Developing a Personal Statement Outline and Draft

Writing personal statements, which are often a requirement for graduate school applications or scholarship opportunities, is a great exercise for everyone because it provides an opportunity to evaluate one's goals, skills, and interests, and weave a connection to the skills required by your field of interest.  Many students feel pressured to write their personal statement all in one sitting. However, the best personal statements are thoughtfully planned out, carefully written, and edited multiple times. Even if you do not anticipate needing a personal statement, crafting a short narrative story can help you better articulate your abilities and aspirations.

This assignment/activity will result in a compelling narrative story that highlights your interests, experience, and career goals! 

Instructions:

Step 1: To get started on your personal statement, download the blank Personal Statement Outline Download Personal Statement Outline. Fill out each box, carefully considering the tips within the document as well as the Do's and Don'ts pictured below.

Step 2: Combine your thoughts from the outline into full sentences and paragraphs by adding in transitional statements and additional information, as necessary. This will form your first full draft of your personal statement. Well done! 

Step 3: Make sure your personal statement draft is in the same document as your completed outline (e.g., on the page(s) below the outline) and submit the finished document for this assignment to be eligible for credit. To submit the assignment, click the red "Submit Assignment" button on Elms and upload your completed document. 

Review some important do's and don'ts below to help guide your thinking about the content of your personal statement. (You can find the full text below the image if needed):

Full Text of Above Image (Personal Statement Do's & Don'ts):

DO:

• Carefully read the prompt and be sure to address all of its questions or components.
• Show an understanding of your strengths and what makes you a good candidate for the program.
• Take time to make sure there are no typos, spelling mistakes, or grammatical errors.
• Plan to write, edit, and revise your personal statement multiple times. 
• Show that you're interested and passionate about the field! Elaborate on your specific areas of interest.
• Have someone you trust (e.g., a professor, advisor, friend) read your personal statement and give feedback.

DON'T:

• Use long quotes, cliches, or overly detailed personal stories to explain your interest in the field.
• Exaggerate (or lie) to make yourself seem more qualified. 
• Only rely on spellcheck to catch any mistakes... it won't pick up on everything!
• Wait until the last minute. Your personal statement will come off as rushed, and you might leave out important information.
• Make statements that are too broad and vague (e.g., "I want to attend graduate school because I want to help people.")
• Use a thesaurus to change your vocabulary to seem more advanced. 

Evaluation:

To earn points for this assignment, upload your completed outline and personal statement draft in one document. Points will be assigned based on the rubric below.

For more information and additional resources, visit: careers.umd.edu

If you would like more guidance on crafting your personal statement, make an appointment with the University Career Center Links to an external site. to review content, or head to the Writing Center Links to an external site. for stylistic and grammatical help.