Freelance Editor and Writer

Trust your human ideas and writing.

1. Avoid AI use

Having seen thousands of AI-influenced personal statements, it gives everyone the same phrasing, sentence structure, etc. because of its limited capabilities (e.g., probability-based functioning) and deeply flawed dataset. No Grammarly, no brainstorming…

2. Check the requirements

Pay attention to the word/character limit. If you submit 500 words, but 1000 is allowed, you’ve got 500 fewer words to convince them and you look like you care less.

3. Don’t copy your CV

The personal statement is a chance to show depth. Discuss specific projects, what you did, and what you learned. The STAR method is always a good idea. And make sure to proofread your CV/resume as well. The style and level should match your other application documents; otherwise, it looks odd.

4. Unique

What makes you different? Be niche. Find a new angle. Mention a different book/article. (Another reason to avoid AI use. Imagine receiving thousands of applications that all mention Thinking Fast and Slow.)

5. Tailor the PS to the university

For master’s degree applications, make sure you tailor the personal statement/statement of purpose to the specific university and degree you’re applying to. I recommend having at least a paragraph mentioning 3 modules and 2 professors, with why their research interests you (link it to your own research and goals).