Yu Hao (Leo)

Personal Statement (PS) is a relatively free form of writing, with its core being “personal.” Individuality is its hallmark, and therefore, a good PS should not be clichéd or ordinary. Unfortunately, most PSs are generic and templated, with the five-paragraph template being particularly common. This can be reviewed in the “Top 10 Common Mistakes in Personal Statements.”

When we realize our PS is lacking, how should we correct it? First, change your mindset. From now on, be aware that any guidance dictating specific content for each paragraph is incorrect. No one has the right to limit your thinking; you can create any structure for your PS. As long as this structure aligns with your overall concept and clearly communicates what you want readers to understand, it’s an effective structure.

After understanding the concept of PS and its structure, we need to consider what kind of structure can effectively accomplish our goals. Before we dive into this, we must first understand the content a PS typically needs. A good PS should include past, present, and future elements. Let me explain each:

Past: This refers to your experiences and knowledge gained so far. Many students focus heavily on this section in their PS, so I won’t elaborate further.

Future: The concept of the future is about our outlook. This mainly includes a clear career plan, not just a brief mention like “I want to work in xxx.” It should discuss how this career plan formed, how you view the development of the field you will study, and how your personal development aligns with the industry’s trajectory. A good PS should clearly show your envisioned future and make admissions officers want to be a part of that future, aiding your development through the program you’ll be studying.

Present: I’ve saved the present for last because while it’s unquestionable that students will write about the past and are less likely to omit the future, the present is often overlooked. Many template PSs lack content on the “present,” and many students are even clueless about what the “present” in a PS should be. It represents your current level of knowledge and skills. If you’ve tried to prove your knowledge in a field by listing past courses in the “Past” section, then in the “Present” section, discuss a hot academic topic or question in that field. This is a better way to demonstrate your current capabilities than using past experiences. Additionally, the “Present” can include your understanding of your strengths, weaknesses, and the school and program you’re applying to. For instance, MSc Finance programs can vary significantly between schools; you might explain why you prefer one course over another in a program and what you hope to learn from it. All these can be included in the “Present” section. Review your PS – is this section lacking or even missing?

After understanding the concepts of “Past,” “Present,” and “Future,” it’s clear that a good PS is an organic combination of these three elements. They complement each other and are all essential. Good structuring means optimizing the arrangement of these elements based on your unique characteristics and strengths. Each individual’s choice of structure contributes to the “personal” aspect of their statement, doesn’t it?

Before delving into specific examples of structural arrangements, let’s understand the roles of the introduction, body, and conclusion. These can’t be explained in just a few words, but I will briefly outline their typical functions:

Introduction (Hook): Its primary purpose is to attract the reader and stimulate their interest.

Body (Hard Core): This is where you showcase all your highlights. This section can present any combination of past, present, and future elements, forming a cohesive whole that represents the most complete “you.”

Conclusion (Hammer): After engaging the reader with your story, the conclusion is your final persuasive element. It should leave the admissions officer compelled to say, “I want to admit this student!” Reflect on your past, present, and future and consider their roles in your PS, placing them in appropriate sections of your essay.

Now, let’s look at some structural examples for PS:

Career-Oriented Structure (Future – Past – Present – Future) This structure starts with career planning or goals, followed by past experiences and current knowledge and understanding of the course, culminating in how these elements help achieve career goals. It emphasizes the significance of career goals in your life, study direction, and content. The logic is clear: further education fills the gap between your current state and your career objectives.

Gradual Growth Structure (Past – Present – Future) If the first structure is a narrative reversal, this one is a classic chronological order. It starts from a life milestone and narrates step-by-step growth and progress. This structure is suitable for those with rich experiences and significant changes in their life, as well as those changing their field of study.

Vivid Present Structure (Present – Past – Future – Present) Named for its emphasis on the “present” state of the author, this structure aims to assertively tell admissions officers, “The ‘me’ right now is the student you’re looking for.” It keeps the “present” at its core, highlighting how the past has shaped you and how the present is laying the foundation for the future. It gives a sense of the author speaking directly to the reader, making this structure’s main highlight.

These examples illustrate different ways to structure a PS, emphasizing various aspects of an applicant’s journey and aspirations. Remember, the best structure is the one that best tells your unique story.

In addition to the three typical structures of “Past, Present & Future” in a PS, there are also unconventional structures that can be equally effective. These unconventional structures allow for a unique expression of self, showcasing the author’s creativity and distinctiveness. Here are two examples of such structures:

Business Plan Structure For students applying to entrepreneurship and innovation courses, presenting a business plan can be a bold and effective approach. This format might seem unrelated to a typical master’s program application, but a well-crafted business plan can demonstrate your current focus and problem-solving skills, showcasing your knowledge and abilities in the business field. It can effectively replace the need to reiterate personal experiences already mentioned in the CV, especially if the business plan is impressive enough to convince admissions officers of your ability to utilize the course effectively for real-world endeavors.

Research Proposal Structure Similar to the business plan model, some PS can be structured like research proposals, even for taught programmes. If your strength lies in research and the program you’re applying to values research skills, discussing topics like “others,” “post-modernism,” or “Habermas” can be relevant. Of course, these topics should be discussed interestingly and informatively to avoid counterproductive results. This unconventional approach carries its own risks and rewards, so it’s important to weigh the pros and cons carefully before proceeding.

The key takeaway is not to be constrained by these structures but to remember that the form should serve the content. Every applicant should find the best structure that helps showcase their unique self, fitting their individual story and strengths.