the difference between personal statement and statement of purpose

Personal Statements & Statements of Purpose

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

Personal Statement vs. Statement of Purpose

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

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

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

Basic Content

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

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

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

Getting Started

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

Brainstorming Activity

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

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

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

Call a Friend

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

Diving Deep into the Components

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

Introduction

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

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

For twenty-three years, my grandmother (a veterinarian and an epidemiologist) ran the Communicable Disease Department of a mid-sized urban public health department. The stories of Grandma Betty doggedly tracking down the named sexual partners of the infected are part of our family lore. Grandma Betty would persuade people to be tested for sexually transmitted diseases, encourage safer sexual practices, document the spread of infection and strive to contain and prevent it. Indeed, due to the large gay population in the city where she worked, Grandma Betty was at the forefront of the AIDS crisis, and her analysis contributed greatly towards understanding how the disease was contracted and spread. My grandmother has always been a huge inspiration to me, and the reason why a career in public health was always on my radar.

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

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

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

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

Experiences

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

Research or Academic Experiences

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

Internships & Work Experience

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

Co-curricular Activities

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

Career Goals

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

Goodness of Fit

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

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

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

Extenuating Circumstances

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

Tips and Mistakes

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

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

Common Mistakes

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

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Major differences between statement of purpose vs personal statement .

Table of Contents

On this page, we will discuss the major differences between Statement of Purpose (SOP) and Personal Statement or essay . Students planning to apply at a university must know all the key details about these important documents. 

When was the last time you wrote a statement of purpose highlighting your academic journey, career goals, and field of interest? What was the objective of such a statement? The university application process requires applicants to submit their academic and personal documents, including SOP and personal statement. Let’s dive in and check out the major differences between an SOP and a personal statement. 

What is a Statement of Purpose (SOP)? 

An SOP or Statement of Purpose is an academic document asked by universities from each applicant. The SOP highlights the key details about your academic journey, career plans, purpose of applying at the university, why you choose a particular course or field. As an ideal applicant, it is expected of you to convince the university to consider you for the chosen field because you fulfil all the academic and professional qualifications. 

As a university applicant, you must know that an SOP is a forward-looking document. Your SOP emphasizes your qualifications, skills, achievements, and intellectual aspirations, and not your personal beliefs or life experiences. 

As the name suggests, an SOP is a statement, where you must answer the following questions: 

• What motivated you to pursue this program? 
• What are your professional aspirations? 
• How do your academic and career experiences align with this program? 
• How can you contribute to the university? 

Tips to Write a Statement of Purpose? 

To help you write an engaging SOP, we have highlighted some simple tips. 

• Keep it as simple as possible. Focus on discussing your academic goals and how you plan to achieve them. 
• It must be specific to your program. The only way of doing this is to research the program and the university. You can also talk about any individual or event which sparked interest in you. 
• It must sound professional. So, keep the language formal and follow the structure. 

What is a Personal Statement? 

Unlike SOP, a Personal Statement or essay is you talking about yourself, and why you wish to apply for a particular course. A personal statement must have a strong and structured start to grab the attention of the admission team. This formal document allows you to talk about yourself, your life experiences, reasons for choosing the field, and other related information. Some might argue that this formal document must balance your academic and professional goals, while others claim its focus must be on your personal journey and values. 

Your Personal Statement must answer the following questions in a structured manner. 

• Who you are? 
• In what ways have your life experiences influenced your academic path? 
• What personal challenges have you encountered, and how have they guided your choice of field? 
• How do your personal values align with your field of interest? 

Tips to Write a Personal Statement? 

Here are some easy-to-learn tips to write a personal statement. 

• Start with a strong hook to keep the reader engaged. Remember, this is you talking about yourself, so your language and tone must be engaging to hook the reader. Try to discuss a personal story about your passion for the field. 
• Discuss how your personal values and motivations align with your career goals. This can be done by writing a connection between your personal beliefs and their relation to the chosen course. 
• Finally, there is the conclusion. It must focus on how the course will help you achieve your goals. This can only be done by having a clear understanding and vision of the chosen field and your future. 

SOP vs Personal Statement: Examples 

Let’s discuss examples of SOP and Personal Statement to understand the differences in their language, content, and objectives.

Conclusion 

The moment you’ve decided to pursue a particular course in college or university, you must plan to write an engaging Statement of Purpose and Personal Statement as well. These two are essential documents required during the university admission process. On this page, we discussed some of the major differences between an SOP and Personal Statement for every university applicant having any confusion between the two. We hope we were able to highlight all the major differences between an SOP and a Personal Statement. 

Also Read:-

• Tips For Writing An Effective Statement Of Purpose 
• 7 Tips For Writing An Impactful Personal Statement

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The Admissions Strategist

Personal statement vs. statement of purpose: literally everything you need to know.

When applying to graduate school , you’ll likely be asked to write a personal statement, a statement of purpose, or even both.

Sometimes, you’ll receive detailed prompts. Other times, your instructions will be vague: Include a personal statement or Include a statement of purpose .

So, what do these terms mean?

What’s the difference between a personal statement and a statement of purpose?

In this article, we’ll explain the key differences between the two and provide some tips to get you started.

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

The personal statement is about who you are, beyond the numbers and accolades the admissions team already knows. On the other hand, the statement of purpose is about what you want to do.

• In the personal statement, you can tell a meaningful story about your life.
• You may want to focus on life lessons, major accomplishments, personal motivations, or challenges that you’ve overcome.
• The personal statement is more open-ended and less formal than the statement of purpose.

In the statement of purpose, you should discuss your future goals and why this graduate program is a great fit for you. Get specific about your interest in this program.

• Try to mention professors, classes, research and internship opportunities , etc. that align with your personal goals.

You’ll also want to discuss your accomplishments and why you’re a strong candidate and a good fit for the program.

To put it simply: The personal statement is about who you are, while the statement of purpose is about your goals .

The personal statement is more informal and open-ended, while the statement of purpose has a narrower focus.

What Are the Similarities Between a Personal Statement and a Statement of Purpose?

Although the personal statement and statement of purpose take two different approaches, they ultimately share a common goal.

Both essay types should demonstrate that you’re a good fit and likely to be successful in the program.

• In addition, the essays are generally the same length, about 1-3 double-spaced pages.

In both essays, you should follow some general guidelines like:

• Carefully read all instructions
• Write in your authentic voice, and be honest
• Use specific details when possible
• Proofread and edit
• Have at least one other person check over your essay before submitting

How do You Know Which Type of Essay to Write?

Some graduate schools require both a personal statement and a statement of purpose.

Others require just one of the two, and some use these terms interchangeably.

Some essay prompts even ask for a combination of the two essays.

• In most cases, research-based programs require the more formal statement of purpose.
• Other programs are likely to ask for a personal statement.
• However, these are generalizations that don’t apply to every school.

To decide which essay(s) you’ll need to write, carefully read the application requirements page on the school’s official website.

You should also carefully read through the application itself, FAQ pages, and any other helpful resources for applicants.

If you’re still unsure what to write, call or email the school for more information.

Tips for Writing a Statement of Purpose

If you need to write a statement of purpose, be sure to follow these tips!

Research the Program

If you’re applying to a program, you probably know a good amount of information about the program already.

For your statement of purpose, however, you’ll need to mention specific aspects of the program that interest you.

Start by reading through the program’s official website. If the program has a blog, read through the blog too.

You may also want to talk to current students or alumni of the program if possible.

Then, choose a few features to focus on in your essay, like:

• Courses you want to take
• Professors you’d like to work with
• Special programs, events, and opportunities offered through the program
• Any unique aspects of the program that appeal to you
• Favorable characteristics, like small class sizes
• The program’s emphasis on a topic or area that interests you

Don’t mention the program’s ranking, prestige, or acceptance rate.

The admissions team wants to know that your interest in the program is deeper than just name recognition and reputation.

In addition, avoid mentioning aspects of the program that could apply to many or most similar graduate programs .

This is why doing your research and getting specific is so important.

You’ll show you’re knowledgeable and passionate about the school, and you’ll help the admissions team envision you on campus.

List Your Goals and Accomplishments

Another major focus of your statement of purpose will be your future goals.

• What is your purpose?
• What are you trying to accomplish by attending this graduate program?

Take the time to contemplate and write out your goals, both academic and professional.

In your statement of purpose, focus on the goals that are most applicable to the graduate program to which you’re applying.

Consider the following:

• How do your goals relate to the field you want to enter and the program to which you’re applying?
• What will this graduate program do for you academically and professionally?
• How will this graduate program help further your goals?

Think through each of these points so you can clearly articulate them in your statement of purpose.

Finally, list relevant accomplishments that can be included in your personal statement.

You never want to simply rehash your resume, so get specific about what you’ve accomplished and how these accomplishments have influenced you to pursue a graduate degree in your field of choice.

Make the Connection: Why Are You a Good Fit?

Ultimately, your statement of purpose will highlight the connection between your goals and the aspects of the program that interest you.

Explain how this exact program will help you successfully reach your goals and pursue your passions.

If you’re applying to a doctoral program, you’ll most likely be working one-on-one with a faculty member on a research project or dissertation.

• For this reason, a doctoral statement of purpose should identify a professor whose research area(s) align with your skills, background, and research interests.

To sum it up, your statement of purpose should outline your goals and explain how these goals relate to the program to which you’re applying.

When applicable, briefly mention accomplishments related to your goals and to your interest in/fit with the program.

Tips for Writing a Personal Statement

Need to write a personal statement instead of a statement of purpose? Follow these tips!

Remember that the personal statement is more open-ended than the statement of purpose.

Although freedom to choose your topic has its benefits, it can also be challenging.

Start by brainstorming a list of the following:

• Challenges you’ve faced
• Obstacles you’ve overcome
• Experiences you’ve had that shaped you and/or influenced your goals
• Your motivation for the career area, major, and graduate program you’ve chosen

When you create your list, write without stopping, second-guessing, or editing. Once you’re finished, read over the list.

• Would any of the items make a compelling story ?
• Do any feel especially meaningful to you?

You can also read through the graduate program’s website to get an idea of their ideal candidate.

• What personal characteristics and attributes does the admissions team especially value?

You don’t want to lie or exaggerate to present yourself as the ideal candidate.

If, however, some of the items on your list highlight the qualities preferred by the admissions team, you may want to choose one of these topics for your personal statement.

Tell a Story

The personal statement is more creative and informal than the statement of purpose.

Take the opportunity to flex your creative muscles and tell a story.

Open with a vivid anecdote related to your motivations, challenges, or a meaningful experience. Use specific details that make your story unique and engaging.

Feel free to let your personality shine through. Use your authentic voice, tell a joke, etc.

Just don’t be overly informal, and steer clear of controversial topics.

Be Reflective

Whatever story you decide to tell, spend some time reflecting on it. Discuss:

• What you learned from the experience
• How the experience influenced you to pursue this field, major, and/or graduate program
• How the experience shaped you as a person

If you talk about a challenge or obstacle, be sure to focus on the positive. How have you grown from the experience?

What did you learn from facing the challenge or overcoming the obstacle? Your story should be one of resilience and optimism.

Tips for Both Essays

Remember that for both essays, you should:

• Carefully read all instructions-Adhere to length requirements, topic guidelines, and any required information. If the prompt has multiple parts, be sure to address every question.
• Have at least one other person check over your essay before submitting-preferably a former professor, teacher, or peer who is a gifted writer

Final Thoughts: Personal Statement vs. Statement of Purpose

Graduate school applicants often dread writing the personal statement and/or statement of purpose, but it doesn’t have to be scary or complicated.

The statement of purpose should highlight your academic and professional goals, your relevant accomplishments, and why you would be a great fit for this specific graduate program.

Be sure to:

• Research the program , including specific professors, courses, opportunities, benefits, etc.
• List relevant accomplishments that you could mention in the statement
• Make the connection: Explain exactly why you are a great fit for this program

The personal statement should tell a story that showcases your personality and who you are as an individual, including obstacles you’ve overcome or what has motivated you to apply to this graduate program and pursue this career.

Remember to:

• Brainstorm potential topics
• Tell a meaningful, compelling story
• Be reflective- What does the story mean to you and how has it influenced your personal development and ambitions?

Most graduate schools require one or the other, but you may be asked to write both.

Regardless of which essay(s) you write, don’t forget to:

• Read instructions
• Write in your authentic voice
• Be specific
• Recruit at least one additional proofreader/editor

With these tips in mind, you’re ready to write a stellar personal statement, statement of purpose, or even both.

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

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

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

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

WRITING THE PERSONAL STATEMENT

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

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

WRITING THE STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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News & Events

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

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

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

3. Length and Structure

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

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

5. Audience

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

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

Is a Personal Statement The Same As a Statement of Purpose?

• May 14, 2021

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When applying for graduate, dental, or medical schools, admissions typically request a personal statement or statement of purpose (SOP) from you, the applicant. The admissions department may use either of these terms interchangeably for application purposes.

So, you might wonder what each one is and why you might see one or the other when applying. A statement of purpose and a personal statement have both similarities and differences and we are going to cover them in this article.

First, we will inspect what a statement of purpose should entail.

Statement of Purpose (SOP)

Overall, your statement of purpose should showcase your future goals and what you are pursuing. When writing it, your focus should be on your future, not the past. The only time you might mention the past is when you explain your reasoning for your goals, which is very important. In addition, talk about why you are pursuing the specific degree you are applying for. Also, elaborate on exactly what you want and where you want to be once you obtain your degree. This section is important to the admissions committee and should be emphasized.

An overarching theme to keep in mind when composing this document is formality. Your statement should conform to academia and professionalism.

Specific elements to include in SOP:

Your degree and why you are pursuing it

Your career expectations and specific job(s) you want

Overall and long-term goals

Now, let’s look at what makes a personal statement different.

Personal Statement

This time, you are looking back at your life and acknowledging what important experiences inspired you. In your personal statement, you should discuss who you are as a person and what about your past has molded you. You should also detail your motivations for applying to your desired program.

Moreover, you must write about your past accomplishments. A creative way to do this would be by telling your success stories. Talk about a special time where you met someone who became your role model or saw something that inspired you to reach for the goals you have today.

Lastly, try to mention challenges you have faced and overcome. This will show admissions that you have come a long way and did not let the obstacles stop you.

Specific elements to include:

Pertinent previous experiences that helped shape your goals

Accomplishments

Motivations

Both a statement of purpose and a personal statement aim to reveal a student’s background, experiences, knowledge, interests, and most importantly, goals. They are used in the admissions process to understand a student’s passion, mindset, and long-term vision. A statement of purpose is typically not requested until graduate school, and personal statements are often needed at the undergraduate level.

Remember, the statement of purpose is more formal and academic, while the personal statement is less formal and more personal.

As it can be difficult to grasp these unique requirements and to get started on the process, ApplyGround can help. We can assist you from the start of the process till the end in several ways. The differences and necessities are important to understand and include in your statements, so taking the initiative to get assistance would be worth it in the long run.

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Personal Statement VS Statement of Purpose: 5 Basic Differences

One of the most significant phenomena we question in life is finding out exactly who we are as a person and what our purpose is .  Unfortunately, we are unfairly asked to figure all of this out by the time we graduate high school at 17 or 18 years old.  However, in reality, many individuals in their 40’s and 50’s are still trying to solve the puzzle of their lives. 

Our first step is to personally discover who we are, what we like, dislike, value, are good at, and what motivates us.   Then, from that internal reflection, we discover our purpose and understand what we have and what makes us unique.  Furthermore, we use personal experiences, values, and interests as the framework to determine how we can best serve others. 

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What is a Personal Statement

A personal statement describes a person's interests and achievements.   For example, you may be asked to provide a personal statement in an application for college or a career you seek to embark upon.  It shows recruiters what you are all about and has a more inward focus, shining a light on your experiences and core beliefs.

A personal statement answers the questions, “Who are you, and what do you value?”   Colleges have made personal statements a significant part of their application process, requiring applicants to describe themselves in essay form.  Especially since they aren't relying on the scores on standardized testing as heavily as they once did.

A person’s personal statement should give an idea of the skills, qualities, and values that they set over their lives.  Then they should reflect on how those skills prepare them for the opportunity they are applying for.    

Excellent personal statements demonstrate the following qualities about us.

• They give insight into who we are and our principles .  It also reveals our goals, motivations, inspirations, and achievements.
• Unveils internal things that come from a deep, vulnerable place within us.  It will cause others to feel closer to us and give them the ability to connect with us. 
• Give readers a deep understanding of where we are coming from mentally and why we are as empathetic as we are to particular demographics and circumstances.
• Demonstrates our ability and desire to connect logically, carefully considering what is said and how it is expressed.  Showing recruiters our desire to express ourselves conscientiously.

What is a Statement of Purpose

In a statement of purpose, we demonstrate to recruiters and HR managers how we desire to put our values, interests, motivation, inspiration, goals, gifts, and achievements into action. 

For instance, think of some of the coolest superheroes ever, Superman or Superwoman.  Both of them have powers of invincibility.  They are sympathetic to those in danger and those who are defenseless to help themselves. 

In addition, they can dodge bullets, lift heavy objects, and fly at the speed of light.  So, a statement of purpose for them would be to demonstrate how they desire to put those powers to use for good .  

The same goes for us.

We must answer a few of the following questions in a statement of purpose.  How will our values change the workplace?  What will we do to make the best of the opportunity if accepted into the school?  How will our work ethic, motivations, and goals benefit others? 

As it was said to Spiderman, “With great power comes great responsibility.”  Statements of purpose demonstrate how you will respond to the responsibility.

Furthermore, it tells the world “What you stand for.”  My grandpa always said, “If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything.” 

Moreover, statements of purpose cause us to look at where we are now and determine the path we will take to get to where we are trying to go in our lives, careers, etc.

Lastly, a statement of purpose can serve as a guardrail to our lives, keeping us true to who we are and the dreams and aspirations we desire to achieve.  This is especially important when things are difficult, and we are tempted to change course and give up.

1.   Personal statements have more of an inward focus on us. 

In contrast, statements of purpose are focused outwardly and how we will serve others.

2.  Personal statements explain why you are the right person for the job, program, or task. 

While a statement of purpose tells others why you want to take on those jobs, programs, or duties.

3.  Personal statements are backward-focused. 

They look at what you did in the past to prepare you for the opportunities you seek in the future.   Whereas statements of purpose are forward-focused . 

They explore your career goals and interest that you wish to explore in the days ahead. 

4 .  Personal statements paint a picture of who you are today and how your life has been shaped by your personal and academic experiences. 

Therefore, qualifying you as a unique candidate.  On the contrary, statements of purpose explain why you are suitable for the opportunity (maybe even above all others) because of your uniqueness and why the organization or institution is right for you.

5.   Personal statements have a touching way of explaining how you relate to the pain points of others and what qualifies you as a solutionist. 

It requires transparency into who you are and what makes you tick.  But statements of purpose give a roadmap as to how you will serve to relieve those pain points. 

It requires an intimate knowledge of what a school or organization is looking for.   

Final Thoughts on Personal Statement VS Statement of Purpose: 5 Basic Differences

Whether preparing a statement of purpose or a personal statement, you are challenged to look within yourself and see what you are made of.  We must remember that we didn't learn from our “mistakes” in life, but from our “experiences.” Some good, some not so good.   However, all of them made us into the person we are today. 

You may be a person who understands heartbreak, diversity, being disadvantaged and suffering lack.  In addition, we know how it is to be down, counted out, and written off… yet we overcame . 

Those things shaped our values, life-changing experiences, motivations, and interests.   Therefore, they even helped us discover God-given gifts we never knew we had.  That is what qualifies us.  That is our personal statement.  

Then because of those experiences, we demonstrate our statements of purpose.  We show that we are capable, knowledgeable, and have the blueprint to help others find the success they desire .  

Furthermore, we are ready to display how those things shaped us into the missing puzzle piece for an organization’s puzzle.  In conclusion, both statements help us to realize that our experiences are not just for us.  Instead, they qualify us for a greater purpose, much bigger than ourselves.