How to Write the Perfect Personal Statement

by Mark Alan Stewart

The admissions process for law, business, medical, or graduate school is more competitive today than ever before. Peterson's How to Write the Perfect Personal Statement provides essential tips on how to create and write personal statements that respond to the questions that appear on the applications of many popular graduate schools. The guide also offers great insight on whom to approach for letters of recommendation and how to make the best impression at the interview. How to Write the Perfect Personal Statement features 30 actual samples of successful application essays as well as recommendations from admissions officers on winning strategies that have guaranteed students admission into business, law, medical, and graduate school. How to Write the Perfect Personal Statement offers step-by-step instructions on style, format, concept, and theme; preparation strategies for the personal interview; tactics on whom to ask to write letters of recommendation; top 10 DOs and DON’Ts for writing the essay; tips from admission officials from Columbia, Michigan, and other high-profile schools; and much more!

Genres: School, Nonfiction

145 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 30, 2009

Reviews

[Rupinder · Rating 4 out of 5]

A personal statement is a required component for admission into most medical, law, business, and graduate schools, especially those in US and Canada.
I didn’t have this book while writing mine, and I think I would’ve benefited a lot if I did.
I think every student would benefit by reading this book. Some of the advice given in this book is pure common sense and can be summarized as “Don’t be stupid”. However, some advice is really good and can help you when you are thinking of what to and what not to include in your personal statement.

[Julie Holland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very short and simple, but very effective. I like that it offers several examples and easy-to-follow lists.

[Dhruvina Patel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Has a good key point as a checklist.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful guide to writing personal statements for graduate programs. However, I wish they provided more advice from Masters programs and not just professional programs. I also wish the book included some workshop ideas to help you get your writing juices flowing; exercises to help the reader pin point things they might like to include or focus on would have been particularly useful.

[Jeremiah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good advice for those looking for a starting point for their personal statement. Useful if you are nervous. However, the nature of the material is hardly revelatory.