a personal statement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a personal statement" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts such as college applications, job applications, or any situation where an individual is asked to express their personal experiences, motivations, and goals. Example: "In my application, I included a personal statement that outlined my passion for environmental science and my career aspirations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Upload a personal statement.

Columbia University

The room certainly makes a personal statement.

The New York Times - Arts

Upload a personal statement into the application.

Columbia University

My jean jacket was a personal statement.

The New York Times - Style

At best it was considered a personal statement.

The New York Times - Arts

A personal statement is required of all applicants.

University of California, Berkeley

Upload a personal statement (with research focus) into the application.

Columbia University

The ERAS application asks me to include a personal statement.

Yale University

The application form asks me to attach a personal statement.

Yale University

"My mom didn't know what a personal statement was.

Princeton University

What do universities look for in a personal statement?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing "a personal statement", focus on showcasing your unique experiences and perspectives. Use specific examples to illustrate your points and demonstrate your personality.

Common error

Don't rely on vague, general statements that could apply to anyone. Instead, make your "personal statement" truly personal by including specific details and anecdotes that reveal your unique qualities and experiences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a personal statement" functions as a noun phrase identifying a specific type of written document. According to Ludwig AI, it is typically used in application processes to present personal experiences, motivations, and goals. Examples show its usage in academic, professional, and even political contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

51%

News & Media

43%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a personal statement" is a common phrase, especially within academic and professional settings, used to describe a document where individuals articulate their experiences, motivations, and goals. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage. When crafting "a personal statement", it's crucial to be specific and showcase your unique qualities while avoiding generic claims. Remember to tailor it to the specific context, whether it's for a college application, a job application, or another purpose. Semantically related alternatives include "an autobiographical essay" or "a letter of motivation", each bringing a nuanced emphasis to the overall communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an autobiographical essay

Focuses on the life story aspect more explicitly than the original phrase.

a statement of intent

Emphasizes the purpose and goals more than the personal aspects.

a letter of motivation

Highlights the reasons and drive behind an application or endeavor.

a narrative account

Focuses on the storytelling aspect of the statement.

a reflective essay

Stresses the introspective and thoughtful nature of the writing.

a self-assessment

Highlights the evaluation of one's own strengths and weaknesses.

a profile

Focuses on presenting a concise overview of oneself.

a declaration of purpose

Emphasizes the intended aims and objectives.

a written testimony

Suggests a formal and sincere account of one's experiences.

a case study of oneself

Presents oneself as a subject of analysis and evaluation.

FAQs

What is the purpose of "a personal statement"?

The purpose of "a personal statement" is to provide a narrative account of your experiences, motivations, and goals, often required for applications to academic programs or jobs. It allows you to showcase your unique qualities and demonstrate why you are a suitable candidate.

How does "a personal statement" differ from a statement of purpose?

While both "a personal statement" and a statement of purpose express your qualifications and aspirations, "a personal statement" typically focuses more on your personal journey and experiences. A statement of purpose, on the other hand, emphasizes your research interests and career goals. Some institutions like "University of Chicago" request only a personal statement, not a statement of purpose.

What should I include in "a personal statement" for a college application?

In "a personal statement" for a college application, you should include details about your background, academic interests, extracurricular activities, and any challenges you've overcome. Focus on demonstrating your personality, critical thinking skills, and commitment to your field of study.

What are some alternatives to calling it "a personal statement"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "autobiographical essay", "letter of motivation", or "narrative account". These alternatives emphasize different aspects of the statement, such as its personal narrative or persuasive intent.