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Applying to grad school means having to write a killer statement. This statement can be either a statement of purpose or a personal statement (or both, as we’ll explain later). But what exactly is the difference between these two types of essays?

In this guide to the statement of purpose vs personal statement, we take an in-depth look at the unique purposes of the grad school statement of purpose and personal statement, how the two essays are different and alike, and what you can do to ensure you produce an essay that’s guaranteed to get you into grad school.

What’s the Difference Between a Personal Statement and a Statement of Purpose?

First off, what is the main difference between a statement of purpose and a personal statement for grad school?

The short answer is that a statement of purpose is about what you want to do, while a personal statement is about who you are. Each essay has its own goals in what it’s supposed to do for you and the program you’re applying to.

Whereas the statement of purpose showcases your academic strengths and background, career goals, research interests, and fit with the program, the personal statement highlights your personal motivations for applying to the program and any major accomplishments you’ve had or challenges you’ve faced along the way.

In spite of these big differences, both statements essentially serve the same overarching purpose: to make the admissions committee think you are a good fit and will be successful in the program to which you’re applying.

Here’s a brief overview of the biggest differences between a personal statement and a statement of purpose:

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Statement of Purpose vs Personal Statement: Which Do You Need to Write?

Now that you know the main difference between a personal statement and a statement of purpose, which one will you have to actually write for your grad school applications?

The answer to this question depends on what documents your school requires and how it defines the two types of essays.

While some grad schools, such as  Michigan State University and the UC system , clearly distinguish between the two essays and require two separate statements for admission, other schools don’t distinguish at all between the personal statement and statement of purpose. In fact, many grad programs use the terms interchangeably!

Meanwhile, some grad schools combine qualities from both statements into one comprehensive statement.  Notre Dame’s Creative Writing MFA program , for instance, requires an essay that’s really a combination of the personal statement and statement of purpose: it asks applicants to talk about their future academic and professional goals as well as any personal aspects of their identity that influence their writing.

Generally, most grad programs will require at least one essay. For research-based programs, this will likely be the more academic, more formal statement of purpose.

To figure out which essay you’ll need to write for your program (and whether you’ll need to write more than one), check the program’s official website. You should be able to find details on either the program’s application requirements page or the application itself.  I also advise checking the FAQ page to see whether anyone has asked a question about the program’s essay requirements.

If you’re still confused about what your grad school admissions essay should focus on and/or what type of essay you’re required to write for your application, contact the program directly by email or phone.

How to Approach the Statement of Purpose vs Personal Statement: 11 Tips

In light of these major differences between the personal statement and statement of purpose, it’s important that you also know the differences in how you approach each essay.

In this section, we give you our top tips for how to write a truly effective and compelling personal statement and statement of purpose for grad school. We also give you some general tips you can use for both essays.

How to Write a Statement of Purpose

We’ll start with the statement of purpose—the more formal, more academic essay.

Tip 1: Consider Your Future Goals

Most statements of purpose will require you to introduce your future goals (academic, professional, or both) and describe how this particular program will help you achieve these goals. Therefore, it’s important that you clearly lay out in your essay the ambitions you have, and explain how these relate to the field you want to enter and the program to which you’re applying.

Think deeply about what you hope this grad program will do for you, academically and/or professionally. For example, if you’re applying for a master’s program in computer science, you could talk about how you plan to leave your career as a real estate agent to become a freelance web developer.

Make sure that you also explain why this program in particular will help you. Perhaps you enjoy the grad program’s emphasis on internships and believe these will let you more easily enter the professional world upon graduation, for example.

Tip 2: Research the Program and Its Professors

You likely already did some research on the program—why else would you be applying?—but it’s important to dig even deeper so you can write about specific aspects of the program that interest you.

Here are some examples of features you could write about:

• Professors with whom you wish to work
• Certain classes you hope to take
• Internships, networking events, and/or other professionally oriented events offered by the program or school
• The program’s emphasis on a certain topic, idea, or skill
• Any other attributes of the program, such as its small class sizes, its emphasis on group projects, its contests or competitions in your field, etc.

Note that it’s best NOT to mention these things in your essay:

• The program’s selectivity or acceptance rate
• The program’s ranking

The best way to begin research on your program is to simply look at the program’s official website. This should give you all the information you need on what the program requires, what it focuses on, what types of students it’s geared toward, and so on.

I also recommend visiting websites such as The Grad Cafe and Reddit . With these websites, you can get the inside scoop by reading what real students have to say about the program you’re applying to.

Tip 3: Explain How You’re a Good Match

Grad programs must make sure that the applicants they admit will be able to study what they want to research and will fit well with the program’s overall focus and its faculty members’ areas of expertise.

This point is especially important for those applying to doctoral programs, since you’re most likely going to be working one-on-one with a specific faculty member on a major research project or dissertation.

Here are some things you can write about in your statement of purpose to highlight your “fit” with the program:

• A professor whose research areas and expertise align with your research interests, background, and/or skills
• The academic or professional focus of the program and how this matches your future goals (see Tip 1)

For example, maybe you hope to work with a professor whose research areas match the general topic you want to write about for your dissertation.

Tip 4: Emphasize Your Accomplishments

The statement of purpose isn’t just for explaining your goals and fit but also for talking about your (relevant) academic and professional accomplishments.

You don’t want to repeat what’s already on your undergraduate transcript or CV/resume, so try to be extremely specific  here about what you’ve done and how this achievement has influenced your decision to get a graduate degree in this field.

How to Write a Personal Statement

Now that we’ve covered how to write a statement of purpose, let’s look at how your approach might differ for the personal statement.

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Tip 5: Tell a Story

Since the personal statement is less formal and more personal, you’ll want to ensure you’re telling a compelling story. In other words, you have more free rein to be creative with the personal statement than you do with the statement of purpose.

The personal statement is the one part of your grad school application where you can really flex your creative muscles. For instance, you don’t need to stick with the conventional chronological format (though there’s nothing wrong with this, of course).

A good way to show off your creativity is to use a variety of literary techniques , from imagery and metaphors to dialogue and colloquialisms. It’s also OK to write a little less formally than you would in a statement of purpose. So go ahead and tell that joke, or share that eccentric story!

Just be careful to not go overboard with informalities,  and make sure you’re still clearly presenting yourself as a serious applicant who is an ideal fit for the program.

Tip 6: Focus On Your Personal Motivations

Since the personal statement allows you to be a bit more personal than the statement of purpose does, it’s best to use this space to focus more on your own personal reasons for developing an interest in this field and applying to this grad program specifically.

Take time to consider what motivated you to apply to grad school and to continue schooling in this particular field. Don’t just focus on grad school in general but on the specific program you are applying to. What initially drew you to this program and at this time?

Tip 7: Explain Any Weaknesses/Challenges You’ve Overcome

You can also use your grad school personal statement to discuss any major weaknesses in your application or any challenges or barriers you’ve overcome in recent years. These can be personal struggles with things such as your career, school, health, money, etc.

For example, maybe your undergraduate GPA wasn’t that high your freshman year because you struggled with living away from home and not knowing anyone at your college. In your personal statement, you could discuss how joining your school’s badminton team helped you make friends and more easily adjust to college life.

Regardless of the challenge you write about,  put a positive spin on it. This will prove to the grad admissions committee that you’re able to overcome challenges on your own and can push forward to be successful.

General Tips for Both the Statement of Purpose and Personal Statement

In this final section, we give you some general tips you can use for both grad school statements.

Tip 8: Read the Instructions Carefully

The #1 most important rule for any statement for grad school is that you follow all the instructions for the essay.  Specifically, this means you should do the following:

• Answer the prompt and all the questions in it —some prompts won’t require you to answer every single question it asks, though it’s best to answer most if you can
• Adhere to the length requirements —most grad school essays will give you either a word limit (e.g., 500 words) or a page limit (e.g., two to three double-spaced pages), so don’t go over this!
• Include any information the program requires you to put on each page of your essay —this will most likely be your full name and might also include the document type, page number, etc.

If you have any questions about the requirements for your personal statement or statement of purpose, contact the grad program directly to ask.

Tip 9: Use Specific Details

In any essay you write, it’s important to be as specific as possible. And in a grad school personal statement and statement of purpose, it’s critical that you  include the names of people and places, as well as vivid descriptions of people, ideas, events, and emotions.  Doing this will make your essay not only more realistic but also more relatable to the admissions committee.

Moreover,  try to touch on specific aspects of the grad program, including your research interests and what drew you to this field of study. Don’t just write, “I developed an interest in psychology after taking an introductory psychology class in college.” Tell us who taught the class, the topics you studied that were most fascinating to you, and why you initially decided to enroll in this class.

Tip 10: Be Authentic

While a statement of purpose is more formal than a personal statement is, you still want to sound authentic in both essays. So  make an effort to write in your real, honest voice.  Don’t feel the need to grab a thesaurus to look up difficult vocab words to include in your essay—the admissions committee will be able to tell you’re just trying to sound smart!

Ultimately, you want to write in a sophisticated yet natural-sounding voice that shows off your personality while also highlighting your intelligence and maturity.

Tip 11: Edit and Proofread

Finally, give yourself plenty of time to edit and proofread your essays for your grad school applications. A big part of the personal statement and statement of purpose is showing off your superior, grad-level writing skills, so take your time to craft a compelling (and technically correct!) statement.

Once you’ve got a rough draft completed, look it over for any typos; errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation; and awkward or irrelevant areas. After you’ve done your own edit, give your essay to someone else to read, such as a former professor (if he or she has agreed to look at it   for you),   and ask for some feedback on what you could improve or change.

Conclusion: The Critical Difference Between a Statement of Purpose and Personal Statement

When it comes down to the statement of purpose vs personal statement for grad school, how exactly are the two different—and how are they alike? While both essays are meant to make the grad admissions committee want to admit you, they each contain pretty different information.

The statement of purpose is the more formal of the two, highlighting your academic/professional background and accomplishments, your future goals, and how you see yourself fitting with the program you’re applying to.

By contrast, the personal statement is less formal and focuses more on who you are as a person, including what motivated you to apply to grad school (and this program) and what kinds of obstacles you’ve faced in life.

Most grad programs require at least one statement; this could be either a personal statement, a statement of purpose, or a statement that’s some sort of combination of the two. And some programs require both essays.

Because a statement of purpose differs from a personal statement, the way you approach each statement is also different.

Here’s what you want to do for a statement of purpose:

• Consider your future goals
• Research the program and professors
• Explain how you’re a good match
• Emphasize your accomplishments

For a personal statement, on the other hand, you’ll want to do the following:

• Tell a story
• Focus on your personal motivations
• Explain any weaknesses or challenges you’ve overcome

Finally, for both statements, be sure to take these four steps:

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• Read the instructions carefully
• Use specific details
• Be authentic
• Edit and proofread

Now that you understand the major difference between a statement of purpose and personal statement, you can get started on writing an amazing grad school admissions essay!

What’s Next?

Still not sure how to approach the grad school statement? Then check out our collections of real examples of statements of purpose and personal statements .

For even more tips on how to write a killer grad school essay, take a look at our expert guides to how to write the statement of purpose and how to write the personal statement .

What does a grad school application look like? Learn more about grad school application requirements , and get tips on how to find acceptance rates for the grad programs you’re applying to .

Ready to improve your GRE score by 7 points?

Author: Hannah Muniz

Hannah graduated summa cum laude from the University of Southern California with a bachelor’s degree in English and East Asian languages and cultures. After graduation, she taught English in Japan for two years via the JET Program. She is passionate about education, writing, and travel. View all posts by Hannah Muniz

Personal Statements & Statements of Purpose

Personal statements and statements of purpose are carefully crafted essays for academic applications, like graduate schools or fellowships, meant to effectively communicate to the admissions committee who you are, your motivations, your goals and how you prepared for graduate school.

Personal Statement vs. Statement of Purpose

While the terms might be used interchangeably, the two are subtly distinct from one another.

A personal statement is commonly written for scholarly fields in academia and professional fields like medicine and law. While it includes information about academic and career goals, it typically includes information about yourself as a person and your motivation for your chosen field. A strong personal statement demonstrates how much genuine motivation you have to pursue this field of study and that you have the necessary skills and background to be successful. It is typically a personal narrative.

A statement of purpose is written largely for science-oriented disciplines and typically describes your preparation to pursue your chosen field, your academic and research experience, and your career goals. A strong statement demonstrates how you have advanced your academic interests and how you plan to successfully pursue your goals. When writing a statement of purpose, you are making a case that you are a preferred candidate. Be logical, concise and clear in your writing for the best results.

Basic Content

Regardless of which version you are requested to write, a basic framework can be a good starting point. Keep in mind that your essay should be a reflection of your goals and illustrate your ability to write well. Take time to refine your personal statement and be sure to include transitional sentences between paragraphs. A good flow to your essay and story is essential to keeping your reader’s attention!

A personal statement or statement of purpose should answer the following 5 questions:

• Why do you want to go to graduate school?
• How have you prepared for graduate school?
• Why will you be a strong and successful graduate student?
• What are you career goals and how will this degree help you achieve them?
• Why do you want to attend this particular graduate program? Make sure you personalize your essay for each program and describe why the particular program or faculty is a good fit for you.

Getting Started

Do you feel like you don’t know what to focus on or don’t have experiences that will help you stand out? Try these activities to help you get started.

Brainstorming Activity

Select one of the following prompts and free write on the topic for 5 minutes.

• Think about a time you overcame an obstacle.
• Write about a person who inspires you. What qualities do they possess?
• Write about a time you acted as a leader.
• Think about key moments when you realised you wanted to pursue graduate school.
• What qualities do individuals in your field of study possess? Write about how you have demonstrated one of these qualities.

Once you have finished your free writing, have a friend read over the statement and highlight the one sentence that most interests them. Then free write for five minutes on that sentence. You will find this may help you narrow down your focus.

Call a Friend

Some people have a harder time writing than they do talking. If this sounds like you, have a conversation with a friend or family member about why you want to go to grad school and how you have prepared. Make sure to make an audio recording of your conversation and then type up when you said. This will give you some content you can start shaping for your statement.

Diving Deep into the Components

Committee members will read through hundreds of applications — How will you help yours stand out? Make sure to put significant thought into every section of your essay and that you’ve answered the 5 basic content questions above.

Introduction

Learn how to write in an engaging fashion that will bring your story to life. Avoid clichés like “ I have always wanted to be a... ” and instead paint a picture that creates connection to the reader.

The opening paragraph for a personal statement typically introduces the reader to your personal and/or professional motivations. Here are two examples:

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 crisis, 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.

The brain, to me, is such a complex and sovereign organism that has influence over the internal mechanisms and this has always allured to me. My true fascination has manifested from observing the external factors that can affect the function of the brain. From a young age I have been exposed to addiction; a factor which I believe has incited a passion within me to pursue a neurological career. I have witnessed the physical and psychological effects that an alcohol addiction has over an individual, and in my seventeen years the greatest thing that I have observed is the pattern of habits that relapse and evolve with an addiction. Although this can be a truly upsetting environment to have been around, I have learnt that people and their minds are incredibly resilient. This is something I wish to delve deeper into in during a Master’s in Counseling.

On the other hand, opening paragraphs for statements of purpose should grab the reader’s attention in a straight-forward manner, since the reader is not expecting that you stray too far from your academic or professional field. Openings involving research experience, classroom experience or other specifics related to the field of study are common. Here are two examples:

I might not have learned about Professor Norman Roland’s lab if it had not been for the Freshman Research Initiative. This innovative program at The University of Texas at Austin introduces high-achieving freshman to university research. As a result, I worked for two semesters with Professor Roland’s team on the mutation rates and genetic interactions of bacteria. As a young Texan from a very “business-oriented” family in El Paso, I found myself in new territory. Those first two semesters were pivotal in defining my career direction. They gave me the foundation to pursue undergraduate assistantships in two additional research labs at UT Austin, which helped me identify my own specific research interests and the motivation to pursue a Ph.D. in cell and molecular biology.

While assisting in field biology research in Prince William Sound, Alaska, I was intrigued to see that when a colony of 16,000 blacklegged kittiwakes was flushed by a predator, they made a particular descending warble vocalisation. In fact, this distinct call seemed to be the only coordinated activity in which I ever saw them participate. Later that afternoon, I practiced making the “flush call” for hours. Finally, I climbed onto the colony and did my best imitation. The thunder of the entire colony lifting off, as other birds picked up the call, cemented my long-held intention: I want to work with sound. My purpose for undertaking doctoral work in acoustics and animal behaviour is twofold. First, my professional goal is to contribute to the existing research on biological systems, which use sound. Second, my personal goal is to convey in-depth understanding and love of these systems to the students I teach.

Experiences

Admissions committees want to know where your interests originated, how they have evolved over time, and what experiences you have had in college to prepare you for success in their program. Don’t try to cram every experience on your resume into your statement. Instead, pick 2-4 of the most impactful experiences you had to describe in greater detail and how each of those experiences prepared you for graduate school.

Research or Academic Experiences

If you have had research experience or school-related activities (e.g., projects, papers, presentations) that have been influential to your goals, focus more on what you learned from these experiences if you are writing a personal statement, and more on describing the project or research study in detail if you are writing a statement of purpose. This paragraph would also be the place to mention any personal qualities that would make you a successful student in their program. Be sure to back up those statements with specific examples documenting your abilities in these areas.

Internships & Work Experience

Internships and work experience is extremely valuable when applying to graduate school. Make sure you include these in your statement especially if they are related to your field of interest.

Co-curricular Activities

Involvement outside the classroom can offer valuable experiences to your personal and professional development. This may be particularly important in business and law, where leadership qualities are given priority. For instance, being an officer in a student organization or editing the college newspaper can show programs the leadership qualities you possess. Again, do not simply describe your experiences. Thoughtfully analyze your activities and look for ways to set yourself apart from the crowd.

Career Goals

Although you do not need to have your life mapped out in detail, be able to identify some general career goals and indicate how you plan to use your graduate training. Admissions committees want to see that you can conceptualize your future. Point out how your goals are congruent with the training you would receive from that program. Keep in mind that no one in the graduate program will remember what you put for your career goals in your admissions essay so it is okay if these goals change in the future.

Goodness of Fit

Before making their admissions decisions, the committee first needs to determine if you are a good match for them and if they are a good match for you. Your academic record and exam scores, reference letters and personal statement all help them assess if you could be a successful student in their program. By pointing out what attributes about their program appeal to you and/or how the research by certain faculty is in line with your interests, you demonstrate to them your motivation to learn from their specific program. This is most appropriate when applying to a scholarly or research program and not for applied fields like law. Here is an example:

During my graduate training, I want to enhance my research skills, further my knowledge of pharmacology, and learn how to successfully and independently investigate complex research questions. I believe UTSW will provide the necessary training and resources to achieve my goals because of cutting-edge technology and a collaborative work environment. Outstanding faculty research, like the efforts to understand mechanisms of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases by Dr. Maria Chahrourand and Dr. Gang Yu, respectively, support my research interests and career goals of working in neurological diseases. Acceptance into UTSW’s graduate school would be the first step in achieving my career goal of becoming a successful research scientist.

In your final paragraph of the essay, briefly summarize your main points and remind the committee members that you are eager to be a part of their graduate program. Be mindful to not sound repetitive. A nice touch could be to return to the theme of your catchy intro and have your story conclude full circle.

Extenuating Circumstances

The statement can also provide an opportunity to explain extenuating circumstances or particulars about your background. Clarifying the reason you had a low GPA, for instance, can help the admissions committee understand your application better. The important thing is to explain, not make excuses for, your situation. We strongly recommend making an appointment with a CNS Career Coach to talk about the best way to frame your situation in your statement.

Tips and Mistakes

Our CNS Career Coaching team reads hundreds of essays each year. Here are our top tips and most common mistakes to help you be successful writing your admissions essays. 

• Focus on you : Graduate school committees are interested in knowing more about you as a person and whether or not you’re a good fit for their program.
• Follow word and/or character limits .
• Proofread : Keep in mind that these essays are a sample of your communication skills. Triple check for grammatical errors, typos and unclear passages before you submit your essays.
• Be concise and relevant : Admissions committees read hundreds of application each cycle. Keep their attention with concise and relevant writing.
• Finish before the deadline : Give yourself time to draft, revise and edit multiple times. Your recommendation letter writers will likely want to see a draft of your statement as well — another good reason to start early!
• Consider your audience : Most admissions committee members are professors in the department of the program you are applying to. 
• Create a holistic picture : Your statement should complement your resume/CV, but both documents should be understandable without the other.
• Have multiple people review your draft : CNS Career Coaches, faculty,  graduate students and the University Writing Center can all provide feedback.
• Only you will know when you are done .

Common Mistakes

• Breadth over depth : Focus on in-depth description of 2 or 3 key experiences as opposed to briefly mentioning everything you have done.
• Telling your life story : Instead, selectively mention key experiences that are most relevant to the application and you future field of study.
• Dramatic generalizations : These usually take the shape of “I always knew...” Don’t proclaim your passion. Demonstrate it.
• Not focusing on you : Make sure you hone in on what makes you uniquely qualified for this particular graduate program and how you can be an asset.
• Incomplete : Make sure your essay answers the question(s) or prompt provided by the application committee. If there is no prompt, then review our 5 questions your statement should answer at the top of this page.
• Dishonesty : Don’t just say what you think the admissions committee wants to hear. You don’t know what they want to hear. They will sense dishonesty and you lose credibility.
• Be careful with quotes: Admissions committees want to hear your story in your words. Avoid quotes unless there’s absolutely no way to tell your particular story without it.
• Mixing up schools : This usually happens when applying to more than one school. Carefully check which statement is going to whom and that any mention of the program you’re applying to is correct in the essay.

Want Help with Your Statement?

Visit the University Writing Center

Personal Statements and Statements of Purpose: What’s the Difference?

So you’ve decided to apply for grad school—hooray! Now comes the fun part: more standardized testing, accumulating transcripts, and drafting essay after essay. As you go through your schools’ requirements, you may see requests for “personal statements” or “statements of purpose.” They’re the same thing, right? Not quite. 

As the names suggest, the personal statement focuses on who you are as a person, your background, and what inspired you to pursue your chosen field, while the statement of purpose focuses on your career goals, your academic and professional qualifications, and what you hope to get out of your graduate program. 

Some schools may require one essay combining these topics, some may ask for just one of these essays, and some may ask for both. So, as always, do your research! One way schools evaluate applicants is by how well they follow directions during the application process, so be absolutely sure you understand the prompt, the word count, and any other instructions. 

WRITING THE PERSONAL STATEMENT

The personal statement is similar to what you may remember writing for your undergraduate applications . This essay should be vulnerable, personal, and unique to you and your own life experiences. What are your interests? What personal, academic, or professional challenges have you faced and how have you overcome them? What inspired you to pursue graduate work in your chosen field? How did you decide to apply to this program? Perhaps you majored in chemistry in undergrad but did an internship in biochem that prompted you to shift your focus in your graduate work. Maybe a classroom debate in high school sparked a love of ethical philosophy, leading you to major in English and now apply for law school. 

The goal of this essay is to understand what has shaped you, including your family, your background, your interests, and your personal journey. Admissions should walk away from your essay feeling like they have a sense of who you are as a person. Make sure you mention your undergraduate major and any specific courses, professors, internships, or experiences that motivated you to apply for graduate studies. The most compelling personal statements weave your challenges and accomplishments into a unique narrative charting your personal growth. 

WRITING THE STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

The statement of purpose should be more formal and more focused on your academic and professional background, as well as your goals for the program and your future career. Rather than recounting your personal journey, tell admissions about your research, coursework, internships, and jobs. How have these experiences led you to this specific program? This document should help the reader understand how you will fit into their cohort and what you will bring both to the school and to the field upon graduation. Be sure to discuss your research interests (particularly for STEM fields) and describe how the program will support you to pursue your research. 

This essay should also outline what qualities you possess that make you a good fit for the program and how you will use your education for your future career. Most importantly, make sure you have done your research on each school so you can say exactly what attracts you to each program. Specificity is key here! List the professors, courses, research experiences, and other specific aspects of the program that excite you. How will this program prepare you for your chosen career? Maybe there’s a particular lab you can’t wait to join or perhaps you’re excited by the industry internships the program offers. 

For both essays, remember the three Rs: Research, Reflection, and Revision

• Research each school to understand exactly how your interests, background, and goals align with their offerings, highlighting specific faculty, courses, and program offerings.
• Reflect on your personal journey, your motivations for applying, and your career goals to clearly and persuasively articulate your fit for each program and the field at large.
• Revise your writing! It’s always easier to cut content than to add, so allow your first draft to be a word-dump of every vaguely relevant thought you have. Then go back through with your research and reflection in mind (see what we did there?) and edit your essay to best answer the prompt.

As always, your friendly neighborhood College Essay Advisors are here to help guide you through every stage of the writing process for your personal statement, statement of purpose, and any other supplemental essays that come your way! 

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Category: Admissions , Essay Resources , Essay Tips , Essay Writing , Postgrad , Uncategorized

Tags: grad school , grad school applications , graduate essays , graduate school admissions , graduate school applications , law school admissions , MBA admissions , personal statement , PhD admissions , postgrad applications , postgrad essays , statement of purpose

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Personal Statement vs. Statement of Purpose: Key Differences

Reviewed by:

Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University

Reviewed: 4/15/24

What is the difference between a personal statement vs statement of purpose? Keep reading as we differentiate between the different types of statements you might have to write for your application. 

Scholars wanting to take the next step in their academic career and apply to grad school will most likely have to write personal statements and statements of purpose in the application process. 

The big question is: what is the difference between a personal statement vs a statement of interest? Is a statement of purpose the same as a personal statement? Which one should you submit? 

To best stand out on applications and impress admissions officers, understanding the expectations of each statement is key. 

If you’re getting your grad school applications together and are unsure of which statement to write or the differences between the two, we’ve got you covered! 

Keep reading as we outline the differences between the two statements and answer some of your frequently asked questions. 

What is The Difference Between a Personal Statement and a Statement of Purpose?

A personal statement and a statement of purpose serve distinct purposes in the admissions process. 

The personal statement is typically a concise one-page document where you reflect on your academic journey and personal growth. It's an opportunity to share how your experiences have shaped your character and influenced your decision to pursue further education.

In contrast, the statement of purpose is a longer, more detailed document that focuses on your qualifications, motivations, and aspirations related to the specific program or field of study you're applying to.

Ultimately, both statements have similar goals. They both require the applicant to demonstrate why they are a great candidate for the chosen program and institute and why they should be accepted into the program. 

Personal Statement vs. Statement of Purpose: Which One To Write?

First and foremost, ensure that you read the instructions on the school’s webpage! The webpage will clearly list and define what each school is asking for. Look at the program’s FAQ page for more information as well. 

Some schools will clearly define which type of statement they require hopeful students to submit. Some schools, however, ask for a mix of the two. 

For example, the University of Notre Dame’s MFA in Creative Writing program asks applicants to write a statement of intent that describes both personal goals and motivations for applying to the program. Make sure you know exactly what the program is asking for before you begin writing. 

If you need to make the call on which statement to submit on your own, there are a few things you should consider. One thing to keep in mind is the program you are applying to. 

Typically, research-based programs will be looking for more professional essays. In this case, submitting a statement of purpose may be the better choice.

If you are applying to a creative writing program or a grad program in the humanities, writing a personal statement may be more fitting. Typically, humanities programs want to know more about you as a person and how your experiences have shaped you into the person you are now. 

Humanities programs, like English or Gender Studies, want to see that students can be reflective, as the research topics pursued in these programs often require self-reflection and critical thought. In cases like this, you should write a personal statement as it often provides more insight into who you are. 

Tips on How to Write a Personal Statement

Your personal statement is a necessary element of many college applications. It may seem like a daunting task, but here are some tips to help you tackle it: 

• Start with a hook : If you want your personal statement to stand out from the rest, you’ll need to start with a bang . Consider using a descriptive or action-packed hook to grab your reader’s attention right off the bat and keep them reading. 
• Stay away from clichés : Admissions officers have to read tens of thousands of personal statements; they hear the same things over and over again. It’s okay to talk about an experience that may be considered cliché, but make it your own. Include details that are unique to your personal story. 
• Use engaging language : Your personal statement should draw the reader in. Paint a picture with your words. Use sensory language and descriptive details to convey your emotions and experiences. If you’d like, you can take a look at some personal statement examples to give you inspiration. 

Some other details to include in your personal statement include but are not necessarily limited to the following:

• Personal information 
• Specific courses that changed your perspective or inspired you 
• Your passions 
• Your hobbies and extracurricular activities

Remember to stay focused while writing. Your personal statement should answer the question, “What do I want the college admissions team to know about me?” Don’t get off-track and make your statement any longer than it needs to be . 

If you’re still overwhelmed by this task, there’s nothing wrong with seeking help. You can get expert help with personal statements to make your application stand out from the crowd!

Tips on How to Write a Statement of Purpose

Your statement of purpose, while similar, should be more direct than your personal statement. As you write, remember that you’re trying to answer the question, “What do I intend to do with this degree?” 

• Provide specific examples : Show, don’t tell. You can make many claims about your skills or abilities, but you need to back up these claims with specific evidence. UC Berkeley advises students to use examples for everything - “don’t say directly that you’re a persistent person, show it.”
• Demonstrate your knowledge of the school : Be specific about why you want to attend this particular school. This shows passion and a sense of direction and motivation. Avoid writing a generic, lackluster statement of purpose to reuse for multiple schools. Instead, include certain classes or professors that intrigue you. 
• Look toward the future : Make sure to end your statement of purpose with a glimpse into your future at the school and beyond. How will attending this particular school and program help you to make strides in your career and the world around you? 

Some other achievements to highlight in your statement of purpose include:

• Extracurricular activities that you participated in
• Community service or volunteer hours 
• Long-term career goals

Of course, having good grammar and spelling applies to both statements. Make sure that your work is error-free by proofreading multiple times and asking friends or family members to read it over for you. 

FAQs: Personal Statement Vs. Statement Of Purpose

Now that we’ve answered “is a statement of purpose the same as a personal statement?”, let’s move on to answering some of your other frequently asked questions about personal statements vs statements of purpose. 

1. What is the Difference Between a Personal Statement and SOP?

Simply put, a personal statement should include your motivations and interests–speaking more to who you are as a person. Meanwhile, a statement of purpose focuses more on why you want to study in the program you’re applying to and your academic abilities. 

While writing a statement of purpose, make sure to write what the admissions committee wants to hear. Writing a persuasive statement of purpose can help your college application stand out amongst your competition.

2. Can I Submit a Statement of Purpose as a Personal Statement?

As the two statements differ a lot from each other, it won’t be the best idea to submit your statement of purpose as a personal statement. You can, however, tweak your SOP a bit to make it fit into the criteria of a personal statement. 

Your statement of purpose should outline your academic achievements and credentials. You can change up the wording and alter the content a bit to take a more personal approach for a personal statement. 

In showing off your academic prowess and attention to detail, you should pay close attention to how you’re writing your statement. College admission committees will notice if your statement is vague or does not follow what they asked for. 

While it may be time-consuming to write multiple statements (if you are applying for various programs), it is in your best interest to take the time and write a specific statement for each program. 

Don’t cut corners for your college applications.  

3. Is a Personal Statement the Same as a Statement of Purpose?

A personal statement is not the same as a statement of purpose. As we have discussed throughout the article, the two take different tones and have different objectives. 

A personal statement is more of a storytelling piece that reveals how you got to where you are today. It can be less formal and a bit more poetic and intimate than a statement of purpose. 

You can be a bit more creative with your personal statement as well! Try starting it off with a relevant quote or a clever opening line to engage your audience right away. 

A statement of purpose is more traditionally academic in its tone and structure. A statement of purpose should be more formal and focused on your credentials and accomplishments compared to a personal statement.

Final Thoughts

College admissions are no joke. Even if you are a strong applicant, there will also be tons of other applicants that have all the qualifications. Understanding the difference between a personal statement and a statement of purpose is crucial to standing out amongst thousands of other college applicants . 

If you are applying to a research-based program, a statement of purpose will probably fit the requirements more. If you are applying to a humanities program, something more personal and less formal, like a personal statement, would be more fitting. 

Use your own judgment to decide whether a personal statement or a statement of purpose would be most appropriate for the program. 

Best of luck!

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Statement of purpose vs. personal statement: knowing the difference

If you’re applying to graduate school, then you might remember the headaches of that application process that you encountered many years ago. Maybe you struggled to decide on a topic for the personal statement, maybe you debated which extracurriculars were worth listing, or maybe you were torn between taking the ACT or SAT. But for all the anxieties induced by college applications, at least those applications (especially, if you remember, those sent through the Common App) spoke the same language: that is, most schools needed the same essential materials, asked the same kinds of questions, and expected the same kinds of answers.

Graduate school applications, by contrast, are far less universal. Since many programs are highly specialized, you may be applying to several programs that each require their own unique statements and supporting materials. Even if you are applying to seemingly identical programs, one school may ask for a one-page statement while another asks for three pages, one school may ask for five recommendations while another asks for three; the variations are endless! Just wrapping your head around the different application requirements can be tiring. 

In this post, I want to de-mystify one difference that I found particularly disorienting when I applied to graduate school: the distinction between the “statement of purpose” and the “personal statement.” Most graduate schools will ask for a statement of purpose, and only some will ask for a personal statement, so in the majority of cases, the statement of purpose is considerably more important. But pointing out the difference between the two statements also emphasizes what exactly a statement of purpose is (and what it is not!).

As I mentioned earlier, the confusing lack of common terms across graduate school applications means that the following distinction might not even hold for all applications. You may, for example, come across a program that asks for a “personal statement,” but the actual essay prompt essentially describes the more standard “statement of purpose.” Or you might encounter a request for a very specific kind of personal statement--one that, for example, only focuses on your ethnic background. Be sure to fully read each application and any accompanying resources so that you address exactly what each application requires. With that important caveat aside, here are the distinctions for what are most commonly called the “statement of purpose” and the “personal statement:”

Statement of Purpose

Think of the statement of purpose like a cover letter. You might start off with something autobiographical or anecdotal, but most of the essay should be about your relevant training and technical career goals.

A strong statement of purpose should:

• Focus on your specific research interests within a particular field
• Detail how your academic and professional experiences have developed those research interests and prepared you to pursue them at a higher academic level
• Explain how those research interests can be pursued at this particular institution in this particular program

Here are some tips for writing an effective statement of purpose:

• Spend at least a paragraph discussing your interest in the specific program to which you’re applying. List specific professors whose work aligns with your own academic experience or research interests (and explain that connection). List specific institutions, programs, and opportunities associated with the program and explain how you would utilize them.
• Be as specific as possible about your research interests. This doesn’t mean you should know exactly what your dissertation topic will be in five years, but you should be able to identify a specific field within the department and professors who work in that field. Often admissions decisions are based on specialties (an English department probably doesn’t want an entire class studying Victorian literature and a biology department probably doesn’t want an entire class researching genetics), so narrowing your field can be essential.
• Anecdotes and autobiography can be effective in your introduction, but make sure the bulk of your statement is technical and academic. Only include extra-curriculars if they directly relate to your research interests. In all likelihood, your personal history has shaped your research interests, and your statement of purpose shouldn’t sound like a generic, lifeless script. But you primarily want to prove to the committee that you can succeed in coursework, excel in lab, finish a dissertation, or teach an undergraduate class.

Personal Statement

Think of the personal statement, by contrast, as more of a bio. You still want to mention your research interests and the specific program you’re applying to, but you also have an opportunity to flesh out your personal history. 

A strong personal statement should:

• Focus on the intersection of your personal, academic, and professional lives
• Detail various life experiences that have developed your character, work-ethic, and perspective
• Explain how your background particularly suits your for this program and/or will allow you to contribute a unique perspective to the community 

Some tips for writing an effective personal statement:

• Some institutions use the personal statement to assign various fellowships based on students’ backgrounds. If you’ve overcome or still face any barriers to education, this is an opportunity to explain those experiences.
• If you haven’t overcome any significant barriers, don’t stretch the truth. Instead, you might talk about how certain experiences have shaped your perspective or widened your understanding of the barriers that others face. Maybe you haven’t experienced any significant hardships but are still driven to help others who do, and you can discuss how this program will help you to achieve that goal. Or you might explain how you look forward to learning from a diverse and dynamic academic community.
• Though the personal statement is an opportunity to share information about yourself that might not directly map onto your academic career, you should still explain how your personal experiences ultimately make you a stronger student, colleague, and/or teacher.

Hopefully these distinctions have helped to clarify some key terms you’ll encounter while applying to graduate school. While these essays are usually the hardest part of applications, they can also be the most rewarding. If you think carefully about why exactly you want to apply to a program, what exactly you would study while there, and how that experience fits into your larger personal history, you’ll be both a stronger candidate and graduate student.

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Statement of Purpose vs. Personal Statement: [6] Differences Between the Two

Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

In this article, we compare a statement of purpose vs a personal statement .

We also added six things to think about while writing your statement of purpose and six tips for writing a winning statement of purpose.

Table of Contents

What is a statement of purpose, what is a personal statement, what are the important differences between a statement of purpose and a personal statement, six points to consider when writing a statement of purpose, six steps to writing a winning statement of purpose.

It’s an essay written by an applicant, usually for a graduate program.

It aims to tell the admissions committee about your academic and professional goals, professional interests, and how they can provide value to the graduate program.

It can also be called a research statement or a letter of intent. It should be one to three pages long, depending on the program’s guidelines.

The statement of purpose should be written in a formal tone and should include a brief overview of the applicant’s educational and professional experience as well as any other information that makes them a good candidate for the course and a good fit for that specific program.

It’s an essay used by applicants to introduce themselves to an admissions committee, usually for an undergraduate degree.

Personal statements usually focus on the applicant’s identity, personality and skills.

These are often short narratives or stories that show why a particular candidate is right for a particular program.

You can also include personal and academic experiences, as well as explain your motivation and enthusiasm for the field you are applying for.

1. Statement of Purpose vs. Personal Statement: Format

Both are types of documents used to apply for graduate programs, however, a statement of purpose is more commonly used especially where research is involved.

The format of a Statement of Purpose is more formal and should highlight your academic strength and background, research interests, long-term goals, and why you are fit for that particular program.

A personal statement can be informal in format and should showcase your personal motivation for applying to that program or any achievements or challenges that you faced as well as learning from those experiences.

2. Statement of Purpose vs. Personal Statement: Purpose

Both statements are used to provide insight into the applicant’s personal background, academic/professional experience, and future goals.

The Statement of Purpose typically calls for greater emphasis on the applicant’s purpose for applying to graduate school as it relates to their interests, academic/professional experience, and future goals compared to a Personal Statement which may focus more on the applicant’s personal background or story.

3. Statement of Purpose vs. Personal Statement: Content

The main difference between the two types of statements is that a personal statement focuses more on who you are as an individual while a statement of purpose emphasizes what you want to study and what you plan to do with your degree.

Additionally, personal statements often include stories from applicants’ lives that help readers get to know them better, whereas statements of purpose usually don’t have this type of personalization in them.

4. Statement of Purpose vs. Personal Statement: Accomplishments

Both the statement of purpose and personal statement can highlight accomplishments and achievements.

However, the statement of purpose focuses more on how the student wants to enhance his/her professional profile through their time at university.

For example, it may mention specific fields of interest as well as incubators or membership of networks that will help build their professional base.

On the other hand, a personal statement tends to focus more on personal achievements rather than professional ones.

It usually highlights a student’s dedication towards a certain field or activity they have been involved in for some time now – such as volunteering or participating in competitions.

It also allows them to showcase any awards they may have won along with any other notable achievements related to their hobbies or interests outside school hours.

5. Statement of Purpose vs. Personal Statement: Creativity

Both a statement of purpose and a personal statement can be creative in their tone and structure.

A personal statement is usually more individual and informal than a statement of purpose which takes on a more traditional academic tone.

While both types of statements should focus on the author’s credentials and accomplishments, personal statements may also focus on other aspects such as relationships with others or life lessons learned along the way.

6. Statement of Purpose vs. Personal Statement: Resources & Tools

Both should be checked carefully but for a statement of purpose, you should use a writing guide and samples to be sure you are organising your writing in the correct way. These include:

• The Write Ivy PhD and Master’s Guide: This FREE (and helpful) guide will help you, step-by-step.
• Sample Statements of Purpose: These can provide inspiration for your own statement of purpose and help you understand the format and structure to write your own document.
• Writing Tips: Writing tips from experts can help guide you through the process of crafting a powerful statement of purpose that stands out from the rest!
• Grammar Checker/Spell Checker Software: It is important that your statement is written correctly in order for it to be taken seriously by admissions officers; grammar checkers/spell checkers can help with this task!

1. Goals: What do you want to achieve?

Think about:

• Your goals and objectives: What do you hope to achieve after completing the program of study? Be specific and clearly outline your medium- and long-term goals.
• How the program fits with your career plans: Does the program suit your interests, professional goals, and academic background well? Will it provide opportunities for further specialization or research in your field of interest?
• The reputation of the college or university offering the program: do your research to be sure you’ll receive a quality education as well as a chance of a good job.
• How you will pay for it? Be sure to check out scholarships or financial aid available for this particular program.

2. Information: What do they need to know?

• Write concisely and clearly, with a focus on your career goals and objectives.
• Your strengths, achievements, and potential for success in your chosen field or profession.
• Your qualifications for the desired program of study.
• You should emphasize any relevant experience that would add value to your application package and future research.

3. Word Length: How long should it be?

It should usually be between 1-2 pages (single-space pages in 12-point font). Some schools may provide a word limit, in which case you must keep to it.

4. Type of Statement: Should it be a purpose or a personal statement?

A purpose and a personal statement both serve as an introduction to the candidate.

However, a purpose is more formal and objective, while a personal statement can be more creative, using a narrative style with the candidate’s voice.

Additionally, a purpose focuses on qualifications and accomplishments while a personal statement can reveal how the candidate got to where they are today.

A purpose is more traditionally academic in its tone and structure than a personal statement.

A personal statement can be less formal than a purpose and may start off with relevant quotes or clever opening lines to engage the audience right away.

Additionally, while both pieces should be proofread for grammar and spelling mistakes, they differ in that personal statements may have an additional layer of creativity not found in statements of purpose.

5. Writing Style: How should it be written?

• Make sure your statement of purpose is unique and focuses on your skills and achievements. Add concise detail to leave a lasting impression.
• Write in a more formal way: Ensure that your statement of purpose directly and clearly communicates your goals, motivations, and aspirations.
• Consider your audience: Before writing your statement of purpose, consider who will be reading it (for example, faculty members or admission officers) so that you can keep it focused, with relevant information about yourself or the subject you want to study
• Proofread carefully before submitting.

6. Writer’s Voice: What tone should be taken?

When writing a statement of purpose, it is important to focus on the positive (what you can do, what you want to learn) rather than gaps in your experience and skill set.

If you are adding example experiences to demonstrate your skills and suitability for the course, the story you choose should be interesting, with concise detail that will interest a reader.

Step 1: Explain why you want to pursue this graduate degree

When writing a statement of purpose for a graduate degree in business, it is important to explain why you are passionate about pursuing this degree, what inspires you to achieve your professional goals, and how the program aligns with your career aspirations.

Add motivating factors such as transitioning from the corporate world or completing an MBA to progress within your company.

Additionally, be sure to explain any relevant experience or qualifications that qualify you for admission into this program, with supporting data.

For example, ‘I trained new staff in using software to improve sales’ may be true, but ‘I trained 28 team members using the XYZ software package, and their sales increased 9.2% within a week’ is much better.

Step 2: Share your motivation and your dreams but be brief

• Start by brainstorming and writing down your goals and ambitions. What motivates you? What are your dreams?
• Identify your strengths (that will help you achieve these goals), as well as experience or skills that will be relevant.

Step 3: Define your research interests

• Identify your research interests: What are you interested in studying, and why? Which topics or questions are you hoping to explore?
• Name the professors at the school who you are interested in working with, explaining how their specialist research topics could fit in with your objectives. Do the same for any other programs such as work experience placements that are part of the course. For example, ‘I received an award for my presentation on the Hall Lock (used in anaesthesia) and am thrilled to have the opportunity to complete my work placement with Professor Hall’s team at Cardiff University, where this equipment was developed’.
• Provide specific examples of your interests related to the course. For example, if you’re applying for a PhD program in Clinical Psychology then it would be important to highlight what specific topics within clinical psychology interest you most (e.g., psychotherapy techniques) and why they resonate with your personal values/beliefs/experiences.

Step 4: Outline your strengths and suitability for the program

• Create an outline before you start writing the statement of purpose.
• Write down your thoughts in an organized manner and ensure that your essay is coherent.
• Find personal reasons that motivate you to apply for the program, then spend some time reflecting on what motivates you specifically for this course of study.
• Discuss any challenges that you have overcome in recent years to highlight your problem-solving abilities.
• Conclude on a positive note by assuring the admission committee that you can tackle any challenges ahead successfully.

Step 5: Show by example how you have achieved goals in the past

Showing by example how you have achieved goals in the past can help with writing a winning statement of purpose because it provides the admissions committee with an insight into your strengths and achievements.

You can also demonstrate that you have the determination and drive to succeed in this graduate program.

Additionally, these examples show that you are able to take initiative and make a positive impact on whatever situation or project you are involved in, building trust between yourself and the admissions committee.

Step 6: Follow all instructions!

• Check all the instructions and requirements for writing a statement of purpose.
• Follow all instructions to the letter, without trying to be smart or creative to get them.
• Once again, make sure that your essay meets six basic requirements: it should be concise, well-structured, coherently organized, grammatically correct and free from spelling mistakes, and coherently written in perfect academic English without any slang or typos.
• Make sure you have included all the necessary information such as name/surname/contact details/college applied to/date submitted etc., at the end of your essay before submitting it online or via an email attachment if instructed to do so by the admissions team.

FAQs – (Some of these are covered in more detail above)

What is the difference between a statement of purpose and a personal statement in terms of undergraduate and post-graduate programs.

Both a statement of purpose and a personal statement can be used for undergraduate admission or graduate/post-baccalaureate programs.

A statement of purpose usually places greater emphasis on an applicant’s reasons for applying to graduate school as it relates to their interests, academic/professional experience, and future goals.

A personal statement often calls for applicants to discuss their personal background (not necessarily academic or professional).

How long should a Statement of Purpose or Personal Statement be?

When writing a statement of purpose or personal statement, it is important to consider the length of the document.

Generally, both types of essays should be between 1-2 pages (single-space pages in 12-point font).

Some schools may provide a word limit, in which case you should strictly adhere to it. Brevity is key, so try to focus on only the most relevant information and make every word count.

What format should I use for a Statement of Purpose or Personal Statement?

The format for a statement of purpose or personal statement depends on the program you are applying to.

For graduate studies, business or law school, it is usually best to write in story form and use a more narrative style with your voice.

For medical programs, it is typically more formal and objective. Regardless of the program, you are applying for, it is important to proofread your essays for grammar and spelling before submitting them.

What are the requirements for a Statement of Purpose or Personal Statement?

The requirements for a Statement of Purpose or Personal Statement include:

• It should be well-written, coherent, and clear.
• It should be concise and focused on the topic at hand.
• It should address why you are applying to the program or university in question and why you would be a good fit for it.
• It should highlight relevant experiences, achievements, or skills that make you an ideal candidate for the program or university’s graduate degree program/scholarship/fellowship award/etc..
• It should demonstrate your ability to succeed in the chosen field of study by providing examples of past successes related to that field of study (e.g., research papers).

What strengths should I highlight in my Statement of Purpose or Personal Statement?

When writing a Statement of Purpose or Personal Statement, it is important to highlight your strengths. Some examples of strengths you can include are:

• Leadership skills
• Problem-solving abilities
• Dedication and perseverance
• Initiative and drive to succeed
• Communication skills
• Persuasive speaking abilities
• Multicultural understanding and awareness

How do I make sure my Statement of Purpose or Personal Statement stands out?

• Research the field you are applying to and find out what they are looking for in a statement of purpose or personal statement.
• Make sure your statement is personalized and focused on why you want to pursue that particular degree/field of study/career path, rather than just listing your qualifications and experience.
• Make sure it is concise, clear, and easy to read – use simple language that will not distract from the main message of your statement or bore the reader with unnecessary details or long sentences.
• Proofread carefully for any grammar or spelling mistakes before submitting it as this can make a bad impression on the admissions committee from the start!
• Make sure it has an interesting opening sentence or paragraph that will capture their attention right away; this could be something related to their field of study/research topic if possible since they will be more likely to take notice if they recognize what you’re referring to right away!

What resources are available to help me write my Statement of Purpose or Personal Statement?

There are a variety of resources available to help you write your Statement of Purpose or Personal Statement. These include:

• Sample statements and templates to guide you in composing your own statement
• Tips and advice from experts on how to write an effective statement
• Guidance on how to format and structure your document for maximum impact
• Resources such as dictionaries, thesauruses, and style guides for enhancing the quality of your writing

What mistakes should I avoid when writing my Statement of Purpose or Personal Statement?

When writing your Statement of Purpose or Personal Statement, you should avoid the following mistakes:

• Not clearly stating your purpose or goal in writing the statement.
• Using clichés or overused phrases in your statement. Phrases such as ‘I passed the exam with flying colours’ tend to come up quite regularly in statements so it’s better to write, ‘I received four A grades and achieved a 3.9 GPA’
• Trying to fit too much into one statement, results in it becoming convoluted and difficult to read and understand.
• Failing to proofread thoroughly for grammar and spelling errors before submitting your statement for review or acceptance into a program of study/scholarship/funding opportunity etc.

Is a personal statement the same as a statement of purpose?

A personal statement and a statement of purpose both provide an opportunity for applicants to introduce themselves and explain why they are qualified for the position they are applying for.

Both types of statements should be well-written, concise, and compelling.

Personal statements typically focus on an applicant’s background, accomplishments, skillset, and goals while the statement of purpose focuses more on what motivates the applicant to pursue a particular career path or program at a specific university or institution.

Personal statements are often used in applications for graduate school or scholarships whereas the statement of purpose is used more often in applications for jobs or internships.

When it comes down to the statement of purpose vs personal statement for grad school, how exactly are the two different—and how are they alike?

The statement of purpose is the more formal of the two essays, highlighting your academic/professional background and accomplishments, your future goals, and how you see yourself fitting in with the program you’re applying to.

By contrast, the personal statement is less formal and focuses more on who you are as a person, including what motivated you to apply to grad school (and this program) and what kinds of obstacles you’ve faced in life.

The way you approach each essay is also different: for a statement of purpose, consider your future goals; research the program and professors; explain how you’re a good match; emphasize accomplishments; while for a personal statement tell a story focus on your personal motivations to explain any weaknesses or challenges overcome

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Personal Statement vs. Statement of Purpose

Varonika Ware is a content writer at Scholarships360. Varonika earned her undergraduate degree in Mass Communications at Louisiana State University. During her time at LSU, she worked with the Center of Academic Success to create the weekly Success Sunday newsletter. Varonika also interned at the Louisiana Department of Insurance in the Public Affairs office with some of her graphics appearing in local news articles.

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Bill Jack has over a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. Since 2008, he has worked at Colby College, Wesleyan University, University of Maine at Farmington, and Bates College.

Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

An important part of applying to college is getting started on your personal statement…or is it the statement of purpose? Fortunately, this guide gives you a walkthrough of the difference between the personal statement vs statement of purpose, and what each means for your application. Keep reading below to find out more!

Personal Statement

One of the main differences between the personal statement and the statement of purpose is that the personal statement is focused entirely on you . The personal statement is the ideal place to talk about your skills and what makes you the ideal applicant for the college you’re applying to. 

It’s important that you include personal elements in your statement. Tell the admissions committee more about yourself and your connection to their institution. Ideally, you want the reader to walk away understanding your personality and achievements. 

Tips for your personal statement

• Reflect on yourself, your experiences and the story you want to tell
• Outline your thoughts before you start writing to maintain clarity
• Start your essay with an engaging hook that captivates the reader
• Don’t be afraid to offer up details about yourself and obstacles you’ve overcome

Statement of Purpose

In your statement of purpose, you should clearly state your goals for the future. In this essay, colleges look forward to hearing about your research interests, career goals, desired program, and academic/professional skills.

The statement of purpose essay is more formal, so it can be helpful to connect your skills with your desired major or program of study. Be sure to present yourself as a promising student that will contribute to the college’s community.

Tips for your statement of purpose

• Assess your academic strengths and how they can be applied to your desired major
• Start thinking about your career goals and what you hope to accomplish
• Ask a mentor, teacher or family member to review your essay
• Research the college’s curriculum for your desired program of study

Also see: How land an internship

Key differences between personal statement and statement of purpose

When choosing which type of statement to write for your application, there are a few differences that you should keep in mind. For example, the personal statement is conversational and focused on who you are now. The statement of purpose is forward-thinking about your career and should be written in with a more formal tone. 

The statement of purpose also should mention a specific area of interest or a degree program that you’re hoping to pursue. On the other hand, a personal statement explains your connection with your school of choice. Be sure to check the prompt and requirements your school mentions, so you know how to approach your essay!

Also see: Top Tips for Formatting Your College Application Essay

Key Takeaways

• The personal statement and statement of purpose ask for different information 
• For the personal statement, talk about your skills and what makes you an ideal applicant 
• For the statement of purpose, state your goals for the future
• Always carefully read the prompt so you know exactly what a particular college is looking for 

Also see: How to respond to this year’s Common App essay prompts

Additional resources

Once you’ve got the difference between statement of purpose vs personal statement down-pat, congratulations! But remember, your application process is far from over. Luckily, we’re here to help you through it.

Whether you need help writing a personal essay, a statement of purpose, a 250 word essay , or a 500 word essay, we have you covered. If you need to write from a personal perspective, read this article on writing about yourself first. Learn how to write winning scholarship essays and maximize your chances to earn scholarships to fund your education. 

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You may be asked to provide a Statement of Purpose (SOP) or a Personal Statement (PS) when applying to graduate school. Although the two documents may sound similar, they have different purposes and distinct structures. Understanding the differences between an SOP and a PS can help you tailor your application and improve your chances of acceptance. Here are the key differences between a Statement of Purpose and a Personal Statement:

The main difference between an SOP and a PS is their purpose. An SOP is typically used for graduate school applications. It serves as a formal document outlining your academic and professional background, your research interests, and your goals for graduate school and beyond. A PS, on the other hand, is typically used for undergraduate applications and serves as a more personal document that highlights your life experiences, values, and character.

An SOP is focused on your academic and professional goals. In contrast, a PS is focused on your personal experiences and qualities. An SOP should provide evidence of your academic preparation and intellectual curiosity, as well as your research interests and career goals. A PS should showcase your unique experiences, perspectives, and values and provide insight into your character and personality.

3. Length and Structure

An SOP is typically longer than a PS and has a more formal structure. SOPs usually range from 500 to 1000 words and are divided into sections that cover your background, research interests, academic achievements, and future plans. A PS, on the other hand, is usually shorter (around 500 words) and has a more flexible structure. It may be divided into paragraphs that cover your personal experiences, values, and goals.

An SOP has a more formal and professional tone than a PS. It should be written clearly and concisely, and avoid using personal anecdotes or casual language. A PS, on the other hand, may include personal stories and a more conversational tone. It should still be written professionally but can showcase your personality and writing style.

5. Audience

An SOP is primarily aimed at the admissions committee, while a PS may be read by a wider audience. Since an SOP is a more formal document, it is essential to use technical terms and jargon that are relevant to your field. A PS, on the other hand, should be accessible to a wider audience and should avoid using technical terms or jargon.

In conclusion, an SOP and a PS have different purposes and distinct structures. While an SOP is focused on your academic and professional goals, a PS is focused on your personal experiences and qualities. An SOP is longer and has a more formal structure and tone, while a PS is shorter and has a more flexible structure and tone. Understanding the differences between these two documents can help you tailor your application and showcase your strengths and unique qualities.