Writing a Successful Personal Statement

Writing your personal statement can seem intimidating. Not only is choosing and applying to a graduate program a major life decision, but summing up your goals, ambitions, and experiences in only 1-2 pages can leave you stumped with where to begin. We want to help you get your gears turning, so you can write a successful personal statement without the stress!

Here is a brief overview of what to include:

  • Background details: academic, projects, internships, leadership, and extracurricular activities, while giving emphasis to skills that apply to the program of interest.
  • Your interest in this degree program: why will this program advance your career?
  • Why WPI? What about this school and program stands out to you?
  • Your Future Career Goals: How will you utilize this degree in shaping your future career? What opportunities will an advanced degree afford you?
  • Who are you? Give insight into our personal and professional experience, interests, and inspiration. Provide an anecdote from your life that has shaped your interest in the industry in a positive and professional way. This is your opportunity to showcase your best self.
  • What you can do: Tell us about the skills you have acquired through your professional and educational background. Discuss how you were able to translate coursework, projects, and academic activities as actionable skills in your professional life.
  • Where is your future? What types of research, projects, and professional experiences do you see yourself committing to long-term? What are your long-term goals?
  • Closing: Wrap up with a solid foundation by referencing program specific details that intrigue you, faculty research or publications, and provide insight that you have researched the program to showcase your commitment and interest.

This is a high-level overview of what it takes to write a successful personal statement, and is meant as a tool to help you initiate the brainstorming process. For a more detailed set of guidelines, visit this website: WPI Career Development Center’s Personal Statement Tipsheet.