I don't know what I'm doing: A blog on part-time learning (009: The personal statement)
For applicants to American universities, the personal statement is a science in itself. When I was applying as an undergraduate, I was taught that the essay is a vehicle to make yourself stand out. Make it emotional, memorable, and pull on the heartstrings… it will make or break your application. So I poured my heart into it and got rejected by three schools.
As I was preparing to apply for a master’s programme a decade later, I tried to prepare myself mentally to be in the same frame of thinking. I was ready to write the next great tearjerker and make the admissions officer weep as he or she drafts my acceptance letter. Except this time around, I was applying to a British university and soon learned that it doesn’t actually matter that much.
The essay question was basically, “Tell us why you're applying and what’s your plan after graduation.” There’s not much room to romanticise your story and I suppose that’s the intent of the question design. Fair enough. I'd expect a more dramatic ask from the country that has brought the world Shakespeare, Brexit, and Liverpool FC.
Emotion remains a prerequisite for application essays to American graduate programmes, especially in the business schools. You can read sample essays of Harvard and Stanford MBAs on Poets & Quants to get a flavour. They are quite fascinating and it's a great starting point for inspiration -- not something that you experience everyday from Big Four associates.
All things considered, I personally find the personal essay useful to highlight things that aren't seen on the application form e.g. subjects you're passionate about, volunteer experience. Or even things that are glaring such as low GPA. This is where you explain how you've rebounded academically or professionally. (That's how I addressed my tragic grades.)
My experiences are limited to business programmes only, however. I'd imagine that science programmes are more straightforward whereby the essay focuses mainly on the research and the novelty of your idea. The biggest challenge remains in sustaining the interest of the reader, which we have little control over. So try to enjoy the process of reflecting yourself on a piece of paper. It can be fun, trust me.
https://asrifyusoff.blogspot.com/2020/04/009-personal-statement.html