What are the key elements we look for in a personal statement or statement of purpose when assessing an applicant’s readiness for a master’s program?
- Why you need to write a personal statement?
As part of your application to study for a master’s degree at Selected Universities fo Choice, it is required to submit a personal statement.
This statement serves as an opportunity for you to demonstrate your suitability for the master’s course and your potential for successful completion.
It is essential to showcase your clear understanding of the course and what it entails. Occasionally, this document may also be referred to as a ‘statement of purpose’ or a similar term.
- Who will read your personal statement.
our personal statement will be read by a member of the Admissions team who will consider it as a crucial component in the decision-making process regarding the offers of admission.
Planning your personal statement
- Please review the application criteria.
Ensure that you read the application form thoroughly and adhere to any instructions provided, ensuring that you include all the required elements we expect to see. - Conduct Some Research
Start by conducting thorough research on the course, department, and University for each application.
Consider the evidence you can include in your personal statement to showcase your relevant skills, knowledge, and experience.
If you tend to be modest about your abilities, seek input from a current tutor or mentor on what they would include.
Highlight how you meet any specific skill requirements, such as mathematics or programming, if mentioned in the course entry requirements.
- For applicants in the field of Psychology:
For certain Psychology courses, there are specific criteria regarding the content of your personal statement. We recommend visiting our website, Abnerassignmenthelp, for assistance and further guidance on this matter.
- To craft an impactful personal statement:
Allocate ample time for writing your personal statement and avoid leaving it until the last minute.
Determine the structure you will use for your personal statement, focusing on presenting your case coherently and logically.
Ensure you mention the specific program and University in your statement, and create a separate personal statement for each application, even if the courses are similar.
Keep in mind that there is usually a word limit ranging from 400 to 600 words.
Use your own words when writing the personal statement and avoid copying from other sources.
- General writing tips
Write in a clear, concise style without unnecessary complexity or elaboration.
Utilize active voice, such as “I completed a placement in 2022,” instead of passive voice.
Structure your statement with short sentences and paragraphs.
Use definite language to express your intentions, e.g., “I want to” or “I intend to” instead of “I hope to.”
Include only relevant information that pertains to your skills and reasons for pursuing the course.
Avoid exaggerating your achievements to maintain a balanced tone in your application.
Refrain from repeating information already covered in other parts of the application.
Steer clear of clichéd phrases or quotes for opening lines, and provide a concise summary of your academic and employment background instead.
Proofread your personal statement carefully to eliminate any grammatical or spelling errors. Consider having someone else review it as well, as it can be difficult to spot mistakes in your own writing.
What to include in your personal statement
- Demonstrate motivation and enthusiasm
When reviewing your personal statement, we will seek evidence that demonstrates:
- Your decision to choose our university and degree after thorough research and consideration of other options.
- Your genuine excitement about the opportunity to study at our institution.
- The alignment between the degree and your long-term goals.
- Specific reasons why you are interested in pursuing the course.
- Specific reasons why you have chosen to pursue the course at That University of interest.
- How the course connects with your future aspirations.
- Your commitment and enthusiasm, substantiated by showcasing your knowledge of the course, department, and relevant research.
- Displaying your passion for your chosen field of study, beyond simply stating that you are committed and enthusiastic.
- Emphasize your suitability for the program.
In your personal statement, it is important to highlight the skills, knowledge, and experience that demonstrate your suitability for the course.
We are looking for evidence of both subject-specific and transferable skills that indicate your potential to succeed and excel in the program.
- Academic achievements
It is recommended to incorporate examples of academic achievements that illustrate how they have equipped you for the content and requirements of the course.
Additionally, provide an explanation of how the course aligns with and potentially builds upon your past experiences.
- Professional achievements
Include any pertinent work experience and utilize your duties, tasks, and responsibilities during the job or placement to effectively communicate the valuable skills and insights you gained from those experiences.
- Relevant hobbies and interests
Incorporating your hobbies and volunteering activities can further enhance your personal statement by showcasing positive qualities and additional experiences that contribute to portraying you as a well-suited candidate.
- Mitigating circumstances
If you have encountered challenging or mitigating circumstances that may have impacted your previous studies, you have the option to include this information in your personal statement, but only if it is relevant to your application.