvings thousands of years old, it is a place of peace and serenity(( This writer opens with some wonderful imagery. I like how the imagery mirrors the meaning.)) —somewhere I can go to escape the chaos of the world and connect with myself and with my sense of spirituality. When my grandmother called me one January to let me know that she would be coming to visit, I smiled, my mind darting immediately to the temple and to the visit of it we would take together.

My relationship with my grandmother is a special one. After my parents passed away, she and my grandfather raised me for three years before I moved in with my father’s sister. In that time, she was my sole companion; she shared her recipes with me, told me stories, and most importantly, she taught me everything I know about spirituality. We spent countless nights staying up past bed-time, talking about the teachings of the Buddha, and she encouraged me gently to explore my own path to enlightenment(( This topic is accomplishing a lot: we see the writer’s relationship with their grandmother, their personal values, and their ideas about who they want to be in the future.)) .

When my grandmother finally arrived, I felt bathed in a warm glow. After catching up and preparing her favorite meal—red rice with miso soup and hot green tea—I told her about the plans I had for us to visit my special place.

Later that afternoon, as we entered the temple, I felt the calmness and tranquility wash over me. I took my grandmother's hand and led her to the main hall, where we knelt before the altar and began to recite the prayers and mantras that I had learned from her years before.

As we prayed, our voices joined together, echoing throughout the temple. A gentle rain began to fall outside and, as the cold crept around where we knelt, I was engulfed by a deep sense of connection with my grandmother and with the universe. It was as if the barriers between us were falling away, and we were becoming one—with each other, and with our shared connection to the divine.

We finished our prayers and sat in silence, lingering in the serenity of the temple. I could feel my grandmother's hand in mine, and I was filled with a sense of gratitude and love(( A great example of weaving vivid language with explicit reflection!)) .

Spirituality has been essential in my life. It gives me a sense of grounding and purpose, and it teaches me the value of compassion. My spirituality has also given me a way to connect with my grandmother on a deeper level—like a private language that only we speak together. In a world that can often feel chaotic and disconnected, faith and spirituality provide a sense of stability and connection.

As we left the temple, I held my grandmother's hand and felt suffused by a sense of peace and contentment. Too often people who are disconnected from spirituality misunderstand the role it plays in billions of people’s lives. They see it as a way to “check out” from the issues the world faces, ignoring their responsibilities to others. This may be true for others, but not me. Quite the opposite. My spirituality helps me empathize with others(( Wonderful reflection.)) ; it helps me focus on the obligations we each have to every other person and creature on this planet. For me, it is the ultimate way to “check in” to the needs of the world and my community in a way that grounds me emotionally.

Spirituality offers a way to find meaning and purpose in life, and to connect with something greater than ourselves. For that, and for my grandmother, I am truly grateful.

AO Notes on An Afternoon with Grandmother

In this deeply reflective essay, the writer uses spirituality and their relationship with their grandmother to reveal a very personal part of themselves. The writer isn’t afraid to be vulnerable, and they clearly showcase strengths of wisdom and compassion.

• Vivid language: This author is a talented writer who has included a bunch of vivid language. But it’s not over the top. They include just enough to hold a reader’s attention and add some interest.
• Reflection: The reflection throughout this essay is excellent. Notice how it’s not just at the beginning or the end. It’s woven throughout. The writer follows up each major detail with an explanation of why it’s personally meaningful.
• Conclusion: The conclusion combines vivid language and reflection perfectly. By the end of the essay, we know exactly what the writer wants us to take away: spirituality is personally meaningful to them because it helps them connect with the people around them. And I especially like how the writer chose to end on a note of gratitude—always a good value to have in a personal statement.

Personal Statement Example #7: Rosie’s

While most people find their lowest point at rock bottom, I found mine in an Amerikooler DW081677F-8(( We’re definitely off to an odd start. I’m curious where this is headed!)) . With drops rolling down my back and my cheeks, I snuck into the walk-in freezer for a moment of chill.

At that point, I had worked at Rosie's for nearly a year. The job was a good one: it fit with my school schedule, paid well, and introduced me to close friends. But as a workplace, Rosie’s was pure chaos. The original owners passed on a host of problems the new owners were working hard to fix. But the problems ran deep. From an inefficient kitchen organization to a malfunctioning scheduling software, we never knew what to do or when.

The day I found myself in the Amerikooler was the day everything caught up with us(( This is a good transitional phrase that helps readers navigate this fairly complex narrative.)) . An error in our scheduling software led to us operating with only 30% of our typical team. As the only waitress on duty, I ran between the kitchen and the guests, stopping mid-delivery to put new vegetables in the steamers. The kitchen staff were barely getting through each dish before customers lost patience.

Then, in all the commotion, I dropped a plate of macaroni and cheese all over a customer. I apologized over and over again. I was embarrassed and ashamed. I couldn’t believe what I had done. I always tried to be one step ahead to give my customers the best service, so my mistake felt like an utter failure. After helping them clean up, I ran immediately to the freezer. I realized that something had to change.

In the Amerikooler, a pea and corn mix cool on my back, I considered my options. The easiest option was to quit. I could find another job, one that didn’t cause me so much stress. But quitting wouldn’t just mean giving up. It would mean accepting my failure. It would also mean abandoning the coworkers I had grown close to. Leaving them would only burden them more. While I knew it wasn’t my job to fix the restaurant, I knew that leaving wasn’t the answer either. Instead, I decided to focus on solutions(( I like the focus on solutions and action steps here!)) . I stood up from the cold, dirty freezer floor, dusted off my work pants, washed my hands, and got back to work.

Despite being the newest and youngest member of the Rosie’s staff, I recognized that I brought a new perspective to the workplace. Having spent the previous three summers scheduling volunteers for my local food drive, I used my organizing experience to devise a new scheduling system, one that didn’t rely on our outdated technology. I brought up the system at our weekly meeting, and after initial pushback, everyone agreed to give it a try. Three months later, my system keeps everyone happy and our kitchen and floor staffed.

But it wasn’t just the staffing problem that was the issue. Our workflows were inefficient, and we didn’t know how to communicate or collaborate effectively. I know that identifying an issue is always the first step to a solution, so I raised the question at our most recent staff meeting. Having earned my coworkers’ and bosses’ trust(( And here we see some good growth and leadership.)) , I led us in outlining a few new processes to streamline our productivity. In stark contrast to the failure I felt after spilling the macaroni and cheese, developing a new workflow with my coworkers made me proud. I hadn’t given in to the chaos, but I had worked thoughtfully and collaboratively to create new solutions.

I’m sure that won’t be my last time working in a disorganized environment or spilling macaroni and cheese. But I know that I’ll be ready to address whatever comes my way.

AO Notes on Rosie’s

If you’ve ever worked in a food establishment, then something in this essay will probably resonate with you. But I appreciate how the writer doesn’t get pulled into the negativity they experience. Instead, they focused their efforts (and their essay) on how they could make things better for everyone. That’s the kind of student admissions officers want to see on their campuses.

• Organization: The writer has to narrate and backtrack a bit at the beginning of the essay to make the introduction work. But it’s not confusing for a reader because they have very solid transitions. I also like how the action steps and reflection are organized in the narrative.
• Positive outlook: As an admissions officer, I would admire this student for their problem-solving skills. Working in that environment was surely tough, but they didn’t give up. They got to work and helped everyone out in the process.
• Humor: From the introduction to the conclusion, the writer incorporates subtle humor throughout. Because of it, we actually feel like we know the writer by the conclusion. Too much humor can overwhelm a personal essay, but just enough can help readers see who the writer really is.

Personal Statement Example #8: Gone Fishing

I pulled the line with my left hand and snapped the rod back with my right. The line split through the air above me like a knife through cake. I rigidly waved my right arm up and down to dry off my fly, which had started sinking from the weight of the water. Ready to cast, I loosened the grip on my left hand to release a few more feet of line, pulled my right arm back in a grandiose motion, and hammered it back down. I expected my line to fly out in front of me, gracefully floating back onto the surface of the water. Instead, I was met with a startling resistance. My fly had lodged itself into the bush behind me(( This opening paragraph has great vivid description. Here, we end on a moment of suspense that has left me intrigued about what will happen next.)) .

Annoyed, I waded through the tall, thick grass, rod under my arm and mosquitoes buzzing in my ears. This was the reality of fly fishing. In my short time as a fisherman, I’d caught far more trees, bushes, and riverweed than I had fish. What seems so elegant in movies like A River Runs Through It is actually a grueling process of trial and error. I took up flyfishing a year ago to conquer my fear of the outdoors(( Ah ha—we learn that this essay isn’t really about fly fishing. It’s about conquering a fear. And with that, we see that the stakes are high.)) . I could have (and probably should have) chosen a more mild activity like hiking or kayaking, but I’ve always been one to take on a challenge.

I had been afraid of the outdoors since childhood. Coming from a family that prefers libraries to parks and bed and breakfasts to tents, I never learned how to appreciate nature. I limited my time outside as much as I could. I feared the bugs, the sun, and the unknown.

I decided to try flyfishing when I realized I didn’t want to be controlled by my fear any longer(( As an AO, I would applaud this student’s bravery.)) . All the birthday parties I’d turned down, the memories that were made without me, I had missed out on so much. Being outside was an integral part of the human experience—or, at least, that’s what I’d been told. Without being willing to enjoy nature, I was missing out on what it meant to be myself.

Soon after this realization, I found an old rod in my grandpa’s garage and took it as a sign from the universe. On my first time out, my Honda Civic lurched over a ditch on the gravel road Google Maps had directed me to. I’d spent hours watching YouTube videos of proper technique. Stepping out of my car, I felt my skin crack under the dry heat, and I wanted to leave. But I continued on, walking through branches and over logs to the riverbank. I was doing it( More vivid detail that really gives us a sense of the writer’s discomfort—yet they’re persisting.)) .

I pushed myself to continue, no matter how uncomfortable I got. I went back, Saturday after Saturday, each time noticing improvements in my abilities. Along the way, I learned to push myself to do things that make me uncomfortable. I saw myself in a new light. I wasn’t Charlie, afraid of the outdoors. I was Charlie, fisherman.

The first time I caught a fish, I could hardly believe it. Thinking I had caught another piece of riverweed, I tugged on my line and rolled my eyes. But suddenly, it started tugging back. It was a sensation I’d never experienced before, one of haste, pride, and panic. I instantly collected myself, bracing against the bank as I secured the line with my finger and slowly pulled the fish ashore. Delicately removing my hook from its mouth, I admired its beauty. Whereas I had once feared creatures like this trout, I now respected it. Its holographic scales glistened in the sunlight. I thanked it for helping me grow, and I placed it back in the water. It swam away. I wiped the slime off my hands and picked up my rod, left hand tugging at the line, right hand snapping back again((This conclusion is quite long, but I really like this poetic ending. It shows so much growth, and there’s a subtle nod to the fact that the writer is continuing to fish.)) .

AO Notes on Gone Fishing

From all this imagery, I really felt like I was fishing alongside them. What’s better, I feel like I really get where this student is coming from because of their vulnerability. They show immense growth and open-mindedness, which is exactly what admissions officers are looking for.

• Imagery: This writer definitely likes creative writing. From the introduction, we can envision ourselves going on this journey with the writer. There is some excellent “show, don’t tell” here.
• Deep personal meaning: Biggest fears are hard to overcome, especially with such a good attitude. It’s clear that this topic is a meaningful one to the writer. Even the act of fly fishing, which they didn’t seem to like much at first, becomes a meaningful act.
• Narrative arc: We have a classic “going on a journey” essay, where the writer transforms on a journey from point A (being afraid of the outdoors) to point B (catching a fish). The writer’s implementation of this structure is excellent, which makes the essay easy to follow.

Good Personal Statement Examples

Even if your essay isn’t worthy of The New Yorker , you can still make your mark on admissions officers. Writing an essay that fulfills all the goals of a personal statement, whether or not it meets every single criterion an admissions officer is looking for, can still get you into a great college.

Most personal statements are good personal statements, so don’t worry if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the amazing essay examples you see online. The key to writing a good personal statement is writing your personal statement. Focus on finding a topic that lets you communicate your own meaning and voice, and you’ll be set.

The following examples are awesome personal statements. There may be a little room for improvement in places, but the essays do exactly what they need to do. And they say a lot about their writers. Let’s see what the writers and admissions officers have to say.

Personal Statement Example #9: Beekeeper’s Club

As I lift the heavy lid of the hive, the hum of thousands of bees fills my ears. I carefully smoke the entrance to calm the bees, and I begin to inspect the frames. The bees are busy at work, collecting nectar and pollen, and tending to their young. I am in awe of their organization.

I never would have thought that I, a high school student, would become a beekeeper(( An interesting hobby for a high school student! I’m intrigued to see where this is going.)) . But now it’s something I can’t imagine my life without.

It all started when I found a beekeeping suit at a garage sale two summers ago. At a mere five dollars, it was yellowing and musty, but it appeared to be fully intact and without any holes. I’ve lived many lives as a hobbyist, always willing to try new things. I’ve been a sailor, a gardener, a basketball player, a harpist, a rock climber, and more. The problem is that I can never manage to see these hobbies through(( I see. Here we get a sense of what’s at stake in this new venture. The problem is that writer can’t seem to hold down a hobby. Will beekeeping solve that problem? Let’s find out .)) . As a perpetual novice, I always lose interest or become overwhelmed by all the information. But that’s never stopped me from taking up a new hobby, so I brought the beekeeping suit to the make-shift register and handed the seller a five-dollar bill.

To embark on my new hobby, I first went to the library and read everything I could find about beekeeping. Research is always my first step when starting something new. I like to know what I’m in for. As I read, I became fascinated by the fact that such small creatures can serve such a critical role on our planet. I learned about the importance of bees for pollinating crops, and I read that their populations have been declining in recent years. I was determined to do my part to help. This wasn’t just a hobby anymore— it was a mission(( And the stakes just got higher.)) .

But like the bees I’d been reading about, I knew I couldn't do it alone. My years of abandoning hobbies had taught me that this time, I needed guidance from someone with experience. I knew the first place to look. At the farmer’s market that Saturday, I went straight to the honey stand and introduced myself. The vendor’s name was Jeremy, and he was excited to see someone so young taking up beekeeping. I asked if I could come see his hives sometime, and he agreed.

I showed up the next weekend with my used beekeeping suit in hand. Jeremy gave me a tour. I was astounded by the simultaneous simplicity and complexity. As the months went by, Jeremy became my mentor. He taught me the importance of monitoring the health of the hive, how to properly harvest honey, and even the ins and outs of the farmer’s market business.

I was grateful for his guidance and friendship. I found myself becoming more and more passionate about bees and the art of beekeeping.

After months of tending to my hive, I finally had it up and running. These bees were in my care(( The writer has shown us that they’ve learned a big lesson from their past failures: they need support and guidance. I’m impressed that this time they are making an intentional change.)) —this was one hobby I couldn’t abandon. With that knowledge and Jeremy’s support, one hive grew to five. I’m not in it for the money or even the honey. I’m in it for the bees, for the millimeter of difference I’m making in their lives and in the life of the earth.

Through beekeeping, I have found a community of people who share my love for bees. Jeremy, the bees, and the entire beekeeping community have taught me not to quit. We support each other, share tips and advice, and work together to help protect these important insects. And in the process, I have learned that I can take up any new hobby I want and stick with it if I just put in enough effort(( Yep—the writer has come out of this journey on the other side, having learned that their effort does pay off.)) .

AO Notes on Beekeeper’s Club

As an admissions officer, it’s always fun to read about students’ eccentric hobbies. I’d count this as one of them. But what’s better than learning about the hobby is seeing a student’s personal growth.

What makes this essay good:

• Personal journey: Most good personal statements show some kind of personal growth. In this case, we see that the writer has grown mature and aware enough to hold down a hobby. We see that it wasn’t an easy road, but they got there.
• Strengths: There are lots of strengths in this personal statement. We see self-awareness, initiative, teamwork, and care for the bees and the planet.
• Reflection: Part of what makes this personal journey so good is that the writer takes us on the journey with them through reflection. At each stage of the journey, we know exactly what the writer is thinking and feeling. By the end, we’re celebrating their success with them.

What the writer could do to level up:

• Personal meaning: Yep, “personal journey” and “personal meaning” can be two separate things. Although the writer goes on a great personal journey, the personal meaning seems to be lacking a bit. It’s clear that this is an important topic to the writer, but it doesn’t exactly come across as an especially vulnerable one. The writer could make it more vulnerable by incorporating more personal meaning into their reflection: what would it have meant if they had quit beekeeping too? What’s the problem with dropping hobbies in the first place? Why is it personally important to learn to stick with things?

Personal Statement Example #10: Ann

Pushing her blonde curls from her forehead, she pursed her lips in focus(( This vivid, detailed description really draws me in.)) . She sat with legs crossed across the kitchen chair. This was it: the moment she’d been preparing for. Her tiny hand gripped the pencil as if it were a stick of dynamite and twitched her fingers up, down, and back again. She looked up at me and smiled, teeth too big for her growing mouth. “Ann,” the paper read. As I glowed back at my mini-me, I saw in her my whole heart(( And here the focus switches from Ann to the writer—an important transition.)) .

My sister was technically an accident, born when I was eleven years old. But I know that, in the grand scheme of things, Ann’s existence was destined by the cosmos. Watching her write was like looking in a mirror. My hair has long since turned brown, but she and I deal with the same unmanageable curls. Her toothy grin developed over five years of mutual laughter. And she got that unwavering focus from watching me do my own homework each night. At the same time I’ve taught her the ways of the world, she’s taught me joy, patience, and persistence(( Lessons learned! This sentence really draws attention to the main theme. It could be a little more specific because “joy, patience, and persistence” are almost cliche.)) .

I had been an only child for my first decade of life. I remember being lonely and without purpose. With Ann came the opportunity to make a real impact on someone, even as a child myself. The night she was born, I vowed to protect her. I had never seen anyone so small and fragile, and I begged my parents to let me hold her. Next to mine, her hand looked like a doll’s. It was purple and pink from the ordeal of birth. Her eyes barely opened, but I couldn’t keep mine off her.

Many older siblings find their younger siblings to be nuisances. But Ann has always been my best friend. Her first two years of life, she struggled with health issues that scared us all. I felt helpless and afraid, but I knew I had to fight alongside her. I did everything I could: I grabbed diapers and bottles for my parents, I talked to her for hours on end, and, when she was old enough, I spoon fed her and encouraged her to eat. As Ann grew bigger and stronger, I grew stronger, too(( It sounds like this was a really difficult challenge for the writer and their family. I appreciate this picture we get of the writer in relation to Ann.)) .

Each year has gotten better than the previous. I was there to catch Ann when she took her first steps, teach her her first words, and get her dressed every day. She tagged behind me as I took photos before my first dance, got my learner’s permit, and went on my college tours. While being a teen with a toddler sibling wasn’t always perfect, Ann’s mere presence makes those around her feel loved and appreciated. She’s exactly who I aspire to be.

Watching her write her name at the kitchen table, I became overwhelmed with the thought of leaving her to head off to college. She still has so much to learn, so many ways to grow. But just as the thought entered my mind, she spoke in her high-pitched and innocent voice. “When you go to college,” she asked, “will you tell me about your classes?” I blinked away the tears gathering in my eyes, smoothed her curls with my hand, and pulled her in close.

Going to college won’t mean leaving Ann. It will mean opening her world—and mine—to endless new knowledge and possibilities. She’ll grow and change, and so will I. When we reunite, we’ll smile our toothy smiles and embrace each other, our curly hair intertwining. We’ll sit at the kitchen table, focused and laughing, like nothing has changed(( I like how the siblings are continuing to grow together, but at the end of the day, they still have their amazing relationship.)) .

AO Notes on Ann

I always find sibling essays like this one so sweet. It’s amazing how clearly we can understand someone solely through their interactions with a loved one. As an admissions officer, I would see that this student would be a great community member (and roommate!).

• Deeply meaningful: Especially with the family context, it’s apparent that this topic is deeply meaningful to the writer. Because it’s so meaningful a topic, the writer is able to show an immense amount of care for Ann without even trying. AOs love seeing traits like care, maturity, and the ability to grow.
• Clear message: Personal statements should have themes that encompass the main message the writer wants to convey. This essay’s message is clear as day: the writer is a better, happier, more generous person because of Ann. They are an awesome sibling.
• More about the self: This one’s tricky because we get an implicit sense of who the writer is now through the overall tone and meaning. But a lot of the personal examples the writer chose are old examples from childhood and early adolescence. Some of those are important to provide family context, but I still would have liked to get a more recent picture of the writer.

Personal Statement Example #11: Running through My Neighborhood

My mind and eyes began to wander as I turned the corner on my fourth mile. I’ve always been a runner. It's a way for me to relax and challenge myself. Running makes me feel like I’m one with the world around me. As I run, I can't help but be struck by the beauty of the buildings and people that make up my city. Each is a work of art—a carefully-crafted expression of my community. With every step, I feel a deep connection to the life around me(( This introduction covers a lot, so this last sentence could be a bit more specific.)) .

On my run, I find myself drawn to the intricate details of the buildings. I admire the way the light catches on centuries-old bricks, casting shadows that dance across the pavement below. I look up at the skyscraper windows that nearly touch the sky, frightened at the sight of window washers. Old and new, the buildings all carry stories.

In the same way, I admire the neighbors around me. I see them feeding pigeons, smiling at me as I pass by. They’re walking dogs and babies, talking on a park bench, and playing hopscotch. I run by them, fast but steady, and breathe it all in. I’m on this beautiful city block, surrounded by people whose whole lives are familiar yet mysterious, and I’m running.

But it's not just the aesthetic beauty of the buildings that grabs my attention. As I run, I find myself thinking about the stories and histories behind each one. I wonder about the people who built them, the families they had at home, the lives they led. I think about the people who have lived and worked in these buildings and the memories that have been made within their walls.

Take the local bakery, for instance. I’ve run by there a thousand times in my life, each time soaking up the smell of freshly-baked bread and pastries. The building seems unassuming at first, with a simple glass door and brick façade. But once you step foot inside, you’re immediately hit with the warmth of the staff and patrons. The old photos on the wall and cozy furniture that has been there since the bakery’s opening back in the 1950s—it feels like home(( These are great vivid details.)) . The bakery is everything I value about my neighborhood. It completely represents what kind of neighbor I want to be. Plus, it’s not a bad place for a post-run snack.

Through my runs, I’ve also made connections with those who frequent the sidewalks alongside me. One of the people I see regularly on my runs is Mrs. Carter, an elderly woman who always has a kind word and a smile for everyone she meets. Her white hair is carefully curled, and her face is dimpled with laugh lines from thousands of conversations like ours. She often stops to chat with me, asking how my day is going and sharing stories from her own life. I always look forward to seeing her. She’s like the grandmother I never had. Mrs. Carter inspires me to be a better community member every day(( This kind of reflection brings the focus back to the writer’s personal journey.)) .

Running through my neighborhood is about more than just staying fit. It’s also about being in community with those around me. As I weave through the people on the sidewalk, I feel as though I am weaving myself through their stories, picking up tidbits and adding them to my own narrative. I wouldn’t be who I am today without these runs that have taught me so much. I can’t wait to run across my college campus, admiring my new surroundings and meeting my new neighbors(( I like this gesture to the future—as an AO, I would start to picture this student running through my campus, too!)) .

AO Notes on Running through My Neighborhood

Running essays can get a bad rap in college admissions. But this one overcomes that stereotype. At its core, this essay is about the runner’s relationship to their community. I really appreciate how much care and enthusiasm this writer shows for those around them.

• Writing: The writer’s voice shines through. They have great vivid descriptions, and we’re really able to envision ourselves in the neighborhood alongside them.
• Personal meaning: The way the writer describes those they encounter in their neighborhood shows that this isn’t a minor part of their life. Their runs are a big deal. The people they see along the way have greatly shaped who they are.
• Greater focus on self: Now, there are much worse culprits when it comes to personal essays that focus on people other than the writer. But the writer does toe the line. Their descriptions mostly focus on those around them, and while there is some reflection that connects their own experience to other people, it doesn’t actually take up much space in the essay. To level up, the writer could make this essay more about themself.

Personal Statement Example #12: Musical Installation Art

As a child, I was always drawn to stringed instruments(( The hook could have more punch, but this gets the job done.)) . I would pluck at my dad's old guitars, create makeshift harps with dental floss, and even play around with the banjo and harp in music class. As I got older, I realized that I wanted to focus on making my own instruments. And where better to start than in my dad's scrapyard? The yard sprawled out for almost five acres behind our house. It was a marvel of junk and oddities, with the accumulated garbage from hundreds of junker cars built up in our backyard. I grew up playing there, leading a childhood that most parents would probably see as reckless—rolling tires through narrow alleyways between crushed cars stacked high. But for me, the backyard was an endless playground for my imagination.

It was there that I discovered the joys of welding and soldering. I would rummage through piles of metal and find pieces that I could fashion into something new. My first sculptures were simple, resembling birds or dogs and pieced together from strips of metal. I’d look for similar art everywhere I went, grasping for inspiration. At a fair one weekend, I saw a booth run by an artist who built guitars. After speaking with him about his art, he asked to see a picture of my sculptures. I showed him and explained that I hoped to make my own instruments one day, too. He scuttled to the back of his tent and returned with a gift: a set of thick copper strings. “Try using those,”(( What an endearing story.)) he told me.

My first sculpture instrument was a crude thing—little more than a board of metal with pegs that I used to pull the copper strings tight. But I tightened them, I was in love—spending all night plucking away. At first, the instrument wailed and screeched. String by string, I delicately tuned the wires into sirens. I had created something that played music, and I was so proud.

My experience building the instrument motivated me to enroll in a sculpture class at the local community college. It was there that I learned how to properly solder metal and create more complex structures. For my final project, I made a three-foot-tall, four-stringed metal instrument in the shape of a dragon.

But as I worked, I started to realize that my dragon wasn't going to be beautiful in the traditional sense. Its metal body was jagged and uneven, and the strings were stretched tight across its back in a way that produced discordant, almost abrasive music. I tried to adjust the tuning, but no matter what I did, the music remained harsh and unpleasant.

At first, I was disappointed. I wanted my dragon to be a work of art, something that people would marvel at and love listening to. But as I continued to play with it, I started to see the beauty in the chaos(( This paragraph shows wonderful growth. And as a reader, I’m drawn in trying to imagine what the sculpture actually looks like.)) . The music it produced was like a musical language that I had invented, one that was wild and untamed. It was a reflection of my own creativity and individuality. A discordant collection of notes that sounded like they’d been tuned so as to be atonal. But I didn't care. I was a scrapyard kid, and this dragon played the song of my people: strong, innovative, and beautiful.

The combination of sculpture and music fascinates me. How does the shape of a fabrication affect the kind of sound that the object produces? What sounds do different materials produce? As I’ve learned more about sculpture, I’ve also become interested in installation art that has sound dimensions. I want to capture people’s visual and aural attention to inspire questions about how we navigate the aesthetic world(( It sounds like this topic potentially relates to the student’s future goals. If that’s true, there could be a clearer academic connection here.)) . And I’ll use whatever scraps I can find to make my creations.

AO Notes on Musical Installation Art

I don’t think I’ve ever seen a piece of musical installation art myself, so this topic really held my attention. I appreciate the journey the writer went on to learn that their art may not look like everyone else’s, but it can be just as impactful.

• Topic: I like this topic not only because it’s not one you see every day but also because it lets the writer reveal a lot about themself and their background. We see where they grew up and who they grew up with, and we also learn about this deeply meaningful personal interest.
• Writing style: This author has a very distinct writing style. In some ways, the writing style mirrors their art style—abrupt at times, melodic at others.
• Organization: The first half of this essay doesn’t always match up with the second half. Even though we’re still able to see the writer’s journey as a metal artist and musician, there’s still a bit of streamlining that needs to happen.

Personal Statement Example #13: Ski Patrol

I can never get enough of being in the mountains(( This hook isn’t very compelling, so it could use some more attention.)) . I am a skier through and through. Growing up, I spent countless family vacations on the slopes with my dad and siblings. I love the rush I get speeding down the mountain—I’ve improved so much over my life that I can now handle most runs I come across. But last year, I took my love for skiing to a whole other level by joining ski patrol.

It was mid-December, and my family had decided to take a weekend away to go skiing. Everything was going normally at first. We had a good day on the slopes and wanted to go one more run before calling it a night. We took a moment to rest and watched the person in front of us go. Only seconds after she headed down the mountain, something happened with her ski. She catapulted into a nearby tree. People raced to check on her, while we stayed back and alerted ski patrol.

When ski patrol arrived, I watched in amazement. They moved in such a precise way. They were like a machine—everyone knew exactly what to do when. Thankfully, it was a false alarm and the skier only had a few scratches. But my own life was changed forever. I knew then that I wanted to be a part of this team, to help others in a tangible way and to make a difference on the mountain that had always been my home.

As soon as I could, I applied for the Junior Ski Patrol team. I had to go through a tryout process on the hill, which made me nervous. But it felt good to be surrounded by people who loved skiing as much as I do. Thankfully, I was accepted shortly after; it was one of the best days of my life. Now on Junior Ski Patrol, I have the opportunity to do what I love – skiing – while also making a positive impact on others(( And here we get to the heart of the essay. The writer wants to help others while doing something they love. It’s a noble pursuit!)) . My team shadows the adult Ski Patrol, and we learn a lot of lessons along the way.

On the mountain (and in life), you never know what challenges might arise. One of the most important things I’ve learned from Junior Ski Patrol is to be prepared for anything. I’ve gotten my CPR and first aid certifications so I’m always prepared to administer life-saving care to anyone who might need it. I know how to pack a bag full of enough essentials to survive harsh weather or injuries.

But ski patrol has also taught me so much more than just how to help others. It has shown me how I work best on a team. I’m not naturally a leader, which is something I’ve always felt ashamed about. After learning from our mentors who all fulfill different roles on their adult Ski Patrol team, I realized that I don’t have to be a leader to be a good team member. The quiet collaborators who can follow the lead, take initiative when needed, and do their jobs really well are just as important as the people who are front-and-center(( An important personal insight.)) .

Being on ski patrol as a high school student has been an incredible journey, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such a dedicated team. More importantly, I’m proud of the growth I’ve experienced. I went from a person who just loves skiing to a person who is more confident in herself. I no longer feel unprepared or timid. I know exactly how to keep myself safe and work alongside others. While I don’t want to be a professional Ski Patroller or even go into medicine, I know these lessons will serve me well wherever life takes me(( As an AO, I would have been wondering if being on JSP made them want to study medicine, so I appreciate that they answered it for me!)) . But no matter where I end up, when the mountain calls, you know I’ll answer.

AO Notes on Ski Patrol

In this fun hobby-meets-accomplishment essay, the writer shows us their strengths of care and teamwork. I like the crossover between something that they really enjoy and this impressive accomplishment they have of being on Junior Ski Patrol.

• Lessons learned: The writer makes it very clear what lessons they learned from Junior Ski Patrol. Lessons don’t always have to be this explicit, but I appreciate how the writer really takes the time to reflect on what they’ve learned.
• Personal insight: Okay, this point is related to the lessons learned. But it’s important to draw out on its own because personal essays are, of course, personal. This topic easily could have been just about skiing down a mountain or administering first aid on patrol. Instead, the writer kept the focus inward to meet the expectations of a personal essay.
• What’s at stake?: We do get a good sense of personal meaning. But the writer could do a better job of speaking to the significance of this activity to their life. A good question to ask is, “What’s at stake?” What would I have lost or gained if this story had turned out differently? Asking these questions can also help you figure out what it is that you want an admissions officer to learn from your personal statement.

Personal Statement Example #14: The Regulars

One pump of vanilla syrup. Frothed milk. One espresso shot. Caramel drizzle(( Starting with some version of the following sentence would have been a stronger hook.)) . Like a scientist at her bench, I have methodically repeated these steps four days a week for the past two years. During my time as a Starbucks barista, I’ve learned hundreds of recipes and customizations. I know all the secret menu hacks, and I’ve developed several recipes for friends and family too. I pride myself on speed, quality, and memory. My favorite part of the job is the customer service. As one of the busiest locations in the region, I’ve caffeinated thousands. But it’s my regular customers, those whose orders I know like the back of my hand, who have truly impacted me.

Venti Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew, hold the vanilla syrup. A busy mom of four, Chelsea is always in a hurry. I try to catch her the moment she enters the store so I can get started right away. Her Venti drink fuels her through school dropoffs and pickups, gymnastics lessons, and evening math homework. Throughout my conversations with her, I’ve learned that Chelsea is a scheduling virtuoso. As someone with ADHD(( This paragraph is almost too much about Chelsea, so this sentence is crucial to bring the focus back to the writer.)) , I became so inspired by her ability to juggle so many people and schedules simultaneously. After asking her for advice, she helped me find a time management system that I can keep up with. I have Chelsea to thank for my improved grades.

Grande dark roast, no room for cream. Mr. Williams is a retired businessman who always tips 100%. Mr. Williams is a quiet man, so it took me months to draw any information from him. Instead of using my over-the-top customer service voice, I eventually learned to be myself. When I got him to open up, I discovered that he was a service worker himself before he made it big in business in his sixties. The truth is, Mr. Williams has tipped me hundreds of dollars throughout my time here, which is extra money that will help me pay for college. He’s taught me the value of quiet generosity(( Let’s be honest. Mr. Williams sounds like a cool guy. But Mr. Williams isn’t applying to college—the writer is! I like that we get small glimpses into who the writer is through this paragraph, but there’s still room for more.)) .

Tall soy London Fog. Sweet Darla gave up coffee twenty-five years ago, but she still loves an occasional treat. When Darla enters, I clear my schedule. She always has stories to tell about the eighty years of life she’s lived. Darla is everything I want to be at that age: she’s spunky, opinionated, and hilarious(( Here we learn a lot about the writer through Darla.)) . Sometimes I tell Darla stories of my own. When I explained the dramatic series of events that led to me landing first chair in my symphony, she said she was going to retell it her bridge club. Making Darla laugh so hard will always be one of my proudest moments.

Grande iced matcha. Taylor is my age and goes to my school. When I took her order for the first time, I felt embarrassed that I needed to work to support myself while she could enjoy expensive drinks. But her kindness softened me. As time went on, I learned that she visited Starbucks so much because she wanted to get out of her house, which wasn’t a very happy place. While I have to take on as many shifts as possible, I still have a happy home to return to afterward. Now Taylor comes in near the end of my shift so we can take our drinks and have dinner at my house.

When you work in customer service, customers enter and exit your life like a revolving door. But the regulars, those special people who draw connections from daily but brief interactions, stick with you for life. I wouldn’t be who I am today if it weren’t for these people, and I would never have met them if it weren’t for my job as a barista. I haven’t just been making drinks these past two years. I’ve been making friends(( The conclusion does a good job tying all these different stories back together. )) .

AO Notes on The Regulars

No one appreciates a good barista story more than a tired admissions officer on their 30th application of the day! I like the personality that comes through in this essay especially. But this is one of those cases where it’s almost too much about other people.

• Creative take: Not every college essay needs a creative flair. In fact, sometimes going for “unique” structures can detract from an essay. But I like how the writer uses this format to structure the essay.
• Organization: This essay isn’t one a reader is bound to get lost in. The introduction sets up the essay well, it’s easy to see the connections between the points the writer is conveying, and the conclusion brings the focus back to the writer.
• More focus on self: While we do learn about the writer in this essay, we also learn a lot about Chelsea, Mr. Williams, Darla, and Taylor. The writer could have pared down the descriptions of other people—or cut one of the examples altogether—to save more room for personal reflection.

“Bad” Personal Statement Examples

These “bad” essays aren’t necessarily bad. They just aren’t very effective personal statements. Specifically, these two essays make some of the biggest college essay mistakes.

Making mistakes, especially when you’ve never written a personal statement before, is to be expected. We’ve included these examples so you can see what those mistakes look like in real-time. Learning from ineffective examples can be just as helpful as learning from the exceptional ones, so grab your pencil and start taking notes.

Our admissions officers have highlighted what’s working and what’s not. They offer helpful commentary and advice for revisions that you can use to assess your own personal statement.

Personal Statement Example #15: The Worst Year

My sophomore year of high school presented me with so many challenges(( This hook definitely gets straight to the point, but it doesn’t draw me in as a reader.)) . I struggled with a lot that year and barely managed to get by. It was the greatest challenge I ever faced.

The year started out like any other but soon went into chaos. My brother suddenly started struggling with drugs and alcohol. Before that, we didn’t know how bad he was hurting. But one night he finally came to us for help because apparently he had been using substances to cope with his emotions. He was scared because he felt like he had reached a breaking point and needed support. My parents didn’t want to help because they thought that he didn’t have a problem but I know my brother and I knew that he didn’t seem like himself. It was so sad to watch him go through that. I tried my best to help him but I was only a kid. I couldn’t really do anything besides tell him I loved him. Eventually my parents decided to get him some help, so he went away for a while and I wrote him letters every week and visited him as much as I could. The treatment he got helped thankfully. He’s doing better now and I am grateful that he is my brother.

But then Covid hit and I couldn’t even leave my house. We thought it would just be a two week vacation to school but it turned into two whole years of my life gone just like that. At the beginning I was stuck in my bedroom while my parents were working their jobs from the living room. Everyone was constantly getting annoyed with each other and driving each other wild. I would be doing a class Zoom in my room and I could hear my parents in a meeting in the living room. I had a hard time not being able to see my friends. I couldn't focus and my grades dropped. Even my teachers didn’t really seem to care. I was sick of staring at black Zoom screens all the time that I even stopped logging on. All of that combined led to me becoming very depressed and anxious. My grades dropped even more because I just couldn’t pay attention or focus enough to do my homework. I ended up getting grades way lower than I ever thought I would that year and I’m so frustrated about it because it felt like I was trying my best but it just wasn’t enough(( Here we see the writer opening up a bit and reflecting on what it was like to go through that experience.)) .

Even once we finally got back in school things didn’t get much better. The pandemic was just too much for my family so my parents ended up getting divorced at the beginning of my junior year. After all we had been through together seeing them separate made me devastated. My dad got an apartment and I had to go back and forth between their houses and pack up all my stuff every time. It was like moving my entire life every weekend. My brother was out of the house by this point so it was just me all by myself. My school was far from my dad’s new place so I’d have a long commute on the weeks I was with him. He was stressed at work and about the divorce and I just ended up feeling so lonely and spending most of my time in my room. My grades got better once online school stopped(( This moment of hope does a lot for moving the essay forward.)) but I had a hard time keeping close relationships with my friends because they didn’t like that I was living far away now and that we couldn’t really hang out anymore.

I couldn’t believe that two years would change so much. Getting through everything really challenged me. But I’m glad to be moving forward with my life.

AO Notes on The Worst Year

This student definitely had a challenging year. It’s clear that they’ve overcome a lot, and I appreciate their willingness to share their struggles. I like that the very last sentence

What this essay does well:

• Vulnerability: Writing about challenges is never easy, especially when you’re writing to people you don’t know. This writer is bold and unafraid in doing so.

What could be improved on:

• Not enough positivity: Here’s the thing. You definitely don’t need to be able to spin all of your challenging experiences into positive ones. But the topics you choose to write your college essay about should ultimately conclude on a positive note. You want your college essay to show you in a positive light, so you should choose a topic that lets you find a light, positive, or hopeful resolution.

Personal Statement Example #16: The Strikeout that Changed My Life

The stadium lights shone brightly in my eyes. I stepped up to the plate and drew back my bat. I wiggled my fingers, waiting. The pitcher wound up his arm and threw the ball towards me. My eyes worked overtime to track the ball. I watched as it flew directly towards the center of the plate and made a last-minute curve(( I like this vivid description.)) . It went straight into the catcher’s mitt. “Strike three!” the umpire yelled. That was the time I struck out at the quarter-finals. My team was so close to making it to the championship that we could taste it. It was the bottom of the sixth, and I gave up a valuable chance to score game-winning runs. We ended up losing. I learned a valuable lesson that fateful day. I never wanted to let my team down like that again(( And the writer jumps quickly into the main theme of the essay. Still, the message here could be more specific.)) .

We had advanced through our bracket without much trouble. The other teams were no match for our work ethic and teamwork. We were in perfect sync. As the first baseman, I was ready for any throw that came my way. We were also hitting well. I scored three home runs throughout the course of the tournament. We were a high-functioning machine. But for a machine to work, each cog has to function correctly. When I stepped up to the plate in the sixth inning, I was a broken cog.

After our quarter–final loss, I grieved with my teammates. Then I went off on my own to think. How had I let my team down so badly? How did I not even try to swing at that pitch? It was all my fault. I had to figure out what I had done wrong so I would never make the mistake again. I realized that I had been thinking selfishly. I was concerned about my own performance, my own at-bat averages(( This is a good reflection.)) . I was scared of failing because I didn’t want to be embarrassed. And worrying about all of those things caused me to lose focus and miss my chance to make a difference. Instead, I should have been thinking about how my at-bat would contribute to my team’s overall goal of winning the game.

I returned to where my teammates were congregating, and several of them patted me on the back. The next day, we went over how the game went as a team and talked about how we could improve at our tournament the following weekend. I admitted that I felt like I let the team down. My teammates said that they understood and reassured me that mistakes happen. It wasn’t my failed at-bat alone that lost us the game. Like winning, losing is a team effort. It was a culmination of lots of little issues. At the end of the day, the other team just out-performed us. But we could try hard, practice a lot, and return triumphant next weekend.

Letting my team down was a crushing blow to my self-esteem. I never want to feel like that again, but I know that the experience caused me to grow. Through all of this, I learned that I have to trust myself and my team(( Here we get to the lesson learned.)) . Focusing on myself alone can only get me so far. But focusing on my team can get me to where I want to go. I’m actually thankful that I struck out in that sixth inning because it caused me to learn an important life lesson.

AO Notes on The Strikeout that Changed My Life

This essay on its own definitely isn’t “bad.” As far as essays go, it’s clear, well-written, and organized nicely. But as a college essay, it could be doing more work on the writer’s behalf. See, as an admissions officer, I don’t actually learn that much about the writer from this essay alone. I see that they like baseball, are a good teammate, and can overcome failure. Those are wonderful traits, but they don’t exactly help set this student apart on the admissions committee floor. Instead, the student could make this essay more vulnerable and personal.

• Writing: The writer uses some great creative writing skills to really set the scene for the readers. In that first paragraph, I really feel like I’m there watching the game.
• Reflection: Even though the topic could be more significant, the writer does a great job reflecting on the meaning they drew from the experience.
• Significance: It’s very clear that this topic holds a lot of meaning to the writer. But as a college essay topic, it lacks vulnerability and stakes.

Key Takeaways

Writing a personal statement is a difficult ask, especially when you’ve never even read one before. But now, with these fifteen examples in your back pocket, you’re ready to write your own.

If you’re not sure what steps to take next, hop on over to our guide to writing personal statements for advice. You can also find more extensive guidance on the Essay Academy , a comprehensive college essay writing video course and community.

Happy writing! 🥳

Liked that? Try this next.

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How to Write a Personal Statement (Tips + Essay Examples)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What is a personal statement that just means “essay” … right, what are some great personal statement topics (aka how do i brainstorm mine).

• Three personal statement examples

A few hundred words to capture who you’ve become over the course of almost two decades? 

Yup, makes sense why lots of students find the idea of writing a personal statement intimidating. Framed like the above, it could almost sound, I don’t know, unreasonable.

Whether you’re using the Common Application, the Coalition Application, or a school-specific application portal, it can be scary to try to come up with an essay topic that encompasses the complexity and vastness of who you are as a person … while also staying in the word count. 

But this can also be a fun, meaningful experience (real talk: We wouldn’t be doing this if we didn’t think it was true). In fact, the process of brainstorming and writing about meaningful aspects of your life can be an incredible way to practice self-reflection and think more deeply about who you are, what you value, who you hope to be in the world, and what you actually want to get out of college. 

So to help you move past the intimidating aspects and focus more on the fun and meaning, in this post, we’ll describe what differentiates the personal statement from other college essays and what function it serves in your college application. We’ll also share what qualities can help a personal statement stand out, how to find a stronger topic, how to set yourself up for an easier writing process, and even share some essay examples we loved.

A personal statement is an essay in which you demonstrate aspects of who you are by sharing some of the qualities, skills, and values you’ll bring to college. A written personal statement is typically used by college admission offices, but it’s also often used by scholarship selection committees or specific academic departments to help assess potential candidates.  

To understand what the personal statement is, it’s helpful to imagine your entire college application as a human body. The personal statement is the metaphorical “heart”—it captures the essence of who you are as a person and what motivates you, both academically and personally.

Let’s briefly clarify what it isn’t . It’s not a classic five-paragraph essay you write for English class (thesis, body, restate thesis in almost the same words, but hopefully not repetitively, done). 

Here are some other ways a personal statement is different from an English class essay:

There’s no “right” essay topic to write about, as you’ll see from the range of essay topics in this post . Students have written successfully on topics ranging from: I Shot My Brother, to Home, to Being Pooped on by Animals. Oh, and btw, we’d recommend not reading too many sample essays before you’ve done some brainstorming of your own first. But whatever topic you land on, keep this in mind: 

The goal of your personal statement is to find a topic that demonstrates the skills, qualities, values, and interests you’ll bring with you to a college campus.

In fact, though we’ll keep saying “topic” of your essay because it’s clear and easy, the topic of your essay is ultimately always you. Just as the heart drives the actions of the rest of the body, the personal statement provides context for the rest—and, in some ways, is the heart—of your application. The other supplemental essays , if required by colleges, are opportunities to go into more detail about aspects of your interests, passions, and identity not covered in your personal statement.

The personal statement is a great place to discuss critical events or experiences in your life that catalyzed you to become the person you are now, or various aspects of your identity that strongly influence the way you interact with the world around you. It’s also an opportunity to introduce readers to your most important interests and values . For more on that, and exercises to help clarify those things, check those links (we’ll also offer more on them later).

What makes a great personal statement?

Ultimately, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to writing your personal statement that will magically make colleges admit you. 

Bummer, we know.

That said, the best personal statements often share a lot of the same qualities , even when they’re about drastically different topics. 

Here, in our opinion, are a few qualities you’ll find in an outstanding personal statement:

You can identify the applicant’s core values. In a great personal statement, we should be able to get a sense of what fulfills, motivates, or excites the author. These can be things like humor, beauty, community, and autonomy, just to name a few. So when you read back through your essay, you should be able to detect at least 4-5 different values throughout.  When you look for these values, also consider whether or not they’re varied or similar. For instance, values like hard work, determination, and perseverance … are basically the same thing. On the other hand, more varied values like resourcefulness, healthy boundaries, and diversity can showcase different qualities and offer a more nuanced sense of who you are.

It’s vulnerable. We love when, after reading an essay, we feel closer to the writer. The best essays we’ve seen are the ones where students have let their guard down some. Don’t be afraid to be honest about things that scare, challenge, or bother you. The personal statement is a great space for you to open up about those aspects of yourself. As you’re writing, ask yourself: Does the essay sound like it’s mostly analytical, or like it’s coming from a deeper, more vulnerable place? Another way of asking this: Does it sound like the author wrote it using mostly their head (intellect), or their heart and gut? Remember, this is the “heart” of your application. It’s a place for emotional vulnerability. After reading it, the admission officer should (we hope) feel like they have a better sense of who you are.

It shows insight and growth. Your personal statement should ideally have at least 3-5 “so what” moments, points at which you draw insights or reflections from your experiences that speak to your values or sense of purpose. Sometimes, “so what” moments are subtle. Other times, they’re more explicit. Either way, the more illuminating, the better. They shouldn’t come out of nowhere, but they also shouldn’t be predictable. You want your reader to see your mind in action and take that journey of self-reflection with you.

It demonstrates craft (aka it’s articulate and reads well). While content is important, craft is what’ll bring the best stories to life. That’s why it’s important to think of writing as a process—it’s very rare that we’ve seen an outstanding personal statement that didn’t go through at least 5 drafts. Everything you write should be carefully considered . You don’t want your ideas to come off as sloppy or half-baked. Your reader should see the care you put into brainstorming and writing in every sentence. Ask yourself these questions as you write:

Do the ideas in the essay connect in a way that’s logical, but not too obvious (aka boring)? 

Can you tell that the author spent a lot of time revising the essay over the course of several drafts? 

Is it interesting and succinct throughout? If not, where do you lose interest? Where could words be cut? Which part isn’t revealing as much as it could be?

If you’ve written a first draft and you’re still not sure whether the essay is what you want it to be, give it to a trusted friend, teacher, or family member and have them evaluate it based on these 4 general criteria. Sometimes, we spend so much time on an essay that it’s useful to get another person’s point of view.

The answer to this question dovetails with the approach you’re taking to structuring your essay, so let’s talk about that a bit first.

And while structure may seem nebulous, offering vast options, you can really boil it down to just two approaches: montage or narrative.

So … what are those? And how can you generate some great content for either structure?

Whether you take a Narrative or Montage Approach to structuring your essay depends on your answer to this question:

Do you feel like you’ve faced significant challenges in your life … or not so much? (And do you want to write about them?)

If yes (to both), you’ll most likely want to use Narrative Structure .

If no (to either), you’ll probably want to try Montage Structure .

The above links dive into greater detail if you’re curious, but essentially, Narrative Structure is the classic story structure, focusing roughly equally on a) Challenges You Faced, b) What You Did About Them, and c) What You Learned. Paragraphs and events are connected causally. (Not casually , btw, but causally—as in, through cause and effect.)

Montage Structure focuses on a series of experiences and insights that are connected thematically (so, for example, 5 pairs of pants that connect to 5 different sides of who you are).

So how does structure play into what makes a great personal statement topic?

We believe a montage essay (i.e., an essay NOT about challenges) is more likely to stand out if the topic or theme of the essay is:

X. Elastic (i.e., something you can connect to a variety of examples, moments, or values)

Y. Less common (i.e., something other students probably aren’t writing about)

We believe that a narrative essay is more likely to stand out if it contains: 

X. Difficult or compelling challenges

These aren’t binary—rather, each can be placed on a spectrum.

“Elastic” will vary from person to person. You might be able to connect mountain climbing to family, history, literature, science, social justice, environmentalism, growth, insight … and someone else might not connect it to much of anything. Maybe trees?

“Less common” —every year, thousands of students write about mission trips, sports, or music. It’s not that you can’t write about these things, but it’s a lot harder to stand out. 

“Difficult or compelling challenges” can be put on a spectrum with things like getting a bad grade or not making a sports team on the weaker end, and things like escaping war or living homeless for three years on the stronger side. While you can possibly write a strong essay about a weaker challenge, it’s really hard to do.

“Insight” is the answer to the question “so what?” A great insight is likely to surprise the reader a bit, while a so-so insight likely won’t. (Insight is something you’ll develop in an essay through the writing process, rather than something you’ll generally know ahead of time for a topic, but it’s useful to understand that some topics are probably easier to pull insights from than others.)

To clarify, you can still write a great montage with a very common topic, or a narrative that offers so-so insights. But the degree of difficulty goes up. Probably way up.

With that in mind, how do you brainstorm possible topics that are on the easier-to-stand-out side of the spectrum?

Would you Rather watch instead?

Brainstorming your (outstanding) personal statement topic

In our experience, virtually every great college essay comes from good brainstorming. So, early on, stay in exploration mode—we recommend that students outline at least 2-3 different ideas before starting a draft. 

Quality brainstorming can reveal great topics that you wouldn’t have thought about otherwise (and that you may not even know you can/are allowed to write about). Also, more on this in a bit, but outlining well is a huge time-saver, as it can help you either build a better first draft or reveal that you may not have as much to say about a topic as you might’ve initially thought. 

Here are 5 great brainstorming exercises to get you started: 

Values Exercise

Essence Objects Exercise

21 Details Exercise

Everything I Want Colleges To Know About Me Exercise

Feelings and Needs Exercise

That Values Exercise is your cornerstone—those values are what you’ll want to thread throughout your application, regardless of what structure you use in your personal statement. 

We’d recommend doing all of those exercises, regardless of which structure you think you may use, as you may find something new in exploring, and many students will have to write a bunch of supplemental essays anyway.

That said, if you’re thinking Narrative Structure may be your thing (as in, you have some strong challenges you want to write about), be sure to spend a nice chunk of time exploring the Feelings and Needs Exercise (linked above), as it can directly lead to a strong outline and first draft.

If you’re thinking montage, think about how things like your essence objects and 21 details may be thematically linked, and how they can connect to your core values and memories. After doing those, you can also check out this list of 21 College Essay Topics and Ideas That Worked to get a sense of some topics that have paid off. We’ll draw your attention to some of the specific examples in the tips below. We’ve seen great montages built around things like:

Identity: This can be anything from sexuality, to culture, to race, to religion. For examples, check out “ My Grandma’s Kimchi ” or “ The Five Families Essay .”

Academic/career interests: This isn’t just a list of your favorite classes or a lengthy explanation of how well you did on that one AP Calculus test junior year. Instead, it’s more of an exploration of your educational interests and a meditation on how that might influence the work you do in the future. For examples, check out “ Why Behavioral Economics ” and “ Flying .”

Meaningful objects: Those “essence objects.” They’re basically just objects that mean more to you because they connect to your values at a deeper level. For instance, maybe you’d choose dumplings because they remind you of family dinners on Chinese New Year and a specific moment when you had to navigate your cultural identity. So, talking about dumplings might give you an entry point into talking about things like family and cultural connection. Doing the Essence Objects Exercise linked above will help you figure out what kind of objects might serve this function in your life. See the “ Happiness Spreadsheet ” essay for an example.

Significant Obstacles or Events: You might choose to write about a struggle you’ve faced or a dilemma that forced you to think more deeply about some aspect of who you are or what you’re interested in. “ The Tally On My Uniform ” and “ Dead Bird ” are two examples.

It’s important to note that some of these topics will likely overlap. You might choose to write about a significant challenge you faced that related to your identity in some way. Or maybe you’ll want to include details about both academic and extracurricular interests. Don’t feel like you have to choose just one. This list is just to give you a sense of what kind of topics you can explore.

How should I write a personal statement?

First, outline.

Seriously? Outline?

To get into just a little more nuance—if you have a ton of time until your deadline, and you don’t mind maybe throwing away entire drafts and starting over, then feel free to just dive in and write.

Otherwise, outline. Doing so will save you time and make your writing better.

So how do you outline?

For a narrative, use the Feelings and Needs Exercise , and build clear bullet points for the Challenges + Effects, What I Did About It, and What I Learned. Those become your outline. 

Yeah, that simple.

For a montage, outline 4-7 ways your thread connects to different values through different experiences, and if you can think of them, different lessons and insights (though these you might have to develop later, during the writing process). For example, how auto repair connects to family, literature, curiosity, adventure, and personal growth (through different details and experiences).

Here are some solid example outlines:

Narrative outline (developed from the Feelings and Needs Exercise)

Challenges:

Domestic abuse (physical and verbal)

Controlling father/lack of freedom

Sexism/bias

Prevented from pursuing opportunities

Cut off from world/family

Lack of sense of freedom/independence

Faced discrimination

What I Did About It:

Pursued my dreams

Traveled to Egypt, London, and Paris alone

Challenged stereotypes

Explored new places and cultures

Developed self-confidence, independence, and courage

Grew as a leader

Planned events

What I learned:

Inspired to help others a lot more

Learned about oppression, and how to challenge oppressive norms

Became closer with mother, somewhat healed relationship with father

Need to feel free

And here’s the essay that became: Easter

Montage outline:

Thread: Home

Values: family, tradition, literature

Ex: “Tailgate Special,” discussions w/family, reading Nancy Drew

Perception, connection to family

Chinese sword dance

Values: culture/heritage, meticulousness, dedication, creativity

Ex: notebook, formations/choreography

Nuances of culture, power of connection

Values: science/chemistry, curiosity 

Synthesizing plat nanoparticles

Joy of discovery, redefining expectations

Governor’s School

Values: exploration, personal growth

Knitting, physics, politics, etc.

Importance of exploring beyond what I know/am used to, taking risks

And here’s the essay that became: Home

Once you’ve got a solid outline, start drafting. A few really useful things for your first draft:

Don’t worry about word count (within reason).

Don’t worry about making your first draft perfect—it won’t be. Just write.

Don’t worry about a fancy opening or ending.

We’ve seen way too many students not write about the things they need to explore in a first draft because they were worried about word count. If your first draft of a 650-word essay is 800 or 900 words, cool. You’ll have to cut eventually. But that’s the easy part (you generally just hit “delete”).

And it’s actually easier to write a good first draft if you’re not worrying about writing a good first draft. We know that sounds contradictory. But what we mean is that a first draft is good if it gives you a clear sense of where to head with your second and third drafts. That’s its job—to help map where you go next.

Linked to that, a strong opening and ending are things you can more easily develop once you’re clearer on your content and structure. So, for a first draft, if something cool comes to you, great. But if not, don’t let it stop you from drafting.

Jump in and spend some time getting your ideas down on paper. Remember your first draft is just a chance to mess around with different topics and thoughts. It doesn’t have to be anywhere close to perfect. If it helps, just think of it as a brain dump. Once you’ve got all your ideas somewhere, you can start to reorganize and make them more coherent. 

Revise (And revise. And revise ...)

Like we said earlier, it’s incredibly rare for an outstanding personal statement to not go through at least 5 drafts. So this is a big part of the process.

To get you started, this guide to Revising Your Essay in 5 Steps will help you create clearer logical flow, as will this breakdown of 9 different ways to effectively transition .

If you want to build a better opening , check out a bunch of options to play with there (we’d recommend experimenting, even if you have something you like—through exploring, you may find something even better).

And if you want to strengthen the ending of your essay , wander over that way.

Additionally, one of the best general tips we can give you as you revise is to read your essay out loud to yourself. And try to read from a total stranger’s perspective. 

Reading out loud will help you notice problems you maybe missed when reading it in your mind. And reading from a stranger’s perspective will help ensure you aren’t relying on things in your brain that need to be on the page (but aren’t). 

You might also try reading it to a trusted family member, teacher, or friend. They might be able to give you some constructive feedback to make your piece more relatable or accessible for other people. Just keep in mind that some people may have a good sense of what makes for strong writing in general, but not necessarily what makes for a strong college essay specifically.

For more about the essay writing process, check out our Ultimate Guide for writing your personal statement.

Want some guidance on your college applications?

Schedule a meeting to work with my team., three personal statement examples (with analysis for why they worked).

Example 1: "Cheers" 

While my friends binge The Office , I’m at home with my favorite family tavern, Cheers . Reminiscing on my first visit five-years-ago, going into my tenth visit, I realize the gang at Cheers is my mirror: they reflect how I’ve grown.  Sam Malone. Handsome, charming, ex-pro athlete. When I first met Sam, I had the typical impression: a playboy. However, I now see the real Sam: a compassionate being. Raised in Birmingham, I’ve learned many positive lessons, but there are some lessons I’m ashamed of. Homophobia is still prevalent in Alabama; something platonic as hugging your friend fuels ridicule. There’s an episode where Sam is conflicted after discovering his old best-friend was gay. By the end, he determines that whom his friend loves shouldn’t affect their friendship--a progressive act for 1983. This became personal when my brother came out. I was angered that a society that taught me Southern hospitality tried to teach me to hate one of the people I love most. Sam’s actions taught me who one chooses to love doesn’t change their humanity and encouraged me to promote that view in Alabama. When classmates make homophobic comments, I always bring up my brother and our story. These same classmates are now attending the annual Pride parades, standing up for our friends’ rights. Diane Chambers. Educated, elitist, starving artist. Diane loved the arts and displayed her work proudly, even if her cartoons of people depicted animals. As a kid, my dad attempted to teach me how to draw. These sessions ended in frustration, as I wasn’t able to recreate his work. While I was fascinated by the expression of creativity, I thought, “I’m not talented.” Through Diane’s character arcs, I learned art is not linear; it’s multi-dimensional. Diane would appreciate the discovery of my means of expression: graphic design and programming. I blend the two mediums to create an impactful product. Whether it’s designing and developing an app to battle the Tanzanian Water Crisis, or creating advertisements and social media posts for my internship at a construction-tech start-up, I reveal my vision through my greatest passion: technology. Dr. Frasier Crane. Intelligent, empathetic, scientist. Frasier (we’re on a first-name basis), joined the gang later after falling in love with Diane at a mental health retreat. I first met Frasier when I struggled to fit in with my peers. While I had a passion for STEM and its ability to uncover mysteries of the unknown, my peers had a passion for hating everything academic. While I thought Frasier was super cool, I still called him a nerd. However, watching the way Frasier embraced science gradually allowed me to realize my love for it is something to hone rather than suppress. Eventually, I developed enough confidence to reach out to a professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham to conduct computational physics research. Over the past three years, I have completed two research projects, currently researching the distinct applications of computer vision, and have become a pioneer within STEM.  Inspired by the love for Computer Science competitions, I founded the district’s first CS team. Upon concluding our presentation at the U.S. Capitol, I knew Frasier would be proud.  The Cheers gang. I have wondered why I clicked with them so well since we are different people. Sam the jock, Frasier the nerd, Diane the artist, I the awkward teenager. I’ve realized each of them is a part of me. When I face societal pressure, I always learn and overcome. While I’m passionate about science, I also love the arts. Whereas I used to be an antisocial 7th grader, I’m now a senior with great friends and mentors. No matter what I’m struggling with in life, I know I can return to Cheers , where everybody knows your name.

Why this essay worked:

This essay does a great job of using the Montage Structure to incorporate a bunch of different aspects of the applicant’s life into one coherent piece. You’ll notice that they use the TV show Cheers and the characters in it as a clothesline off which to “hang” their interest in computer science and graphic design, LGBTQ+ community allyship, and generally endearing nerdiness. This is a really clever way of bringing together seemingly disparate topics. It doesn’t take itself too seriously but tells a lot about the author and how she thinks. It also gives her a very clear structure for her essay. Each paragraph is devoted to one Cheers character and (more importantly) expounds on the ways the author connects to that individual. The essay has a clear purpose despite lacking a linear narrative.

Also notice that the author doesn’t necessarily have a super clear idea of what she wants to do, career-wise. However, she still incorporates specific details about how she’s synthesized computer science and artistic design in various clubs and events. She doesn’t explicitly have to tell us what her future career is for us to get a sense of what interests she might pursue in college. This is a prime example of how you can write an outstanding personal statement even if you don’t totally know what you want to do in college and haven’t faced a significant challenge.

Example 2: 

All that I remember from my childhood are happy memories - of blowing balloons in summer after eating an ice-cone, coming from school to find my favourite snacks lined up on the table, my grandma feeding me with her own hands and never failing to add that extra spoon of ghee (clarified butter) to my rice. My parents shielded us from everything that was bad in this world or could somehow hurt us. They were so protective that I learned to ride a bike on the roof of our three-story house because my parents didn’t think it was safe for me to ride on the road. Even on our roof, a place well within the four walls of our house, I had someone looking out for me. That protective bubble around me finally popped when I was stopped from entering a temple where my family goes annually on an auspicious day. I loved that subtle fragrance of saffron and seeing the beautifully decorated temple with thousands of pilgrims lining up. My grandpa donates a lot there which allows us to enter early in the morning and perform the rituals without the usual crowd. The problem this year was a new rule that prohibited Western clothing. The strange thing was that they didn’t stop male my cousin even though we were wearing the exact same thing, jeans and t-shirt. I wouldn’t be surprised if this happened today but I was then, as I was only in middle school. I hadn’t seen anything like this yet because my family never treated us differently -- we hadn’t previously seen this side of the world. I started trying to learn more about the “real world”, reading more news and participating in intercultural exchanges and debates, anything that would give me more insight. This process of exploring different versions of an event, of noticing how different people might see the same thing, made me more observant. But this also made me think of how others might see me and I became scared of being judged. When I was elected Head Girl this past year, I became even more self-conscious because I was in the limelight -- and everything I would do would reflect on the school. I thankfully realized how irrational my fears were during a hectic Round Square International Conference (RSIC) at school. I was busy heading our student team and managing crises. When a school bought more students than they’d registered, I didn’t have time to think, I had to rely on my instincts and take action. Teachers from across the world praised me; one even said I’d been the soul of our conference. These small but empowering moments have helped me realize that I could trust my decisions, my input counted too. I need to be myself and worry less about what others think. I could have easily changed my clothes that day at the temple but I didn’t because that’s not who I am. There’s always going to be someone who might not approve of what I do and that is all right.  I am choosing to attend college in the United States because there I can continue my quest to learn more about the complexities of this world. My family never allowed me to use the public transportation in my city. I understand their concern, but I think it’s time for me to explore outside the safety of home, to ride a bike or take the subway, make my mistakes, and learn my way. At school, I felt like I was in the spotlight yet so invisible mostly because I worried about what others might think. But now I will choose to be visible, choose to be me.

Off the bat, one of the biggest things that stands out about this essay is the level of detail in it. In the intro, the author evokes very visceral images of blowing balloons in the summer, extra spoonfuls of ghee on rice, and riding bikes on rooftops. The more you can drop the reader into your world and engage their senses, the better. You want people to be able to identify with you so that they have a clear sense of who you are as a person. It also helps you stand out. The more specifically you write, the less likely it is that anyone else could have written it. That’s what this whole personal statement thing is all about—showing what you can uniquely bring to the table. 

The other great thing about this essay is that it ends in a different place from where it begins. This shows insight and growth. The author goes from questioning her instincts and judgements to seeing her inherent value. She begins to gain confidence and see the positive ways in which she can contribute to the conversations she’s a part of. This transformation is important because it’s a hook that keeps people reading. They don’t know where the essay is going to take them, so they keep reading to see where the author will end up. It also demonstrates the applicant’s growth and ability to self-reflect, which are always great qualities to highlight in college essays.

Example 3: 

Apparently, I have a natural “mom vibe.”  On my volleyball team, I am team mom in every way. As a natural worrier, I like to make sure that everyone has all of their necessities: knee pads, water bottle, hair elastic, uniform. Did everyone go to the bathroom before leaving on the bus? Did we count to make sure that all fourteen of us are here? Does anyone want an apple slice? Over my many years of playing volleyball, I have learned how to play every position well enough to fill in for any member of my team, whether that’s front, back, libero, setter, or hitter, so that I can always be there for my team in a pinch.  A few years ago, I transitioned from looking after only my teammates to also helping actual children. I started volunteering at my former elementary school as a teacher’s assistant. I guide third graders through difficult word problems or sentence structures, sometimes translating the lesson to Mandarin for the Chinese students who are struggling with English. I live for that moment when the impossible suddenly becomes possible and I see a student use what they just learned correctly without any assistance. I love helping kids ask big questions, and think about how to solve them, because it reminds me of how my parents guided me. Ever since I can remember, every time my father and I are alone on a long trip, we ask each other questions and the other has to answer with scientific evidence. Do birds have eyelids? Why is gelatin gelatinous? What does schizophrenia look like in a brain? I love thinking about how things work from the molecular level all the way up to the mechanical level. During a recent internship, I had the opportunity to ask big questions through research, a step beyond the guesstimating I was used to doing in my dad’s CRV. The team I was working with was conducting studies focused on treating alcoholism. My job was to “clean up” the data, or make it more readable. I sifted through spreadsheets, digging for the important data and piecing everything together logically. Knowing that my contribution would have a positive impact on people’s lives was incredibly meaningful. I’ve always enjoyed putting things together like a puzzle. As Chief Layout Editor of my school newspaper, I help my designers compile every edition. Like a real-life game of Tetris, every article must fit perfectly with the other articles around it, lined up into evenly lengthed columns. No matter how much experience a graphic designer has, no one gets all of their articles laid out nicely on the first try. We solve every edition by trial and error, which often results in lots of frustration, but no amount of frustration can surpass the pride and satisfaction once we have all the pages compiled and printed. As a pediatrician, I will be able to strengthen and use all these parts of me. I will have the chance to treat a multitude of illnesses and injuries and problem solve my way through each one. Each day, I will be able to think critically and scientifically to give families possible solutions and peace of mind about their child’s health. I hope to continually expand my knowledge as medicine advances and ask big questions by frequently participating in research. Hopefully I’ll be able to work with a great group of peers in a clinic and in public health. I want to find new solutions to seemingly unsolvable problems, and finally, use all of my skills and qualities to help better the lives of others.  Plus, as a pediatrician, I will be able to take care of children who cannot always advocate for themselves, so my mom instinct will be one of my greatest assets.

This is another creative example of how you can go about writing a montage essay. The author uses her “mom vibe” to her advantage and discusses how her interest in attending to the people (and world) around her has influenced different spheres of her life. Notice how well the first line hooks us into the story. It’s short, sweet, funny, and visibly distinct from the denser paragraphs below. When you’re writing, think very carefully about your first sentence and the work it’s doing to rope your reader in. That first sentence is your first impression on readers, so you want it to be a good one. 

One last standout aspect of this essay is the way it uses questions. In it, the author poses a lot of big and (oftentimes) unanswered questions. This is great because it highlights her natural curiosity and shows her mind in action. She doesn’t have to answer the questions for them to speak volumes about her personality and interests. Don’t feel like you have to resolve everything neatly by the end of your essay. That would be unrealistic, and ultimately, pretty uninteresting. It’s okay to pose questions for the sake of sheer wonder. In fact, it’s better than okay—it’s great. Nerd out a little. Have fun with it.

With all these writing/brainstorming strategies and example essays, the personal statement shouldn’t feel too intimidating anymore. Now you have all the tools you need to start writing an amazing essay.

Another great read: College Application & Admissions Timeline (AKA What Should I be Doing Right Now?)

Personal Statement

Personal Statement Examples

Inspiring Personal Statement Examples to Help You Stand Out

24 min read

Published on: Feb 28, 2023

Last updated on: Oct 26, 2024

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Crafting a captivating personal statement is a daunting task. 

Without proper guidance and inspiration, it's easy to get stuck in a sea of generic statements that fail to make an impact.

But don't worry! CollgeEssay.org has come up with a solution!

This blog provides you with 25+ personal statement examples to serve as a source of inspiration and guidance. 

By analyzing successful examples, you'll gain valuable insights into the key elements that make a statement memorable and effective.

Let's get started.

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Personal Statement - Definition

A personal statement or essay is a chance for you to get into the college of your choice and study what interests you. It's also an opportunity for many people to fulfill their dream.

In easy words this is an essay that is written at the time of an admission. This essay focuses on the unique experiences, ideas, or beliefs that are not mentioned throughout the application. 

What Should a Personal Statement Include?

The personal statement is a key component of your college application. It's an opportunity to let the reader know who you are and what they can expect from working or studying with you. So it should be well-written.

Below we've listed some basic things that should be included in your statement.

• Mention achievements/experience
• Your academic goals
• Talk about your problem-solving techniques
• Highlight your strengths and weaknesses that justify your personality

Be concise and stay to your point while writing. The admission officers read hundreds or thousands of applications and hardly give 2-3 minutes to each application. Therefore, try to avoid writing irrelevant and obscure information. 

Need to learn more about personal statements? Click on this useful link - Personal statement - An ultimate guide for beginners

Example No 1 -

Qualities That Make This Statement Successful:

It highlights the key qualities: The qualities make the student unique, such as communication and problem-solving skills, resilience, and determination. It also shows how these traits have allowed the student to overcome his/her fears and create meaningful change in his/her life. 

It emphasizes their commitment: The statement highlights the student's commitment to service and helping others reach their full potential. All of these qualities will make the student an attractive candidate for any program or job they're applying to. 

The statement is written with a positive attitude and enthusiasm that comes through in the writing. This is important because admission officers want to see applicants who are dedicated and motivated about their work. The statement reflects this and will make the student stand out from other applicants.

Example No 2 -

Its ability to capture the emotion behind a true appreciation for nature . The author conveys their lifelong passion and connection to the beauty of nature. Moreover, he has also expressed how it has served as an inspiration, source of hope, and reminder of life's changing cycles. 

The commitment to protect nature : He has then expressed his commitment to protecting the environment and inspiring others to do the same. 

Vivid and Descriptive language: The author's language is vivid and descriptive, which helps the reader be drawn into their story and feel a connection to what they are saying. 

The statement also uses specific examples of nature, such as sunsets and walks in the woods, making them more relatable for readers.

Finally, the statement ends with a heartfelt sentiment of gratitude for being able to witness nature's beauty. All of these elements together create an effective and moving personal statement that conveys the author's true love for nature.

Example No 3

Qualities of success of this statement:

The qualities of this personal statement that make it successful include its clarity, honesty, and specificity. It communicates the author's deep connection to music in a way that is clearly communicated and deeply felt. 

The impact of music on an author's life: The statement delves into how music has impacted the author's life on an emotional level. This gives readers a better understanding of why they are so obsessed with music. 

The importance of sharing music with others: This emphasis conveys a sense of purpose and social connectivity that is often missing from personal statements. 

Finally, the author's genuine passion for music and its impact on their life shines through in this statement, making it both powerful and memorable. Overall, this statement effectively conveys the author's obsession with music in a way that is both reflective and inspiring.

Example No 4

Qualities of Success of this Statement

This statement engages the reader and captures the reader's attention right away by describing a specific scene. It then dives into an exploration of why the author wants to travel to the United States.

The essay also paints a vivid picture of what they hope to experience while being there. This makes it easier for readers to connect with the writer's motivations and dreams.

Ends on a positive note that reflects the author's enthusiasm for what lies ahead, which is sure to leave readers feeling inspired. 

Overall, this statement paints a picture of an individual who is passionate about exploring new experiences in foreign lands. He conveys his excitement in such a way that it encourages others to do the same.  It is this combination of engaging storytelling, vivid imagery, and inspiring optimism that makes this statement a success.

Example No 5 

 Qualities of Success of This Statement:

The qualities of success for this statement are determination, resilience, and advocacy . Determination is the key to any successful endeavor. This statement clearly demonstrates how determination has helped to overcome the challenges of being an undocumented student.

With resilience and dedication , the reader is able to make the best out of the situation and fight for what he believes in. 

Lastly ,we can see advocating for the rights of undocumented students and creating pathways for them to pursue their education. This speaks volumes about his commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others. 

Overall, this statement is a testament to how far he has come as an undocumented student and used his experience to become a stronger person. 

Example No 6

Qualities of Success in this Statement:

It effectively communicates the author's appreciation for photography and how it has informed their approach to capturing beauty.

It Reveals a deeper understanding of the subject. The statement also reveals a deeper understanding of the concept of beauty. It emphasizes that it can be found in places beyond what we normally associate with beauty such as in tragedy or in small details. 

By referencing a particular photo of a homeless woman , the author conveys their understanding of beauty in an emotive way that resonates with readers.

Finally, the author's goal to evoke emotion through photography is clear and inspiring. It also provides readers with a sense of hope that they too can discover beauty everywhere. Together, these elements make this personal statement compelling and effective. 

Looking at these examples can be a good way to get an idea about what your own statement should look like. These different topics and styles, which will help you become more creative with words. 

To help you write your own, we've gathered some more examples from the past few years. These will help you see what great essays look like and learn how they were constructed.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job!

Personal Statement Example For Students

The personal statement is a part of your admission application, and it tells the admission officers why you decided to pursue admission into their institute.

It increases your chances of university or college admissions. It should be written in a way that makes you stand out from the rest of the other applicants.

Moreover, it is a chance for students to impress the admission officers with their writing skills. When you opt to write a personal statement, you should follow these tips that make your statement noteworthy.

• Carefully read the instructions of the admission officers.
• Use accurate examples to support your point.
• Demonstrate why you are a suitable candidate.
• Make it engaging and relevant.
• Don't attempt to sound too clever. 

Done with these? Now express the following…

• Why are you a suitable applicant?
• What makes you unique from other candidates?
• What are your long-term and short-term goals?
• What are your strengths?
• What are your career aspirations?

Here are some example for you to get guidance and help with writing 

Personal Statement Example for College

Grad School Personal Statement Examples

Personal Statement Example for MBA

Personal Statement Examples for BBA

Personal Statement Example for University

Personal Statement Examples for Jobs

Some employers require the applicant to submit a personal statement with their resume. The personal statement for the job summarizes what an applicant offers to the company.

Therefore, try to write a well-written personal statement that helps you get a job easily. Also, show that you are the best candidate in front of the recruiters.

When you write a personal statement, you should consider some questions that recruiters ask the candidates.

• What benefit will an employer get from hiring you?
• What are your career goals?
• Why did you apply for this job?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• What area of expertise do you have?
• How much work were you able to complete within a day or a week?
• Describe your professional experience.

Therefore, keep these questions in mind, and they will help you create a great personal statement for the job. You can also read this example for your help.

Personal Statement Example for Internship

Personal Statement Example for Resume

Personal Statement Examples for CV

Personal Statement Example for Scholarship

A personal statement is a main part of the scholarship application. It showcases who you are and why you deserve this scholarship.

Therefore, writing a great statement is necessary to win the scholarship. It should be written in a way that grabs the scholarship provider's attention. It should also make them realize that you are the most deserving candidate for the scholarship.

When you write the personal statement for scholarship, it should be:

Below is an example that you can use to write a personal statement on your own without any problem.

Fellowship Personal Statement Example

Personal Statement Example for Computer Science

Writing a great personal statement for computer science students becomes a daunting task if they haven't written it before. However, it is not as tough as it sounds.

With little guidance and help, you will easily write an excellent statement. Therefore, we compiled some guidelines that you should follow for writing a good personal statement.

• Discuss your technological skills.
• Focus on your achievements and interests.
• The statement reflects yourself.
• Explain your future goals.
• Write in a positive tone.
• Talk about your hobbies and extracurricular activities and how they are relevant.

Therefore, follow these guidelines and try to write a compelling statement for computer science. We also gathered an example that makes your writing phase easy.

400 Word Personal Statement Examples

The personal statement is an important document for students applying to any academic institution or job. It is the only document that shows your real personality apart from your academic grades. Also, it is an essential part of the college/university common app.

Writing a 400-word personal statement reveals your best qualities and shows you a better candidate. It also gives a strong sense of the applicant's personality.

Before you start writing the 400 words personal statement, do your research where you apply and follow their guidelines. You should know what they want and how you will present yourself in front of them.

We collected some examples of the personal application essay; use them for your help.

Psychology Personal Statement Example

Short Personal Statement Example

Good Personal Statement Examples

Tough Essay Due? Hire Tough Writers!

Personal Statement Example Law School

The law school personal statement is written the same way but with different content. When you start writing the law school personal statement, you should mention your goals and highlight your personality in the best way.

Moreover, highlight that allows the admission officers to understand your motivation to attend law school. Also, be professional and write only relevant information about yourself.

Take a look at this example and effectively create a great law school personal statement.

Law School Personal Statement Example

Medical School Personal Statement Example

This medical school personal statement example provides insight into the journey of prospective students as they strive to become a doctor. It covers the applicant's:

• Academic and professional background
• Reasons for pursuing medicine, and
• What makes them an ideal candidate for medical school  

Some medical students get stuck when writing the statement for admission. Therefore, we gathered an example that guides you in writing a great personal statement for medical school.

Dental School Personal Statement Example

Nursing Personal Statement Example

This nursing personal statement example outlines the reasons why a student decided to pursue a career in nursing. 

It must provide an insight into their ambition, skills, and passion for the field. It should also explain how their background and interest has led them to develop the qualities necessary for success in this chosen profession.

Without these points, the personal nursing statement is incomplete, and the admission committee rejects it. Check this example that will inspire you to write your own without any difficulty.

Vet School Personal Statement Examples

Personal statements are an opportunity to let the reader get to know you. They're also your ticket into veterinary school, so make it count.

When writing your veterinary statement, it is a chance for you to show the world who you are. It is also a time for self-reflection and thinking about what makes you unique from others.

Here is an example that gives you a better idea of writing a great statement. 

Vet School Personal Statement Example

Don't miss this helpful video that highlights some basic points to write an engaging personal statement.

Tips for Writing the Personal Statement

Ready to craft your personal statement after getting guidance from the examples? Wait and go through these helpful tips first. 

Following these expert tips will help you write an engaging personal statement that will make you stand out from the crowd.

• Avoid using vague language .
• Show the positive side of yourself.
• Keep it simple and clear for the readers.
• Take plenty of time and then start the writing phase.
• Research about the institute or company for which you are applying for.
• Check the admission officer's guidelines.
• Mention your career objective.
• List your achievements and specific skills.
• Check the word count.
• The opening paragraph will show why you are applying for admission or a job.
• Try not to repeat the same sentence again and again.
• Never add useless arguments and opinions.
• Follow the proper personal statement format .
• Choose the best  personal statement prompt  to grab the reader's attention.

Here you get a complete list of some good personal statement examples for your college essay that professional writers write. However, you need professional writing help, then look no further. Simply consult  CollegeEssay.org .

So, you have gone through different examples of personal statements and now understand the basics of how to compose one. But, before you start writing your personal statement, remember that it should reflect your individual skills and abilities. 

The examples and tips mentioned above will help you craft an engaging statement that will surely impress your readers. Although if you still face difficulty in crafting an engaging statement, contact our essay writing company . 

At CollegeEssay.org, we have AI essay writing tools  to help students around the globe. 

Our writers have extraordinary writing skills that will help you in writing a good personal statement. So, place your order now and get help for your academic assignments from our personal essay writing service .

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a great personal statement.

A good personal statement should: 

• Clear and concise 
• Show who you are except for your grades
• Show your interest in the college you will be admitted to.

What should you not write in a personal statement?

Here are some things that you don’t write in your personal statement. 

• Talking about your childhood memories 
• The bad experience of your school and college life 
• Not trying to portray yourself in a funny way 

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As a Digital Content Strategist, Nova Allison has eight years of experience in writing both technical and scientific content. With a focus on developing online content plans that engage audiences, Nova strives to write pieces that are not only informative but captivating as well.

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Exceptional Personal Essay Examples

Personal statement examples.

When you’re applying to college, all of the different steps can feel overwhelming. One of the things students dread most is writing their personal statement. But, by reading personal statement examples and examples of college essays that worked, students can learn what makes a great college essay. Likewise, reading personal essay examples can help you get inspired to write your own!

Personal statement examples show the wide variety of essays that students write. All personal statement examples are unique to each student. However, there is a prevailing theme among them all. In each, the student tells a story that communicates something about themselves, their background, and/or their values. 

In this guide to personal statement examples, we’ll discuss:

• The meaning of a personal statement essay and personal statement examples.
• Different personal statement essay prompts.
• How our personal statement examples vary.
• How to write a personal statement using these personal essay examples.

What makes a personal statement stand out?

• Tips for writing your best personal essay.

Before we get into the personal statement examples, let’s start by further defining the subject at hand. 

What is a Personal Statement?

To understand personal statement essay examples, you need to answer the question, “what is a personal statement?”

As you’ll see in these personal statement essay examples, the personal statement is an essay of around 500-650 words. This essay serves as the main point of communication between you and the admissions committee. It’s sometimes referred to as a college essay, personal essay, or Common App essay. 

But, beyond its word count and nicknames, what is a personal statement? The personal statement is the cover letter to your college application. It’s your chance to speak to the admissions committee in your own voice. The personal statement lets you show who you are outside of or in addition to your grades, recommendation letters, and extracurriculars. 

Since personal essays are so unique to the individual, there’s no one way to write them. As you’ll see in the personal statement examples, students approach personal essays in many different manners. 

Now that we’ve answered the question “what is a personal statement?”, let’s go over when you’ll need to write a personal statement. 

Do college applications require a Personal Statement?

We promise the personal statement examples we’ve compiled in this article will be useful. In fact, almost all colleges require you to write a personal statement. However, depending on what application you’re submitting, the personal statement might show up in a different context. That’s why we’re including multiple personal statement essay examples in this guide. 

If you’re applying with the Common Application, you’ll be writing a personal statement essay as part of your application. The personal statement format of the Common App is a 500-650 word essay that answers one of 6 prompts–or it is an essay on “any topic of your choice.” This personal statement format is relatively common. Indeed, many other personal statement examples will be of a similar length, answering similar prompts. 

Of course, different types of applications technically have different essay prompts. But, as you’ll see in the personal statement examples, most of the prompts ask similar things of you as an applicant. In order to write a strong personal essay, you’ll need to spend some time introspecting. 

In this guide, we’ll go over personal statement essay examples from the Common App as well as personal statement essay examples of the Questbridge essay.

Personal Statement vs. Common App Essay

When reading these personal statement examples, you might wonder: what’s the difference between personal statement examples and Common App essay examples?

A personal statement is a broader category of essay that does not have to be affiliated with the Common Application . As you’ll see in the personal essay examples, a personal statement is just an essay that says something about you. The Common App essay is a specific essay that answers one of the Common App prompts. It is submitted to every college you apply to using the Common App. 

Since the Common App is so, well, common, it may be the only personal statement you have to write. However, there are other application portals, like the Coalition Application and Questbridge program. Some schools also have their own application portal, such as ApplyTexas or the UC application. Depending on each application platform, the personal statement formats will vary. Therefore, it’s good to look at personal statement examples from different application types so you can get a feel for how the personal statement formats differ. But, you’ll notice similarities that exist among the personal statement examples, no matter the application platform. 

As we continue this guide on personal statement examples, let’s dive into some personal statement examples prompts. 

Examples of Personal Statement Prompts

In personal statement examples prompts, you may notice some themes. In general, all personal statement examples will provide students with an opportunity to explain a significant aspect of their personality or upbringing. 

Let’s look at some personal statement examples prompts, starting with one from the Common App: 

Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

And here’s one of the personal statement examples prompts from the UC application:

Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom.

Pretty similar, right? Both of these personal statement examples prompts ask you to think about an academic subject that you’re interested in and how you’ve interacted with that subject. If you’re someone who spends a lot of time participating in academic or research-based extracurriculars, these personal statement examples prompts might be good for you. Alternately, if all of your extracurriculars are NOT academic—sports, theater, artistic pursuits, a job—this could be a great opportunity for you to elaborate on whatever academic area you’re passionate about. 

These personal statement examples prompts are similar. However, that doesn’t mean that you can re-use different personal statements to answer them. For one, that UC prompt has a word limit of 350 words, whereas the Common App prompt is between 500-650 words. 

Here’s another of the UC personal statement examples prompts that is more unique and specific to the UC application:

Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side.

Now let’s look to this prompt from the Common App personal statement examples prompts which is pretty singular to the Common App:

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

Both of these personal statement examples prompts encourage you to reflect on yourself and your life. However, they are very different questions that would result in different personal essay formats. 

Now, let’s look more closely at the Common App essay prompts before we look at Common App personal statement examples. 

Common App Essay Prompts 

The Common App essay prompts are the most frequently used personal statement format. As such, many of our personal statement examples are answers to Common App questions. Though schools often have additional short supplemental essays, most accept the Common App personal statement.

There are 7 Common App essay prompts and each should be answered in 500-650 words:

7 Common App Essay Prompts

1. some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. if this sounds like you, then please share your story., 2. the lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. how did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience, 3. reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. what prompted your thinking what was the outcome, 4. reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. how has this gratitude affected or motivated you, 5. discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others., 6. describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. why does it captivate you what or who do you turn to when you want to learn more, 7. share an essay on any topic of your choice. it can be one you’ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design..

According to Forbes , the most popular of the Common App essay prompts (at least in 2016) is the first one. This prompt inquires about an important aspect of a student’s background, identity, interest, or talent. It is very open-ended. Likewise, you’ll find a lot of personal statement examples that talk about an important aspect of a student’s background. 

One of the least popular of the Common App essay prompts is the third, where you’re asked to reflect on a belief that’s been challenged. This prompt gives you the opportunity to talk about something that has caused you to change, which is a really great subject for an essay. This prompt gives students the opportunity to weave in a lot of strong essay writing tactics: anecdotes (the moment that caused your perspective to change), an easy beginning-middle-end structure, and a window into your beliefs and why you believe them. Plus, if you answer this one of the Common App essay prompts, you’ll be among a minority of students doing so, which is always good when doing college applications! 

The fifth of the Common App essay prompts is quite similar to the third in that it wants you to think about something that caused you to change. In general, all of the Common App personal essay examples will be very open-ended and focused on telling a personal story. Self-reflection and personal growth will be a theme among the prompts. 

Tips for getting started

When writing the Common App personal essay, many people get bogged down in choosing which of the Common App essay prompts to write about. If you feel like you don’t have any college essay ideas, try brainstorming potential answers for each question. Is there a topic that speaks to you, or one answer that came especially easy when you were brainstorming? No one prompt is better than another. Simply put, the best of your college essay ideas is the one you’re passionate about writing and tells something about who you are as a person.

There are lots of places where you can find personal essay examples of Common App essays that worked. There are guides that point out the best personal statement essay examples and why they worked , personal essay examples that feature a student’s “ voice and personality, ” and personal essay examples that got students into universities like Johns Hopkins and UConn . If you’re looking for more college essay ideas and college essay tips, these personal statement sample essays are a great place to start.

Next, let’s look at the prompts for the Coalition Application personal essay examples.

Coalition Application Essay Prompts

The Coalition Application essay prompts are similar to the Common App essay prompts. Therefore, the personal essay examples that answer those prompts will follow a similar personal statement format. Both types of essays are also 500-650 words.

These are the Coalition Application prompts for this year: 

2024-2025 Coalition Application Prompts

1. tell a story from your life, describing an experience that either demonstrates your character or helped to shape it., 2. what interests or excites you how does it shape who you are now or who you might become in the future, 3. describe a time when you had a positive impact on others. what were the challenges what were the rewards, 4. has there been a time when an idea or belief of yours was questioned how did you respond what did you learn, 5. what success have you achieved or obstacle have you faced what advice would you give a sibling or friend going through a similar experience, 6. submit an essay on a topic of your choice..

Seems pretty familiar, right? If you read Common App personal essay examples and Coalition App personal essay examples, you may not be able to tell the difference. Remember, when you’re writing an essay, you want to make sure to answer the specific prompt. Don’t submit something that doesn’t answer the question! But, all of the personal essay prompts are intentionally open-ended so that you can speak to yourself and your experiences without too much constraint. 

If you read our personal essay examples, you may not be able to tell from the personal statement format whether they’re from the Common App or the Coalition App. This is normal! If it fits—for example, if you answer the prompt about a challenge you faced for both the Common App and the Coalition App—you could even use the same essay, with a few tweaks, to apply with both applications. However, applying to college isn’t the time to cut corners. Whatever college essay ideas you write about, make sure that you’ve put your heart into them. 

Next, let’s look at a slightly different personal statement format for our personal essay examples: the UC personal insight questions. 

UC Personal Insight Questions

Unlike the previous two personal statement formats, the UC personal insight questions are shorter personal essay examples, and you answer more than one. The UC system does not take the Common App. So, you’ll have to answer these prompts if you want to apply to any of the University of California schools. 

These are the UC personal insight questions:

1. Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes or contributed to group efforts over time.

2. every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. describe how you express your creative side., 3. what would you say is your greatest talent or skill how have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time, 4. describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced., 5. describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. how has this challenge affected your academic achievement, 6. think about an academic subject that inspires you. describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom., 7. what have you done to make your school or your community a better place, 8. beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you a strong candidate for admissions to the university of california.

The UC personal statement format is different from the Common App and the Coalition App. Since these questions are only answered in 350 words, you’ll need to be more narrow in the scope of your essay. Pick a specific anecdote or topic, and write concisely about it. 

For this personal statement format, you also get to answer four different questions. This means that each question can showcase a different part of who you are. This can relieve some pressure that students face. Instead of feeling like you have to encapsulate your most important values and stories in one long essay, you get four chances to talk about different parts of your life. 

We don’t have any specific UC personal essay examples in this guide. But, we do have more resources specific to UC schools—read our “resources” section at the end of the article for more. 

Questbridge Personal Essay

The Questbridge personal essay is also a different personal statement format than the other personal essay examples. For one, it’s 800 words instead of the Common and Coalition Apps’ 500-650, and there’s only one prompt. 

The Questbridge Prompt

We are interested in learning more about the context in which you have grown up, formed your aspirations, and accomplished your successes. please describe how the most influential factors and challenges in your life have shaped you into the person you are today..

This prompt is open-ended. It allows you to talk about whatever aspects of your life that you feel are the most meaningful and relevant to who you are. 

Questbridge is also different from other applications because it’s not just an application portal, it’s a scholarship. The Questbridge College Match program matches low-income students with top colleges for a full ride scholarship. It’s very competitive and as such you shouldn’t shy away from telling meaningful, personal stories in your application. Think deeply: what has shaped you into the person you are today? 

Questbridge provides its own resources to help students with these essays. This worksheet for brainstorming helps you narrow down a topic and themes, and they also provide personal essay examples. 

Additionally, we’ve included Questbridge personal essay examples in this guide—keep reading to find out why they worked. 

How to write a personal statement?

So while reading great personal essay examples is important, you’re probably wondering how to write a personal statement.

The first step of how to write a personal statement is brainstorming. Think about parts of your life and identity that have influenced you. What is your favorite subject in school, and why? How do you feel about your family’s religion or traditions? Have you ever had a job that taught you something—about budgeting, politics, growing up? Write about something you’re passionate about as this will allow the admissions committee to get to know you better. 

The second step of how to write a personal statement is to free write. Don’t edit and don’t overthink. Just set a timer and try to answer a Common App prompt. Or simply write a story about your life that you care about. Any and all pre-writing is going to be helpful. 

Outlining Your Ideas

The third step of how to write a personal statement is actually outlining your essay. What’s the hook at the beginning that grabs the reader? What anecdotes or details will you include in the middle? What do you want the reader to know about you by the end? If you know where you want to end up, you’ll have an easier time getting there. 

Begin Writing

The fourth step of how to write a personal statement is to actually write! Again, don’t worry about editing (or length) too much at this stage. Just work on getting an essay written. Most importantly, do this long before the application deadline. You’ll want sufficient time for the next step of how to write a personal statement…

Revise! Wait a week, and then read your essay again. Are any parts clunky? Is there anything that doesn’t seem clear? Send your essay to a friend, family member, or college counselor for an outside look. We can guarantee that all of our personal essay examples underwent some revision. Remember, writing is rewriting. 

Let’s look at another important aspect of how to write a personal statement: planning. 

Planning your personal essay for college

One big step of planning your personal essay is reading personal essay examples! Before you start writing your personal essay, read personal essay examples. This will allow you to get a feel for the personal statement format and what makes these essays persuasive. You can also get a good sense of common themes of personal essays from personal essay examples.

Other than reading personal essay examples, an important step of planning how to write a personal statement is introspection. As this Forbes writer put it, “Whatever you write, it’s about you .” Even if you’re answering a short question about your intended major or favorite movie, those things still tell college admissions who you are. In a longer personal statement, you’ll want to make sure to connect your experiences and anecdotes back to what they have taught you or how you’ve grown because of them. 

But make no mistake: rather than Googling “what is an example of a good personal statement,” it’s far better to read our already-vetted personal essay examples. 

Personal Statement Format

When reading our personal essay examples, keep in mind the personal statement format. For longer essays, this format will be pretty similar each time. For shorter essays, you have a little bit more leeway because you have less space, but keep the format in mind.

Open with a hook to draw in your reader. This could be an anecdote, quote, song lyric, or just a really engaging statement. The hook should hint to what the rest of the essay will be about.

Central claim

This should come at some point in your first paragraph. What is your essay about? You don’t need to be super detailed, but you should give the reader an idea of what this personal essay will be about. Is it about what your extracurriculars taught you about community? Is it the moment you realized you didn’t want to be a doctor like your mom? Or is it how your upbringing in a desert area influenced your desire to work in sustainability? Whatever your main claim is, state it from the beginning. 

The next 2-3 paragraphs are the body of your essay. In the body, work on showing, not telling. For example, don’t just say, “Now, sustainability was the most important thing in my life.” Instead, “Now, instead of driving to school every day, I rode my bike, or took a bus. And every pizza box was painstakingly scraped and placed in the recycling bin.”

A good personal essay format is often chronological: it provides a clear way to structure your work that moves from beginning to end. If the hook is one influential conversation with your teacher that changed what you believed, the next two paragraphs could describe what happened next with your thoughts. 

Most importantly, describe some kind of change or progression. 

Your conclusion should restate the main thesis or topic of your essay and look towards the future. What did what you talked about in your essay teach you? How will it affect you as a soon-to-be college student? 

The personal statement format will be truncated with shorter essays, like the UC personal essay examples. Worry less about including whole anecdotes and more about using vivid descriptions for the points you want to get across. You should still try to hook your reader at the beginning, but do so with one line rather than a whole story.

Now that we’ve gone over the personal statement format, let’s take a closer look at how you start a personal statement before we dive into our personal essay examples. 

How to start a personal statement?

As we’ve mentioned, for the standard personal statement format, you want to start with a hook. 

A hook can be many different things. It can just be an engaging phrase, something that makes the reader want to keep reading, such as the following:  

• “I never knew that last Thanksgiving would be the last time I saw my childhood home.”
• “After 10 years of animosity, I can finally say that I understand my mother.” 
• “The most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen was on an old chalkboard in a dingy 10th grade classroom.” 

A hook can also be an anecdote. Put the reader right in the middle of a scene, and tell the story from there.

Remember, this part of the personal statement format is one of the most important. If you start and end your essay in a strong and memorable way, that’s what your reader will take with them. Keep this in mind as you’re reading the personal essay examples. All of these personal essay examples have compelling hooks—take note of each one and think about what makes it successful.

Personal Essay Examples #1

The first of our personal statement examples for college is about how the student’s upbringing influenced their desire to study politics and human rights. The student showcases their outstanding academic work and demonstrates the values that matter to them. 

Hundreds of thousands were fleeing the country, its endless violence, and its senseless injustices. I was born in the midst of a war-torn Colombia in 1993. My mother and I were caught up in this cascade of refugee emigrants. In this way, failed political and legal human rights systems served as a foundation for my upbringing — an upbringing that has shaped my motivations, academic pursuits, and aspirations for a future in public service. I had experienced many obstacles from the outset, but none as impactful as growing up as an undocumented refugee in Florida, U.S. Having left both family and nation behind, from an early age, I witnessed the sufferings that come as a result of failed human rights protection systems. These pains began to catalyze an eager desire within me to prepare myself to be able to protect the most vulnerable and underrepresented.  

In the U.S., my mother always instilled in me the belief that I could do anything if I worked hard enough. She would always tell me, “todo es possible, si te esfuerzas.” Her words motivated me to keep overcoming and nourished within me a zeal for learning. I applied her words in my academics and on the football field, and I began to see the fruits of that labor. During those moments I felt grateful for how life was molding me, but I felt an even stronger gratitude for my Christian upbringing. It was this spirituality, imparted unto me by my mother, that grounded me in what I  consider to be the most important quality of all: Integrity. With time, I understood the importance of this project. My aim for social service and social justice, if not intertwined with integrity, would be, in my opinion, for naught.  

My life experiences brought about my interest in political theory. Notably, in analyzing how the philosophical interwove into the pragmatic fabric of the defenseless, using the case of the vulnerable populations that I belonged to as a lens. Research that, due to my desire to have my IB  Independent Essay embody that of undergraduate-level work, I had begun even before arriving on campus. For two years, I dedicated a significant amount of time to construct ideological models that would allow for political institutions to practice their vocation with integrity and virtue, devoid of corruption. The intent of working on what my advisor called “one of the thorniest dilemmas in political theory and the history of political thought,” was no accident.

I knew that the work was difficult. Yet, I have realized that nothing worth its merit is ever easy. In culminating my essay, I  was elated by its success. My approach and philosophy on politics, law, human rights, and what I  wish to continue studying, reflects this very work. It is about helping others, the right way.  Because, ultimately, I believe that sustainable political and legal practices arise from axiomatic virtue in action.  

What I wish to be, and whom I want to protect and serve, has everything to do with what my family and I had lacked. Someone that would have stood up for us. As a victim, refugee, and survivor,  my tribulations are my sense of purpose. They fuel me to stand up for others. Though I still believe that I can do all things, I also understand my limits and that, as much as I desire to, I cannot change the whole world. Notwithstanding, I feel an obligation to make the most significant difference that  I can for those in need. I believe that in acquiring the knowledge that a bachelor’s degree in politics can offer, I will be better equipped to address the social injustices prevalent around the world and do my part to construct, alongside my colleagues, a better tomorrow.

Personal Statement Sample Essay #2

Next in our personal statement examples for college is an essay about a belief that a student is questioning: Catholicism. The student has to wrestle with their family’s staunch belief to figure out what they truly care about, and then muster the courage to tell their family. This essay follows this student’s struggle, and reflects on the challenge of having an unorthodox belief. 

Personal Statement #2

My journey of questioning the Catholic beliefs that my family members hold close to their hearts has been incredibly intimate and thought-provoking. For many years, I felt as if I had to manifest into the religious person I was not, merely to keep my parents content, and this demoralized me for a large portion of my life. Having to hear Bible verses in a church I was forced to sit in every Sunday and trying to find the validity in these stories is what my time in mass truly consisted of. Why can’t I bring myself to believe that these stories are true, when everyone sitting here is able to? 

Growing up in a hispanic household in which the statement “Gracias a Dios que…” (translation: “Thank God that…”) is expressed everyday, even in the most simplest occurrences, caused me to continue contemplating the veracity of these beliefs as I matured. Thoughts would course through my mind about the reasons why we were thanking God when he did not hand anything to us himself and my parents were working hard for everything that we had. Even when it came to our health, this statement would be reiterated. Trips to medical offices and recovering from illnesses were filled with this statement, and it aggravated me to witness this spiritual being getting the credit for a doctor’s knowledge and actions. Even more questions that I wouldn’t dare to ask kept consuming my thoughts, the biggest one being, “Am I wrong for believing that my family should not be thanking God?” 

One of the most significant aspects of my journey is the day I discovered that my grandfather is also an atheist, as it brought relief upon seeing that I was not alone in doubting the beliefs that my family members hold. However, once the conversation turned to speak about how wrong he was, this feeling of relief quickly brought out my underlying fear that my parents would view me negatively if they knew that I was not the dutiful and religious daughter they believed I was. I also didn’t remember the last time I had spoken to my grandfather, and a feeling of solitude washed over me once again. 

The denouement of my journey arrived when I determined that I did not believe in a god and was no longer afraid of not being accepted by my parents for this. I built the courage to inform them that I do not share the beliefs they hold dear to their hearts. When I realized that I did not have to believe in a god in order to be a good person, my fear of not being accepted went away, as I began to accept myself. 

The most ironic aspect of this journey is the amount of times my family has told me that I am wrong for being an atheist, when I have never told them that they are wrong for being Catholics. I may not partake in their beliefs, but I will always respect the fact that they have them. This journey has been crucial to my personal growth and has shaped me into a very accepting person. One of the biggest factors that has diverted me from having a desire to be part of a religious community is how exclusive they tend to be. It is not only the conceptual aspect of religion that I do not believe in, but also the way many humans have interpreted it and used it to justify discriminatory acts throughout history. 

Everyone in this world should be accepted for who they are, as long as they do not harm others. Being an atheist and dealing with the backlash of my family telling me that I am wrong has only led me to be even more passionate about the things I stand for. I implore that no one should put others down for being their true selves.

Examples of Personal Essays #3

The last of our personal statement examples for college is a Questbridge essay. As mentioned above, the Questbridge essay is for a full-ride scholarship, and so this personal statement format has only one prompt and an 800-word limit. This essay uses vivid description and metaphor to show how something that seems very casual—Costco pizza night—came to represent the sacrifices the student’s parents made to support their family. Questbridge essays often discuss challenges and adversity. Read this last essay of our personal statement examples for college for an example of what makes a great college essay.

Essay #3: Questbridge Essay

I love Costco pizza. 

While I now know that this cheesy, greasy gift from God isn’t good for my arteries, that’s not why I feel so strongly about a Costco staple. 

My fondness stems from the lessons learned in between bites of tangy tomato sauce. 

Sprinting through the towers of bulk foods and between sample carts of Kirkland Signature pizza rolls, Costco was my Garden of Eden. While my parents stocked up on toilet paper and excessive amounts of Madeline Petites, my brother and I raced to the food court and secured our rightful spot in line among the sea of families. The enormous signs towered over us as we scanned the menu for our manna: a ten dollar, eighteen-inch pizza. 

We made our pilgrimage to Costco every Sunday as a family, and it was the only day we were all together. Gathered around the classic red table, we sat on the benches and feasted as if it were the Last Supper. In my eight-year-old eyes, it felt like it was. The recession of 2008 crashed down on us. Papi spent every waking moment in Atlanta, working as a sous chef at the Intercontinental Hotel in Buckhead. Mami worked a regular nine to five Monday through Friday, but with school over at three pm, she was rarely home by then. 

Every weekday after school was the same routine. I wrestled with the front door, attempting to pry it open as my little brother sat on the ground, entranced by the wiggling worms. Together, we tackled our work, keeping each other company in the otherwise empty house. Friday came, and so did excitement at seeing my parents for more than eight hours. Romeo Santos crooned as my mother cleaned on Saturday mornings, and cartoons blared from the television. I was one day closer to entering the promised land: Costco. 

Before she even let go, I flung myself from my mother’s arms and onto the grey linoleum floors. My father slid ten dollars into my hand and winked at me, already aware of my intentions. I raced to the endless line while my brother secured our side table. Pressed up against the smudged glass, we watched, transfixed as gloved hands twirled the dough. My family had front row seats to the greatest show every Sunday. 

Surrounding the 18-inch masterpiece, we dug in immediately, burning our tongues on the scorching cheese. We laughed about the ‘locos’ that visited Mami’s job, and Papi recounted stories about famous people who dined at the hotel. Being able to finally spend time with my entire family brought me the greatest joy. Yet, while these memories are plentiful and endearing, they didn’t shape me into who I am today. It was the difficult conversations. It was over pizza that my father told us he had gotten a second job at Belk because one wasn’t enough. As tomato sauce rolled down my chin, my parents spoke in hushed voices about ‘mortgage’ and ‘loans’: words I couldn’t even begin to comprehend. Yet, it was at those glossy, red tables where my parents reminded me of their endless love and sacrifice. 

My parents gave up their dream home and countless hours of sleep so that I could attend a reputable high school. My home was empty after school because they worked overtime. As we chewed the last bites and headed out the door, my father would always tell me, “Mija, I don’t want you to be like me, working like a donkey for nothing. I hope you aren’t embarrassed of me.” It was then that, I wish I had the courage to tell him that he made me proud. I wish I had the courage now to thank them for everything. 

Pizza Sundays at Costco were more than a simple meal. They created the person I am today. I learned about the sacrifices my parents made, and the obstacles they faced that I couldn’t even begin to wrap my mind around. They were like the crust, sturdy and unfailing: the foundation and support system that I still rely on. Like the cheese, they were flexible and durable; they never collapsed under pressure and kept us together. They were essential like sauce is to a pizza; without them, there would be no family. Just like every pie, they too had been tossed around and molded, beaten but not destroyed. 

I love my parents. 

While they raised me and gave me weekly pizza dinners, that’s not why I feel so strongly about who they are. 

It’s the lessons they taught me that propel me to serve my community and lift others up. They embody true passion, sacrifice, and love and influence me to strive for greatness in my academic endeavors and relationships. They are the ultimate example to me.

What makes a great college essay? As you probably noticed in those personal statement examples, self-reflection is vital when it comes to writing a standout personal essay. Most importantly, be yourself ! Reading personal statement sample essays for college is important to getting started, however, it’s not everything. You’ll need to consider your unique experiences, perspectives, and future goals in order to write your most meaningful personal essay. Write about a subject you are genuinely passionate about. 

Don’t be afraid to take some risks

The personal statement format we provided is just a guideline—there is no perfect personal statement format that will always work. However, don’t do anything too crazy—like rhyming the whole time or submitting 100 words for a 500 word essay. But, remember that we learn the rules of the personal statement format so that we can break them. As long as the essay is grammatically correct, interesting, and true to who you are, you can get creative. Look for creative personal statement sample essays for inspiration. 

Add your why

Don’t just make statements—explain why those statements matter. You can see this in all of the personal essay examples we shared. If something was meaningful to you, explain why. If you want to study a specific subject, explain why . When in doubt, answer why . You can see this demonstrated in the personal statement sample essays above: all of these personal essay examples explain why a student has a specific value or career goal.

Spelling and grammar

Make sure your spelling and grammar are perfect. Nothing kills an essay faster than a typo, and with all of the various spell-check tools available today, there is no excuse. To catch any typos or confusing phrases, read your essay out loud. Anything you stumble on or can’t say in one breath is probably worth revisiting. Look to the personal statement sample essays for guidance.

Additional Personal Statement Tips

There are never too many college essay tips to make applying to college less overwhelming. So, to write an essay that impresses college admissions, in addition to reading college essays that worked and strong examples of college essays, here are some things that you can do: 

Additional Personal Statement Essay Tips

• Check if the schools you’re applying to have a different personal statement format, or look for any other personal statement requirements besides the Common App. 
• Start working in advance—reading guides like this one on personal statement sample essays is a great start. But, reading other materials on college essay tips and applying to college will help you feel more confident when the college admissions process actually begins. 
• Don’t just stop at these personal statement sample essays—read more examples of college essays that aren’t necessarily personal statement sample essays. Learning how to write a great supplemental essay, an essay focused on career or academics , or a personal statement sample essay in the UK are all valuable lessons. These New York Times -recognized personal statement sample essays about money and class are also exceptional—keep reading personal statement sample essays to help you craft your own!
• We’ve got a whole tab on different types of essay guides and Common App essay prompts, like the transfer essay . For more college essay ideas and college essay tips, check out those resources. 

And, speaking of CollegeAdvisor resources and college essay tips… 

Other CollegeAdvisor Essay Resources to Explore 

Here are more resources from CollegeAdvisor on how to ace your essays when applying to college: 

CollegeAdvisor Essay-Writing Resources

• Check out this webinar on how to write about your extracurriculars in your college essays. It can be hard to write about extracurriculars without falling into cliches or overdone sports metaphors—watch this webinar to learn more!
• This webinar explains how to translate your personal interests into a future major. Thinking about how to connect your interests to your future major is very helpful for essay writing, especially for the many “why major” supplemental essays you may have to write! 
• Looking at college-specific personal statement sample essays and supplemental essays can be very helpful—especially with an analysis of why they worked . UChicago’s essays are notorious for being unique and outlandish—read some of these personal statement sample essays to spark your creativity ! 

Personal Statement Examples – Final Takeaways

We hope that after reading this guide on personal essay examples you feel more prepared to write great college essays. Our personal statement examples for college span many different topics and represent great storytelling across the board.

This guide on personal statement examples showcased college essays that worked, and answered questions like, “what is a personal statement?” “what are the differences between personal statements on different application platforms?” and “how do I structure my personal statement?”

By reading examples of college essays that worked, we hope that you have a better understanding of the personal statement format, as well as how to impress college admissions with stellar storytelling, structure, and grammar. 

Remember: the biggest thing that college admissions officers are looking for is to learn more about you . So, consider what makes you unique, and start writing!

This article about personal essay examples was written by advisor, Rachel Kahn . Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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10 Successful Personal Statement Examples from Elite Colleges

• August 14, 2024

As you gear up to tackle the daunting task of college applications, one of the most critical components you’ll prepare is the personal statement. This essay is not just a formality; it’s a medium to convey your unique personality, experiences, and aspirations to the admissions committee. It’s how they get to know you outside of your transcripts, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation, and colleges want to hear from the real you!

A well-written personal statement can set you apart from thousands of applicants by showcasing your ability to think critically and express yourself creatively. But remember, there isn’t one way to write the perfect essay! In this blog, we’re giving you personal statements released from 10 schools, each of them different and aligned to the core values of the university. 

But don’t spend your time trying to mimic these essays! 

What makes these essays so great is that they are authentic to the student and don’t spend their 650 words saying what they think admissions officers want to hear. Use these essays for inspiration and familiarize yourself with their structure. Use these essays as a springboard for your own creativity!

Feeling like you’re biting off more than you can chew already? Don’t sweat it! Marks Education offers essay packages to help you take your college essay from zero to hero. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and hear how we can help make a difference in your fall semester!

• St. Mary’s University Personal Statement Examples

St. Mary’s University’s admissions website showcases a collection of past sample personal statements from students who have successfully navigated their application process. These essays are great because they exemplify the qualities St. Mary’s holds in high esteem: community involvement, personal integrity, and a commitment to personal and academic growth. Prospective students can look to these essays to gain insight into how to best highlight and blend personal experiences with St. Mary’s values, but also to flex that essay muscle in their brain. 

• Johns Hopkins University Personal Statement Examples

Johns Hopkins University is renowned for its intensive research and academic rigor, and the successful  personal statement examples provided by the school and written by admitted students deeply reflect these themes. John Hopkins essays seem to demonstrate deep curiosity and unwavering dedication to the student’s chosen fields of interest. This is effective at showing admissions readers that students have thought extensively about their career aspirations and are prepared for the rigor of the coursework provided. These personal statements did a phenomenal job at integrating the student’s passion for research with real-world implications and then they were able to show a clear vision of how they plan to contribute to their academic and professional communities.

• Connecticut College Personal Statement Examples

Connecticut College provides a selection of standout college successful personal statement examples that helped secure students a place at this prestigious liberal arts school. CC’s website seems to emphasize essays that resonate with the school’s deep commitment to social justice and active community involvement. These successful college essays show how applicants engaged with these important values in their own lives and offered compelling narratives of community service, advocacy, or social initiatives that aligned closely with the college’s ethos.

• New York University (NYU) Personal Statement Examples

New York University (NYU) prides itself on its diverse and global perspective, which is clearly reflected in the personal statement examples of its incoming class. These essays emphasize cultural awareness, professional aspiration, and a clear sense of personal identity. In these NYU essays, students illustrated their readiness to thrive in a multifaceted environment by discussing their experiences in various cultural contexts, their future career goals, and the personal journeys that have shaped their unique outlooks. 

• Hamilton College Personal Statement Examples

Hamilton College offers examples of personal statements that exemplify clear, thoughtful writing and personal reflection. These personal statement examples are closely aligned with Hamilton’s educational philosophy, which emphasizes teaching students to think independently and communicate effectively. The example essays on Hamilton’s website showcase how applicants should articulate their ideas and personal narratives in a way that reflects their intellectual autonomy and communication skills. These essays work to demonstrate to the college the students’ abilities to engage critically with their thoughts and experiences. This objective heavily aligns with the college’s focus on developing thoughtful leaders and communicators.

• Wesleyan University Personal Statement Examples

At Wesleyan, successful applicants’ essays reflected innovative thinking and a passion for learning that aligns with the university’s emphasis on liberal arts education in a diverse environment. These personal statement examples show how students can integrate their varied interests and experiences into a cohesive narrative. The essays highlight applicants’ ability to think critically across disciplines, demonstrate intellectual flexibility, and embrace a broad spectrum of ideas, values, and cultures, which are all said to be integral to the Wesleyan educational experience.

• St. John’s College Personal Statement Examples

St. John’s unique curriculum is based on what is known as the Great Books program, which is mirrored in the personal statements presented. This showcases St. John’s drive to admit deep thinkers and passionate learners. These successful college essays reveal how applicants connect with classic texts, demonstrating their ability to engage with complex ideas and philosophical debates. Prospective students can be expected to articulate their insights into how these texts have shaped their intellectual growth and critical thinking skills. Additionally, these statements highlighted a commitment to lifelong learning and a curiosity about a wide range of disciplines, which reflects the interdisciplinary approach encouraged at St. John’s.

• University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Personal Statement Examples

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s examples highlight how applicants can effectively connect their academic and career goals with the opportunities available. These personal statement examples showcase students’ strategic thinking as they link their specific academic interests and professional aspirations to the unique resources and programs. These examples of  top university admissions essays detail plans to utilize faculty expertise, research facilities, and internships to propel their careers, which demonstrates a proactive and thoughtful approach to their education and future that the college wishes to facilitate.

• Harvard University Personal Statement Examples

Harvard’s successful personal statements demonstrate not only academic excellence but also leadership qualities and a commitment to community service. These essays provide a glimpse into how applicants have not only excelled in their studies but also taken active leadership roles in various contexts, from school clubs to community organizations. This is a commonly sought after trait in top university admissions essays . This shows students a balanced approach to success, which blends intellectual achievements with significant contributions to their communities. These narratives often reflect a deep understanding of global issues that showcase applicants’ readiness to engage with complex problems and drive positive change.

• Purdue University Personal Statement Examples

Purdue provides personal statement examples that showcase clarity, organization, and a strong alignment with the applicants’ desired field of study, particularly in STEM disciplines. These essays demonstrate how students clearly articulate their scientific curiosities and career goals. The statements detail previous research experiences, innovative aspirations, and how the student plans to contribute to their field. This approach reflects a proactive engagement with education, underlining the importance of a structured and purpose-driven academic journey at Purdue.

By exploring these personal statement examples to elite learning institutions, you can gain valuable insights into how to write an essay that truly reflects who you are and enhances your application. But remember, the best personal statement is one that is authentically yours, combining your unique experiences and aspirations with clear writing and thoughtful expression. 

And please! Hopefully, it goes without saying: DON’T try to pass any of these winning essays off as your own. Not only will colleges recognize the inauthenticity in your writing, but most plagiarism scanners will pick up the essay as it already exists online. Don’t ruin your chances at your dream school by taking a shortcut.

Crafting a personal statement can be daunting. If you find yourself struggling to translate your thoughts and experiences into a compelling narrative, consider seeking professional advice. Marks Education offers college application advising services that can help you make the most of your essay. Our expert advisors are equipped to guide you through the process, helping refine your ideas and enhance your writing to create a standout personal statement.

Contact us today to learn more!

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