Personal Statement Examples

Interesting Intros

Sample 1:

I am pursuing graduate education in chemical engineering because I want to work in a field that directly impacts society. I value practicality over abstraction, and engineering is ideal because it applies the concepts of math and science to real-world problems. In addition, I crave an immersive and focused academic experience that builds on my rewarding undergraduate career. A PhD program will allow me to pursue my research interests to a much greater depth while also expanding my future career opportunities. I hope to continue improving the teaching ability I have already developed in my past extensive tutoring and current biochemistry preceptorship. Finally, joining a community of likeminded individuals will be a valuable chance for collaboration and personal growth. 2

Sample 2:

Having majored in Literary Studies (World Literature) as an undergraduate, I would now like to concentrate on English and American literature. I am especially interested in nineteenthcentury literature, women's literature, Anglo-Saxon poetry, and folklore and folk literature. My personal literary projects have involved some combination of these subjects. For the oral section of my comprehensive exams, I specialized in nineteenth century novels by and about women. The relationship between "high" and folk literature became the subject for my honors essay, which examined Toni Morrison's use of classical, biblical, African, and Afro-American folk tradition in her novel. I plan to work further on this essay, treating Morrison's other novels and perhaps preparing a paper suitable for publication. 1

Describing Experiences

Sample 1:

On a personal level, these competitions helped me make friends all over the world, improved my confidence, and instilled in me a love of international travel. On an intellectual level, they exposed me to a wide variety of topics I would otherwise have never considered. I learned to think critically and examine an issue from multiple perspectives. I loved working past the rhetoric in my opponent’s speeches and pointing out flaws in their arguments. Sometimes I was given many months to prepare a topic, and sometimes I was only given two minutes. Whichever the case, I always had to be creative in developing and articulating my arguments. 3

Sample 2:

I met Micah when I volunteered with Butterfly Dreams Farm Therapeutic Riding Program. Micah met the horses and was excited for his first ride, smiling brightly when he was placed in the saddle. I spoke to him gently and encouraged him to follow his therapist’s instructions. As the weeks passed, I kept speaking to Micah — describing the horse, giving words of encouragement, and saying his name often. One week, Micah responded to me. It was one of the few times Micah has ever spoken, as Micah is nonverbal. I am pursuing occupational therapy because of children like Micah.

Concluding Ideas

Sample 1:

I am requesting admission to XYZ University’s MPH program in epidemiology. My previous epidemiology experience, academic preparation, and personal qualities have prepared me for the expectations of your program. My objective for graduate school is to combine rigorous academic study with hands-on experience, and I believe that ABC City and XYZ University offer extraordinary opportunities for these endeavors. Lastly, I believe that I can contribute to your program through research, publishing, and multidisciplinary collaboration. My goal is to utilize the intellectual richness and diversity of XYZ University to enhance the quality of life of the world’s people. 1

Sample 2:

Shadowing showed me how difficult dentistry can be and motivated me to excel academically to become a successful dentist. I would like to continue to contribute as a dentist to my community— abroad and locally, like in XYZ country where Asaka got his first filling or in ABC free clinic where Jamie smiled proudly for the first time. Preventative dental care should be available at an early age, and I want to be a part of increasing that accessibility for all patients.


1. Purdue University. Examples of Successful Statements., 2. MIT: Chem E, Communication Lab. Graduate School Personal Statement., & 3. University of Toronto Law. Personal Statement Examples.