personal statement for masters in economics

Sample Statement of Purpose Economics (accepted to Harvard, Princeton, Yale)

by Talha Omer, MBA, M.Eng., Harvard & Cornell Grad

In statement of purpose.

The following statement of purpose is written by an applicant who got accepted to top graduate programs in economics. Variations of this SOP got accepted at Harvard, Princeton, and Yale. Read this essay to get inspiration and understand what a top economics school SOP should look like.

You might also be interested in reading this Sample Personal Statement in economics that got admitted to Oxford, Cambridge and LSE.

Sample Statement of Purpose Economics

I was the third daughter born in 1984 to parents hailing from a conservative joint family setup. True to its South Asian values, the family believed that only the birth of boys meant a continuation of the family name and its legacy. This was in stark contrast to the birth of girls, which only meant the loss of family land and property to ‘outsiders’. Hence, it was not out of place that my birth was marked by dirge having undertones of regret.

The neighbours could not but shake their heads in solidarity with the paternal side of my family. All the while, my mother cuddled me lovingly, dreading the onslaught of shifting responsibility from the Y chromosome’s failure to solely hers. However, I had one advantage, even as a female, which put me ahead of my male counterparts. My family was economically sound. This meant I could afford an elite education accessible only to the top 1-2% of the country’s hundreds of millions of people.

As I grew up, I witnessed a pronounced difference in the treatment meted out to boys and girls both in the private (home or school) and public (parks or supermarkets). This inequity was reinforced through mass media, cultural stereotypes, and the continuous tightening of the public space available to females. The prevalent discriminatory and misogynistic phenomenon became all the more disconcerting as soon as I was able to read the newspaper. The pages that stared at me were filled with violence against women for various reasons, from family honour to stepping out of the house for a job. The public space for women was advanced but only in its constriction.

I was fortunate to be educated in a co-ed school and free to socialize with men as much as with women. However, with its nuanced mores and tacit calibrations, the social milieu was indicative of socially acceptable behaviour and left an indelible mark on me. Yet it was not until my undergrad that I decided to mindfully pursue the agenda of women empowerment. My interest precipitated when I took a few humanities courses in which my thesis highlighted the plight of women – the socio-economic disadvantages caused by society’s apathy and continued discrimination.

My resolve was further cemented when I got selected for the prestigious civil service on a seat reserved for women. As a catharsis to my journey, I want to contribute to women’s empowerment by promoting gender mainstreaming across all sectors and in particular.

My country of today is much better placed to cater to the growing needs of the modern woman; as if an ode to this blossoming, my career has rivalled it. I was the youngest and only female member of the team in the Ministry of Finance that committed to introducing Gender Based Budgeting (GBB). I strived to introduce GBB at the grass-root levels as part of fiscal reform conditions of the World Banks’ economic reforms advice. With women entering the workforce in droves, GBB is bearing results as I witness the earmarking of funds for females in the Government’s annual development plan.

As I continue this journey, I want to be a trailblazer who, if not breaks, seeps through cracks in the glass ceiling in a workplace dominated by male “sahibs”. I am accomplishing this in my current Ministry of Economic Affairs job by solarizing around 7,000 primary schools for girls. In addition, I have been managing $100 million under the ADB’s Access to Clean Energy Investment Program. Moreover, I have recently got five schemes approved worth $60 million for women’s economic empowerment. The money will go into women’s skill development, gender mainstreaming, and regulation of safe living spaces for women with daycare facilities.

During these years, I served on the anti-Sexual Harassment Committee in the Establishment Division – Human Resources government. Here I have prudently processed two cases, resolving one case where both parties amicably came to an understanding. I have volunteered for the same role in my current organization as well.

As I go forward, I want to pursue a graduate degree specializing in energy economics. I want to carve a niche in an area hardly known for women leaders. I plan to harness a sustainable economic policy for renewables to provide affordable and sustainable energy for women who are running small businesses and who are purusing education.

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Statement of academic purpose

While all programmes require you to submit a statement of academic purpose, a few programmes require you to follow a specific format when writing your statement. these specific requirements are detailed below., statement of academic purpose – all programmes, excluding those listed below.

You must upload a statement that explains your academic interest in, understanding of and academic preparedness for the programme(s) you are applying for. You should also explain the academic rationale for applying to the programme(s) you have chosen. If applying for two programmes, you are strongly encouraged to write a separate statement for each programme. The statement of academic purpose is an important part of your application, and selectors are looking for evidence of your academic suitability and motivation, and of what you can contribute academically to the programme. We expect statement(s) to be between 1,000 - 1,500 words.

Please address the following questions/prompts in your statement(s)

Academic Motivations

What prompted your interest in this particular field of study? Perhaps you have unanswered questions from your undergraduate studies or professional work, or you would like to further explore issues and ideas raised in your curricular or extra-curricular reading?
Why would you like to study your chosen programme? Perhaps it offers a particular approach, or there are specific modules that will help you develop necessary skills or knowledge. Perhaps the research interests of the academics teaching on your programme, and/or the wider research culture of the department align with your own interests and academic/professional aspirations?

Suitability

What makes you suitable for this LSE programme? Perhaps you have taken relevant undergraduate modules, or have relevant professional, voluntary, or other experience that has prepared for postgraduate study in this area?

Purpose and Objectives

What do you hope to get out of this particular LSE programme? How would this particular programme help you to achieve your personal, academic, and professional goals? Take the time to explain your academic or professional aspirations and goals, and how your chosen programme will impart the necessary skills and knowledge. Please avoid general statements about LSE’s performance in global rankings, and generic statements about London being a global/cosmopolitan centre of excellence.

If there are circumstances that have disrupted your education/significantly interfered with your learning (for example, health problems, displacement, long-term caring responsibilities), please feel free to let us know about them in a separate document added to your application (you can upload this document via the ‘Additional Item’ upload option). If appropriate, please also consult the advice we give to applicants from a forced migration background here , and from a care-experienced background here .

Please ensure that your statement(s):

Are all your own work. If we discover this is not the case, your application may be cancelled

Are well-written, well-structured and specific to the programme(s) applied for

Are proofread before being uploaded, and the final correct versions are uploaded

Only include that which is relevant to your programme choice(s). Additional information regarding unrelated extra-curricular activities, personal achievements or work experience should be included in your CV

Have your name and the title of your chosen programme in the header or footer of every page

MSc Health Data Science

In addition to following the general guidance, please be sure to clearly outline your background in mathematics, statistics or other quantitative subjects. If your background is outside of mathematics or statistics then you should provide further explanation of how your experience is relevant to the programme applied for, as well as further details of your current studies.

MSc Media and Communications (Data and Society)

If you are applying for this programme, please note the following specific requirements for your statement of academic purpose.

Write a short statement (up to 600 words) about why you want to do the programme. This might cover, for example, what suits you to the programme: your experiences and skills in relation to the analysis of data and society; what attracts you to this particular programme and where you see yourself in ten years after the programme.

In addition, please write a response (up to 400 words*) to one of the following questions. You might do so by relying on relevant authors and concepts from previous courses or independent study, as well as on professional experiences.

What is the most pressing social, political or ethical issue related to data and society? Why should we study it?
How useful is the concept of "big data"? What are its limitations?
What consequences do data-based systems have for individuals? How should we address these?
If you could invent a data-based product or service that would change the world, what would it look like? What would be its best feature and what would be its biggest risk?

*The total length of your statement of academic purpose, including the answers to the above questions, should therefore be between 800-1,000 words.

MSc Media, Communication and Development

Write a short statement (up to 800 words) about why you want to do the programme. This might cover, for example, what suits you to the programme: your experiences and skills in relation to social justice, development or communication; what attracts you to this particular programme and where you see yourself in ten years after the programme.

Also answer the following questions (your answers should be approximately 250 words each)*:

What should a developed society be like according to you?
How will studying theory help you to understand development and communication practice?
Why do you think we need to be critical of aspects of contemporary communication and development?

*The total length of your statement of academic purpose, including the answers to the above questions, should therefore be between 1,000-1,500 words.

MSc Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Write a short statement (up to 600 words) about why you want to do the programme. This might cover, for example, what you will bring to the cohort, and what your particular strengths are.

Also, you should answer the following questions (your answers should be approximately 500 words each):

Tell us about an experience you had with social innovation /entrepreneurship/ a project with high social impact. What role did you play and what did you learn about yourself?
How will your past experience, combined with this LSE masters, help you to achieve your goals?

The total length of your statement – including the answers to the above questions - should therefore be between 1,100 & 1,600 words .

Department of Statistics - MSc Programmes

MSc in Data Science - G3U1

MSc in Statistics (Social Statistics) - G3U2

MSc in Statistics (Social Statistics) (Research) - G3U3

MSc in Statistics (Research) - G4U1

MSc in Quantitative Methods for Risk Management - G4U2

MSc in Statistics - G4U5

MSc in Statistics (Financial Statistics) - G4U6

MSc in Statistics (Financial Statistics) (Research) - G4U7

Your statement should explain why you are pursuing your selected programme and why you have chosen LSE's Department of Statistics. Brief details of your academic background and aspirations are also useful. If your background is outside of mathematics or statistics then you should provide further explanation of how your experience is relevant to the programme applied for, as well as further details of your current studies.

Your statement should be concise and should not exceed 500 words .

Executive MSc in Health Economics, Outcomes and Management in Clinical Sciences

Your statement should be typed and no longer than three sides of A4 paper and should address the following questions:

What are your career goals over the near (2-3 years) and medium term (5-7 years)?
In concrete terms, how will your career benefit from completing this programme?

In addition, you may wish to discuss the following:

Motivation for undertaking the programme
Academic interests, strengths and background relevant to the programme
Areas of specific interest within the programme
Academic ambitions and/or research interests related to the programme
Any professional aspirations, and how academic work within the programme might help you realise such aspirations
Other relevant information, such as additional reading or research, work or other relevant experience that has informed your decision to apply for the particular programme

Please ensure that your statement:

Is all your own work. If we discover this is not the case, your application may be cancelled
Is well-written, well-structured and specific to the programme applied for
Is proofread before being uploaded, and the final correct version is uploaded
Has your name and the title of your chosen programme in the header or footer of every page

Executive Global MSc in Management

Your personal statement should be a maximum of 2 pages long, and highlight why you want to do the programme. Make sure you address the following points:

details on your suitability for the programme
your motivations for choosing this programme in particular and what you hope to get out of it
any career highlights to date, in particular any leadership or international experience
future career objectives and how you think the programme will help you achieve them
what you think you can bring to the classroom learning environment that makes you stand out from other applicants

Executive MSc in Social Business and Entrepreneurship

The Academic Statement of Purpose consists of two parts. The total combined word count for both parts should not exceed 1,200 words.

A personal statement: Your personal statement should persuasively explain why you want to do this programme. This may include your personal suitability such as career achievements and ambitions, what you hope to get out of the programme, your particular strengths, and what you will bring to the cohort. 600-700 words.
For the second part, please submit your thoughts on the following statement. 400-500 words. “The business of business is social improvement. Describe briefly the role of markets in social progress.”

Atlantic Fellows Residential programme with MSc Inequalities and Social Science

Your statement(s) should be typed and no longer than two sides of A4 paper. There is no fixed word limit, but we expect statement(s) to be no longer than 1,000 - 1,500 words.

In your statement(s), you should address the following:

Why are you interested in joining the AFSEE programme and what do you hope to gain by being part of it? In your answer, please:

o Describe what area of socioeconomic inequality you engage in and the type of work you have done.

o Please give examples of how you have meaningfully contributed to collective endeavours to address inequalities.

o Explain why you would like to learn more about social and economic equity and how this will contribute to your social change work.

o Explain, in one to two paragraphs, the MSc dissertation you plan to undertake as part of the requirements of the MSc in Inequalities and Social Science.

Within 5 years of completing the AFSEE programme, what do you hope to achieve in your work/field? How do you see participation in the AFSEE programme contributing to you achieving those goals?
What academic knowledge would you like to gain via the MSc in Inequalities & Social Science and how do you plan to apply this knowledge to your future work on social change?
Please indicate any research interests.

Atlantic Fellows Non-Residential Programme

In your statement(s), you should address the following:

Why are you interested in joining the AFSEE programme and what do you hope to gain by being a part of it? In your answer, please:

Describe the area of socioeconomic inequality you engage in and the type of work you have done.

Please give examples of how you have meaningfully contributed to collective endeavours to address inequalities.

Explain why you would like to learn more about social and economic equity and how this will contribute to your social change work.

What is the project you are planning to undertake as a part of the AFSEE programme? Explain it in two paragraphs.

Within 5 years of completing the AFSEE programme, what do you hope to achieve in your work / field? How do you see the AFSEE programme contributing to you achieving these goals?

FAQs The Knowledge Base will provide you with answers, and allow you to email us

How to apply Information on the application process, and our video guide

Available programmes Check if your chosen programme is currently recruiting

Current processing times See which date we are currently processing and find out when you are likely to hear from us

News and events Current processing dates, holiday closures, events on campus and around the world

Contact Graduate Admissions Our Knowledge base and getting in touch with our team by Zoom, email, and Live chat

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Personal statements

Read the phrasing carefully.

Different institutions will phrase what they want to see in their personal statement differently, some examples (as of September 2013) and how you could break the wording down to ensure you address everything are below:

Example of application guidance from LSE:

You must submit a personal statement with your application form. This should be between 1,000 and 1,500 words. It should describe your academic interests and your purpose and objectives in undertaking graduate study.

Suggestions of what to include for this phrasing:

Outline what are your academic interests specifically
How they are related to the course.
How do you see the course furthering these interests?
Do you have previous experience of studying these areas?
Was your undergraduate dissertation, major project or a group presentation relevant to the course or your academic interests?
Have you attended conferences, seminars or networking events outside your studies to increase your knowledge?
What have you learnt recently,
and how does this link to the course you are applying for?
Perhaps you can link your academic interests to work experience you have gained?
Purpose in undertaking graduate study – Why are you applying for postgraduate study? This could be linked to discussing your academic interests, or perhaps you have a career orientated goal.
Objectives in undertaking graduate study – What do you hope to achieve by the end of your postgraduate study, whether educationally or professionally? If you have professional objectives, how will this course help you move towards your career goal?
What else? – you could also include some of the suggestions in the guidelines below, but make sure you address everything in their description.

Example of application guidance from SOAS:

Your personal statement should be no more than 1,000 words. It should include the reasons why you are interested in the programme, highlight your relevant experience and suitability for the programme as well as future plans.

Why you are interested in the programme – Look at the course content carefully to decide what it is that most interests you in the programme content-wise. Discuss any relevant research or coursework you might have done in the past, and include technical language or language that shows you have a grasp of the topic.
Relevant experience – think back to your work experience, extracurricular activities and voluntary experiences and reflect upon relevant projects you might have worked on, tasks you were set or research you conducted that demonstrates relevance to the course. You might not feel you have this experience yet, but perhaps you have worked in a relevant sector and you could show your technical and commercial understanding.
Suitability for the programme – Think about the skills you might need to succeed in this programme. What is your experience that makes you suitable for the programme? Perhaps you will reflect on study or research skills that you have gained, or maybe you’ll need strong negotiation, communication or presentation skills which you gained through mooting or as a student representative? If you can show you were engaged with your undergraduate university’s community then this might be a good place to mention what you did.
Future plans – What are your career aspirations and how do you see the course furthering these?

Writing a personal statement

If they do not specify what to include in your personal statement, areas you might want to include are below. There is no set order of when to mention what but starting your personal statement with your most relevant point is advised.

Motivations

Why are you applying for the programme?
What do you hope to gain from the programme?
What is it that interests you about the subject? Can this be related to your previous education or work experience (see below)?
What are your career aspirations and how will this course help you achieve them?

Educational experience and commercial knowledge

Do you have past education that gives you the knowledge base you need for the course?
Is your undergraduate dissertation relevant? Tell the tutor about it and the research methods you used (especially if applying for a research masters).
Perhaps you like to keep up with current news in the sector you hope to go into. You could mention a topical issue and discuss how you see the course furthering your understanding.

Work experience

Have you gained work experience in a field relevant to the course or relevant to your career ambitions? Can you link this experience to your motivation to wanting to continue studying in this field?
Tell the tutor about this experience and reflect on how this could help with the course or use it as an example of your motivation for continued study in a related area.
If you are a mature student returning to study, why are you returning? Are you looking to make a career change? Why, and how, do you expect the course will support your new ambition?

Other experience

Include your extracurricular and voluntary experience too. Tutors want rounded people on their course; show that you engaged in university life during your undergraduate course or that you gained some relevant skills or experiences through volunteering.

Anything else

You can outline your main achievements, awards or successes in competitions. Think about the course you are applying for and if there is anything they might be particularly impressed by.
Mention relevant summer schools, overseas study or conferences/ short courses you might have attended that are related to the course.

Other circumstances

Deferred entry – if you would like to start the course the following year explain to the course tutor what you will be doing with the next year.

Final checks

Spelling and grammar – this will give the course tutor an idea as to your writing skills, so ensure there are no mistakes.
Abbreviations and acronyms – explain any you have used.
Content structure – ensure the paragraphs make sense and that the document flows well. Don’t repeat yourself by revisiting an experience or educational point.
Don’t write a narrative of your life, from leaving school to current day.
Be positive; don’t use negative language i.e. Although I have little experience of…
Adhere to the word count (where applicable) or if there isn’t one, keep your statement to two to three pages of A4.

If you are already a student at LSE and would like LSE Careers to check your personal statement before you submit it please make an appointment for a careers discussion on CareerHub. It is also advised that if your application is fairly technically subject specific that you get an academic to check the content for accuracy.

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How To Write A Personal Statement For Masters (17 PDF Sample Examples)

Published: 14 Mar 2022 Study Abroad 103,470 views

A personal statement for masters program is one of the most important parts of your college application and writing a good one is what’s the exception between receiving an offer and being rejected.

If you’ve been tasked with presenting a personal statement, you should keep in mind that whatever you submit must put you forward as the right candidate for the course. Additionally, it should convince the admissions officers that you deserve a place on your program of study.

Achieving the above, is a skill most postgraduate students are yet to acquire but thankfully this article on How To Write A Personal Statement For Masters covers everything you need to know on doing this.

In this article you’ll learn:

What is a personal statement?
Tips for making your personal statement for masters stand out
How to write a personal statement for masters
Personal statement for masters sample
Examples of personal statement for masters
Conclusion – things to avoid when writing a personal statement for masters

Read: Admission Interview Tips .

What Is a Personal Statement?

A personal statement AKA admissions or application essay or statement of purpose is a type of essay or written statement a candidate presents to a college, university, or graduate school they are applying to, explaining why they want to attend that school, study a particular course, and why they would be a perfect fit for these things.

A personal statement for masters is an essay you submit specifically for your postgraduate application. Writing one presents the opportunity for you to promote yourself to a school and show the admissions teachers that you are the perfect candidate for a course.

Tips For Making Your Personal Statement For Masters Stand Out

Before we get into how you should write a statement of purpose for masters, we would first like to share with you certain tips to include in your essay to make it stand out from that of other applicants and be convincing enough to any admissions officer that reads it. The tips we have mentioned here, cover general things like starting and ending your personal statement, timing, length, and what to include and what not to include in the essay, etc.

1. Starting And Ending A Personal Statement

When starting a personal statement, you would want to right off the bat grab the reader’s attention. To do this, start the statement by writing about your degree of choice, next why you want to study it and then how you got interested in it.

The next 2 sentences after that should cover a summary of your background in the chosen field, and you conclude by saying what you plan to do once you acquire your graduate degree.

Also start with that the evaluators reading want to hear first, then every other information should come second. You will notice we’ve used in the sop examples for masters we will share with you later in this article.

2. Plan Ahead

A personal statement is not something you rush while writing, which means if you want to get something good before you application then you must start to decide things like the length and how long it should take to complete.

Let us throw more light on this…

For length, a personal statement should be brief ranging somewhere between 500 -700 words, although schools often detect how long it should be. So, this is dependent on the institution you are applying to.

In terms of what to say in a statement, you could include personal experiences like why you were driven to apply for the program, an experience you had with a scholar in your chosen discipline, a course you took that inspired you to pursue masters, or a key moment during your studies which further motivated you.

No matter what you decide to write, just keep in mind that you need to take your time to craft something good even if it means creating several drafts before the real thing and do not forget to proofread the statement for errors.

3. Research Your Program Of Study

Researching your program of study is one way to establish that you truly understand the discipline you’re getting into and prove to the admissions officer that you thoroughly thought about it before applying.

And because you want to put yourself forward as a serious candidate, one way to make you research easier is for you to visit the website of the department you are applying to. This page will contain information about faculty members, their specialisation, and publications.

From the intel, you gathered there you can now identify which professors match your interests and which ones you will benefit the most from learning under. After you’ve found this out, relate the same in a sentence or two in your statement of purpose for masters.

Example: “I would be honoured to study under the tutelage of Professor Nadia whose work I found resonated strongly with my beliefs and intended projects in this course”.

4. Avoid Clichés, Junks, And Many Details

When writing a statement of purpose for master degree try to avoid clichés, junks, and unnecessary details so that you don’t lose or bore your readers in between. Be as concise as possible, even if it’s your chance to express yourself.

A personal statement is an opportunity for the admissions committee to get information that tells the that you are suitable for the course. So, when you overpower your statement with too many words, stories, and useless details, you come off as someone who is just trying to meet the word count.

5. Include Your Personal History Only If It Adds To The Statement

Do not include your personal history in your statement of intent for masters if it is not relevant to your purpose of study. This means no need for you to tell that story about that time you helped someone treat a cut and immediately realised that you wanted to be a doctor or nurse or how you developed a taste for reading at a very young age.

We can guarantee you that the hundreds of other applications competing for the same spot you are felt the same way, so saying those things really doesn’t make you unique.

On the other hand, if you are going to add personal history to your statement, you can put in things like an internship you did and the experience you got from the job, a major research project you ran by yourself, publications you’ve read or published, conferences you’ve attended or presentations you’ve done. These experiences are more concrete and are directly related to your program of study. They also set you apart from other applicants.

6. Don't Use The Same Personal Statement For All Your Applications

One common mistake applicant make that you shouldn’t is using the same statement of purpose for master degree for all your applications. Using the same information repeatedly even if you are going to change the university names is risky and could land you in a big mistake on a day you forget to be thorough.

All programmes have their own unique set of questions they want to see answered and information they need in your personal statement.

And even if some of them like extracurricular activities, proposal for project, why you are applying to the school, your unique qualities, and research works you’re doing might appear the same, do not use one statement to respond to all of them.

Write a new unique personal statement every time you want to apply.

Check out: How to Write a Good CV for Students - Resume Examples for Students (PDF).

How To Write A Personal Statement for Masters

When writing a personal statement for masters there are several steps and ground rules you need to follow to ensure that it comes out good enough to impress the admissions team of a school, and ultimately convince them to give you a spot on your program of study.

If writing one is something you are currently struggling with and can’t seem to get down the process of it right no matter what, this section on how to write a personal statement for masters, discusses in detail everything you need to get help with yours.

There are 4 parts to consider when writing your personal statement and we have listed them below:

1. Planning A Personal Statement

A personal statement is a piece of writing showing your academic interests and is only for application purposes which means there is no room for any autobiographical information in it about your personal life. Be as to-the-point as possible when writing it and stick to telling the school why you are the right person for the course, plus any other extra information detailing your achievements.

Before You Start:

Allot plenty of time to write your msc personal statement so that you don’t rush it. Remember, this simple piece of writing is your one shot at convincing a school that you are the best applicant they’ve seen and as such can either make or break your application.

Read the information expected of you from the university, rules and guidelines given, selection criteria and understand what they mean. Also research the institution.

Do a thorough research on the course you are applying for; this will help you explain better why you want to study it. The tutors interviewing you can tell when you are lying and presenting yourself as uninformed can cost you the admission.

Ensure that you don’t use the same personal statement for all your applications.

When Writing:

When writing the statement there are some questions to ask yourself that can help you plan it better. Those questions are:

Why you want to study a master’s and how does it benefit you in future?
How does the course you have chosen fit into your pre-existing skill set?
How do you stand out from the crowd as an applicant - e.g., work experiences you’ve had in the same field you are applying for?
What do you aspire to do or be as a future career and how will the course help you achieve that?
How can your work or skillsets contribute positively to the department/ university you are applying to, or society at large?

On the other hand, if you are applying for the masters to change from the field you studied in your undergraduate to another field, you should tell the school why you decided to take a different path in your studies.

Questions to ask yourself for this include:

Your reason for deciding to change your discipline.
How your undergraduate degree will be material for bringing fresh insights into your masters course.
How changing your study path will help you attain your future career.

2. Structuring A Personal Statement

Having good structure for your personal statement for master degree is important because it ensures that everything from the beginning, middle, and ending of the statement is written and equally falls in place perfectly.

We’ve left some tips for you below to help you:

Start your personal statement with an attention-grabbing introduction that is not dramatic or cliché. That means you should not begin with any of these over-used phrases we’ve listed out below:

For as long as I remember…

Since my childhood…

I want to apply to this course because I’ve always felt a strong connection to it…

All my life, I have always loved…

My interest in (course) always ran deeper than…

I’ve always been zealous about…

Ever since I was a child, I’ve always wanted to pursue a career in…

My past educational experiences have always…

You would want to be as snappy as possible with your opening because the admission officer has over a hundred applications to read and can’t waste all their time on yours. This means you should avoid overpowering it with unnecessary facts, quotes, and stories from your life.

The middle part of your ma personal statement is where the main content of the write-up should be. This is where you show your dedication to the course you’ve chosen, what motivated you to choose it, and why you are the right candidate for it.

When writing the middle part of a graduate personal statement, you should:

Give concrete reasons why you want to study a course at the University. The reason could be because of how the course is aligned to your future career or the University’s reputation in teaching that program.
Mention relevant things like projects, dissertations, or essays you’ve done, and any work experience you have.
Show proof of your core skills like and how they can contribute to the department.
Prove what makes you a unique candidate.
Discuss who your main influences for wanting to study the course are and why.
Add experiences like memberships to clubs that are related to your field, papers you’ve written before, awards, scholarships, or prizes.
Draw focus to how the course links to your past and future.
Mention your academic and non-academic skills and how they fit the course.

For Formatting:

Keep the statement length between 250 -500 words or as directed by the school.
Sentences should be no more than 25-30 words.
Use headings to break up the content – Why this university? Why this subject? Etc.
Make claims and provide evidence to back each of them up. This can be done by discussing your work experience and academic interests.

Language and tone to use:

The tone for your masters application personal statement should be positive and enthusiastic, to show you eagerness to learn and so that you convince the evaluators that you have what it takes to succeed.
Use exciting and refreshing language, and an engaging opening line.
Ensure you grammar, punctuations, and spellings are accurate.
Avoid exaggerated claims you cannot backup.
Don’t use cliché generic terms and keep your focus on the course.

Keep the ending of your essay for master degree application concise and memorable, leaving no doubt in the admission officers mind that you deserve a spot on the program.

To create the best ending summarise all your key points without dragging it our or repeating yourself. The ending should be simple, end on a positive note and make it clear that the school will be lucky to have you on their program.

Personal Statement for Masters Sample

In this section, we have left a masters personal statement example for you, which you can use as material to write yours for any course of study you are applying to a school for.

Personal Statement PDF

You can also download this statement of purpose sample for masters degree pdf here and take your time to read it later – Personal Statement For Masters Sample .

Examples of Personal Statement for Masters

We have taken the time to source for some of the best postgraduate personal statement examples, which you can use in addition to the personal statement for masters program example as a template to write yours.

While you scroll through our list, you will find the perfect masters essay example for any field you wish to apply for, from business administration, to Psychology, to information technology, and lots more.

1. msw personal statement

We have found one of the best msw personal statement examples out there for you.

social work masters personal statement .

2. personal statement for masters in public health

mph personal statement examples

3. personal statement for masters in management

Personal statement for master degree sample for masters in management . , 4. personal statement for masters in education example.

personal statement for masters in education example

5. psychology masters personal statement

psychology masters personal statement example

6. sample personal statement for masters in data science data science masters personal statement

7. speech and language therapy personal statement statement of purpose for masters sample: speech and language therapy

8. business administration personal statement personal statement for masters in business administration

9. personal statement for masters in cyber security pdf masters degree personal statement examples for cyber security

10. personal statement for masters in finance msc finance personal statement examples

11. statement of purpose for masters in information technology pdf msc personal statement examples for information technology

12. international development personal statement statement of purpose for masters example

13. msc international business management personal statement international business management personal statement examples

14. computer science masters personal statement

statement of purpose for masters in computer science pdf

15. personal statement for masters in economics statement of purpose sample for masters degree in economics

16. mha personal statement statement of purpose format for masters in health administration

Conclusion – Things to Avoid When Writing A Personal Statement For Masters When writing a personal statement for university masters, there are some things you should avoid, so that you don’t ruin your essay. We have listed out those things below: • Avoid negativity. • Following an online template blindly. • Do not include unnecessary course modules, personal facts, or extra-curricular activities in your personal statement. • Do not lie or exaggerate an achievement or event. • Do not include inspirational quotes to your statement. • Avoid using clichés, gimmicks, humour, over-used word such as 'passion' or ‘driven’. • Do not make pleading statements. • Avoid mentioning key authors or professors in your field without any explanation. • Avoid using sentences that are too long. • Avoid flattering the organisation or using patronising terms. • Do not repeat information in your statement that you have already listed in your application. • Avoid waffling i.e., writing at length. • Don’t start writing your personal statement at the last minute.

How to Write a Good Letter of Recommendation for Students (10 PDF Sample Examples).

How to Write a Good Financial Aid Appeal Letter (13 PDF Sample Examples).

How to Write a Good Personal Statement for a Scholarship ( 7 PDF Sample Examples).

How To Write A Good Motivation Letter For Scholarship (4 PDF Sample Examples).

How To Write A Letter Of Intent For Scholarship (4 PDF Sample LOI Example).

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The humanitarian side of economics.

It might not come as a surprise to you when we say that your career choice has set you up perfectly to go into almost any NGO anywhere in the world, due to the versatility of economics.

However, the popularity of work in the humanitarian sector is also growing as time passes, meaning a Master’s degree will help you get in the door, but voluntary work is often necessary, too.

If you’re fresh out of college, great! Voluntary work can provide you with some types of experience and opportunities you might not be able to enjoy otherwise, and that can really help guide you later when it comes to choosing a Master’s degree or further study in a specialism, and getting started learning a second language. Get onto the NGO ladder quickly, through a Masters or by working with an appropriate organization, and you’ll position yourself perfectly for one of the higher-flying humanitarian jobs out there.

The United Nations was recently searching for an Economic Affairs Officer to work at their duty station in New York. They were looking for a candidate with an advanced university degree in economics or a related field, or an individual with a first-level university degree and two additional years of qualifying work experience.

Responsibilities in this post included economic or sector analysis: monitoring economic developments in landlocked developing countries; the design and completion of studies of specific issues in economic development, including infrastructure development, trade and trade facilitation, regional integration and structural transformation and draft resulting reports; organizing expert group meetings, seminars, etc., on development and economic issues; plus other duties.

Amnesty International Hong Kong was looking for Business and Human Rights Strategy Advisor/Analyst at the time of writing, with proven knowledge and first-hand experience of undertaking high quality advocacy and in-depth specialist knowledge in the field of business, economics and human rights on an international level. Other skills necessary for the position include being able to strategically plan, negotiate and influence others; manage projects and give accurate and succinct guidance to others; be able to write and speak with excellent skill in English, as an essential component, and Mandarin language skills highly desirable.

The role includes leading the development of global and high profile advocacy and campaigning strategies of Amnesty International, with a specific focus on the role of Chinese business operations outside of China.

UN Women is looking for a New York based Programme Specialist, who will manage and monitor the portfolio of Asia and Pacific grants for the UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women (UNTF); provide technical support and guidance to Asia and Pacific portfolio grantees; provide technical support in the grant-making process of the Asia and Pacific portfolio, communications of the Asia and Pacific portfolio; provide knowledge management and capacity development support to the Asia and Pacific portfolio.

To get this post you’ll need a Master’s degree or equivalent in Economics, Sociology, International Development Studies, and a Master’s degree in Monitoring and Results Based Management is an asset. Experience-wise, you’ll need a minimum of five years of relevant national/international experience working in international development, human rights, gender equality and women’s empowerment; knowledge and experience related to violence against women and girls; etc. Only English is required.

Rovingbandit.com has compiled a list to help economists find international development jobs, which might be an excellent resource for you if you’d like to read around this area and get a job working for a humanitarian organization.

It’s useful and beneficial for your career development to study a Master’s degree. It might not be possible to apply right after completing a Bachelor’s, but it’s well worth aiming to do one if you can. There are a lot of different schools all over the world that run great programs, so don’t limit yourself to your own country right from the beginning. See what the world has to offer! American programs are often extremely expensive and not necessarily better if you plan to get a job outside of the US anyway.

There’s an M.A. in Development and International Economics at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at Kingston University, UK. It will help you develop knowledge and the ability to research the key issues and long-term historical trends concerning the development process and international economics; develop your mastery of fundamental principles of macroeconomic and microeconomic theory; enable you to develop a deep familiarity with major issues in economic history and economic thought from the early modern period to present day. It’s a 1-year course costing 12,500 GBP for non- EAA students.

The Tor Vergata University of Rome, Italy runs a M.A in Development Economics and International Cooperation that uses an interdisciplinary methodology to development. It’s taught in English and provides a solid grounding in the most recent economic theory, as well as econometrics and statistics. Students from all over the world have studied on the program, which includes modules in Credit, Growth and Welfare; Topics in Development Economics; Education, Labor and Gender Issues for Developing Countries, etc.

There’s an M.Sc. in International Economics at Vytautas Magnus University, Lithuania, too, which is oriented towards the theories and policies of international economics, its legal aspects, strategy planning, and advanced methods of modern economic analysis. You’ll explore modules like Microeconomics and Game Theory, International Law, Business Strategy and Development, Investment Analysis and Management, plus many more.

The M.A in International Politics and Economics at Kingston University delves into the political side of economics, including modules on International Political Economy: Capitalism, Imperialism and the State; and optional modules like Economic Change and Ideas, The Theory and Practice of International Relations, Political Economy: Effective Demand, Exploitation and Crisis, and many more.

If Germany is more your sort of place in the world, you could study a M.A. in International Economics, Business and Cultural Diplomacy at The Center for Cultural Diplomacy Studies, Berlin, Germany. This fascinating institution gathers together individuals that are passionate about cultural diplomacy, and this one-year program offers its students two semesters of study, followed by a Professional Development Training Program that’s individually designed for each student and a thesis-writing period at the end of the course. You’ll study modules like The History and Evolution of the Field of Cultural Diplomacy; International Case Studies of Cultural Diplomacy; Future Trends in International Relations and Cultural Diplomacy; elective modules like National Branding and Unilateral Cultural Diplomacy; European Politics; International Economic Organizations & Culural Diplomacy; International Economics; International Business Strategy; International Finance and Accounting.

Sweden also offers some interesting courses for economists, like the M.Sc. in Urban, Regional and International Economics at Jonkoping University. This program covers mathematical methods for economics and financial analysis; advanced macroeconomics and growth; economics of cities and spatial growth; globalization of economic activity; entrepreneurship, innovation and growth; international trade analysis. It’s a two-year course.

So, are you feeling fired up? If you’ve just got to do a Master’s, but you’re anxious about how you’ll put yourself across in your personal statement of purpose, just get in touch. We have extensive experience helping people just like you all over the world.

Beautifully crafted statement, thanks.

C.E. (Application for Master’s in Economics April 2011)

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Personal Statement of Purpose for Admission to Graduate School in Economics, Master's, Doctorate. Building new understandings of Economics as a human centered reality in need of rigorous humanistic investigation.

We share a critical stance towards conventional or traditional economic theory insofar as it has all too often tended to appeal to a most abstract version of humanity. Many economists share our opinion that it is not necessarily human nature to always prefer more wealth to less; and subsequently, we feel that this assumption does not serve as an adequate theoretical basis for a science of political economy. Unfortunately, today this dominant understanding of human economic activity which paints us all as greedy, self-seeking creatures has tended to become the unquestioned ‘truth’ that has led to many of today’s social and environmental problems.

Just as the desire for more wealth clearly does not define our every action, the humanist critique of modern economics includes the assertion that ‘what is economically rational is often socially or morally unreasonable’. In all aspects of life we face choices that could lead to many different outcomes. Nevertheless, it is exactly this human choice that is ignored in economic rationality, which is myopically concerned only with the satisfaction of self-interest.

We draft eloquent, incisive statements with a humanistic emphasis and we do so on behalf of clients from around the world who are applying to graduate school in Economics. When you fill out our Online Interview Form , please provide us with the link to the program to which you are applying. This way, we can make your statement much stronger by tailoring it to that particular program and what that program is looking for in an applicant.

A common assumption of economic analysis is that individuals are rational and self-interested. In your statement, you need to explain to the Admission Committee how it is in your rational self-interest to embark upon graduate school in economics. Tell me how you feel about these issues, as this will help to direct me. Is self-interest moral, amoral, or immoral? Is morality a matter of individuals taking responsibility for their lives and working to achieve happiness? Or is morality a matter of individuals accepting responsibility for others and being willing to forgo or sacrifice for them? This is the debate in ethics between egoism and altruism and it is of central importance to the applicant seeking to undertake graduate study in economics.

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Economics & ethics: how i can help you get admitted to graduate school in economics..

Economics and Ethics

As someone with a PHD in Social Ethics, I tend to see economic issues as intimately connected with ethical issues. Take the economic practice of doing a cost-benefit analysis. You could spend one hundred dollars for a night on the town, or you could donate that one hundred dollars to the reelection campaign of your favorite politician. Which option is better? The night on the town increases pleasure. A politician’s successful campaign may lead to more liberty in the long term. We regularly make decisions like this, weighing our options by measuring their likely costs and likely benefits against each other.

This connects economics directly to a major issue in ethics: By what standard do we determine what counts as a benefit or a cost? A list of competing candidates for the status of ultimate value standard includes happiness, satisfying the will of God, long-term survival, liberty, duty, and equality.

Economists implicitly adopt a value framework when beginning a cost-benefit analysis. Different value commitments can lead to the same item being considered a cost from one perspective and a benefit from another. For example, those whose standard of value is increasing human happiness would count a new road to a scenic mountain vista as a benefit, while those whose standard is maintaining an unchanged natural environment would count it as a cost.

The results of economic analysis also lead directly to ethical issues. For example, one result of the nineteenth- and twentieth-century debate over capitalism and socialism is a general consensus that capitalism is effective at producing wealth and socialism is effective at keeping people poor. Advocates of capitalism use these results to argue that capitalism is good; others might respond that “socialism is good in theory, but unfortunately it is not practical.” Implicit in the capitalist position is the view that practical consequences determine goodness. By contrast, implicit in the position of those who believe socialism to be an impractical moral ideal is the view that goodness is distinct from practical consequences.

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How to Write an Economics Personal Statement

Many students are unsure of how to write an Economics personal statement as they haven’t written one before. Starting your personal statement can be daunting, but you are not alone! We are here to give some pointers for students wishing to study Economics at university, particularly those applying to UK universities via UCAS. We have separated the process into three stages – research, writing and editing.

What to Research for your Economics Personal Statement

What to include in your economics personal statement, how to edit your economics personal statement, research your economics courses.

Research is vital for writing your Economics personal statement. First, you should have good knowledge of the Economics courses you are applying to. How does the university describe the Economics course (e.g. how Mathematical is it?). What content does the course include? Will your interested area in Economics be taught in the course?

Research Advice on How to Write an Economics Personal Statement

Second, you may want to read Economics personal statement examples from past applicants. This will give you some information what a good Economics personal statement includes, and what you should aim for. It is also good to look up any advice on writing personal statements. For example, this article you are reading! LSE also provides some general advice to writing any personal statement.

Research Which Aspect of Economics you are Interested in

Finally, you should research into the topic in Economics that you are interested in, which we will discuss more below. Google Scholar is a great way of searching for academic papers/essays regarding a specific Economics topic you want to learn more about. Another option may be to look through any suggested texts/reading for the university course you are applying to – does any topic in particular catch your eye? Finally, our article on Economics books to read for your personal statement may also help.

An Economics personal statement consist of many different components, and we explain the reason behind including each one in the sections below.

Area of Interest in Economics

In your statement, more than half of it should be used to show academic interest for a key topic/theme in Economics. The topic can be an extension to A-Level/IB syllabus that is slightly more advanced, or it can be something that will be explored further at degree level. This shows your understanding of Economics, and is a good opportunity to impress the admissions tutor with your enthusiasm. Remember – if you are interested in studying Economics, you should be self-motivated to learn more than what you are required to! Ideally, the topic/theme should also be tied to your personal reason to study the subject. This will make your interest more genuine, consistent and convincing. Have a specific topic in mind? Ask us about it !

Your Opinion on Economics

It is all well and good to explain what aspect of Economics you are interested in. However, that is not enough – admissions tutors would want to know your opinion on the issue/concept you discussed. They want to understand if have processed and understood what you have learnt, rather than just regurgitating it. It also demonstrates your ability to think and evaluate about a topic in Economics critically, showing independence of thought.

Motivation to Study Economics

Of course, you need to specify why you wish to study your subject in your statement. It is important to figure out a good reason here that is relevant to you personally, in order to stand out. Avoid generic reasons like ‘I wish to study Economics to understand the world better’ or ‘I wish to study Economics as my father works in finance’. Think deeper – what is it that is uniquely different about your environment, or what you experienced, that causes you to be interested about Economics?

Interest in Mathematics

For most, if not all Economics courses, there is a large amount of Mathematics involved. This is because Economics pursues a more scientific approach via Mathematical Modelling and Econometrics at higher levels of study. Hence, it is important for you to demonstrate your interest in Mathematics, and the use of it within Economics. You can reduce emphasis in this component if the course you are applying for involves less Mathematical modules.

Extra-curricular activities

It is important to include some extra-curricular activities relating to Economics, as it demonstrates your interest in the subject outside of your studies. Ideally this can relate to your area of interest in Economics and your motivation to study the subject. The activities can range from anything such as reading books on Economics , attending Economics events, to having a related work experience. If you want to include any experiences not relevant to Economics to show what you are like as a person, that is certainly acceptable, but should be less than 25% of your statement. Ask our Economics admissions advisor a free question below if you would like to know more about the various activities, and how to write about them.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form. Ask Wilfred a Free Question on GCE, IB or GCSE Economics * Email * We will answer your question by email and send you relevant notes/materials for your Economics course. Email Ask

After a first draft, it is important for you to get someone to review your Economics personal statement. This can help give you an objective perspective on what others think. Show it to your careers advisor at school, your Economics teacher, your Economics classmates, maybe even parents/siblings that have gone through a similar process. Of course, those who have more exposure to the subject may be a bit more helpful, like someone who applied for an Economics degree a few years ago. If you need professional, personalized advice on your Economics personal statement, you can reach out to our qualified admissions advisor for suggestions. After receiving feedback, you can edit your personal statement accordingly, taking into account each reader’s unique perspectives. You will then have to compare the suggestions and decide which parts/sentences to keep, change or remove. After many changes/edits your personal statement will finally be concise, unique and polished enough for submission!

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Economics and Management Personal Statement

Economics is the study of now. I view it as the study of the psychology of the people who dictate our lives. The world around us is shaped by the fundamental concept of supply and demand, wants and needs, goods and services. What grips me is that everything I have studied I can apply to real life. Discussions about inflation, for example, are so applicable since its current status is active in the world of pricing; the price of a Big Mac and “Burgernomics” is something to which I can relate from my travels.

The statistical aspect of economic analysis is closely linked to my interest in Mathematics, thus I will take an Econometric route on option modules. This scientific approach to what is otherwise a field-based solely on individual theories and concepts interests me, as I find quantitative analysis much more accurate and reliable than qualitative theories. As an example, I relish analysing more Econometric models on the A-level Course: like Profit Maximisation calculations.

Despite this, Economics intertwines both Maths and Philosophy on a regular basis. I recently read an article from the Guardian by George Monbiot, which discussed the cost-benefit analysis model and whether nature could be quantified as a tangible asset, and how this would benefit neo-liberals in their perpetual quest for profit. This is just an example of how Econometric analysis does not always deliver such verisimilitude where the figures given are ambiguous. This is what is unique about Economics: there is no right answer to the question ‘Is there a right answer?’ The concept of there being methods of analysing the psychology of and nature behind the way that the interface between consumers and producers operates seems to exceed all other subjects in terms of interest.

I find it peculiar that a subject that has such a ubiquitous undercurrent in our society is so undefined and obscure; it is undoubtedly this which draws me to it. Consequently, I strive to keep up with Economics in the modern world by reading the “I” and “Guardian” newspapers, and “The Economist” magazine regularly. For wider background reading I have read Marx’s “Communist Manifesto”, Tim Hartford’s “The Undercover Economist” and “Too Big To Fail” by Andrew Ross Sorkin.

Sorkin’s book provided a gripping, in-depth insight into the world of investment banking and entrepreneurship – I finished the book in a matter of days. His book has inspired me to enter the investment sector. Upon graduation I would like to become an investment banker or negotiator, hence I am in the process of trying to arrange some work experience with the London Metal Exchange.

I completed a programme of work experience with Linden Homes this summer, through the Career Academy Programme on which I am enrolled. It was a six-week internship during which I gained a firm understanding of a construction company’s place within the national economy. I enjoyed spending valuable time in a variety of departments within the firm. I also have work experience planned in Belgium in 2013.

Additionally, I participate in a multitude of extracurricular activities. My team and I finished second in the national UMPH Business Competition; in Year 11 my team set the school record for the Enterprise Day Challenge and for three consecutive years my team won the Grimsby Inter-School Quiz without loss. Furthermore, I am part of both the Franklin College Debating Team and the weekly “Blue Sky Club”, where students meet to discuss current affairs.

Recently, a particular subject of interest has been the US election. We frequently discuss the debates and the candidates, covering subjects like their political viewpoints and how it will affect both our lives and those of the American public – plus the potential Economic ramifications of the possible outcomes. With a genuine zeal for the subject and an ability to relate my studies to the real world, I am convinced that I will thoroughly thrive at degree level Economics.

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Good Points Of The Personal Statement

The student gives a good insight into their academic interests and what’s inspired them to develop over time. They also demonstrate a passion for the subject, not only by stating their interest in it but by further explaining what interests them and why they would make a good candidate to study it at university. The student is already accomplished and explains well what they’ve gained from their various extra-curricular activities.

Bad Points Of The Personal Statement

The writing is weak and, at points, unnatural. The forced interjections of examples and unusual adjectives make it read like a student attempting to write a formal and formulaic exam essay. They would do better to write in their usual style, even if it is somewhat informal; this will allow them to better express themselves and they will come across as more interesting to those reading it. More importantly than this, however, at times, the student fails to keep up their otherwise good level of detail, and the writing becomes list-like.

This is particularly prominent when they discuss books they’ve read to develop their understanding of economics. Although they expand on one of these, they do so in little detail. Interviewers are unlikely to be impressed by simply mentioning that you’ve read a book – any student applying for degree-level economics is able to read The Communist Manifesto, for instance – but they will be impressed by your response to it and what you gained from the experience of reading it. Unless you expand on these details, a list of books you’ve read does nothing to contribute to the statement.

UniAdmissions Overall Score:

This statement is strong, except where it discusses academic work. The detail here was likely sacrificed in favour of expanding further on their extra-curricular activities and their particular areas of interest. However, they have limited discussion of their study of various classic economic works so severely that it fails to add anything to the piece. The statement would, therefore, benefit from a more balanced approach to the various areas of the student’s life.

We give this Economics Personal Statement a 4/5 as they have clearly projected their passion for the subject onto paper – the most important part of a strong Personal Statement – albeit this was at the cost of other factors that should have been covered in more depth.

And there we have it – an Oxford E&M Personal Statement with feedback from our expert tutors.

Remember, at Oxford, the Admissions Tutors are often the people who will be teaching you for the next few years, so you need to appeal directly to them.

Our Free Personal Statement Resources page is filled with even more successful personal statements and expert guides.

Our expert tutors are on hand to help you craft the perfect Personal Statement for your Oxford E&M application.

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PERSONAL STATEMENT EXAMPLE Economics and Finance Personal Statement

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Economics and Finance Personal Statement

Over recent years I have developed a passion for looking at current events and how they affect the economy. This interest originates from the enjoyment I get from using maths to analyse a problem, as many situations can be explained clearly using maths. Economics is a subject that is very much alive and this is what makes it interesting to me. Every day there are new situations that economists can explore and analyse and I find this prospect extremely exciting.

Studying Pre-U Economics has increased my enthusiasm for the subject as I enjoy following macroeconomic debate in the UK and learning how globalisation changes markets. I have gained insights about how firms have had to react to globalisation and how nations use protectionism as a way of preventing industries from collapsing. The analytical skills that I have developed in Physics have proved particularly helpful as I can transfer these skills to Economics, despite them being quite different subjects. I enjoy following financial markets where you can see how the economic impacts of global events play out and have recently setup a paper trading account. The trading application helps further my understanding of the impacts of economic events. I can test my hypothesis of a particular event against the change in markets and improve my understanding.

I became interested in the socioeconomic elements of development and international aid after reading ‘Dead Aid’ by Moyo. The idea of ‘trade not aid’ resonated with me and led me to conduct further research which led me to conclude that having a skilled labour force would be more economically beneficial than trade. Reading ‘Awakening Giants’ by Bardhan gave an interesting insight at the speed at which China has become a leading economy.

I have also enjoyed exploring the world of economics through work experience, the first of which was with Tradition, a global financial services firm. I learnt how to analyse and rank different trading strategies based on historical data modelling. At Guardian Stockbrokers I witnessed in real-time the impact of macro and microeconomic data on different asset classes. I set up a demo trading account on the company’s platform to experience first-hand how the slightest change in the economic outlook can influence the market price. Last summer I secured a place in HSBC’s work experience programme for 6th form students. I learnt about different aspects of retail banking and gained insight into how a retail bank works. This helped put some perspective as to how banking has changed over the years after the financial crisis.

Last year, I was selected to represent my school in a Physics symposium and as part of the team my role was to apply my analytical skills and communicate the results to my team. This opportunity helped with my team building skills. I have also experienced how to set up a company and run a profitable business when I was appointed the company Financial Director for the young enterprise scheme. I gained insight into how to conduct meetings and improve my presentation and negotiation skills. I enjoy playing classical guitar and have had the opportunity to perform in school concerts throughout my school years. As an active member of the school Charity and Community Service committees I help the local community by volunteering at the day shelter for the homeless and the YMCA cafe. This experience provided me with a different perspective on life. Throughout school I have captained and toured with many school teams playing tennis, football and cricket.

Everyday something new happens in the economic world, I would love to be part of an undergraduate course that analyses these events. This is why Economics is my chosen course and I look forward to expanding my knowledge in this field at undergraduate level and, hopefully, further.

This student also took a year abroad too.

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Writing a Personal Statement

Preparing to Write

Brainstorming, don't forget, sample prompts.

A personal statement is a narrative essay that connects your background, experiences, and goals to the mission, requirements, and desired outcomes of the specific opportunity you are seeking. It is a critical component in the selection process, whether the essay is for a competitive internship, a graduate fellowship, or admittance to a graduate school program. It gives the selection committee the best opportunity to get to know you, how you think and make decisions, ways in which past experiences have been significant or formative, and how you envision your future. Personal statements can be varied in form; some are given a specific prompt, while others are less structured. However, in general a personal statement should answer the following questions:

Who are you?
What are your goals?
How does this specific program/opportunity help you achieve your goals?
What is in the future?

A personal statement is not:

A variation of your college admissions essay
An academic/research paper
A narrative version of your resume
A creative writing piece (it can be creative, though)
An essay about somebody else

Keep in mind that your statement is only a portion of the application and should be written with this in mind. Your entire application package will include some, possibly all, of the materials listed below. You will want to consider what these pieces of the application communicate about you. Your personal statement should aim to tie everything together and fill in or address any gaps. There will likely be some overlap but be sure not to be too repetitive.

Personal Statement(s)
Transcripts
Letters of recommendations
Sample of written work
Research proposal

Preparing to Write A large portion of your work towards completing a personal statement begins well before your first draft or even an outline. It is incredibly important to be sure you understand all of the rules and regulations around the statement. Things to consider before you begin writing:

How many prompts? And what are they? It is important to know the basics so you can get your ideas in order. Some programs will require a general statement of interest and a focused supplementary or secondary statement closely aligned with the institution's goals.
Are there formatting guidelines? Single or double spaced, margins, fonts, text sizes, etc. Our general guideline is to keep it simple.
How do I submit my statement(s)? If uploading a document we highly suggest using a PDF as it will minimize the chances of accidental changes to formatting. Some programs may event ask you to copy and paste into a text box.
When do I have to submit my statement(s)? Most are due at the time of application but some programs, especially medical schools, will ask for secondary statements a few months after you apply. In these instances be sure to complete them within two weeks, any longer is an indication that you aren't that interested in the institution.

Before you start writing, take some time to reflect on your experiences and motivations as they relate to the programs to which you are applying. This will offer you a chance to organize your thoughts which will make the writing process much easier. Below are a list of questions to help you get started:

What individuals, experiences or events have shaped your interest in this particular field?
What has influenced your decision to apply to graduate school?
How does this field align with your interests, strengths, and values?
What distinguishes you from other applicants?
What would you bring to this program/profession?
What has prepared you for graduate study in this field? Consider your classes at Wellesley, research and work experience, including internships, summer jobs and volunteer work.
Why are you interested in this particular institution or degree program?
How is this program distinct from others?
What do you hope to gain?
What is motivating you to seek an advanced degree now?
Where do you see yourself headed and how will this degree program help you get there?

For those applying to Medical School, if you need a committee letter for your application and are using the Medical Professions Advisory Committee you have already done a lot of heavy lifting through the 2017-2018 Applicant Information Form . Even if you aren't using MPAC the applicant information form is a great place to start.

Another great place to start is through talking out your ideas. You have a number of options both on and off campus, such as: Career Education advisors and mentors ( you can set up an appointment here ), major advisor, family, friends. If you are applying to a graduate program it is especially important to talk with a faculty member in the field. Remember to take good notes so you can refer to them later.

When you begin writing keep in mind that your essay is one of many in the application pool. This is not to say you should exaggerate your experiences to “stand out” but that you should focus on clear, concise writing. Also keep in mind that the readers are considering you not just as a potential student but a future colleague. Be sure to show them examples and experiences which demonstrate you are ready to begin their program.

It is important to remember that your personal statement will take time and energy to complete, so plan accordingly. Every application and statement should be seen as different from one another, even if they are all the same type of program. Each institution may teach you the same material but their delivery or focus will be slightly different.

In addition, remember:

Be yourself: You aren’t good at being someone else
Tragedy is not a requirement, reflection and depth are
Research the institution or organization
Proofread, proofread, proofread
How to have your personal statement reviewed

The prompts below are from actual applications to a several types of programs. As you will notice many of them are VERY general in nature. This is why it is so important to do your research and reflect on your motivations. Although the prompts are similar in nature the resulting statements would be very different depending on the discipline and type of program, as well as your particular background and reasons for wanting to pursue this graduate degree.

This statement should illustrate your academic background and experiences and explain why you would excel in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (UMass Amherst - M.S. in Civil Engineering).
Describe your academic and career objectives and how the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies can help you achieve them. Include other considerations that explain why you seek admissions to the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies and your interests in the environmental field (Yale - Master of Environmental Management).
Please discuss your academic interests and goals. Include your current professional and research interests, as well as your long-range professional objectives. Please be as specific as possible about how your objectives can be met at Clark and do not exceed 800 words (Clark University - M.A. in International Development and Social Change).
Write a 500- to 700-word statement that describes your work or research. Discuss how you came to focus on the medium, body of work, or academic area you wish to pursue at the graduate level. Also discuss future directions or goals for your work, and describe how the Master of Fine Arts in Studio (Printmedia) is particularly suited to your professional goals (School of the Art Institute of Chicago - MFA in Studio, Printmaking).
Your statement should explain why you want to study economics at the graduate level. The statement is particularly important if there is something unusual about your background and preparation that you would like us to know about you (University of Texas at Austin - Ph.D in Economics).
Your personal goal statement is an important part of the review process for our faculty members as they consider your application. They want to know about your background, work experience, plans for graduate study and professional career, qualifications that make you a strong candidate for the program, and any other relevant information (Indiana University Bloomington - M.S.Ed. in Secondary Education).
Your autobiographical essay/personal statement is a narrative that outlines significant experiences in your life, including childhood experiences, study and work, your strengths and aspirations in the field of architecture, and why you want to come to the University of Oregon (University of Oregon - Master of Architecture).
Personal history and diversity statement, in which you describe how your personal background informs your decision to pursue a graduate degree. You may refer to any educational, familial, cultural, economic or social experiences, challenges, community service, outreach activities, residency and citizenship, first-generation college status, or opportunities relevant to your academic journey; how your life experiences contribute to the social, intellectual or cultural diversity within a campus community and your chosen field; or how you might serve educationally underrepresented and underserved segments of society with your graduate education (U.C. Davis - M.A. in Linguistics).
A Personal Statement specifying your past experiences, reasons for applying, and your areas of interest. It should explain your intellectual and personal goals, why you are interested in pursuing an interdisciplinary degree rather than a more traditional disciplinary one, and how this degree fits into your intellectual and personal future (Rutgers University - Ph.D in Women’s and Gender Studies).
Your application requires a written statement to uploaded into your application and is a critical component of your application for admission. This is your opportunity to tell us what excites you about the field of library and information science, and what problems you want to help solve in this field. Please also tell us how your prior experiences have prepared you for this next step toward your career goals and how this program will help you achieve them (University of North Carolina Chapel Hill - Master of Science in Library Science).
After watching the video, please describe what strengths and preferences as a learner you have that will facilitate your success in this innovative curriculum. What challenges in our curriculum do you anticipate and what strategies might you use to address these challenges? (MGH Institute of Health Professions PT - They recently redesigned their curriculum)
Your personal goal statement should briefly describe how you view the future of the field, what your goals are to be part of that future, and what brought you to pursue an advanced education degree in your chosen field. You may include any other information that you feel might be useful. (Northeastern PT)
Personal Statement: In 500 words or less, describe a meaningful educational experience that affected your professional goals and growth and explain how it impacted you. The educational experience does not need to be related to this degree. Focus on the educational experience and not why you think you would be a good professional in this field. (Simmons PT)
Personal Statement (500 word minimum): State your reasons for seeking admission to this program at this institution. Include your professional goals, why you want to pursue a career in this field and how admission to this program will assist you in accomplishing those goals. (Regis College Nursing)
“Use the space provided to explain why you want to go to this type of program.” (AMCAS)
Address the following three questions(Though there is no set limit, most statements are 1–2 pages, single-spaced.): What are your reasons for pursuing this degree? Why do you wish to pursue your degree at this institution? How do you intend to leverage your degree in a career of this field? (Boston University MPH)
Please submit a personal statement/statement of purpose of no more than 500 words for the department/degree of choice. Professional degree essays require a clear understanding of the _______ field and how you hope to work within the field. Be sure to proofread your personal statement carefully for spelling and grammar. In your statement, be sure to address the following: what interests you in the field of _____ what interests you in a specific degree program and department at this institution and what interests you in a particular certificate (if applicable). Please also describe how you hope to use your ________ training to help you achieve your career goals. (Columbia PhD in Public Health - Epidemiology)
Because each Home Program requires significant original research activities in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree, we are interested in obtaining as much information as possible about your previous research experiences. Those who already have such experience are in a better position to know whether they are truly interested in performing ______ research as part of a graduate program. Please include specific information about your research experience in your Statement of Purpose. You may also use the Statement to amplify your comments about your choice of Home Program(s), and how your past experiences and current interests are related to your choice. Personal Statements should not exceed two pages in length (single spaced). Make sure to set your computer to Western European or other English-language setting. We cannot guarantee the ability to access your statement if it is submitted in other fonts. (Stanford Biosciences PhD)
Your statement of purpose should describe succinctly your reasons for applying to the Department of ____ at ___ University. It would be helpful to include what you have done to prepare for this degree program. Please describe your research interests, past research experience, future career plans and other details of your background and interests that will allow us to evaluate your ability to thrive in our program. If you have interests that align with a specific faculty member, you may state this in your application. Your statement of purpose should not exceed two pages in length (single spaced). (Stanford Bioengineering PhD)
Statement of purpose (Up to one page or 1,000 words): Rather than a research proposal, you should provide a statement of purpose. Your statement should be written in English and explain your motivation for applying for the course at this institution and your relevant experience and education. Please provide an indication of the area of your proposed research and supervisor(s) in your statement. This will be assessed for the coherence of the statement; evidence of motivation for and understanding of the proposed area of study; the ability to present a reasoned case in English; and commitment to the subject. (Oxford Inorganic Chemistry - DPhil)

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The subject of economics, which I seek to study in the coming years, was first introduced to me through the United States Academic Decathlon, a ten-subject team competition for high schools. Over the past two years I have devoted hundreds of hours to independent preparation for this competition. Consequently, I took third place in my division at the national level for an eloquent performance while interviewing. However, the greatest benefit has been developing a fascination with economics. I now see it as an elegant, mathematical approach to studying the consequences of human nature in action.

Economics is a subject that demands a great deal of focus, ambition and pragmatism when studied effectively, characteristics instilled in me during my arduous but fulfilling time on the Decathlon. When I first began studying economics, I was concurrently attracted to the material introduced in my Honors Calculus class. There I was encouraged not only to absorb the information presented, but also to pursue it individually. The allure of the mathematical tools integral to understanding economics reaffirmed my interest in this field.

Studying economics also appeals to me because it promises the possibility of leadership. Thus, I have sought to balance my studies with experiences that prepare me for such possibilities. I have managed the staged productions and finances of a comedic acting troupe named ALBATROSS. Some of my peers and I founded this organisation during my freshman year of high school. Running ALBATROSS has taught me how to direct multiple projects at once, how to motivate people toward a common goal and how to determine when it is best to delegate work.

Further seeking to gain managerial experience, during the summer of 2009 I worked for the Chicago Public Schools' Freshman Connection program as a Youth Leader. I learned to step into a position of authority through both observation and practice as I assisted in overseeing aspects of the program and aided in teaching incoming high school freshmen during preparatory courses. There were many opportunities to refine my communications skills both when lecturing younger pupils on the importance of self-discipline, and when working to increase efficiency of exchanges between program administrators.

I have cultivated other interests, as well, during my high school years. In 2008, I translated Adam Lizakowski's 'Chicago: City of Belief' from Polish into English for a bilingual edition. Also referred to as 'Chicago: City of Faith', this book of poetry won an award from the UNESCO Polish Division. As a clarinettist, I have won awards as a member of large and small ensembles at municipal and state levels. Additionally, I became a National Merit Semi-Finalist and Illinois Student Assistance Commission 2010-11 State Scholar in 2009. Through my academic and extracurricular endeavours, I have gained knowledge, discipline and resolve which I will continue to foster in my university studies.

Ultimately, I seek to pursue a PhD in economics. Because economics is a global phenomenon, I would find it particularly helpful to study in the United Kingdom. I believe this relocation would expose me to ways of thought that are currently unknown to me yet vital in an increasingly interrelated world. I would like to take part in strengthening the relationships that are bred globally and fuelled by cross-cultural professions. As economists are key players in this process, my attempts to join their ranks are enthusiastic and resolute.

Profile info

This personal statement was written by Thomas1358 for application in 2010.

Thomas1358's university choices The University of Edinburgh The University of Edinburgh

Green : offer made Red : no offer made

Degree Economics with Finance at The University of Edinburgh

Thomas1358's Comments

Writing as an American student, this was unlike any other essay or statement I had to make for domestic schools. It was very terse, devoid of any unnecessary ornaments. The most difficult aspect was determining which activities would be deemed relevant by a UK school.

For those interested, my relevant scores on U.S. standardized tests are as follow:

SAT Reasoning Composite: 2260 SAT Reasoning Reading Subscore: 770 SAT Reasoning Math Subscore: 750 SAT Reasoning Writing Subscore: 740

SAT II Math 1: 700 SAT II Math 2: 660 SAT II Literature: 710 SAT II World History: 770

ACT Composite Score: 32 ACT English Subscore: 35 ACT Mathematics Subscore: 30 ACT Reading Subscore: 34 ACT Science Subscore: 27 ACT Combined English/Writing Subscore: 32 ACT Writing Subscore (range 2 to 12): 09

AP European History: 5 AP English Language and Composition: 4

This personal statement is unrated

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Welcome to Resource Economics

In the Department of Resource Economics, we apply economics to tackle a wide range of questions including those related to the environment, health care, how industries are organized, and human behavior.

Announcements

In the news, upcoming events, spring 2024 seminars.

The department of Resource Economics is pleased to present the Spring 2024 seminar series. All seminars will be available in person in Stockbridge 303 unless stated otherwise.

Stockbridge Hall 80 Campus Center Way Amherst, MA 01003-9246

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This personal statement is unrated. Economics is a social science that uses mathematical models and empirical evidence to understand how people use resources, produce goods and services, and interact with each other to create economic systems. The study of economics plays a vital role in helping us understand how the decisions we make as ...
Sample Statement of Purpose Economics (accepted to Harvard, Princeton
The following statement of purpose is written by an applicant who got accepted to top graduate programs in economics. Variations of this SOP got accepted at Harvard, Princeton, and Yale. Read this essay to get inspiration and understand what a top economics school SOP should look like. ... 100+ Personal Statement Templates; 100+ Quotes to Kick ...
Economics Personal Statement Examples
Economics Personal Statement Examples | Uni Compare. Find the ideal uni course for you with our Course Degree Quiz. Get answers in minutes! Get more tailored course suggestions with our full Course Degree Quiz and apply with confidence. Uni of Brighton - 91% of graduates in work or further study after 15 months.
7 Economics Personal Statement Examples
Examples. Firstly, here is a list of ten economics personal statement examples available online. Also below, there is analysis of what makes a great economics personal statement. + Good evidence of independent study. + Great supercurricular activities discussed.
Economics Personal Statements
An economics personal statement should describe your motivations for wanting to study this subject. It tells the university who you are and why you will make a great economics candidate. Whether you're applying for an undergraduate or postgraduate course, it's crucial you present yourself in the best possible light to convince admissions tutors ...
Economics personal statement examples
Economics degree personal statement example (1e) UCL offer. Submitted by: Anonymous. "Travelling around the world, and having visited places including America and Iran, has allowed me to personally witness..." Economics degree personal statement example (2d) with review. Submitted by: Anonymous.
Statement of academic purpose
A personal statement: Your personal statement should persuasively explain why you want to do this programme. This may include your personal suitability such as career achievements and ambitions, what you hope to get out of the programme, your particular strengths, and what you will bring to the cohort. 600-700 words.
Successful Personal Statement For Economics At Cambridge
This statement is thoughtful and interesting, and conveys clear motivations for studying Economics, as well as demonstrating a good level of preparation for university study. The student elaborates on their response to each preparatory activity they engaged in, rather than falling into the trap of simply listing books read and lectures attended.
Personal statements
Example of application guidance from LSE: You must submit a personal statement with your application form. This should be between 1,000 and 1,500 words. It should describe your academic interests and your purpose and objectives in undertaking graduate study. Suggestions of what to include for this phrasing: Your academic interests - This part ...
Personal Statement For Masters (17 PDF Sample Examples)
7. speech and language therapy personal statement. statement of purpose for masters sample: speech and language therapy. 8. business administration personal statement. personal statement for masters in business administration. 9. personal statement for masters in cyber security pdf.
Economics Personal Statement 10
Economics Personal Statement. My desire to study Economics at university stems from my interest in the incredible pace of change in the world. Development Economics fascinates me and I believe the greatest challenges in our future will be of an economic origin. I am intrigued by the on-going issues we face, such as allocating ever depleting ...
Economics Personal Statement of Purpose for Graduate School
A common assumption of economic analysis is that individuals are rational and self-interested. In your statement, you need to explain to the Admission Committee how it is in your rational self-interest to embark upon graduate school in economics. Tell me how you feel about these issues, as this will help to direct me.
How to Write an Economics Personal Statement
Step 7. Think ahead to any potential interviews. Some competitive universities (such as Oxford and Cambridge) routinely interview candidates as part of the application process. Your UCAS personal statement will be an important deciding factor in whether you get offered an interview with your chosen university.
How to Write an Economics Personal Statement
The activities can range from anything such as reading books on Economics, attending Economics events, to having a related work experience. If you want to include any experiences not relevant to Economics to show what you are like as a person, that is certainly acceptable, but should be less than 25% of your statement.
Successful Personal Statement For Economics & Management At Oxford
Today, we are looking through an Economics and Managment applicant's Personal Statement that helped secure a place at Oxford University.The Economics and Management Course at Oxford examines issues central to the world we live in: namely how the economy and organisations function, and how resources are allocated and coordinated to achieve the organisation's objectives.
PDF Personal Statement
Personal Statement. Name: Qu Xi Apply for academic job in Economics. manage it. Besides my solid background in econometrics, I have been working as Professor John Kagel's RA in Experimental Economics for more than a year. I gained valuable experience of independently running an economic experiment, analyzing experimental data, and using the ...
Economics Personal Statement 12
Economics Personal Statement. My interest in studying economics is born from my growing up in the wake of an economic crisis that affects both my present and my future. The huge rise in unemployment and poverty that followed the great recession are things that mean my generation face a great struggle as we leave education and enter the working ...
Personal statement advice: economics
What to include in your economics personal statement. Your long-term goals: explain how your degree choice fits with your future ambitions and career aspirations. Wider reading: do pick out one or two specific issues that had an impact on you - just saying you subscribe to 'The Economist' or 'The FT' or that you've read ...
Economics and Finance Personal Statement Example 15
This personal statement was written by mscaro for application in 2011. mscaro's university choices Aston University Brunel University Oxford Brookes University. Green: offer made Red: no offer made. Degree Economics, Finance and Banking at Nottingham Trent University. Ratings. This personal statement is unrated. Related Personal Statements
Economics and Finance Personal Statement
Economics and Finance Personal Statement. Over recent years I have developed a passion for looking at current events and how they affect the economy. This interest originates from the enjoyment I get from using maths to analyse a problem, as many situations can be explained clearly using maths. Economics is a subject that is very much alive and ...
Writing a Personal Statement
A personal statement is a narrative essay that connects your background, experiences, and goals to the mission, requirements, and desired outcomes of the specific opportunity you are seeking. It is a critical component in the selection process, whether the essay is for a competitive internship, a graduate fellowship, or admittance to a graduate school program.
Economics Personal Statement Example (International Student) 1
This personal statement was written by Thomas1358 for application in 2010. Thomas1358's university choices The University of Edinburgh The University of Edinburgh. Green: ... The relevance of economics in modern world, my A Level study in economics and my father who is a graduate in economic has influenced me to study economics further. I have ...
Homepage : Resource Economics : UMass Amherst
Sofia Villas-Boas Friday, April 5, 10:30am - 12:00pm | Sofia Villas-Boas, Department of Agricultural & Resource Economics, University of California Berkeley Specialty: Industrial Organization, Consumer Behavior, Food Policy & Environmental Regulation Christian Vossler Friday, April 19, 10:30am -12:00pm | Christian Vossler, Department of Economics, University of Tennessee Specialty ...