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Writing an Administrative Assistant’s Personal Statement

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Administrative assistants play an important role in any organization. They are responsible for scheduling appointments, answering phones, managing emails, and providing administrative support.

The job of an administrative assistant requires good organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask. Asides from your resume, a personal statement is a vital document employers typically require to determine your suitability for a job role. The  administrative assistant personal statement examples  in this guide will help you get started on the right note.

A personal statement is your chance to sell yourself to the employer and demonstrate your abilities, qualifications, and skill set. You’ll surely leave a lasting impression on the recruiting manager with a solid personal statement that details what you can offer to the company.

This article will take you through writing the perfect administrative assistant personal statement . 

What Is A Personal Statement?

A personal statement is a document you submit as part of your job application. It is a summary of your skills, qualifications, and capabilities . It details what you can offer an employer regarding your applying job. 

A good personal statement must convince the hiring manager that you’re a perfect fit for the role at hand. You may include your interests, life, and career goals. The personal statement is also a great way to demonstrate your written communication skills. This is because administrative assistants often interact with customers and other stakeholders via email. 

What to Include in an Administrative Assistant Personal Statement

For your statement to stand out, you must include some essential information. Here are some key details to include in an administrative assistant’s statement:

1. Relevant work experience

List any previous work experience relevant to the administrative assistant position you are applying for. This could include experience working in a similar role, handling office tasks, or using appropriate software or technologies.

2. Skills and Abilities

Highlight any skills and abilities that make you a strong candidate for the role. These could be proficiency in computer programs such as Microsoft Office, excellent communication skills, and the ability to multitask and prioritize tasks effectively.

3. Education and Relevant training

Include any relevant education or training you have received, such as a degree in business administration or a certificate in office management.

4. Personal qualities

In your statement, highlight any qualities that make you well-suited for the role of an administrative assistant. These could include strong attention to detail, a positive attitude, and working well in a team.

5. Career goals

Finally, include a brief statement about your career goals and how the role of an administrative assistant fits into your long-term plans.

How to Write an Administrative Assistant Personal Statement

Your statement should be written in a clear structure, with each section building on the point you made in the previous one. 

The following steps will guide your writing:

1. Begin with a Hook

Begin your statement with a brief statement that captures the reader’s attention. You may start by explaining why you are interested in the administrative assistant position and what makes you a strong candidate.

2. Highlight your relevant work experience

When listing your relevant work experience, include the names of the companies or organizations you worked. Also include your previous job titles, and a brief description of your responsibilities.

3. Mention your most unique skills and abilities

You might have several skills and abilities, but only mention those relevant to the administrative assistant position. Also include any skills that give you an edge over other job applicants, one that portrays your uniqueness. 

4. Highlight your personal qualities that make you stand out

This is where you sell yourself to the employer. Detail any unique qualities that will make you excel on the job. These may include strong attention to detail, a positive attitude, and working well in a team.

5.  Conclude

Bring your statement to a close by convincing the employer that you’re indeed the perfect fit for the job role. 

Administrative Assistant Personal Statement Examples

I am an experienced and organized administrative assistant passionate about using my unique skill set to provide exceptional service.

My career has been built on the commitment to providing excellent support services, which I have perfected through initiative and dedication. 

As a professional, I take pride in learning complex tasks while working efficiently under tight deadlines. I often display impressive problem-solving abilities by resolving issues related to day-to-day operations in a timely fashion. Additionally, I always strive to increase my productivity by exploring creative methods of executing my duties. 

My strong interpersonal skills allow me to interact easily with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and build meaningful relationships. Furthermore, I always ensure effective communication between all stakeholders, helping create a peaceful work environment. On top of that, I am skilled at negotiating favorable terms and achieving organizational objectives. 

Overall, my experiences and expertise make me an ideal candidate for any organization looking for competent and reliable administrative assistance.

I am an experienced and enthusiastic administrative assistant, passionate about utilizing my diverse skills to help organizations achieve their objectives. With my extensive knowledge, I juggle many tasks while working efficiently and effectively under pressure. I focus on delivering results on time with accuracy and attention to detail that is second to none. 

My technical proficiency includes computer use, data entry, record keeping, scheduling, filing, and other clerical duties. With these abilities and my commitment to learning new software applications, I offer a unique blend of energy and experience to any organization. 

Additionally, I strive to build strong relationships through my active communication skills and problem-solving abilities. I also have excellent interpersonal and organizational abilities.

I hope to be considered for this opportunity to serve as an administrative assistant in your organization.

I am an experienced and enthusiastic administrative assistant, eager to bring my organized and dedicated work ethic to any workplace. 

With a proven track record of handling clerical duties efficiently and accurately, I am confident I will become an essential part of your team. My drive is fueled by my creative problem-solving skills and willingness to take on complex tasks easily. 

Furthermore, I have excellent interpersonal relationship skills to collaborate effectively with colleagues while maintaining professionalism. I strive to improve processes within any organization and possess the organizational skills necessary for achieving streamlined operations. 

Additionally, I can easily prioritize tasks, reduce risks, and keep communication lines open between departments while maintaining confidentiality and topmost discretion. My dedication to superior customer service will be invaluable when interacting with clients or customers. 

Overall, I offer a unique combination of experience, energy, skill, and reliability that would make me an ideal addition to your office.

Administrative assistants are the backbone of every organization, as many things won’t function without them. When seeking the role of an administrative assistant, you must display your uniqueness. And capture the employer’s attention in a way no other person does.

A strong personal statement will set you apart from the competition. So it’s worth investing your time and effort to create a striking statement.

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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Administrative Assistant Personal Statement

• CV Templates & Advice

Have you found your ideal admin job, but are struggling to write a great personal statement for your Administrative Assistant CV?

Personal statements are the perfect opportunity for you to show your potential employer what you’re all about and where your talents lie. We recommend using this short personal profile to promote your strengths, work experience and key skills.

Use this 100-150 words at the beginning of your CV to provide examples of how you match the job specifications and why you are perfect for this role.

If you are looking for further information and useful tips, then read our expert guide on  how to write a personal statement .

What to include in your administrative assistant personal statement

Why you are applying for the role:

• Refer to the knowledge you have of the position to show awareness of the demands of the role.

Why you are applying for this specific role:

• What is it that attracted you to this specific role?
• Why do you want to work for this specific company?

Provide details about your education:

• Provide a brief overview on your previous education (School/University/Higher Education Courses)

Your admin experience:

• Where have you worked previously?
• What were you required to do in your last role?
• Did you have any additional responsibilities in your previous roles?

Your vision:

• What are your career aspirations?
• What are you hoping to achieve in this role?

Example Admin Assistant Personal Statement:

Organised and adaptable administrative assistant with four years’ experience working in various office environments. My attention to detail and excellent time management skills means that every task is completed efficiently and to the highest possible standard. I have a calm and patient disposition meaning that I am able to work effectively under pressure and focus on the task in hand. I am proficient working in a team, but also work well independently. In my previous role, I was responsible for providing administrative support to a large sales department reporting directly to the regional sales manager. To succeed in this role i had to be exceptionally organised and demonstrate strong communication skills. In my next role, I am looking to take on new challenges and additional responsibilities.

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How to Write Personal Statements for Administrative Job Application | Complete Guide

This post will give you a comprehensive idea of what you should include in a personal statement for an administrative job. Check out our examples of personal statements for administrative job applications in this post.

On reading the successful administrator personal statement examples, you will get to know what to do and what not while drafting these documents. This way, you would be on the right track while writing one of these applications.

You can post your doubts and reach out to us once you read this post. We would be glad to help you clarify the same.

What is Personal Statement for Admin Job Application?

Personal statement for admin job application can enhance your chances of landing on the lucrative administrative job you had been eyeing. This document serves as an excellent specimen to demonstrate your core skills and leadership abilities to operate in the administrative profile. With high-quality personal statement for admin jobs, you would have the advantage on your side during the recruitment process. Along with your cover letter, resume, and job application, a professionally crafted personal statement would help you win a job.

A personal statement for admin job articulates your abilities to perform well in the profile. So, you need to convey specific skills with examples in this document. In this post, you can check some of the best examples of personal statements for administrative job application.

NEED EXPERTS HELP FOR WRITING YOUR PERSONAL STATEMENT? CLICK HERE NOW!

Why Do You Need a Personal Statement for Administrative Job?

A personalized personal statement for administrative job helps you explain your potential to a recruiter. A well-articulated personal statement would enable the recruiter understand your abilities. So, you can promote your experience, strength, and skills through this document.

Your personal statement for administrative role is important for the following reasons:

• It articulates your experience and competence in administrative jobs
• A customized personal statement gives you an edge over others
• The document helps the selecting committee to identify your skills
• Amidst competitive job environments, the statement strengthens your profile
• You can explain your specific skills in the administrative profile
• The personal statement complements other application documents like resume and cover letter

structure a personal statement for Administrative Personal Statement Job Application?

Formatting and structuring your personal statement for administrative role calls for expertise. With a proper structure to your personal statement, you can make the crucial information stand out. Besides, you can demonstrate your presentation skills, which also helps the employer assess your profile with ease.

Here’s how you should structure a personal statement for administrative job. An experienced personal statement writer can help you draft this document.

• Mention how long you have been a part of the industry
• Write about the specialized and transferable skills you have
• Mention all your areas of expertise
• Explain the relevant industries where you have demonstrated your competence                                                                                                                  
• The administrator personal statement examples show the relevant interests and qualifications
• Include all the personal qualities that complement your profile
• Include instances that explain your professional abilities
• Write about how you wish to adapt yourself to the new work environment

How Do you Write a Powerful Personal Statement Administrative Job Application in 6 Steps?

Writing a successful personal statement for an admin job requires prior experience. Besides, you might be applying at the entry-level or executive profile. Here’s how you should write a personal statement for admin jobs.

On scrutinizing through the best administrator personal statement examples, you would notice that the introductory paragraph in each document is unique. You can mention what motivated you to apply for the course along with your recent experience.

The body of your personal statement for an admin job should explain relevant skills, interests, and experiences. You might furnish some personal details to support your administrative fellowship, professional summary, or application letter.

Your personal statement should clearly indicate what you would bring to the table. So, you can touch your academic background and professional experience briefly before explaining your plans.

As you check out the best administrative personal statement examples, you would notice how experienced writers mention the awards, certifications, degrees, and industry experience of the candidate. You might also mention the positions you worked in and the corresponding responsibilities.

Before joining a new office, you would be submitting an essay and appearing an interview. However, these documents don’t carry specific examples to explain your skills. Your personal statement for admin job application brings you the right opportunity to mention these strengths.

Draft a strong conclusion for your personal statement that would leave a lasting impression on the recruiters. It should justify the relevance of your application, persuading the selectors to hire you.

Need Help for Writing Your Personal Statement? Click Here!

Sample for Personal Statement for Administration Job Application

Here’s one of the best administrative personal statement examples that you might check out. The experts can draft a similar personal statement for administrative job for you.

With three years of industry experience under my belt, I am willing to shoulder greater administrative responsibilities at your esteemed organization. As an adaptable and organized administrative assistant, I have worked in different office experiences over the years. My excellent time management skills and attention to details help me accomplish the tasks efficiently, adhering to the industry standards.

A patient and calm composure helps me work efficiently under pressure. Admin tasks tend to get complicated at times. On multiple occasions, I have shouldered stress efficiently, focusing on the individual task at hand. Besides, I have demonstrated my competence in working as a team and leading other employees. At the same time, I am comfortable working independently.

I had a gratifying experience operating as an administrative support staff in the sales department for the last two years. I had to report to the regional sales manager directly. Working in this profile, I was able to organize my working process and polish my communication skills. I look forward to embrace a progressive career and deliver the same kind of commitment to your organization. Hence, I look forward to take on additional responsibilities and channelize my skills to address the challenges.

Currently, I am working with an MNC as an operation and admin executive. The company has entrusted me with the responsibility of maintaining professional connection with our clients. In my profile, the responsibilities include making enquiries through emails and telephone. I also assist the team with events, meetings, and conferences. Besides, the company has entrusted me with the responsibility to carry out web-based research and make clear presentations. Besides, I am responsible to ensure that the content on our website for clients remains updated and relevant. At the same time, I am equally competent in maintaining the databases with client details. Evidently, I am well-versed in the core administrative processes, and brace up to embrace my next opportunity.

While I believe that maintaining a high level of professionalism is imperative for me, I also worked on my basics. Before integrating myself into the industry, I graduated with a three-year degree from the Amity University, finishing in the top 3% of the glass. Being practical minded, I believed that true professionalism in work comes from a calculative blend of my existing skills and industry knowledge. This explains why I switched my job twice in a span of three years. Besides, I strived to excel in my professional circuit wherever I worked all these years. I was happy to have delivered value to my organizations. At the same time, this professional exposure helped me evolve as a more competent candidate, with a refined knowledge in admin jobs.

I am willing to apply for the admin job in the marketing department since I already have experience in this field. This experience will come in handy while I take on the new tasks at your organization. I am eager to set my hands on new methodologies and carry on with the learning process. I am also well-versed with the leading software that office admins need to manage the back office. Having completed my B. Com program, I am familiar to accounts management. Besides, I have completed a Diploma program in Taxation and Accounts Management to streamline my profile.

Channelizing my existing skills and fresh knowledge, I would like to work in your esteemed organization as an office admin. With due diligence and commitment, I hereby promise to contribute to the productivity of your organization. I have always been eyeing a progressive career, and I believe that your platform would be the ideal pedestal for me to carry out my professional endeavors. With due diligence and commitment, I would take on the fresh set of responsibilities and deliver value to your organization.

Example – Administrative Assistant Personal Statement

I have had a keen interest in administrative jobs since my childhood. As a Class Representative and School Representative I enjoyed my administrative responsibilities. I like to lead and manage anything and I always took advantage of opportunities to showcase my leadership capabilities and management abilities. I had a strong desire to be part of the Indian Administrative Service. But despite a few failed attempts in the Indian Civil Service examination, I made the decision to be a part of top multinational companies and secure my dream job as an Office Assistant. I have 3 years of experience as an Office Assistant at XYZ and have managed several responsibilities. My excellent time management skills and attention to details has helped me to accomplish my tasks efficiently and fulfill my duties excellently.

As a vibrant person, I have always tried hard to maintain a positive work culture. My interactions with my fellow mates have always been quite decent and these have helped me to hone my interpersonal communication skills. Though at times I feel that administrative jobs get complicated, my calm and patient composure has helped me to work efficiently under pressure and tackle all the challenges. Working both as part of a team and independently, I had efficiently managed my responsibilities well. As a team player, I have demonstrated my skills efficiently. In my position as an Office Assistant, I have sometimes led my fellow mates and trained new joiners. As an Office Assistant, I have prepared reports, documentations, managed meetings and offered customer support. Working as a team, me and my team mates have also contributed towards the sales and marketing branch of the company.

Working in this profile has enabled me to be organized and polish my technical and communications skills. I am sure this job position also offers me the same kind of work environment where I can hold a progressive career and work efficiently for your organization. In order to better equip myself with contemporary techniques on administrative positions, I would look to take on additional responsibilities and polish my skills to address the challenges.

I am sure my perfect blend of professionalism and will to work hard will make me good as an Administrative Assistant. As a Bachelor of Commerce Honors graduate from the well reputed Amity University, I am adept in management and administrative responsibilities, accounting and taxation as well. As a competent candidate, I am ready to take up new challenges and whet my skills.

I am sure my work experience as an Office Assistant will come in handy during my Administrative Assistant job in the marketing department at your Company. I am eager to take up new responsibilities and channelize my talents for the benefit of your company. I am sure your company offers the right platform for me to carry out my professional endeavors. With great enthusiasm and diligence I would like to take up responsibility as an Administrative Assistant and add value to your company. This post will surely help me to better myself and the company. With great diligence and enthusiasm, I would like to take on the responsibilities and add value to your organization by my compassionate work ethics and professionalism.

How Do You Make Your Personal Statement Stand out?

Now, you must be wondering what should a personal statement include for a administrative job application?

• Explanation for applying for the particular role
• Details outlining your educational background
• Your past experiences in the administrative profile
• Your vision on how you can get going in the new organization
• Unique skills that give you an edge over other candidate
• Proper evidence on how your experiences and skills suit the job description
• Specific examples to demonstrate your competence
• Your future goals considering the industry
• The benefits you can bring to the table
• How you view your career progression in the organization

What Administrative Skill Should I Demonstrate?

While writing a Personal Statement for an Administrative job, don’t miss to mention the administrative skills you possess and have exhibited in your previous job.

Below are the top administrative skills you should have to be a successful Administrator:

• Effective Communication Skills
• Organizational Skills
• Responsibility
• Customer Service
• Multitasking
• Time Management

How Do You Demonstrate Excellent Administrative Skills?

It is very vital to include some Administrative Skills you possess in your CV to demonstrate your Administrative capabilities.

So don’t forget to include the following points in your CV:

• You can name some of the events you have organized
• You can give instances in which you have solved a conflict.
• You can demonstrate your technical skills by giving the names of softwares you are familiar with.
• Describe the situations in which you have managed the schedule of a team.
• Name any foreign languages you speak, if any.

What Should You Avoid in a Personal Statement?

Your personal statement for job is a crucial document where you cannot afford to make mistakes. Once you examine the best examples of personal statements for administrative job application, you would notice how flawless they should be.

Faltering with the contents, presentation, tone, or format in your job personal statement can lead to rejection. Therefore, you need to be careful about the common mistakes while writing a personal statement for job and avoid the same. To help you secure the desired administrative job, our writers with more than 10 years of professional experience have pointed out the common mistakes that you might commit.

• Don’t use cliches in your statement as it makes it generic
• Don’t be vague about the skills or write something that others would include
• Refrain from embellishments and exaggerations in your personal statement
• Don’t include buzzwords or unnecessary fluff in the document
• As the language you use matters, refrain from using a negative tone
• Your document shouldn’t include personal information like the number of dependants
• Refrain from making the document ambiguous by using disjoint sentences
• Don’t forget to edit, proofread, and check the document before submitting

To enhance your chances of bagging the job, make sure to have experienced writers on your side. The best administrator personal statement examples will help you understand the quality and tone that would break the ice.

Top 10 Administrative Jobs

Have a look at the top ten administrative jobs to apply for.

• Senior data entry specialist
• Facilities manager
• Medical administrative assistant
• Executive assistant
• Certified professional coder
• Call centre manager
• Customer service manager
• HR benefits specialist
• Contract administrator          
• Senior executive assistant

Pro Tips from Our 10+ Years of Experienced Professional Personal Statement Writers for Jobs

Our seasoned writers have explained how you should draft your personal statement for admin job application. Adhering to these guidelines, you can come up with a powerful and convincing personal statement. This can help you create a strong impression on the recruiting committee who would call you for an interview.

Seasoned writers use their industry experience to draft outstanding job personal statements . Here are some of the tips you would find beneficial.

Intent for application:

Mention your intention to apply for the administrative job. Here, you might include your professional philosophy.

Qualifications:

As you see in the administrator personal statement examples , experienced writers seamlessly draft these documents, mentioning the relevant qualifications of the applicant. 

Proper formatting:

Make sure to format and present the job personal statement properly. This ensures that the readers would find it relevant and inviting.

Editing and proofreading:

To ensure that you submit a flawless personal statement for administrative job, make sure to get the document properly edited and proofread by experts.

Focus on tone and language:

The tone and language in which you write your personal statement matter a lot. So, make sure to use the right tone in this document.

Customize your application:

Remember, each company has its own ethics and working style. So, you need to get your personal statement customized for each of them.

Did We Miss Anything?

Once you check out the personal statement examples for management jobs and CV samples, you will get a clear idea on what to include in these documents.

Hopefully, you are now better informed about how you must draft these crucial statements.

Well, we are at the end of this post, and you may contribute from your end with some ideas you would like to share.

Also, let us know if you benefit from our examples of personal statements for administrative job applications. We would be glad to help you with more of these sample personal statements for you.

What should be included in a personal statement for a job application?

A Personal Statement for job application must include why you are the best person for the specified job.

What are 3 categories of examples that define administrative skills?

Strong organizational skills, communication skills and interpersonal and teamwork skills are the 3 categories that define administrative skills.

What are the three top qualities of an administrative assistant?

Problem solving, Multitasking, Foresight and Anticipation are the three top qualities of an administrative assistant.

What makes you stand out as an administrative assistant?

Your positive attitude and communication skills

Mrs Jizah M

Mrs Jizah M has always enjoyed writing down her thoughts since school days. What just started as a hobby slowly transformed into a passion. Her writing skills were first acknowledged by few of her professors when she wrote content for the college website; this was a turing. Slowly she started getting freelance works and later on, a series of events led her to specialize in academic and higher education related documentations. In additional to personal statements, she along with her team writes LORs, SOPs, college application essays, admission essays and all similar types of documents.

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Personality Traits to Become a Secretary

How to write a resume for a school principal position, how to write a cover letter to reapply for my current job.

• How to Briefly Describe the Type of Career Opportunity You Are Seeking
• Good Examples of Why You Would Like to Work for an Employer

Landing an administrative job provides an exciting opportunity to use your leadership skills. Knowing how to write a personal statement for an admin job in school or business settings can give you a strong advantage in the hiring process. When drafting a personal statement for an admin job in school or any other organization, think of it as a homework assignment for writing a captivating commercial or a great campaign ad. All good advertisers know that their product must match the needs and interests of the buyer. In your case, you must offer specific examples of the qualities you possess that align perfectly with the main duties of the administrative position you are seeking.

A personal statement on a curriculum vita (CV) or online job application is a brief but interesting synopsis of who you are and what you can do for the organization.

Tailor Your Statement to the Job

Your personal statement must convince the reader as to why you are an ideal match for the administrative job. Demonstrating that you are highly qualified is not enough. Study the job ad, and speak with colleagues who are familiar with the organization for clues as to the type of person and leadership style preferred. For instance, the school board may be hoping for a fiery principal who can be a change agent; or, perhaps the board seeks an excellent communicator. If you are that type of leader, emphasize those specific qualities when writing your personal statement. Communicate a sense of who are and what you value. Do not simply restate your resume; emphasize the qualities they look for that you possess in abundance.

Highlight Your Leadership Style

Enthusiastically explain your leadership style and philosophy. You can write your personal statement in bullet points or in paragraph form directly below your name and contact information. You do not need to include a heading. Examples of bullet points for a business administrator could include descriptors such as “dynamic, results oriented leader who sets the highest standards possible for myself and my team.” Depending on your personal preferences, you may prefer to write a paragraph in narrative form.

I am a visionary leader with a collaborative management style. Education has been my lifelong passion. Nothing is more rewarding to me than creating inclusive and accessible learning environments, where all children feel valued. My extensive classroom experience, administrator license and special education background make me an ideal fit for the assistant principal job.

Showcase Your Qualifications

First impressions are powerful, so use your personal statement to dazzle a hiring manager. There should be no question that you can do the job if given the chance. For instance, when writing an effective executive assistant personal statement, start by making a list of what makes you a competitive applicant in relation to the position. Consider the work setting and the type of person who is most likely to fail or succeed. An efficient but unfriendly receptionist may not have what it takes to be the public face of the company, for instance. If the ad seeks an outgoing organizer for an admin job, mention directed related qualities in your executive assistant personal statement.

I am a friendly, high-energy professional who anticipates what the boss needs, sets priorities, communicates effectively and organizes meticulously.

Share Your Career Objectives

A good personal statement lets the employer know why you are seeking a new job. Mention that you are looking for a position that offers new challenges and additional responsibilities. You don't want to give the impression that you are unhappy with your current situation or just after a better paying job. Administrative roles require ambition, drive and self-motivation. For instance, the best personal assistant personal statement examples state that you are wanting to learn and grow as a professional.

I am a highly organized, efficient secretary, striving to take my career to the next level. I seek a position as a loyal personal assistant where I can utilize my organizational abilities and communication skills to the fullest.

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Mary Dowd holds a doctorate in educational leadership and a master’s in counseling and student affairs from Minnesota State Mankato. Helping students succeed has been her passion while serving in many areas of student affairs and adjunct teaching. Currently she is a dean of students at a large, public university. Dr. Dpwd’s writing experience includes published research, training materials and hundreds of practical online articles.

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21 September 2023

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Crafting the Perfect Administrative Assistant Personal Statement

Dirghayu Kaushik

In today’s competitive job market, standing out as an administrative assistant candidate is essential. Your administrative assistant’s personal statement plays a pivotal role in showcasing your qualifications, skills, and enthusiasm for the role.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the ins and outs of creating an outstanding personal statement and cover letter to help you land that coveted administrative assistant position.

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• Why Your Administrative Assistant Personal Statement Matters

Your administrative assistant personal statement is your first opportunity to capture the hiring manager’s attention. It’s a brief yet powerful introduction to your application, allowing you to make a lasting impression. Here’s why it matters:

Setting the Tone for Success

The personal statement sets the tone for the rest of your job application. It provides a snapshot of who you are as a candidate and what you bring to the table. A well-crafted personal statement can pique the hiring manager’s interest, encouraging them to delve deeper into your qualifications.

Standing Out from the Crowd 

In a sea of applicants, standing out is crucial. Your personal statement is your chance to shine and differentiate yourself from other candidates. It allows you to showcase your unique blend of skills, experience, and passion for the administrative assistant role.

Demonstrating Your Fit 

Employers seek candidates who not only have the necessary qualifications but also fit seamlessly into their organization. Your personal statement should articulate why you are the perfect fit for the administrative assistant position and how your skills align with the company’s needs.

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• Crafting Your Administrative Assistant Personal Statement

Now that you understand the significance of your personal statement, let’s dive into the process of crafting one that leaves a lasting impression. We’ll break it down into actionable steps:

Step 1: Start with a Strong Opening 

The opening sentence of your personal statement should grab the reader’s attention immediately. Consider sharing a compelling anecdote or a concise summary of your qualifications to draw the hiring manager in.

Step 2: Highlight Your Qualifications 

In this section, delve into your qualifications for the administrative assistant role. Mention your relevant education, certifications, and any specialized training. Emphasize how these qualifications make you a strong candidate.

Step 3: Showcase Your Skills 

One of the key aspects of your personal statement is showcasing your skills. Administrative assistants need a diverse skill set, including communication, organization, time management, and multitasking. Provide specific examples of how you’ve demonstrated these skills in previous roles.

Step 4: Express Your Enthusiasm 

Your passion for the role should shine through in your personal statement. Explain why you’re enthusiastic about being an administrative assistant and how your enthusiasm translates into exceptional performance.

Step 5: Tailor to the Job 

Customization is key. Tailor your personal statement to the specific administrative assistant job you’re applying for. Mention the company’s values, mission, and how your contributions will align with their goals.

Step 6: Conclude with a Strong Call to Action 

Wrap up your personal statement by expressing your eagerness to contribute to the organization’s success. Invite the hiring manager to get in touch, and thank them for considering your application.

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• Crafting the Perfect Administrative Assistant Cover Letter

Your administrative assistant’s cover letter complements your personal statement. It provides an opportunity to expand on your qualifications and demonstrate your written communication skills. Here’s how to create an effective cover letter:

Introduction: Addressing the Hiring Manager 

Begin your cover letter with a professional salutation, ideally addressing the hiring manager by name. Express your interest in the administrative assistant position and briefly mention where you found the job posting.

Body: Expand on Your Qualifications 

The body of your cover letter should elaborate on the qualifications and skills mentioned in your personal statement. Use specific examples to demonstrate how your experience aligns with the job requirements.

Company Fit: Demonstrating Alignment 

Explain why you’re drawn to the company and how your background makes you a perfect fit. Mention the company’s values, culture, and mission, showcasing your commitment to becoming an integral part of their team.

Closing: Reiterate Your Enthusiasm

In the closing paragraph, reiterate your enthusiasm for the administrative assistant role and your eagerness to contribute. Thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration, and express your hope for the opportunity to interview.

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Crafting an exceptional administrative assistant personal statement and cover letter requires careful planning and attention to detail. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to creating a compelling application that sets you apart from the competition.

Remember, your personal statement is your chance to shine, so make it count. Stand out from the crowd, demonstrate your fit for the role, and leave a lasting impression on the hiring manager. Your dream administrative assistant position awaits!

Q1: What is an administrative assistant personal statement?

An administrative assistant personal statement is a brief but powerful introduction to your job application. It highlights your qualifications, skills, and why you are the ideal candidate for the administrative assistant position.

Q2: Why is the personal statement important in a job application?

The personal statement is your opportunity to make a strong first impression on the hiring manager. It sets the tone for your application and can help you stand out from other candidates.

Q3: What should I include in my personal statement?

Your personal statement should include a brief summary of your qualifications, relevant skills, and a compelling reason why you are the perfect fit for the administrative assistant role.

Q4: Can you provide an administrative assistant personal statement template?

Yes, we offer an administrative assistant personal statement template in our blog. It will guide you in creating a well-structured and effective personal statement.

Q5: How can I tailor my personal statement to a specific job application?

To tailor your personal statement, carefully review the job description and requirements. Highlight the skills and qualifications that align with the specific job, and explain how you can contribute to the organization’s success.

Q6: What are some key skills that should be mentioned in an administrative assistant personal statement?

Important skills to mention include communication skills, organizational skills, time management, multitasking abilities, proficiency in Microsoft Office, and previous administrative experience.

Q7: How long should my administrative assistant’s personal statement be?

Your personal statement should be concise, typically no more than a few paragraphs. Aim for clarity and impact rather than length.

Q8: Can a well-written personal statement improve my chances of getting hired as an administrative assistant?

Yes, a well-crafted personal statement can significantly improve your chances of getting hired. It demonstrates your enthusiasm and qualifications, making you a standout candidate.

Q9: Should I address the hiring manager by name in my cover letter?

Whenever possible, address the hiring manager by name in your cover letter. It shows that you’ve done your research and adds a personal touch to your application.

Q10: What’s the best way to conclude my administrative assistant personal statement?

Conclude your personal statement by expressing your eagerness to contribute to the organization’s success. Invite the hiring manager to get in touch, and thank them for considering your application.

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Table of Contents

• • Why Your Administrative Assistant Personal Statement Matters
• • Crafting Your Administrative Assistant Personal Statement
• • Crafting the Perfect Administrative Assistant Cover Letter
• • Conclusion

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• Knowledge Base
• Applying to graduate school
• How to Write Your Personal Statement | Strategies & Examples

How to Write Your Personal Statement | Strategies & Examples

Published on February 12, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on July 3, 2023.

A personal statement is a short essay of around 500–1,000 words, in which you tell a compelling story about who you are, what drives you, and why you’re applying.

To write a successful personal statement for a graduate school application , don’t just summarize your experience; instead, craft a focused narrative in your own voice. Aim to demonstrate three things:

• Your personality: what are your interests, values, and motivations?
• Your talents: what can you bring to the program?
• Your goals: what do you hope the program will do for you?

This article guides you through some winning strategies to build a strong, well-structured personal statement for a master’s or PhD application. You can download the full examples below.

Urban Planning Psychology History

Table of contents

Getting started with your personal statement, the introduction: start with an attention-grabbing opening, the main body: craft your narrative, the conclusion: look ahead, revising, editing, and proofreading your personal statement, frequently asked questions, other interesting articles.

Before you start writing, the first step is to understand exactly what’s expected of you. If the application gives you a question or prompt for your personal statement, the most important thing is to respond to it directly.

For example, you might be asked to focus on the development of your personal identity; challenges you have faced in your life; or your career motivations. This will shape your focus and emphasis—but you still need to find your own unique approach to answering it.

There’s no universal template for a personal statement; it’s your chance to be creative and let your own voice shine through. But there are strategies you can use to build a compelling, well-structured story.

The first paragraph of your personal statement should set the tone and lead smoothly into the story you want to tell.

Strategy 1: Open with a concrete scene

An effective way to catch the reader’s attention is to set up a scene that illustrates something about your character and interests. If you’re stuck, try thinking about:

• A personal experience that changed your perspective
• A story from your family’s history
• A memorable teacher or learning experience
• An unusual or unexpected encounter

To write an effective scene, try to go beyond straightforward description; start with an intriguing sentence that pulls the reader in, and give concrete details to create a convincing atmosphere.

Strategy 2: Open with your motivations

To emphasize your enthusiasm and commitment, you can start by explaining your interest in the subject you want to study or the career path you want to follow.

Just stating that it interests you isn’t enough: first, you need to figure out why you’re interested in this field:

• Is it a longstanding passion or a recent discovery?
• Does it come naturally or have you had to work hard at it?
• How does it fit into the rest of your life?
• What do you think it contributes to society?

Tips for the introduction

• Don’t start on a cliche: avoid phrases like “Ever since I was a child…” or “For as long as I can remember…”
• Do save the introduction for last. If you’re struggling to come up with a strong opening, leave it aside, and note down any interesting ideas that occur to you as you write the rest of the personal statement.

Once you’ve set up the main themes of your personal statement, you’ll delve into more detail about your experiences and motivations.

To structure the body of your personal statement, there are various strategies you can use.

Strategy 1: Describe your development over time

One of the simplest strategies is to give a chronological overview of key experiences that have led you to apply for graduate school.

• What first sparked your interest in the field?
• Which classes, assignments, classmates, internships, or other activities helped you develop your knowledge and skills?
• Where do you want to go next? How does this program fit into your future plans?

Don’t try to include absolutely everything you’ve done—pick out highlights that are relevant to your application. Aim to craft a compelling narrative that shows how you’ve changed and actively developed yourself.

My interest in psychology was first sparked early in my high school career. Though somewhat scientifically inclined, I found that what interested me most was not the equations we learned about in physics and chemistry, but the motivations and perceptions of my fellow students, and the subtle social dynamics that I observed inside and outside the classroom. I wanted to learn how our identities, beliefs, and behaviours are shaped through our interactions with others, so I decided to major in Social Psychology. My undergraduate studies deepened my understanding of, and fascination with, the interplay between an individual mind and its social context.During my studies, I acquired a solid foundation of knowledge about concepts like social influence and group dynamics, but I also took classes on various topics not strictly related to my major. I was particularly interested in how other fields intersect with psychology—the classes I took on media studies, biology, and literature all enhanced my understanding of psychological concepts by providing different lenses through which to look at the issues involved.

Strategy 2: Own your challenges and obstacles

If your path to graduate school hasn’t been easy or straightforward, you can turn this into a strength, and structure your personal statement as a story of overcoming obstacles.

• Is your social, cultural or economic background underrepresented in the field? Show how your experiences will contribute a unique perspective.
• Do you have gaps in your resume or lower-than-ideal grades? Explain the challenges you faced and how you dealt with them.

Don’t focus too heavily on negatives, but use them to highlight your positive qualities. Resilience, resourcefulness and perseverance make you a promising graduate school candidate.

Growing up working class, urban decay becomes depressingly familiar. The sight of a row of abandoned houses does not surprise me, but it continues to bother me. Since high school, I have been determined to pursue a career in urban planning. While people of my background experience the consequences of urban planning decisions first-hand, we are underrepresented in the field itself. Ironically, given my motivation, my economic background has made my studies challenging. I was fortunate enough to be awarded a scholarship for my undergraduate studies, but after graduation I took jobs in unrelated fields to help support my parents. In the three years since, I have not lost my ambition. Now I am keen to resume my studies, and I believe I can bring an invaluable perspective to the table: that of the people most impacted by the decisions of urban planners.

Strategy 3: Demonstrate your knowledge of the field

Especially if you’re applying for a PhD or another research-focused program, it’s a good idea to show your familiarity with the subject and the department. Your personal statement can focus on the area you want to specialize in and reflect on why it matters to you.

• Reflect on the topics or themes that you’ve focused on in your studies. What draws you to them?
• Discuss any academic achievements, influential teachers, or other highlights of your education.
• Talk about the questions you’d like to explore in your research and why you think they’re important.

The personal statement isn’t a research proposal , so don’t go overboard on detail—but it’s a great opportunity to show your enthusiasm for the field and your capacity for original thinking.

In applying for this research program, my intention is to build on the multidisciplinary approach I have taken in my studies so far, combining knowledge from disparate fields of study to better understand psychological concepts and issues. The Media Psychology program stands out to me as the perfect environment for this kind of research, given its researchers’ openness to collaboration across diverse fields. I am impressed by the department’s innovative interdisciplinary projects that focus on the shifting landscape of media and technology, and I hope that my own work can follow a similarly trailblazing approach. More specifically, I want to develop my understanding of the intersection of psychology and media studies, and explore how media psychology theories and methods might be applied to neurodivergent minds. I am interested not only in media psychology but also in psychological disorders, and how the two interact. This is something I touched on during my undergraduate studies and that I’m excited to delve into further.

Strategy 4: Discuss your professional ambitions

Especially if you’re applying for a more professionally-oriented program (such as an MBA), it’s a good idea to focus on concrete goals and how the program will help you achieve them.

• If your career is just getting started, show how your character is suited to the field, and explain how graduate school will help you develop your talents.
• If you have already worked in the profession, show what you’ve achieved so far, and explain how the program will allow you to take the next step.
• If you are planning a career change, explain what has driven this decision and how your existing experience will help you succeed.

Don’t just state the position you want to achieve. You should demonstrate that you’ve put plenty of thought into your career plans and show why you’re well-suited to this profession.

One thing that fascinated me about the field during my undergraduate studies was the sheer number of different elements whose interactions constitute a person’s experience of an urban environment. Any number of factors could transform the scene I described at the beginning: What if there were no bus route? Better community outreach in the neighborhood? Worse law enforcement? More or fewer jobs available in the area? Some of these factors are out of the hands of an urban planner, but without taking them all into consideration, the planner has an incomplete picture of their task. Through further study I hope to develop my understanding of how these disparate elements combine and interact to create the urban environment. I am interested in the social, psychological and political effects our surroundings have on our lives. My studies will allow me to work on projects directly affecting the kinds of working-class urban communities I know well. I believe I can bring my own experiences, as well as my education, to bear upon the problem of improving infrastructure and quality of life in these communities.

Tips for the main body

• Don’t rehash your resume by trying to summarize everything you’ve done so far; the personal statement isn’t about listing your academic or professional experience, but about reflecting, evaluating, and relating it to broader themes.
• Do make your statements into stories: Instead of saying you’re hard-working and self-motivated, write about your internship where you took the initiative to start a new project. Instead of saying you’ve always loved reading, reflect on a novel or poem that changed your perspective.

Your conclusion should bring the focus back to the program and what you hope to get out of it, whether that’s developing practical skills, exploring intellectual questions, or both.

Emphasize the fit with your specific interests, showing why this program would be the best way to achieve your aims.

Strategy 1: What do you want to know?

If you’re applying for a more academic or research-focused program, end on a note of curiosity: what do you hope to learn, and why do you think this is the best place to learn it?

If there are specific classes or faculty members that you’re excited to learn from, this is the place to express your enthusiasm.

Strategy 2: What do you want to do?

If you’re applying for a program that focuses more on professional training, your conclusion can look to your career aspirations: what role do you want to play in society, and why is this program the best choice to help you get there?

Tips for the conclusion

• Don’t summarize what you’ve already said. You have limited space in a personal statement, so use it wisely!
• Do think bigger than yourself: try to express how your individual aspirations relate to your local community, your academic field, or society more broadly. It’s not just about what you’ll get out of graduate school, but about what you’ll be able to give back.

You’ll be expected to do a lot of writing in graduate school, so make a good first impression: leave yourself plenty of time to revise and polish the text.

Your style doesn’t have to be as formal as other kinds of academic writing, but it should be clear, direct and coherent. Make sure that each paragraph flows smoothly from the last, using topic sentences and transitions to create clear connections between each part.

Don’t be afraid to rewrite and restructure as much as necessary. Since you have a lot of freedom in the structure of a personal statement, you can experiment and move information around to see what works best.

Finally, it’s essential to carefully proofread your personal statement and fix any language errors. Before you submit your application, consider investing in professional personal statement editing . For $150, you have the peace of mind that your personal statement is grammatically correct, strong in term of your arguments, and free of awkward mistakes.

A statement of purpose is usually more formal, focusing on your academic or professional goals. It shouldn’t include anything that isn’t directly relevant to the application.

A personal statement can often be more creative. It might tell a story that isn’t directly related to the application, but that shows something about your personality, values, and motivations.

However, both types of document have the same overall goal: to demonstrate your potential as a graduate student and s how why you’re a great match for the program.

The typical length of a personal statement for graduate school applications is between 500 and 1,000 words.

Different programs have different requirements, so always check if there’s a minimum or maximum length and stick to the guidelines. If there is no recommended word count, aim for no more than 1-2 pages.

If you’re applying to multiple graduate school programs, you should tailor your personal statement to each application.

Some applications provide a prompt or question. In this case, you might have to write a new personal statement from scratch: the most important task is to respond to what you have been asked.

If there’s no prompt or guidelines, you can re-use the same idea for your personal statement – but change the details wherever relevant, making sure to emphasize why you’re applying to this specific program.

If the application also includes other essays, such as a statement of purpose , you might have to revise your personal statement to avoid repeating the same information.

If you want to know more about college essays , academic writing , and AI tools , make sure to check out some of our other language articles with explanations, examples, and quizzes.

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• FindAMasters
• Public Administration Masters Personal Statement Sample

Written by Sarah Hastings-Woodhouse

This is an example personal statement for a Masters degree application in Public Administration. See our guide for advice on writing your own postgraduate personal statement .

What has always fascinated (and troubled) me about local and national governance is the enduring difficulty of implementing positive change, despite the best intentions of policymakers. Of particular interest are the deeply engrained political, social, and economic barriers that continue to impede our efforts to tackle the climate crisis.

My ultimate aspiration is to pursue a career in climate policy at the national level, to help combat one of the most urgent threats facing our own and future generations. My hope is that studying your Masters in Public Administration will equip me with the skills necessary to do so.

My Bachelors in Environmental Politics has equipped me with an in-depth knowledge of the ecological crisis we face, as well as the ways in which governments have attempted to address it, both in the UK and internationally. What became abundantly clear is that even where policymakers are ideologically united on the problem of climate change, many of the obstacles to implementing meaningful change are administrative, logistical, or bureaucratic.

For this reason, I was particularly interested in the aspect of your course that examines how we can improve collaboration between policymakers and scientists. I would love the opportunity to attain the management and leadership skills necessary to bridge the gap between politics and climate science, and to find innovative ways that experts can work together in our collective interest.

Outside of academia, I have gained extensive experience that I feel would be of relevance to this course. During my degree, I volunteered for the Green Party, which involved canvassing and helping with social media campaigns. I had personal interactions with our constituency’s candidate and gained valuable insight into the processes behind policy development and strategic communications.

After graduating, I completed a 12-week internship in the UK’s Civil Service, where I worked in internal communications. This allowed me to develop a deeper understanding of how governmental organisations operate, and how we can promote cohesion amongst members. I am interested in how this course can help me apply this understanding to the larger goal of uniting multiple sectors around a shared purpose.

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Writing Personal Statements for Graduate School

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Personal Statements

Preparing a well-written and effective personal statement (sometimes referred to as statements of purpose or personal essays) that clearly articulates your preparation, goals, and motivation for pursuing that specific graduate degree is critically important. You will need to spend a considerable amount of time and effort in crafting these statements. The focus, structure, and length of personal statements vary from program to program. Some will have prompts or questions you need to answer, while others will leave the topic open-ended. The length varies widely as well. Read instructions carefully and make sure to adhere to all parameters laid out in the application guidelines.

Clear writing is the result of clear thinking. The first and most important task is to decide on a message. Consider carefully which two or three points you wish to impress upon the reader, remembering that your audience is composed of academics who are experts in their fields. Your statement should show that you are able to think logically and express your thoughts in a clear and concise manner. Remember that the reader already has a record of your activities and your transcript; avoid simply restating your resume and transcript. Writing your statement will take time; start early and give yourself more than enough time for revisions. If no prompts are given, you can use the questions below to begin brainstorming content to include in your statement; for more information, see our Writing Personal Statement presentation Prezi  and our three-minute video on Writing Personal Statements .

• What experiences and academic preparation do you have that are relevant to the degree you’re seeking?
• Why are you choosing to pursue a graduate degree at this time?
• Why do you want to pursue this particular degree and how will this degree and the specific program fit into your career plans and your long-term goals?
• What specific topics are you aiming to explore and what does the current literature say about those topics?

After you’ve written a first draft, start the work of editing, refining, simplifying, and polishing. Provide specific examples that will help illustrate your points and convey your interests, intentions, and motivations. Is any section, sentence, or word superfluous, ambiguous, apologetic, or awkward? Are your verbs strong and active? Have you removed most of the qualifiers? Are you sure that each activity or interest you mention supports one of your main ideas? Spelling and grammatical errors are inexcusable. Don’t rely on spell-check to catch all errors; read your statement aloud and have it reviewed by multiple people whose opinion you trust. If possible, have your statement reviewed by a writing tutor. For individual assistance with writing your personal statement, consult with the writing tutor in your residential college  or the Writing Center within the Yale Center for Teaching and Learning .

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Breaking down the MPA/MPP personal statement, personal essay, and supplemental essay

Essays for graduate study cover a myriad of topics. Here at SPIA, we hope our essays help reflect and speak to our culture, our community, and our values—the stuff we care about. We require a variety of essays and short answer written responses, and each serves a slightly different purpose toward helping us to understand the academic and professional trajectory of each person as well as the motivation for graduate study at Princeton. No one thing is determinative in our process or application; we read each file individually and holistically, and admissions decisions are based on the totality of information in the file. 

The personal statement should answer the prompt and include an explanation of one’s commitment to a career in public service. We are interested in a clear description of the policy areas of interest to you and why you care about them as well as how your previous academic, personal, and professional experiences have shaped your career goals. We want to know why you want to enroll at SPIA, what you hope to gain from our program, as well as your career plans in terms of policy issues and agencies or organizations you wish to work with and why. We are looking to understand Why Princeton. Why now. And what’s next.

SPIA’s supplemental essay has long been the part of our application where we ask you to go beyond the other dimensions of the file and where we seek to get to know you on a more personal and individual basis. We all come from somewhere and it shapes us – both in who we become and what we value. We’re interested in your story and what shaped you. What do you value? This essay often helps us to further understand the person behind the paper.

This year, the Graduate School introduced the personal essay . The announcement of this essay reaffirms Princeton’s strong commitment to welcoming students from diverse backgrounds and experiences. It provides applicants an additional space to describe how their academic interests and life experiences will help them contribute to Princeton’s scholarly community. We hope to further understand how you will contribute to our tight-knit and vibrant campus community.

We understand there may be some similarities and overlap in how you interpret and write each essay. Our hope, of course, is that each essay will reveal something new and that each provides space and opportunity to translate through as rich and as full a description of your background, goals, and aspirations as possible. 

Through each of them, we are looking for you to tell us your story in the way that only you can.

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Public administration personal statement example.

Having various experiences of national and international institutions with mass experiences in the field of management besides other administrative experience, I would like to express my keen eagerness for getting admittance in the chevening scholarship for the academic year 2009-2010 in the field of Public Administration.

I am currently Risk manager (Market) at Centralbank of Afghanistan (Da Afghanistan Bank); I have completed my primary, secondary and high school education at Nanagarhar Afghanistan.

In addition, I had honor to be officially invited to participate in different regional and international conferences in Turkey, India and Pakistan. I have gone through many short term educational and technical courses and have had the opportunity to participate in various national and international trainings.

Besides I am president of AYIG (Afghan Youth Initiative Group). This is one of new established active associations in Afghanistan, working for peace through promoting and developing leadership training, arranging workshop, meeting and conferences among youths as well as I am lecturer of Economics subjects and English at karwan Karwan Inistitue.

I had thought English and Mathematic for more then two years in Arian English language Center and had the responsibility of back person for the general manager.

I am graduated from the Kabul University with B.A in Economics, during my study I started work with New Speen Ghar construction company as project and finance assistant as well as I joint AIESEC and I got key position their such as Team leader of External Relation, Vice President of Educational Exchange and MCP or National President of AIESEC in Afghanistan positions in very short time, AIESEC aims to developed the potential of youths at leadership and culture understating, by exchange program among Young's at more then 110 countries and 850 universities campus and introduce the young's with positive impact to communities.

As an Afghan citizen and social active, I know my country and the region well, and I am aware of my country and region' history, politics, sociology, local culture and especially socio-economic characteristics.

Afghanistan is now on its way toward reconstruction and rehabilitation despite of many challenges. And no doubt this process and breaking of these challenges needs educated Afghans, particularly youths who are valuable asset of community covering 75-80 % of the country population.

My academic background, aboard and inside work experience, and presences in various biggest international conferences in different European and Asian countries motivated me to gain more education and move forward for being able serve my country.

Therefore, attending this program will further enhance my higher education and cultural knowledge to comprehensively work for Afghanistan and utilize them for better future and prosperity of Afghanistan.

Hopefully after completion of this program in coming year I intend to work for the objectives of my professional career, which at the later stage transform to the objectives of my country in fighting against corruption and strengthening the economy of my country.

Therefore, I would like to request you for your assistance in providing me the opportunity of admittance in this program for further and higher education.

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This personal statement was written by paserly for application in 2008.

paserly's Comments

I write this statement about the strengthen of Economy by bringing transparency and accountability through education afghan youth.

I hope you guys give me some useful advice

This personal statement is unrated

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Administrator CV examples and template

If you are hoping to land an administrator job, or similar office support position, it’s vital that you have an effective CV.

An administrator CV that stands out from the crowd, and highlights your most in-demand skills will attract recruiters and win plenty of interviews for you.

This guide along with 4 administrator CV examples, will teach you everything you need to know about writing a winning CV and securing top admin roles.

CV templates 

Administrator CV example

Sales administrator CV example

Contract administrator CV example

HR administrator CV example

The above CV is a good example of an experienced administrator who has worked in a range of office support roles across numerous firms.

It should give you a good steer on how your CV might end up looking, but the following guide will walk you through step-by-step, the process of writing your own admin CV ( curriculum vitae ).

Admin CV structure

Before you start writing your CV , you will need to plan how you will layout the information and style the document. This stage is very important because the structure and format of the document will help you to create a pleasant reading experience for recruiters, and give you a professional first impression.

This infographic shows you what sections are needed in your CV, how they should be ordered, and some tips on styling.

Formatting tips

• Try to keep your CV to around 2 pages in length – it’s just the right length to get enough information across without boring readers.
• Keep the style simple with a clear crisp font , and modest colour scheme – there’s no need to over-complicate your CV.
• Divide sections with bold headings and borders to allow recruiters to navigate your CV quickly.
• Break text up for easy reading, and don’t add images or logos – they will distract from the all-important content.

Structuring your admin CV

Once you have your CV well-formatted, the following sections need to be included in order:

• Contact details – Add these at the very top of your CV… You don’t want them to be missed
• Profile – An introductory paragraph to reel recruiters in and summarise your skills
• Work experience / career history – List your work experience in reverse chronological order
• Education – Academic record and qualifications
• Interest and hobbies – Optional section

Now that you understand how your CV should be structured, I will take you through the sections in detail, and show you how to write each one.

CV contact details

At the very top of your CV, list your name and contact details so that recruiters can contact you easily.

Quick tip: Reduce the top page margin to push these details right to the top of the page, and create more space for the body of your CV.

The only contact details your CV needs are:

• Telephone number
• Email address (use a professional sounding address – no nicknames)
• Maybe a link to your LinkedIn profile if you have one

These are the only contact details required – there is no need to include your full address, date of birth, marital status etc. They are not required at such an early stage in the application process, and you shouldn’t circulate too much personal information online for security purposes.

Administrator CV profile

The top of your CV plays a very important role, because it is the first thing a recruiter will see upon opening the document, and you only have a few seconds to get their attention.

To ensure you make an instant good impression, head your CV up with a punchy profile that provides a rounded summary of your skills, and ensures people will commit time to reading your CV in full.

Your profile (sometimes called a personal statement by junior candidates) should be an introductory paragraph of about 5-10 lines.

These are the keys to creating a strong CV profile:

• Keep it short and sharp, you only have a few seconds to get your message across
• Tailor it towards your target roles by researching the core candidate requirements before you start writing
• Avoid generic clichés like “hardworking team player” – they are overused and don’t tell readers anything factual about you

Quick tip:  If you worry that your spelling and grammar might not be correct, try using our quick-and-easy CV Builder  to eliminate the risk of making mistakes.

This is an example of a good admin CV profile.

You can see more CV profile examples here .

As an administrator, these are the types of content that should be going into your profile:

Where you have worked – What types of organisation have you worked for? Large corporate firms? Small high street offices? If you have no work experience, you can always draw on school or university experience.

Qualifications – IT, maths and English qualifications can be important in admin work, as can vocational administrative qualifications

Essential admin skills – Although every administration role will be unique, there are certain skills that are likely to be required in all of them. Skills such as data entry /management, reporting, typing, filing, diary management etc.

Types of people you support – Who have you supported in previous roles? Head of departments? Global directors? Large teams?

System/software knowledge – Many admin roles will require the use of common systems and software such as Outlook and Microsoft Excel .

Boost your profile with a core skills section

To create an even bigger impact at the top of your CV, add a core skills section underneath your profile.

The core skills section is a series of bullet points split over 2 or 3 columns which highlight your most valuable skills and knowledge for admin roles.

The effect this section has, is that it allows readers to gain a good overview of your suitability, from just a quick glance at the CV – great for ensuring recruiters notice you.

Your work experience

Once you’ve given recruiters an overview of your abilities with the top of your CV, it’s time to start detailing your career history to give them some more in-depth insight into what you can do.

( If you have no direct work experience , don’t worry – you can write about any other experiences that could be relevant like school/university projects, personal projects, school work placements, voluntary work, or anything you can draw relevant skills from )

List your work experience in reverse chronological order (latest to oldest) because employers will be more interested in your recent work to assess your current capabilities.

As you move down your CV, you can shorten older roles because they won’t receive as much scrutiny from recruiters or employers.

Structuring your roles

It’s important that you structure your role descriptions in a way that is easy for recruiters to read, and allows them to gain a quick understanding of your work and impact.

Don’t make the mistake of writing your roles as big unbroken chunks of text, they are a reader’s worst nightmare.

Instead, use a structure like the one below to create a pleasant reading experience for everyone.

Here’s how you should populate each section of your administrative roles:

Build context for recruiters by providing an overview of the company you work for, where you fit within the organisation for and a brief summary of the role.

“Working within business support team for global publishing business, providing administrative support to a number of busy teams and managing 2 assistants ”

Key responsibilities

List the responsibilities within your role in short bullet points, and demonstrate as many important skills as possible – showing who you interact with, and how your actions benefit your employer.

• Acts as first point of contact for email, telephone and in-person enquiries, responding professionally and providing information, referring on as appropriate
• Coordinating meetings, compiling agendas, taking minutes and distributing documents

Key achievements

To prove the impact you make in the workplace, finish the role with some achievements that have had a big positive impact on the business.

• Introduced new file storage system which allowed managers to access documents with more speed and accuracy
• Resolved all data queries within 24 hour time period, reducing wait time by an average of 50%

See our best CV templates  and Word CV template for more examples of role structures.

Add your full education towards the bottom of your CV, listing GCSE’s, A-levels, degree and any vocational qualifications.

Don’t forget that if you have any qualifications that are highly relevant to the admin roles you are applying for, you should also mention them at the top of your CV in the profile.

Hobbies and interests

It’s up to you whether you include your hobbies and interests in your CV or not – They won’t usually make a big difference in any hiring decisions (good or bad)

If you have any interests that are somehow related to the roles you are applying for, then it could be worth mentioning them.

Common interests such as watching TV or eating out , aren’t worth mentioning.

Essential skills for your admin CV

Although there are many different types of administrative roles, the following skills tend to appear frequently in the candidate requirements for admin staff.

Business/office support – Most administrative roles revolve around the support of senior figures in the business or the office as a whole. Your CV should contain examples of who you support, and how your input helps the business to run smoothly.

Data entry and management – Admin often requires staff to deal with large volumes of data , ensuring that it is properly stored, processed and distributed. Highlight your ability to handle business-critical data and any tools or systems used in the process.

Document preparation – Preparing letters, emails, reports and other important business documents is an essential part of administration.

Communications – Communicating with colleagues to provide updates and information is a valuable skill for any administrator.

Microsoft Office – In most workplaces across the globe, Microsoft Office is the go-to business tool suite. Your CV must demonstrate your abilities with Word, PowerPoint, Excel, PDF and any other widely used programmes.

Writing your admin CV – conclusion

Creating a strong administrator CV requires a blend of effective structure and impressive content.

If you are able to catch recruiters’ attention with a punchy profile, and prove the impact you make with well written role descriptions, you should certainly be able to land interviews for admin roles.

Remember that research and relevance is the key to a good CV. So research your target roles before you start writing and pack your CV with your skills that closely match the job requirements.

Good luck with the job search.

You can also check out our receptionist CV exampl e or find more CV writing tips across our blog.

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PS - BA (Hons) Business Administration (Top up)

• Sample personal statement

25 July, 2022

Ps - ba (hons) business administration (top up) share.

• 12 May, 2013

For the aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders, a business management degree is consistently a popular choice. After much deliberation, I have decided to pursue BA (Hons) Business Administration (Top up) at University of Bedfordshire. This course will provide me the academic knowledge and skills to pursue global career opportunities and will develop a broad understanding of businesses. In addition, this course also features different modules which will give me the opportunity to apply my theories and ideas in practice, and this will benefit me to enhance my skills and knowledge.

Following my SSC and HSC I studied Bachelor of Business Studies degree pass course in July 2017 from National University, Bangladesh. Later on, I started working as a sales executive from July 2017. After thorough research of the job market in my country of Bangladesh, as well as abroad, I have realized that in order to reach my career goals, I need to embark on this educational journey to pursue this course. Recently, I have done a wide range of research on studying abroad. I believe studying abroad helps students to learn new languages, appreciate other cultures, overcome challenges of living in another country and gain a greater understanding of the world. In addition, these are the requirements that modern businesses look for when hiring, and such traits will only become more important in the future. Moreover, studying abroad also offers a unique opportunity to learn what we know but from a totally different perspective. These are the things which have motivated me to pursue this course in the UK institutions.

I have found from my research that this programme is designed to develop all the technical and practical skills I need to prepare myself for a successful career in business sector. The programme features a variety of assessments including coursework and examinations. I have reviewed the programme of BA (Hons) Business Administration (Top up) at the University of Bedfordshire and found some modules that are designed to test subject knowledge and understanding of the appropriate subject matter, but also to demonstrate the range of intellectual and subject specific skills identified elsewhere in this document. Through research, I will get opportunities to demonstrate that understanding of the theory and will have developed critical thinking skills which help me to evaluate the relevance of what has been learned. The course modules have been designed to help me to develop and demonstrate the skills that are essential to effective communication in business settings and to allow for progress through the course such as Management and Administration of Projects and Operations, New Advancements in Business, Strategic Management for Business, Business Finance, Global Marketing Strategy. And all these modules will help me to broaden my knowledge of business management systems on a professional level. After completion of my course, I want to be a Business Developer or Business Analyst, and this course will put me in a favourable position in terms of the business and management field. I believe this course will be the right choice for my career plans and objectives.

I am determined to study this course in the UK as the study environment in my country is quite different and we only have the opportunity to study with local students. Furthermore, due to periods of unexpected political unrest, students often struggle to finish their degrees on time. Conversely, the UK has a great multicultural and diversified student community which is an opportunity for me to learn with lot of students from different nationalities. UK education brand is highly respected by employers in our country as UK degree prepare graduates with academic competencies, developed personal and professional skills that are imperative for organizational success. The transferrable skills graduates carry forward from UK are pivotal for transforming organizational growth and gain competitive advantages. This is also a reason to study again in UK. In a recent Survey of International Graduate Outcomes 2019 by Universities UK International produced by iGraduate shows that 82% international graduates say that their UK degree are worth the financial investment and same percentage say they are satisfied or very satisfied with their careers. Nearly 83% feel that UK degree has helped them to get jobs. These aspects have driven my ambition to gain the degree from a UK institution. For this reason, I have decided to pursue this course in the UK.

The University of Bedfordshire is a modern, innovative university with a heritage of top-quality education. With over 22,000 students, we provide outstanding higher education to people from all backgrounds and from over 120 countries, with a significant proportion of mature students and a growing international postgraduate community. In addition, University of Bedfordshire has great industry links with more than 3,000 companies to provide a broad range of training and accredited professional courses for industry employers, including, BT, Sky, Boots, IBM, and the NHS, while the university educates professionals from 90% of FTSE 100 companies. University of Bedfordshire puts students on a fast track that is designed to get postgraduate degree into faster employment with excellent career opportunities. University of Bedfordshire is ranked top 25 for most improved overall satisfaction over a three- and five-year period by National Student Survey, 2018. Moreover, University of Bedfordshire career support services help students build a successful career after graduation. This University brings workplace into classrooms so it will be beneficial for me to attain my personal career objectives by practicing in this type of learning environment. I will look no further if I get this chance to study this course at University of Bedfordshire.

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100+ Grad School Personal Statement Examples

by Talha Omer, MBA, M.Eng., Harvard & Cornell Grad

In personal statement samples by field | personal statements samples by university.

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Importance of a Strong Personal Statement

Purpose of this blog post, length and format, tone and style, general tips for success, computer science and engineering, economics and finance, management and business, healthcare and medicine, environment and sustainability, public affairs, international relations and politics, architecture, arts and film, mathematics and statistics, religion and philosophy, phd personal statement examples, scholarship & fellowship personal statements, word count-specific personal statements, prompt-specific grad school personal statements examples, academic achievements and experiences, research experiences, work and internship experiences, volunteer and community service, personal growth and overcoming challenges, future goals and career aspirations, research the program and faculty, emphasize alignment with program objectives, highlight unique program offerings, overused phrases and clichés , excessive self-praise, lack of focus or organization, consulting mentors, and advisors, incorporating feedback and refine, introduction.

A personal statement is essential in the graduate school application process, as it plays a significant role in shaping the admissions committee’s perception of you. In fact, a survey conducted by the Council of Graduate Schools revealed that 64% of graduate admissions officers consider the personal statement to be the most crucial factor in the admissions process. Furthermore, according to a study by Kaplan Test Prep, a well-crafted personal statement can boost an applicant’s chances of acceptance by up to 50%.

The personal statement’s importance stems from its ability to create a lasting impression on the admissions committee. 

Consider this: the admissions committee (adcom) does not know you personally. They have never met or spoken to you, nor have they ever interviewed you. They only know you through quantifiable aspects such as your GPA, test scores, and work experience. However, they lack insight into your thought processes, aspirations, background, and personal experiences. In essence, they need to connect with you on a personal level. The personal statement serves as a bridge, enabling the adcom, who are human beings themselves, to gain insight into your personality, motivations, and aspirations beyond your grades and test scores.

Time and again, adcoms at top universities emphasize the critical role of personal statements in their decision-making process. Drafting a personal statement is your opportunity to market yourself, showcasing your unique qualities and demonstrating your genuine interest in their program. By investing time and effort into creating a powerful personal statement, you can significantly enhance your chances of securing a place in your desired graduate program.

In this blog post, I will be sharing over 100 authentic graduate school personal statement examples from successful applicants across the globe who have secured admission to prestigious programs in the United States and across the world.

These samples encompass a wide range of fields, including MBA, Law, Medicine, Engineering, and Social Work, and originate from esteemed institutions such as Harvard, Stanford, and MIT. You will find examples of personal statements for various degrees, including MSc, MA, LLM, Residency, MBA, and PhD programs. You will also find examples of statements written by applicants who obtained fellowships, and scholarships. By sharing these diverse examples, I aim to achieve the following goals:

• Inspiration and guidance: I want to provide you guys with a wide range of personal statement examples to serve as inspiration and offer guidance for making your own statements.
• Addressing common topics: These samples will cover all the common personal statement elements, helping you understand how to effectively discuss your academic achievements, research experiences, work history, volunteer work, personal growth, and future goals.
• Tips for success: The post will also provide helpful tips on tailoring personal statements to specific graduate programs, avoiding common pitfalls, and seeking feedback to improve the final draft.
• Empowerment: Ultimately, the goal of sharing these for free is to empower you guys to create compelling and unique personal statements that will increase your chances of being accepted into your dream graduate program.

By providing this comprehensive resource, I hope to demystify the personal statement writing process and equip you with the tools and inspiration necessary to craft a captivating narrative that reflects your unique journey and aspirations. 

Personal Statement Basics

When writing your personal statement, it’s crucial to pay attention to three key areas: length and format, tone and style, and general tips for success.

It’s important to create a well-structured personal statement that adheres to the specified word count and follows proper formatting guidelines. Some programs, particularly MBA programs, might not request a single personal statement. Instead, they may pose several questions and require you to write a brief essay for each one. Such programs typically break down a personal statement into multiple short questions, expecting essay responses tailored to each query. 

As a result, it’s crucial to carefully read the guidelines before you start writing, as students often mistakenly create a single personal statement and try to tweak it for various programs without realizing that different requirements exist. By doing so, they lose time and waste considerable effort and energy. 

Adhering to instructions and responding appropriately will leave a positive impression on the admissions committee. To accomplish this, consider these key aspects:

• Word count: Most graduate programs provide guidelines on the desired length of personal statements, typically ranging from 500 to 2,000 words.Adhere to these limits to show that you can follow instructions and communicate concisely.
• Formatting: Use a clear and easy-to-read font (e.g., Times New Roman or Arial) at a standard size (e.g., 11 or 12 points) with 1-inch margins. Ensure your document is well-organized with paragraphs and headings where appropriate.
• Structure: Start with a strong opening paragraph that hooks the reader, followed by body paragraphs addressing the key topics, and conclude with a memorable closing paragraph that reinforces your main points. This structure will ensure a cohesive and engaging narrative that effectively communicates your experiences and aspirations to the admissions committee.

In terms of tone and style, your personal statement should strike a balance between professionalism and authenticity to effectively convey your unique experiences and perspective. To accomplish this, consider the following aspects:

• Professional and confident: Adopt a professional tone in your writing, using clear, concise language. Be confident in presenting your accomplishments without being overly boastful.
• Authentic and personal: Avoid overly formal or academic language that may make your writing feel impersonal. Showcasing your authentic self will help the admissions committee connect with you on a personal level.
• Engaging storytelling: Use storytelling techniques to make your personal statement more engaging and memorable. This can include anecdotes, vivid descriptions, and a strong narrative structure. Starting with a quote that is relevant to your story is also a good way to begin your personal statement.

Lastly, adhering to tried and tested tips can greatly improve your personal statement, ensuring you present a polished and compelling narrative that effectively showcases your strengths and aspirations to the admissions committee. Some general advice is as follows::

• Start early: Give yourself ample time to brainstorm, write, revise, and seek feedback on your personal statement. On average. Grad school applicants spend 20+ hours in perfecting a personal statement of 1000 words. Moreover, they have their personal statement reviewed and redrafted 5 times on average.  
• Be focused and organized: Clearly structure your personal statement, addressing the main topics and ensuring your narrative flows logically from one point to the next. A well-organized statement will demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively and coherently.
• Proofread and edit: Carefully review your personal statement for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. Use free tools like grammarly to remove any unwanted errors in your writing.
• Seek feedback: Share your personal statement with your mentors, or peers, to gather valuable feedback. I especially recommend that you show your essay to someone who has already gone through the process successfully as they know the ins and outs well. Then, incorporate this feedback to refine and strengthen your final draft.

To help you get started and see everything that I just discussed in action, here is a list of 100+ personal statement examples from successful graduate school applicants.

Grad School Personal Statement Examples by Field of Study

• Example Personal Statement Computer Science (Admitted to Oxford with Low GPA )
• Example Personal Statement Computer Science (Admitted to Stanford )
• Example Personal Statement Computer Science (Admitted to Cambridge PhD )
• Example Personal Statement Artificial Intelligence (Admitted to UCLA)
• Example Personal Statement Machine Learning (Admitted to Duke )
• Example Personal Statement Data Science and Analytics (Admitted to CMU )
• Example Personal Statement Data Analytics (Admitted to Georgia Tech )
• Example Personal Statement Advanced Analytics (Admitted to NCSU )
• Example Personal Statement Mechanical Engineering (Admitted to USC , Imperial )
• Example Personal Statement Economics (Admitted to LSE )
• Example Personal Statement Economics (Admitted to Oxbridge )
• Example Personal Statement Finance (Admitted to MIT Sloan )
• Example Personal Statement Financial Engineering (Admitted to UC Berkeley )
• Example Personal Statement Financial Engineering (Admitted to UCLA )
• Example Personal Statement Accounting & Finance (Admitted to Michigan University)
• Example Personal Statement Investment Banking (Admitted to UPenn )
• Example Personal Statement (Admitted to Georgetown )
• Example Personal Statement (Admitted to Harvard LLM )
• Example Personal Statement (Admitted to Northwestern )
• Example Personal Statement (Admitted to NYU , Duke )
• 8 MBA Personal Statements (All IVY LEAGUES )
• Example BA Essays ( INSEAD )
• Example MBA Essays ( Kellogg Northwestern )
• Example Personal Statement Operations Management (Admitted to MIT PHD)
• Example Personal Statement Management (Admitted to Duke )
• Example Personal Statement Marketing (Admitted to NYU , Cornell )
• Example Personal Statement Business Analytics (Admitted to MIT , CMU )
• Example Personal Statement Management & Analytics (Admitted to LBS )
• Example Personal Statement Project Management (Admitted to UT Austin )
• Example Personal Statement Logistics & Supply Chain (Admitted to Boston . Penn State )
• Example Personal Statement Supply Chain Management (Admitted to MIT )
• Example Personal Statement Teaching ( Scholarship US State Department)
• Example Education Personal Statement (Admitted to UPenn , NYU , UCLA )
• Example Personal Statement Education Policy (Admitted to USC )
• Example Personal Statement Special Education Teacher (Admitted to TUFTS )
• Example Personal Statement of an Aspiring Teacher (Admitted to American University )
• Example Personal Statement Residency in Internal Medicine (Admitted to ASU )
• Example Personal Statement Counseling (Admitted to Harvard , Yale )
• Example Personal Statement Psychology (Admitted to NYU Steinhardt)
• Example Personal Statement Nursing (Admitted to Duke , Ohio)
• Example Personal Statement Public Health (MPH) (Admitted to Columbia , Emory)
• Example Personal Statement Social Work (MSW) (Admitted to Columbia )
• Example Personal Statement Veterinary (Admitted to UC Davis , CSU , Edinburgh)
• Example Personal Statement Biochemistry (Admitted to Johns Hopkins )
• Example Personal Statement Biology (Admitted to JHU )
• Example Personal Statement Anthropology (Admitted to Stanford )
• Example Personal Statement Environment and Sustainability (admitted to Stanford , CALTECH )
• Example Personal Statement Environmental Sustainability and Energy Management (Admitted to Yale , Duke )
• Example Personal Statement International Relations (Admitted to Columbia , Cornell )
• Example Personal Statement Political Science (Admitted to Duke , UCLA , NYU )
• Example Personal Statement Public Administration MPA (Admitted to Columbia , Harvard )
• Example Personal Statement Public Policy MPP (Admitted to Harvard , Brown , Erasmus Mundus Scholarship )
• Example Personal Statement Architecture (Admitted to Cambridge , Cornell , Yale )
• Example Personal Statement MFA (Admitted to New School and Rhode Island )
• Example Personal Statement in Filmmaking (Admitted to New York Film Academy )
• Example Personal Statement Fashion and Textile (Admitted to Parsons , Royal College of Arts )
• Example Personal Statement Math (Admitted to Oxbridge )
• Example Personal Statement Statistics (Admitted to NCSU , Cornell )
• Example Personal Statement Religious Studies (Admitted to Columbia , Harvard )
• Example Personal Statement 1 (Admitted to MIT )
• Example Personal Statement 2 (Admitted to Cambridge )
• Example Research Statement (Admitted to JHU )
• Example Statement of Research Interests (Admitted to Scripps )
• Example Statement of Objectives (Admitted to MIT )
• Example Personal StatemenT MS leading to Ph.D. (Admitted to Notre Dame )

These essays are written by applicants who are seeking financial aid or funding to support their graduate studies. In most cases, the program does not require a separate essay or application for the scholarship or fellowship, but in a few cases they do.

Most external donors do require a separate application such as the Fulbright program.

The purpose of these essays is to convince the selection committee that the applicant is the best candidate for the scholarship or fellowship.

• Scholarship Personal Statement Example (Won $250,000 Scholarship )
• Scholarship Personal Statement Example (Won Erasmus Mundus Scholarship )
• Fellowship Personal Statement Example (Won MIT Sloan Fellowship )
• Scholarship Personal Statement Example 1 (Won Fulbright Scholarship )
• Scholarship Personal Statement Example 2 (Won Fulbright Scholarship )

Word Count-Specific Personal Statements have a specific word count limit, which must be adhered to by the applicant. These are often required as part of graduate school applications, where the admissions committee wants to ensure that all applicants are providing the same amount of information and not exceeding or falling short of the specified word count.

Writing a word count-specific personal statement can be challenging, as applicants must balance providing enough detail to adequately convey their story and goals, while also being concise and staying within the specified limit. However, meeting the word count requirement is essential for demonstrating an applicant’s ability to communicate effectively, follow instructions, and prioritize information.

Here are a few examples of word-count specific personal statements.

• 100 Word Personal Statement Example
• 150 Word Personal Statement Example
• 200 Word Personal Statement Example
• 250 Word Personal Statement Example
• 300 Word Personal Statement Example
• 400 Word Personal Statement Example
• 500 Word Personal Statement Example
• 600 Word Personal Statement Example
• 700 Word Personal Statement Example
• 750 Word Personal Statement Example
• 800 Word Personal Statement Example
• 1000 Word Personal Statement Example

Prompt specific personal statements are statements that are tailored to answer a specific question or prompt in a personal statement. These statements are typically used in graduate school applications, especially MBA apps. These essays usually have a word-limit as well.

The purpose of a question specific personal statement is to demonstrate to the admissions committee that the applicant has the skills, knowledge, and experience required to succeed in the program. By directly addressing the prompt or question, the applicant can provide a focused and coherent response that highlights their relevant qualities and accomplishments.

For example, if a prompt asks an applicant to discuss their leadership experience, a question specific personal statement would focus on describing specific instances where the applicant demonstrated leadership skills and qualities, such as problem-solving, decision-making, and effective communication.

Here are some samples on Question or Prompt Specific Personal Statements.

• Prompt-specific Personal Statement on Career Goals
• Prompt-specific Personal Statement on Values that have Influenced You
• Prompt-specific Personal Statement on Leadership
• Prompt-specific Personal Statement on 25 Things You Don’t Know About Me
• Prompt-specific Personal Statement on Describe a Challenge you Faced and How you Overcame it?
• Prompt-specific Personal Statement on My Passion in Life
• Prompt-specific Personal Statement on Why do you want to become a doctor?
• Prompt-specific Personal Statement Example 1 ( Responses to 6 Prompts for Fellowship)
• Prompt-specific Personal Statement Example 2 ( Responses to 5 Prompts for Duke)
• Prompt-specific Personal Statement Example 3 ( Responses to 3 Prompts for MIT)
• Prompt-specific Personal Statement Example 4 ( Responses to 4 Prompts for LBS)
• Prompt-specific Personal Statement Example 5 ( Responses to 4 Prompts for UC Berkeley)
• Prompt-specific Personal Statement Example 6 ( Responses to 4 Prompts for MIT)

Addressing Common Personal Statement Components

In this section, I will explore the various components that commonly make up a well-rounded personal statement.I have also discussed these in a lot more detail in a blog post here . In that post, I have also shared various examples of personal statements that show how you can put these components in an essay form. Furthermore, that blog post also introduces an 8-point framework designed to assist you in evaluating and rating your personal statement draft.

When applying for graduate programs that are academic in nature, such as PhD, Master of Science, or Master of Arts, it’s essential to emphasize your academic achievements and experiences in your personal statement. To effectively showcase your educational background, you can do the following:

• Highlight relevant coursework: Discuss courses that have prepared you for graduate study and demonstrate your passion for the subject.
• Showcase your academic accomplishments: Mention awards, honors, high GPA, or scholarships you’ve received, and explain their significance.
• Share influential academic experiences: Describe any conferences, workshops, or seminars you’ve attended, and explain how they’ve shaped your understanding of your field.

When applying for research-oriented programs such as PhD, post-doc, or research-based masters, it’s crucial to emphasize your research background, experiences, and achievements in your personal statement. To effectively highlight your research accomplishments, consider including the following in your personal statement:

• Describe your research projects: Outline the relevant research you’ve conducted, including the objectives, methodology, and results.
• Emphasize your role: Detail your specific contributions (co-contributor, co-author, lead researcher) to the research project, highlighting your skills and expertise.
• Discuss the impact: Explain how your research has contributed to the field (maybe you got published in a journal, got a patent or published a white paper). You can also discuss how it influenced your career goals.

When composing your personal statement, it’s a good idea to show your work and internship experiences, as they highlight your practical skills and dedication to your chosen field. These experiences are especially significant for those applying to professional programs such as MBA, Project Management, and Masters in Engineering. 

However, they can also add considerable value to applications for academic or research-based programs. To effectively emphasize your work experiences and their relevance to your graduate studies, take into account the following aspects:

• Detail relevant experiences: Discuss any internships, part-time jobs, or full-time positions related to your field, highlighting the skills you’ve gained.
• Demonstrate transferable skills: Show how your work experience has equipped you with valuable skills (e.g., teamwork, leadership, problem-solving) that can be applied to your graduate studies.
• Share meaningful moments: Describe any significant projects, accomplishments, or challenges you’ve encountered during your work experience that have shaped your perspective or goals.

In your personal statement, highlighting your volunteer and community service experiences can be a valuable addition, particularly for programs that emphasize social impact or community engagement, such as social work, public health, or education.

These experiences demonstrate your commitment to making a difference, and they showcase your ability to apply the skills and knowledge gained in real-world situations. Additionally, they reflect your extroverted nature, openness to new ideas, and willingness to engage with people from diverse backgrounds. 

Emphasizing your involvement in volunteer work and community service not only reveals your personal growth and alignment with your field of study but also highlights your ability to work collaboratively, appreciate different perspectives, and contribute positively to society. To give you some idea, you can demonstrate your service to the community by doing the following in your personal statement:

• Showcase your involvement: Discuss volunteer work, community service, or extracurricular activities you’ve participated in that are relevant to your field of study or personal growth.
• Emphasize personal growth: Describe the impact of these experiences on your personal development, such as gaining empathy, cultural competence, or leadership skills.
• Connect to your field: Explain how your volunteer or community service experiences relate to your graduate studies and future career aspirations.

By sharing the obstacles you’ve faced and the lessons you’ve learned from them, you demonstrate your resilience, adaptability, and motivation. Connecting these experiences to your academic and career goals will further emphasize your determination to succeed in your chosen field and your readiness for the rigors of graduate study. Here are some ideas to get you started with this:

• Share your story: Discuss any personal challenges or obstacles you’ve faced and how they’ve shaped your character, values, or motivations.
• Demonstrate resilience: Explain how you’ve overcome these challenges and what you’ve learned from the experience.
• Relate to your academic and career goals: Show how your personal growth and experiences have influenced your decision to pursue graduate studies and your future career aspirations.

Your personal statement should also address your future goals and career aspirations. You should discuss both your short-term (3-5 year) and long-term (10-15 year) goals in your grad school personal statement. 

Explain the motivation behind them, and connect these goals to the graduate program you’re applying to. This will show that you have a clear plan for your academic and professional journey, and that the program is an essential stepping stone toward achieving your goals. Here is a helping hand that will assist you include this element in your essay.

• Outline your short-term and long-term goals: Discuss your objectives for both your graduate studies and your future career, demonstrating a clear vision of your path.
• Explain your passion and motivation: Share the driving forces behind your goals, showcasing your enthusiasm and dedication to your field of study.
• Connect your goals to the graduate program: Illustrate how the specific graduate program you’re applying to will help you achieve your academic and career objectives.

Tailoring your Personal Statement for Specific Schools

One common mistake that applicants make is submitting a generic personal statement to multiple programs. This can significantly reduce their chances of admission. 

Universities appreciate when applicants have taken the time to research the specific program, courses, faculty, and research facilities, demonstrating genuine interest and effort. 

While it’s acceptable to have a core personal statement that outlines your personal story, achievements, and interests, it’s crucial to tailor part of the essay to the particular program you are applying to. By customizing your personal statement, you show the admissions committee that you’ve done your homework.

Here I have some suggestions for you that you can use to tailor your personal statement for the specific program.

To tailor your personal statement for specific schools, it’s essential to thoroughly research the program and faculty at each institution. This involves exploring the program’s curriculum, core and optional course offerings, summer internship placement opportunities, industry-affiliated projects that are available, faculty research interests, and the school’s overall reputation in your field. By understanding these aspects, you can demonstrate your genuine interest in the program and highlight how your background and goals align with the faculty and coursework offered.

Once you have a solid understanding of the program and faculty, emphasize the alignment between your own values, objectives, and the program’s values and objectives in your personal statement. This can include showcasing your commitment to the program’s core principles, highlighting your passion for the program’s focus areas, and demonstrating your enthusiasm for working with particular faculty members on research or projects that align with your interests.

Each graduate program may have unique offerings that set it apart from others, such as specialized courses, research centers, or industry partnerships. In your personal statement, highlight these distinctive features and explain how they will benefit you. By doing this, you show the admissions committee that you have carefully considered the program’s offerings and have a clear understanding of how they will contribute to your academic and professional growth.

Personal Statement Pitfalls to Avoid

When writing your personal statement, you should be watchful of common traps that can diminish the impact of your narrative. Avoiding these mistakes will help you create a nice, well-rounded and unique story that will stand out to the adcom.

I have also discussed these in a lot more detail in a blog post here . In that post, I have also shared various examples of personal statements that avoid these traps and some that fall for them.

Here are some critical pitfalls to avoid:

Avoid relying on common phrases or clichés in your personal statement. Nearly all the personal statement templates use clichés like, such as “I’ve always known that I wanted to…”, “I have a thirst for knowledge.”, “I want to give back to society.”, “Ever since I can remember…”. These can make your writing appear as copy paste, dull and boring. Instead, you should try to be creative and unique and use expressions that genuinely reflect your own individual experiences and motivations.

While it’s essential to showcase your achievements and strengths, be cautious not to overdo self-promotion. Overly boastful or self-aggrandizing language can be off-putting to the reader and you could come across as arrogant and self-conceited. Focus on presenting your accomplishments and experiences in a balanced and authentic manner, highlighting the impact and the lessons learned from them. In short, stay humble.

A disorganized or unfocused personal statement can make it difficult for the admissions committee to grasp your main points or understand your narrative. Ensure your personal statement is well-structured, with clear coherence between paragraphs and a logical progression of ideas. Stay focused on only talking about experiences that are relevant to your field of study. However, if you want to talk about something that you feel is important for the application but is not relevant to the chosen program, just touch upon it in your essay.

Again, I would recommend you to go through this post where I have delved deeper into the things you should avoid. Additionally, in that post I have also provided you with a 7-point framework that you can use to circumvent the common pitfalls often encountered in personal statements.

Seeking Feedback and Revising Your Personal Statement

Before submitting your personal statement, it’s essential to seek and incorporate feedback. Applicants who create successful personal statements spend 20 hours on average on creating the perfect essay. You should consult mentors, advisors, and peers, to refine your narrative. This section will guide you through the process of seeking feedback and making revisions to optimize your personal statement.

Seek input from individuals who know you well and have experience with the application process. I would also recommend that you should ask feedback from people who have successfully gone through the process in the past. Their feedback can help you identify areas for improvement, and ensure your narrative aligns properly.

After receiving feedback from various sources, take the time to thoughtfully consider their suggestions and incorporate them into your personal statement. Remember that not all feedback may be applicable or useful, so use your judgment to determine which revisions will enhance your narrative. Continue refining your personal statement through multiple drafts, ensuring your final version presents a polished and compelling story that showcases your strengths and aspirations.

I hope that these 100+ personal statement examples for graduate school and all the associated tips will provide you with the inspiration, guidance, and ideas you need to create a captivating narrative of your own. As you embark on this journey, remember that dedication, self-reflection, and resilience are key to putting up a persuasive narrative. Remember, there is no short-cut to success. Good luck, and we can’t wait to see where your academic journey takes you!

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How to Write a Personal Statement

A personal statement can be a key part of your college application, and you can really make yours shine by following a few tips.

When you're applying to college—either to an undergraduate or graduate program—you may be asked to submit a personal statement. It's an essay that gives you the chance to share more about who you are and why you'd like to attend the university you're applying to.  

The information you provide in your personal statement can help build on your other application materials, like your transcripts and letters of recommendation, and build a more cohesive picture to help the admissions committee understand your goals.

In this article, we'll go over more about personal statements, including why they're important, what to include in one, and tips for strengthening yours.

What is a personal statement?

A personal statement—sometimes known as a college essay —is a brief written essay you submit with other materials when applying to college or university. Personal statements tend to be most common for undergraduate applications, and they're a great opportunity for an admissions committee to hear your voice directly.

Many colleges and universities in the US, especially those using Common App , provide prompts for you to use. For example, "Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea" or "Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time" [ 1 ]. If the school you're interested in attending doesn't require prompts, you will likely want to craft a response that touches on your story, your values, and your goals if possible.

In grad school, personal statements are sometimes known as letters of intent , and go into more detail about your academic and professional background, while expressing interest in attending the particular program you're applying to.

Why is a personal statement important?

Personal statements are important for a number of reasons. Whereas other materials you submit in an application can address your academic abilities (like your transcripts) or how you perform as a student (like your letters of recommendation), a personal statement is a chance to do exactly that: get more personal.

Personal statements typically:

Permit you to share things that don't fit on your resume, such as personal stories, motivations, and values

Offer schools a chance to see why you're interested in a particular field of study and what you hope to accomplish after you graduate 

Provide an opportunity for you to talk about past employment, volunteer experiences, or skills you have that complement your studies 

Allow colleges to evaluate your writing skills 

Bring life to a college application package otherwise filled with facts and figures 

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How to write a personal statement.

As we mentioned earlier, you may have to respond to a prompt when drafting your personal statement—or a college or university may invite you to respond however you'd like. In either case, use the steps below to begin building your response.

Create a solid hook .

To capture the attention of an admissions committee member, start your personal statement with a hook that relates to the topic of your essay. A hook tends to be a colorful sentence or two at the very beginning that compels the reader to continue reading.

To create a captivating hook, try one of these methods:

Pose a rhetorical question. 

Provide an interesting statistic. 

Insert a quote from a well-known person.

Challenge the reader with a common misconception. 

Use an anecdote, which is a short story that can be true or imaginary. 

Credibility is crucial when writing a personal statement as part of your college application process. If you choose a statistic, quote, or misconception for your hook, make sure it comes from a reliable source.

Follow a narrative.

The best personal statements typically read like a story: they have a common theme, as well as a beginning, middle, and end. This type of format also helps keep your thoughts organized and improves the flow of your essay.

Common themes to consider for your personal statement include:

Special role models from your past

Life-altering events you've experienced

Unusual challenges you've faced

Accomplishments you're especially proud of

Service to others and why you enjoy it

What you've learned from traveling to a particular place

Unique ways you stand out from other candidates

Be specific.

Admissions committees read thousands of personal statements every year, which is why being specific on yours is important. Back up your statements with examples or anecdotes.

For instance, avoid vague assertions like, "I'm interested in your school counseling program because I care about children." Instead, point out experiences you've had with children that emphasize how much you care. For instance, you might mention your summer job as a day camp counselor or your volunteer experience mentoring younger children.

Don't forget to include detail and vibrancy to keep your statement interesting. The use of detail shows how your unique voice and experiences can add value to the college or university you're applying to.

Stay on topic.

It's natural to want to impress the members of the admissions committee who will read your personal statement. The best way to do this is to lead your readers through a cohesive, informative, and descriptive essay.

If you feel you might be going astray, ensure each paragraph in your essay's body supports your introduction. Here are a few more strategies that can help keep you on track:

Know what you want to say and do research if needed. 

Create an outline listing the key points you want to share.

Read your outline aloud to confirm it makes logical sense before proceeding. 

Read your essay aloud while you're writing to confirm you're staying on topic.

Ask a trusted friend or family member to read your essay and make suggestions.

Be true to your own voice.

Because of the importance of your personal statement, you could be tempted to be very formal with structure and language. However, using a more relaxed tone is better than you would for a classroom writing assignment. 

Remember: admissions committees really want to hear from you . Writing in your own voice will help accomplish this. To ensure your tone isn't too relaxed, write your statement as if you were speaking to an older relative or trusted teacher. This way, you'll come across as respectful, confident, and honest.

Tips for drafting an effective personal statement.

Now that you've learned a little about personal statements and how to craft them, here are a few more tips you can follow to strengthen your essay:

1. Customize your statement.

You don't have to completely rewrite your personal statement every time you apply to a new college, but you want to make sure you tailor it as much as possible. For instance, if you talk about wanting to take a certain class or study a certain subject, make sure you adjust any specifics for each application.

2. Avoid cliches.

Admissions committees are ultimately looking for students who will fit the school, and who the school can help guide toward their larger goals. In that case, cliches can get in the way of a reviewer understanding what it is you want from a college education. Watch out for cliches like "making a difference," "broadening my horizons," or "the best thing that ever happened to me."

3. Stay focused.

Try to avoid getting off-track or including tangents in your personal statement. Stay focused by writing a first draft and then re-reading what you've written. Does every paragraph flow from one point to the next? Are the ideas you're presenting cohesive?

4. Stick to topics that aren't controversial.

It's best not to discuss political beliefs or inappropriate topics in your essay. These can be controversial; ideally, you want to share something goals- or values-driven with an admissions committee.

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Article sources

1. Common App. " 2022-2023 Common App Essay Prompts , https://www.commonapp.org/blog/2022-2023-common-app-essay-prompts." Accessed January 9, 2024.

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Gre prep online guides and tips, 3 successful graduate school personal statement examples.

Looking for grad school personal statement examples? Look no further! In this total guide to graduate school personal statement examples, we’ll discuss why you need a personal statement for grad school and what makes a good one. Then we’ll provide three graduate school personal statement samples from our grad school experts. After that, we’ll do a deep dive on one of our personal statement for graduate school examples. Finally, we’ll wrap up with a list of other grad school personal statements you can find online.

Why Do You Need a Personal Statement?

A personal statement is a chance for admissions committees to get to know you: your goals and passions, what you’ll bring to the program, and what you’re hoping to get out of the program.  You need to sell the admissions committee on what makes you a worthwhile applicant. The personal statement is a good chance to highlight significant things about you that don’t appear elsewhere on your application.

A personal statement is slightly different from a statement of purpose (also known as a letter of intent). A statement of purpose/letter of intent tends to be more tightly focused on your academic or professional credentials and your future research and/or professional interests.

While a personal statement also addresses your academic experiences and goals, you have more leeway to be a little more, well, personal. In a personal statement, it’s often appropriate to include information on significant life experiences or challenges that aren’t necessarily directly relevant to your field of interest.

Some programs ask for both a personal statement and a statement of purpose/letter of intent. In this case, the personal statement is likely to be much more tightly focused on your life experience and personality assets while the statement of purpose will focus in much more on your academic/research experiences and goals.

However, there’s not always a hard-and-fast demarcation between a personal statement and a statement of purpose. The two statement types should address a lot of the same themes, especially as relates to your future goals and the valuable assets you bring to the program. Some programs will ask for a personal statement but the prompt will be focused primarily on your research and professional experiences and interests. Some will ask for a statement of purpose but the prompt will be more focused on your general life experiences.

When in doubt, give the program what they are asking for in the prompt and don’t get too hung up on whether they call it a personal statement or statement of purpose. You can always call the admissions office to get more clarification on what they want you to address in your admissions essay.

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What Makes a Good Grad School Personal Statement?

A great graduate school personal statement can come in many forms and styles. However, strong grad school personal statement examples all share the same following elements:

A Clear Narrative

Above all, a good personal statement communicates clear messages about what makes you a strong applicant who is likely to have success in graduate school. So to that extent, think about a couple of key points that you want to communicate about yourself and then drill down on how you can best communicate those points. (Your key points should of course be related to what you can bring to the field and to the program specifically).

You can also decide whether to address things like setbacks or gaps in your application as part of your narrative. Have a low GPA for a couple semesters due to a health issue? Been out of a job for a while taking care of a family member? If you do decide to explain an issue like this, make sure that the overall arc is more about demonstrating positive qualities like resilience and diligence than about providing excuses.

Specific Examples

A great statement of purpose uses specific examples to illustrate its key messages. This can include anecdotes that demonstrate particular traits or even references to scholars and works that have influenced your academic trajectory to show that you are familiar and insightful about the relevant literature in your field.

Just saying “I love plants,” is pretty vague. Describing how you worked in a plant lab during undergrad and then went home and carefully cultivated your own greenhouse where you cross-bred new flower colors by hand is much more specific and vivid, which makes for better evidence.

A strong personal statement will describe why you are a good fit for the program, and why the program is a good fit for you. It’s important to identify specific things about the program that appeal to you, and how you’ll take advantage of those opportunities. It’s also a good idea to talk about specific professors you might be interested in working with. This shows that you are informed about and genuinely invested in the program.

Strong Writing

Even quantitative and science disciplines typically require some writing, so it’s important that your personal statement shows strong writing skills. Make sure that you are communicating clearly and that you don’t have any grammar and spelling errors. It’s helpful to get other people to read your statement and provide feedback. Plan on going through multiple drafts.

Another important thing here is to avoid cliches and gimmicks. Don’t deploy overused phrases and openings like “ever since I was a child.” Don’t structure your statement in a gimmicky way (i.e., writing a faux legal brief about yourself for a law school statement of purpose). The first will make your writing banal; the second is likely to make you stand out in a bad way.

Appropriate Boundaries

While you can be more personal in a personal statement than in a statement of purpose, it’s important to maintain appropriate boundaries in your writing. Don’t overshare anything too personal about relationships, bodily functions, or illegal activities. Similarly, don’t share anything that makes it seem like you may be out of control, unstable, or an otherwise risky investment. The personal statement is not a confessional booth. If you share inappropriately, you may seem like you have bad judgment, which is a huge red flag to admissions committees.

You should also be careful with how you deploy humor and jokes. Your statement doesn’t have to be totally joyless and serious, but bear in mind that the person reading the statement may not have the same sense of humor as you do. When in doubt, err towards the side of being as inoffensive as possible.

Just as being too intimate in your statement can hurt you, it’s also important not to be overly formal or staid. You should be professional, but conversational.

Graduate School Personal Statement Examples

Our graduate school experts have been kind enough to provide some successful grad school personal statement examples. We’ll provide three examples here, along with brief analysis of what makes each one successful.

Sample Personal Statement for Graduate School 1

PDF of Sample Personal Statement 1 – Japanese Studies

For this Japanese Studies master’s degree, the applicant had to provide a statement of purpose outlining her academic goals and experience with Japanese and a separate personal statement describing her personal relationship with Japanese Studies and what led her to pursue a master’s degree.

Here’s what’s successful about this personal statement:

• An attention-grabbing beginning: The applicant begins with the statement that Japanese has never come easily to her and that it’s a brutal language to learn. Seeing as how this is an application for a Japanese Studies program, this is an intriguing beginning that makes the reader want to keep going.
• A compelling narrative: From this attention-grabbing beginning, the applicant builds a well-structured and dramatic narrative tracking her engagement with the Japanese language over time. The clear turning point is her experience studying abroad, leading to a resolution in which she has clarity about her plans. Seeing as how the applicant wants to be a translator of Japanese literature, the tight narrative structure here is a great way to show her writing skills.
• Specific examples that show important traits: The applicant clearly communicates both a deep passion for Japanese through examples of her continued engagement with Japanese and her determination and work ethic by highlighting the challenges she’s faced (and overcome) in her study of the language. This gives the impression that she is an engaged and dedicated student.

Overall, this is a very strong statement both in terms of style and content. It flows well, is memorable, and communicates that the applicant would make the most of the graduate school experience.

Sample Personal Statement for Graduate School 2

PDF of Sample Graduate School Personal Statement 2 – Musical Composition

This personal statement for a Music Composition master’s degree discusses the factors that motivate the applicant to pursue graduate study.

Here’s what works well in this statement:

• The applicant provides two clear reasons motivating the student to pursue graduate study: her experiences with music growing up, and her family’s musical history. She then supports those two reasons with examples and analysis.
• The description of her ancestors’ engagement with music is very compelling and memorable. The applicant paints her own involvement with music as almost inevitable based on her family’s long history with musical pursuits.
• The applicant gives thoughtful analysis of the advantages she has been afforded that have allowed her to study music so extensively. We get the sense that she is insightful and empathetic—qualities that would add greatly to any academic community.

This is a strong, serviceable personal statement. And in truth, given that this for a masters in music composition, other elements of the application (like work samples) are probably the most important.  However, here are two small changes I would make to improve it:

• I would probably to split the massive second paragraph into 2-3 separate paragraphs. I might use one paragraph to orient the reader to the family’s musical history, one paragraph to discuss Giacomo and Antonio, and one paragraph to discuss how the family has influenced the applicant. As it stands, it’s a little unwieldy and the second paragraph doesn’t have a super-clear focus even though it’s all loosely related to the applicant’s family history with music.
• I would also slightly shorten the anecdote about the applicant’s ancestors and expand more on how this family history has motivated the applicant’s interest in music. In what specific ways has her ancestors’ perseverance inspired her? Did she think about them during hard practice sessions? Is she interested in composing music in a style they might have played? More specific examples here would lend greater depth and clarity to the statement.

Sample Personal Statement for Graduate School 3

PDF of Sample Graduate School Personal Statement 3 – Public Health

This is my successful personal statement for Columbia’s Master’s program in Public Health. We’ll do a deep dive on this statement paragraph-by-paragraph in the next section, but I’ll highlight a couple of things that work in this statement here:

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• This statement is clearly organized. Almost every paragraph has a distinct focus and message, and when I move on to a new idea, I move on to a new paragraph with a logical transitions.
• This statement covers a lot of ground in a pretty short space. I discuss my family history, my goals, my educational background, and my professional background. But because the paragraphs are organized and I use specific examples, it doesn’t feel too vague or scattered.
• In addition to including information about my personal motivations, like my family, I also include some analysis about tailoring health interventions with my example of the Zande. This is a good way to show off what kinds of insights I might bring to the program based on my academic background.

Grad School Personal Statement Example: Deep Dive

Now let’s do a deep dive, paragraph-by-paragraph, on one of these sample graduate school personal statements. We’ll use my personal statement that I used when I applied to Columbia’s public health program.

Paragraph One: For twenty-three years, my grandmother (a Veterinarian and an Epidemiologist) ran the Communicable Disease Department of a mid-sized urban public health department. The stories of Grandma Betty doggedly tracking down the named sexual partners of the infected are part of our family lore. Grandma Betty would persuade people to be tested for sexually transmitted diseases, encourage safer sexual practices, document the spread of infection and strive to contain and prevent it. Indeed, due to the large gay population in the city where she worked, Grandma Betty was at the forefront of the AIDS crises, and her analysis contributed greatly towards understanding how the disease was contracted and spread. My grandmother has always been a huge inspiration to me, and the reason why a career in public health was always on my radar.

This is an attention-grabbing opening anecdote that avoids most of the usual cliches about childhood dreams and proclivities. This story also subtly shows that I have a sense of public health history, given the significance of the AIDs crisis for public health as a field.

It’s good that I connect this family history to my own interests. However, if I were to revise this paragraph again, I might cut down on some of the detail because when it comes down to it, this story isn’t really about me. It’s important that even (sparingly used) anecdotes about other people ultimately reveal something about you in a personal statement.

Paragraph Two: Recent years have cemented that interest. In January 2012, my parents adopted my little brother Fred from China. Doctors in America subsequently diagnosed Fred with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). My parents were told that if Fred’s condition had been discovered in China, the (very poor) orphanage in which he spent the first 8+ years of his life would have recognized his DMD as a death sentence and denied him sustenance to hasten his demise.

Here’s another compelling anecdote to help explain my interest in public health. This is an appropriately personal detail for a personal statement—it’s a serious thing about my immediate family, but it doesn’t disclose anything that the admissions committee might find concerning or inappropriate.

If I were to take another pass through this paragraph, the main thing I would change is the last phrase. “Denied him sustenance to hasten his demise” is a little flowery. “Denied him food to hasten his death” is actually more powerful because it’s clearer and more direct.

Paragraph Three: It is not right that some people have access to the best doctors and treatment while others have no medical care. I want to pursue an MPH in Sociomedical Sciences at Columbia because studying social factors in health, with a particular focus on socio-health inequities, will prepare me to address these inequities. The interdisciplinary approach of the program appeals to me greatly as I believe interdisciplinary approaches are the most effective way to develop meaningful solutions to complex problems.

In this paragraph I make a neat and clear transition from discussing what sparked my interest in public health and health equity to what I am interested in about Columbia specifically: the interdisciplinary focus of the program, and how that focus will prepare me to solve complex health problems. This paragraph also serves as a good pivot point to start discussing my academic and professional background.

Paragraph Four: My undergraduate education has prepared me well for my chosen career. Understanding the underlying structure of a group’s culture is essential to successfully communicating with the group. In studying folklore and mythology, I’ve learned how to parse the unspoken structures of folk groups, and how those structures can be used to build bridges of understanding. For example, in a culture where most illnesses are believed to be caused by witchcraft, as is the case for the Zande people of central Africa, any successful health intervention or education program would of necessity take into account their very real belief in witchcraft.

In this paragraph, I link my undergraduate education and the skills I learned there to public health. The (very brief) analysis of tailoring health interventions to the Zande is a good way to show insight and show off the competencies I would bring to the program.

Paragraph Five: I now work in the healthcare industry for one of the largest providers of health benefits in the world. In addition to reigniting my passion for data and quantitative analytics, working for this company has immersed me in the business side of healthcare, a critical component of public health.

This brief paragraph highlights my relevant work experience in the healthcare industry. It also allows me to mention my work with data and quantitative analytics, which isn’t necessarily obvious from my academic background, which was primarily based in the social sciences.

Paragraph Six: I intend to pursue a PhD in order to become an expert in how social factors affect health, particularly as related to gender and sexuality. I intend to pursue a certificate in Sexuality, Sexual Health, and Reproduction. Working together with other experts to create effective interventions across cultures and societies, I want to help transform health landscapes both in America and abroad.

This final paragraph is about my future plans and intentions. Unfortunately, it’s a little disjointed, primarily because I discuss goals of pursuing a PhD before I talk about what certificate I want to pursue within the MPH program! Switching those two sentences and discussing my certificate goals within the MPH and then mentioning my PhD plans would make a lot more sense.

I also start two sentences in a row with “I intend,” which is repetitive.

The final sentence is a little bit generic; I might tailor it to specifically discuss a gender and sexual health issue, since that is the primary area of interest I’ve identified.

This was a successful personal statement; I got into (and attended!) the program. It has strong examples, clear organization, and outlines what interests me about the program (its interdisciplinary focus) and what competencies I would bring (a background in cultural analysis and experience with the business side of healthcare). However, a few slight tweaks would elevate this statement to the next level.

Graduate School Personal Statement Examples You Can Find Online

So you need more samples for your personal statement for graduate school? Examples are everywhere on the internet, but they aren’t all of equal quality.

Most of examples are posted as part of writing guides published online by educational institutions. We’ve rounded up some of the best ones here if you are looking for more personal statement examples for graduate school.

Penn State Personal Statement Examples for Graduate School

This selection of ten short personal statements for graduate school and fellowship programs offers an interesting mix of approaches. Some focus more on personal adversity while others focus more closely on professional work within the field.

The writing in some of these statements is a little dry, and most deploy at least a few cliches. However, these are generally strong, serviceable statements that communicate clearly why the student is interested in the field, their skills and competencies, and what about the specific program appeals to them.

Cal State Sample Graduate School Personal Statements

These are good examples of personal statements for graduate school where students deploy lots of very vivid imagery and illustrative anecdotes of life experiences. There are also helpful comments about what works in each of these essays.

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However, all of these statements are definitely pushing the boundaries of acceptable length, as all are above 1000 and one is almost 1500 words! Many programs limit you to 500 words; if you don’t have a limit, you should try to keep it to two single-spaced pages at most (which is about 1000 words).

University of Chicago Personal Statement for Graduate School Examples

These examples of successful essays to the University of Chicago law school cover a wide range of life experiences and topics. The writing in all is very vivid, and all communicate clear messages about the students’ strengths and competencies.

Note, however, that these are all essays that specifically worked for University of Chicago law school. That does not mean that they would work everywhere. In fact, one major thing to note is that many of these responses, while well-written and vivid, barely address the students’ interest in law school at all! This is something that might not work well for most graduate programs.

Wheaton College Personal Statement for Graduate School Sample 10

This successful essay for law school from a Wheaton College undergraduate does a great job tracking the student’s interest in the law in a compelling and personal way. Wheaton offers other graduate school personal statement examples, but this one offers the most persuasive case for the students’ competencies. The student accomplishes this by using clear, well-elaborated examples, showing strong and vivid writing, and highlighting positive qualities like an interest in justice and empathy without seeming grandiose or out of touch.

Wheaton College Personal Statement for Graduate School Sample 1

Based on the background information provided at the bottom of the essay, this essay was apparently successful for this applicant. However, I’ve actually included this essay because it demonstrates an extremely risky approach. While this personal statement is strikingly written and the story is very memorable, it could definitely communicate the wrong message to some admissions committees. The student’s decision not to report the drill sergeant may read incredibly poorly to some admissions committees. They may wonder if the student’s failure to report the sergeant’s violence will ultimately expose more soldiers-in-training to the same kinds of abuses. This incident perhaps reads especially poorly in light of the fact that the military has such a notable problem with violence against women being covered up and otherwise mishandled

It’s actually hard to get a complete picture of the student’s true motivations from this essay, and what we have might raise real questions about the student’s character to some admissions committees. This student took a risk and it paid off, but it could have just as easily backfired spectacularly.

Key Takeaways: Graduate School Personal Statement Examples

In this guide, we discussed why you need a personal statement and how it differs from a statement of purpose. (It’s more personal!)

We also discussed what you’ll find in a strong sample personal statement for graduate school:

• A clear narrative about the applicant and why they are qualified for graduate study.
• Specific examples to support that narrative.
• Compelling reasons why the applicant and the program are a good fit for each other.
• Strong writing, including clear organization and error-free, cliche-free language.
• Appropriate boundaries—sharing without over-sharing.

Then, we provided three strong graduate school personal statement examples for different fields, along with analysis. We did a deep-dive on the third statement.

Finally, we provided a list of other sample grad school personal statements online.

What’s Next?

Want more advice on writing a personal statement ? See our guide.

Writing a graduate school statement of purpose? See our statement of purpose samples  and a nine-step process for writing the best statement of purpose possible .

If you’re writing a graduate school CV or resume, see our how-to guide to writing a CV , a how-to guide to writing a resume , our list of sample resumes and CVs , resume and CV templates , and a special guide for writing resume objectives .

Need stellar graduate school recommendation letters ? See our guide.

See our 29 tips for successfully applying to graduate school .

Ready to improve your GRE score by 7 points?

Author: Ellen McCammon

Ellen is a public health graduate student and education expert. She has extensive experience mentoring students of all ages to reach their goals and in-depth knowledge on a variety of health topics. View all posts by Ellen McCammon

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CRediT author statement

CRediT (Contributor Roles Taxonomy) was introduced with the intention of recognizing individual author contributions, reducing authorship disputes and facilitating collaboration. The idea came about following a 2012 collaborative workshop led by Harvard University and the Wellcome Trust, with input from researchers, the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) and publishers, including Elsevier, represented by Cell Press.

CRediT offers authors the opportunity to share an accurate and detailed description of their diverse contributions to the published work.

The corresponding author is responsible for ensuring that the descriptions are accurate and agreed by all authors

The role(s) of all authors should be listed, using the relevant above categories

Authors may have contributed in multiple roles

CRediT in no way changes the journal’s criteria to qualify for authorship

CRediT statements should be provided during the submission process and will appear above the acknowledgment section of the published paper as shown further below.

*Reproduced from Brand et al. (2015), Learned Publishing 28(2), with permission of the authors.

Sample CRediT author statement

Zhang San:  Conceptualization, Methodology, Software  Priya Singh. : Data curation, Writing- Original draft preparation.  Wang Wu : Visualization, Investigation.  Jan Jansen :  Supervision. : Ajay Kumar : Software, Validation.:  Sun Qi:  Writing- Reviewing and Editing,

Read more about CRediT  here opens in new tab/window  or check out this  article from  Authors' Updat e:  CRediT where credit's due .

Huron, South Dakota, June 14, 2024 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is awarding $50 million to 141 awardees in 40 states and Puerto Rico, through the Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot Program (FLSP Program), reaching 177 unique agricultural operations and over 11,000 workers. The awards will help improve the resiliency of the U.S. food supply chain by addressing agriculture labor challenges and instability, strengthen protections for farmworkers, and expand legal pathways for labor migration. This program delivers on a commitment made as part of the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection and furthers the Administration’s commitment to a regional approach to migration in the hemisphere.

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USDA Awards $50 Million to Support Farmworkers and Agricultural Employers

“These awards will largely support small and mid-sized farms to ensure they can hire and retain the workers they need to be competitive in the market, while also lifting up rural communities across the country,” said Steve Dick, USDA Farm Service Agency State Executive Director for South Dakota. “Farmworkers make an incredibly important contribution to food and agriculture and ensure we have food on our tables every day. Improving working conditions and quality of life for farmworkers, both U.S. based workers and those that come to our country to work, is one key step in building a stronger, more resilient food supply chain. The Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot Program demonstrates the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to supporting employers and farmworkers alike.”

USDA announced the FLSP Program in September 2023, in coordination with other federal agencies, to help address workforce needs in agriculture; promote a safe and healthy work environment, as well as ethical recruitment for farmworkers; and support lawful migration pathways for workers, including expansion of labor pathways for workers from Northern Central America, through the H-2A visa program. FLSP was designed with significant input from immigration, labor, and agricultural stakeholders – informed by the experiences of farmworkers and farmers themselves.

The FLSP Program grants will support a range of required and elective supplemental commitments to expand benefits and protections for all employees. Examples of awardee commitments include:

• Establishing robust pay-related benefits that have the potential to raise earnings for thousands of workers, as well as provide them more time with their families or taking care of their health through policies such as personal and paid sick time off, and mid-season vacation leave;
• Markedly improving working and living conditions by strengthening employer-employee engagement, such as establishing Collaborative Working Groups with robust farmworker representation and partnerships with external organizations that have longstanding experience collaborating with farmworkers;
• Providing additional worker-friendly benefits, such as advancement and management training opportunities, driver’s license training, no-cost English classes for employees, and additional recreation spaces in housing facilities;
• Supporting Know-Your-Rights-and-Resources training sessions for all workers to ensure they understand their legal rights as workers in the United States;
• Participation in Worker-driven Social Responsibility programs – a proven model for improving workplace environments – such as the Fair Food Program;
• Disclosing recruitment practices and advancing ethical, safe recruitment practices that are essential to protecting workers from illegal fees, undue debt, exploitation, and even human trafficking;
• 60 percent of employer awardees that plan to utilize the H-2A visa program committed to recruiting workers from Northern Central America.

View the complete list of awardees

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit usda.gov .

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

McMorris Rodgers Responds to Biden Administration’s Sham Report on Columbia River System

Spokane, Wash. – Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement after the Department of the Interior published a report today on the “Historic and Ongoing Impacts of Federal Dams on the Columbia River Basin Tribes.”

“This bad faith report is just the latest in a long list of examples that prove the Biden administration’s goal has always been dam breaching. They continue to undermine the honest regional dialogue we need to determine the future of the Columbia River System with a politically-motivated report that — in their own words — ‘is based on limited sources’ and uses ‘examples to support the conclusions.’ This irresponsible means to justify an end is misguided and should not be taken seriously, especially by those who understand the tremendous benefits this critical infrastructure provides to our region.”

Page 2 from the Department of Interior’s report.

This report comes after the Biden administration announced its plans today to create a Columbia River Task Force led by unelected bureaucrats at the White House Council on Environmental Quality who are attempting to impose their will on the Pacific Northwest.

Click here to read the report.

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Introducing Apple Intelligence, the personal intelligence system that puts powerful generative models at the core of iPhone, iPad, and Mac

New Capabilities for Understanding and Creating Language

Image Playground Makes Communication and Self‑Expression Even More Fun

Genmoji Creation to Fit Any Moment

New Features in Photos Give Users More Control

Siri Enters a New Era

A New Standard for Privacy in AI

ChatGPT Gets Integrated Across Apple Platforms

Text of this article

June 10, 2024

PRESS RELEASE

Setting a new standard for privacy in AI, Apple Intelligence understands personal context to deliver intelligence that is helpful and relevant

CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA Apple today introduced Apple Intelligence , the personal intelligence system for iPhone, iPad, and Mac that combines the power of generative models with personal context to deliver intelligence that’s incredibly useful and relevant. Apple Intelligence is deeply integrated into iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia. It harnesses the power of Apple silicon to understand and create language and images, take action across apps, and draw from personal context to simplify and accelerate everyday tasks. With Private Cloud Compute, Apple sets a new standard for privacy in AI, with the ability to flex and scale computational capacity between on-device processing and larger, server-based models that run on dedicated Apple silicon servers.

“We’re thrilled to introduce a new chapter in Apple innovation. Apple Intelligence will transform what users can do with our products — and what our products can do for our users,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “Our unique approach combines generative AI with a user’s personal context to deliver truly helpful intelligence. And it can access that information in a completely private and secure way to help users do the things that matter most to them. This is AI as only Apple can deliver it, and we can’t wait for users to experience what it can do.”

Apple Intelligence unlocks new ways for users to enhance their writing and communicate more effectively. With brand-new systemwide Writing Tools built into iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia, users can rewrite, proofread, and summarize text nearly everywhere they write, including Mail, Notes, Pages, and third-party apps.

Whether tidying up class notes, ensuring a blog post reads just right, or making sure an email is perfectly crafted, Writing Tools help users feel more confident in their writing. With Rewrite, Apple Intelligence allows users to choose from different versions of what they have written, adjusting the tone to suit the audience and task at hand. From finessing a cover letter, to adding humor and creativity to a party invitation, Rewrite helps deliver the right words to meet the occasion. Proofread checks grammar, word choice, and sentence structure while also suggesting edits — along with explanations of the edits — that users can review or quickly accept. With Summarize, users can select text and have it recapped in the form of a digestible paragraph, bulleted key points, a table, or a list.

In Mail, staying on top of emails has never been easier. With Priority Messages, a new section at the top of the inbox shows the most urgent emails, like a same-day dinner invitation or boarding pass. Across a user’s inbox, instead of previewing the first few lines of each email, they can see summaries without needing to open a message. For long threads, users can view pertinent details with just a tap. Smart Reply provides suggestions for a quick response, and will identify questions in an email to ensure everything is answered.

Deep understanding of language also extends to Notifications. Priority Notifications appear at the top of the stack to surface what’s most important, and summaries help users scan long or stacked notifications to show key details right on the Lock Screen, such as when a group chat is particularly active. And to help users stay present in what they’re doing, Reduce Interruptions is a new Focus that surfaces only the notifications that might need immediate attention, like a text about an early pickup from daycare.

In the Notes and Phone apps, users can now record, transcribe, and summarize audio. When a recording is initiated while on a call, participants are automatically notified, and once the call ends, Apple Intelligence generates a summary to help recall key points.

Apple Intelligence powers exciting image creation capabilities to help users communicate and express themselves in new ways. With Image Playground, users can create fun images in seconds, choosing from three styles: Animation, Illustration, or Sketch. Image Playground is easy to use and built right into apps including Messages. It’s also available in a dedicated app, perfect for experimenting with different concepts and styles. All images are created on device, giving users the freedom to experiment with as many images as they want.

With Image Playground, users can choose from a range of concepts from categories like themes, costumes, accessories, and places; type a description to define an image; choose someone from their personal photo library to include in their image; and pick their favorite style.

With the Image Playground experience in Messages, users can quickly create fun images for their friends, and even see personalized suggested concepts related to their conversations. For example, if a user is messaging a group about going hiking, they’ll see suggested concepts related to their friends, their destination, and their activity, making image creation even faster and more relevant.

In Notes, users can access Image Playground through the new Image Wand in the Apple Pencil tool palette, making notes more visually engaging. Rough sketches can be turned into delightful images, and users can even select empty space to create an image using context from the surrounding area. Image Playground is also available in apps like Keynote, Freeform, and Pages, as well as in third-party apps that adopt the new Image Playground API.

Taking emoji to an entirely new level, users can create an original Genmoji to express themselves. By simply typing a description, their Genmoji appears, along with additional options. Users can even create Genmoji of friends and family based on their photos. Just like emoji, Genmoji can be added inline to messages, or shared as a sticker or reaction in a Tapback.

Searching for photos and videos becomes even more convenient with Apple Intelligence. Natural language can be used to search for specific photos, such as “Maya skateboarding in a tie-dye shirt,” or “Katie with stickers on her face.” Search in videos also becomes more powerful with the ability to find specific moments in clips so users can go right to the relevant segment. Additionally, the new Clean Up tool can identify and remove distracting objects in the background of a photo — without accidentally altering the subject.

With Memories, users can create the story they want to see by simply typing a description. Using language and image understanding, Apple Intelligence will pick out the best photos and videos based on the description, craft a storyline with chapters based on themes identified from the photos, and arrange them into a movie with its own narrative arc. Users will even get song suggestions to match their memory from Apple Music. As with all Apple Intelligence features, user photos and videos are kept private on device and are not shared with Apple or anyone else.

Powered by Apple Intelligence, Siri becomes more deeply integrated into the system experience. With richer language-understanding capabilities, Siri is more natural, more contextually relevant, and more personal, with the ability to simplify and accelerate everyday tasks. It can follow along if users stumble over words and maintain context from one request to the next. Additionally, users can type to Siri, and switch between text and voice to communicate with Siri in whatever way feels right for the moment. Siri also has a brand-new design with an elegant glowing light that wraps around the edge of the screen when Siri is active.

Siri can now give users device support everywhere they go, and answer thousands of questions about how to do something on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Users can learn everything from how to schedule an email in the Mail app, to how to switch from Light to Dark Mode.

With onscreen awareness, Siri will be able to understand and take action with users’ content in more apps over time. For example, if a friend texts a user their new address in Messages, the receiver can say, “Add this address to his contact card.”

With Apple Intelligence, Siri will be able to take hundreds of new actions in and across Apple and third-party apps. For example, a user could say, “Bring up that article about cicadas from my Reading List,” or “Send the photos from the barbecue on Saturday to Malia,” and Siri will take care of it.

Siri will be able to deliver intelligence that’s tailored to the user and their on-device information. For example, a user can say, “Play that podcast that Jamie recommended,” and Siri will locate and play the episode, without the user having to remember whether it was mentioned in a text or an email. Or they could ask, “When is Mom’s flight landing?” and Siri will find the flight details and cross-reference them with real-time flight tracking to give an arrival time.

To be truly helpful, Apple Intelligence relies on understanding deep personal context while also protecting user privacy. A cornerstone of Apple Intelligence is on-device processing, and many of the models that power it run entirely on device. To run more complex requests that require more processing power, Private Cloud Compute extends the privacy and security of Apple devices into the cloud to unlock even more intelligence.

With Private Cloud Compute, Apple Intelligence can flex and scale its computational capacity and draw on larger, server-based models for more complex requests. These models run on servers powered by Apple silicon, providing a foundation that allows Apple to ensure that data is never retained or exposed.

Independent experts can inspect the code that runs on Apple silicon servers to verify privacy, and Private Cloud Compute cryptographically ensures that iPhone, iPad, and Mac do not talk to a server unless its software has been publicly logged for inspection. Apple Intelligence with Private Cloud Compute sets a new standard for privacy in AI, unlocking intelligence users can trust.

Apple is integrating ChatGPT access into experiences within iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia, allowing users to access its expertise — as well as its image- and document-understanding capabilities — without needing to jump between tools.

Siri can tap into ChatGPT’s expertise when helpful. Users are asked before any questions are sent to ChatGPT, along with any documents or photos, and Siri then presents the answer directly.

Additionally, ChatGPT will be available in Apple’s systemwide Writing Tools, which help users generate content for anything they are writing about. With Compose, users can also access ChatGPT image tools to generate images in a wide variety of styles to complement what they are writing.

Privacy protections are built in for users who access ChatGPT — their IP addresses are obscured, and OpenAI won’t store requests. ChatGPT’s data-use policies apply for users who choose to connect their account.

ChatGPT will come to iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia later this year, powered by GPT-4o. Users can access it for free without creating an account, and ChatGPT subscribers can connect their accounts and access paid features right from these experiences.

Availability

Apple Intelligence is free for users, and will be available in beta as part of iOS 18 , iPadOS 18 , and macOS Sequoia  this fall in U.S. English. Some features, software platforms, and additional languages will come over the course of the next year. Apple Intelligence will be available on iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and iPad and Mac with M1 and later, with Siri and device language set to U.S. English. For more information, visit apple.com/apple-intelligence .

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