An ultimate guide on How to Write a Personal Statement for a Scholarship application. See personal statement examples that will guide you when you write yours. A Personal statement is also called a Statement of Purpose. It is a most critical document for your application just like Motivation Letter and Recommendation Letter. Keep in mind that these are the pillars of your scholarship application. Writing a personal statement is a bit hard. Why? because it needs time, one had to think a lot about writing the best Personal statement. Have you often heard many times about SOP, Statement of Purpose, or Personal statement? Yes? Let me tell you in easy words.
I have attached an example of a personal statement for scholarship “which got me selected for the U.S. Exchange Program. Once you read that statement you will definitely have an idea that what I was talking about in my statement and how I connected my personal statement with the nature of the program for which I am applying.
In this article, I will tell you the main points about writing a personal statement for a scholarship. No. of words, how to set your statement and how to start a personal statement for scholarship.
Details About Personal Statement for Scholarship Application
Personal statements allow the reader of your application to gain the strongest feel for who you are as a person, what sets you apart from other applicants? It needs Efficiency + Proficiency. The words from your heart make the personal statement strong.
It is one of the Most important Documents or it is one of the Basic and Important Parts of any Scholarship, Exchange, or International Program.
What to write in the Scholarship Personal Statement?
Personal Statement or Statement of Purpose consists of your introduction, bio, educational background, your achievements, and your interest in attending a particular program.
- Short Intro
- Educational Background
- Achievements
- How this Program will help you in your future goals
- The benefit of attending the Program
- Most of the statement allows only 250-300 words. In some cases, they allow up to 500 words.
- Take your time.
- Do not rush it.
- Start writing in an MS Word document. Write each and every word, or sentence you remember or you want to write.
- Take a lot of help from Google. See related topics on google that what others are talking about. Google is your best teacher and helper.
- Take lines which you think can add a good impression. Rearrange the words, lines, and sentences.
- Read again and again. Remove mistakes, grammar mistakes, errors.
- Ask someone to read it for you and if there is a mistake or it needs improvement. Note it. Discuss your idea and personal statement with someone who has experience.
- Rearrange again.
- A superb personal statement will not be ready in a couple of hours.
It took me more than a month to complete the statement of purpose for graduate school. Sometimes it’s worth taking a break for a few days, then coming back to it afresh.
What Should be in a Personal Statement?
Before you start filling out your scholarship application, you should spend some time thinking about how to write a scholarship personal statement that expresses who you are and why you deserve to receive a scholarship.
Start your personal statement Early: Give yourself time to think about your topics, and carefully consider the rationale behind each question.
Be clear. Be focused. Be organized: Make sure your personal statement follows a logical structure. Try to think about how it may sound to an audience who doesn’t know you. Does it sound like a story? Well organised?
Get Personal: Share a bit about yourself at the start in 1-2 lines. After all, it is called a Personal Statement. This is your chance to share with the reader what you feel they should know about you to make an informed decision.
Proof Reading: Read your writing to others, and revise for clarity in content and in style. Pay attention to rules of correct grammar and punctuation, and don’t forget to spell-check. If you are applying for prestigious scholarships, make sure to submit all personal statements to the Prestigious Scholarship Advisor for editing and guidance on re-writes.
First Paragraph of Personal Statement
Grab your reader’s attention with an eye-catching opening. Share who you are, where you’re from, and your family background. State any special personal or family circumstances affecting your need for financial assistance.
Second Paragraph of Personal Statement
Explain why are you the best candidate for the scholarship? What have you done so far? This is where you begin to support your case.
Why did you choose to attend LaGuardia? What is your major? How did you choose your major? What are your positive qualities, accomplishments, work experience, internships, volunteer work, leadership experience, extracurricular activities, personal problems you have overcome, etc.?
Third Paragraph of Statement
Connect your goals with the opportunities receiving the scholarship will provide. What are your future plans?
Be specific about your plans for pursuing your goals. Where do you plan to transfer? What is the highest degree that you plan to achieve? i.e. Associate, Bachelors, Masters, Ph.D. What are your career goals? How do you plan to use your education to achieve your career goals? Explain the importance of your major in today’s society.
CONCLUSION (Fourth Paragraph)
This is your last chance to impress and persuade the reader. What impact would the scholarship have on your education and your future? Recap why you are a good candidate to receive the scholarship.
Samples of Personal Statement
I have attached my personal statement samples which got me selected for many Scholarships like USA Exchange programs. They are for your understanding.
Personal Statement Sample 1:
Personal Statement Sample 2:
Personal Statement Sample 3:
Personal Statement Examples
I have uploaded my personal statements to Google Drive. You can GET FREE ACCESS TO MY PERSONAL STATEMENT