Personal statement

which provides an opportunity for candidates to sell themselves in the application process. It can be of two types

✔ The general personal statement: This gives you freedom in terms of what you write and generally does not have any word limit.
✔ The response to very specific questions: Sometimes graduate schools ask specific questions, and your statement should respond specifically to the question being asked. Tips to write a Personal Statement
⦿ Answer the specific questions: It is important to answer each question being asked. In every case, be sure your answer fits the question being asked.
⦿ Write a story: Graduate committee is always interested in your story. Think in terms of showing or demonstrating through concrete experience. Try to write your own personal experiences which makes your personal statement different and interesting
⦿ Be specific: Your desire should be logical, and should be the result of a specific experience during your career that is properly described in your statement. Your application should emerge as the logical conclusion to your story.
⦿ Concentrate opening paragraph: The lead or opening paragraph is generally the most important. It is here that you grab the reader's attention or lose it. This paragraph becomes the framework for the rest of the statement.
⦿ Tell what you know: The middle section of your essay incorporates your interest and experience in your field, as well as some of your knowledge of the field. Be as specific as you can in relating what you know about the field and use the language professionals use in conveying this information. Refer to courses, research experience, job experience, short-term courses, and seminars to show yourself as the best fit for the available position.
⦿ Do proper research: Mostly graduate committee wants to know why you're applying to this particular school rather than another school, do some research to find out what sets your choice apart from other universities or programs. Always mention research facilities, industrial tie-ups, and geographical or cultural advantage which motivates you to choose this particular school.
⦿ Write well and correctly: Be grammatically correct. Type and proofread your essay very carefully. Many admissions officers say that good written skills and command of correct use of language are important to them as they read these statements. Express yourself clearly and concisely. Adhere to stated word limits.
⦿ Length and Format: Generally, the personal letter world limit varies through universities. You can expect writing up to 500-700 words or 1 to 1.5 page. Fonts should be Ariel or Times new roman with font size 10-12.