The personal history statement is your chance to sell yourself on paper--who you are, what you are about, and what your goals are. You may be writing this statement for a professional program entrance application or to accompany graduate school application materials. Whatever the reason, you want your personal history statement to be polished and professional as well as unique so that you will stand out among the other applicants.

General Personal History Statement

This type of piece gives you much leeway in terms of how you approach writing it. You have the freedom to shape the essay yourself. The general personal history statement is typical in applications for graduate programs in medicine or business.

Specific Question Statement

Some applications will ask you to answer one or more questions. Compared to the general statement option, your statement is restricted by the requirement to answer one or more specific questions.

Getting Started

Before you actually write your essay, prepare some notes from which to draw. You can make an outline or simply jot some ideas down in a freeform manner. Ask yourself questions that will help you write the essay, such as: • Who or what has been the biggest influence in my life so far? • What events have shaped me, my attitudes and my beliefs? • What makes me unique in the eyes of the committee reading the essay that would help them make a decision about choosing me? • What activities or experiences have I participated in that showcase specific desirable skills? • What are my career goals and how will this program help me achieve them? Brainstorming the answers to these questions will help you get a feel for how to approach the essay.

Writing the Personal History Statement

As you write your personal history statement, think of it like telling a story. You want to be interesting, specific, and compelling. Be careful not to be vague, or to discuss potentially controversial subjects unless you are specifically asked to by the essay prompt. It is also very important to be honest; don't embellish for the sake of drama.

Revising

Once you have written your draft, put it aside for a day or two. You will find this will give you much clarity on the essay when you come back to it. It is a good idea to have another person read the statement to check for typos and grammatical errors, and to make suggestions about content. Reading the piece aloud to yourself will help you hear any rough spots or places you should revise. Besides grammar, spelling, and punctuation, be sure to adhere to the word limit or space constraints set forth by the application instructions.

Source:

Perdue University