How to Write a Winning Master's Degree Personal Statement
Many master’s programs require applicants to write a personal statement as part of the application. A well-crafted personal statement can set you apart from other applicants, showcasing not just your qualifications but your motivation and fit for the program. However, this process can be daunting - how do you convince an application panel and summarise your achievements into one page?
As someone who has first-hand experience successfully applying for and being accepted into several master’s programs myself, I have also helped many other people write successful statements as well. From this experience, I have developed a process and a formula for writing an effective and persuasive personal statement.
The key elements of a successful personal statement
The key elements to writing a successful master’s personal statement are knowing your why and being specific. Thinking deeply and answering the questions below will provide the content and structure for your personal statement.
The process
Spend time thinking deeply about your career goals and figuring out your ‘why’ by answering the questions below.
Using the questions below as prompts, journal or brainstorm by yourself, with a career coach, or with friends and family, to have a clear answer to the following questions.
Write down your answers to each question and be as specific as possible.
Why a Master’s degree in this specific subject?
Describe why you want to study for a master's degree and why you picked this particular academic area. Some reasons for pursuing a master's degree in this subject could be to:
Build essential knowledge needed for a career in a particular field.
Further your progression in your current career.
Pivot into a new career.
Pursue a career as an academic.
For example, you might have an academic background and career as a nurse but want to move into a health policy role so you are pursuing a Master of Public Health to build essential knowledge and to pivot your career into this new role.
Why this specific university?
Show the assessment committee you have researched the unique selling points of the university. The assessment committee want to know that if you are offered a place you will take it, as they will assume you are applying to several other universities offering similar programs.
Describe how the unique selling points of the specific university are best suited to your needs, preferences and goals. This could include:
The reputation of the university in general or your field of study.
The student facilities.
The location.
The student experience.
The career opportunities.
The alumni network.
For example, one of the reasons I applied to study for a Master's degree at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) was its global reputation for economics which would provide great career opportunities, the international student body that would provide diverse perspectives, and the location in central London which would provide professional development opportunities.
Why this specific master’s program?
The subject you have selected will be offered as a master's degree at several universities. The program at each university will be slightly different though. Demonstrate you have done your research and explain why this specific master’s program is best suited to your specific needs, preferences and goals.
Is this master’s program best suited due to the teaching method?
Is the focus of the program better suited to your needs and goals?
Are there specific elective programs or specialisations available that you want to take?
Is there a particular lecturer you would like to be taught by?
For example, some MBA programs offer an experiential teaching method which involves a lot of role-playing, simulation, group work and hands-on learning. This contrasts with traditional teaching methods that are based on lectures, readings, and written exams and assessments. Both methods are valuable, but depending on your preferences and goals one style might be better suited to your needs.
Why is this specific degree essential to meeting your career goals?
Link undertaking this master’s degree to your career goals and ambitions.
Where do you want to be right after the master’s program?
Where do you want to be in 10 years?
What is your ultimate career goal and ambition?
Think big - what is the best case scenario for your career Don’t be afraid to be ambitious and make this clear in your personal statement. Universities are looking for students (and future alumni) who want to make an impact in their fields.
Link this specific degree as an essential step to meeting your career goals and ambitions. If your ambition is to be a diplomat, a master's in international relations from a prestigious university may be key to that goal. If you want to be CEO of a large organisation an MBA will build essential skills and knowledge to meet that goal. If you want to get into politics and run for election, gaining knowledge and developing a network by undertaking a Master of Public Policy could be key to meeting that goal. If you want to solve big problems in the world, such as climate change or reducing inequality among First Nations people, link that to the master’s degree.
Why will you be a great student?
Demonstrate the value you will bring as a student to the program. This could include:
What relevant work or other experience do you have?
What was your undergraduate field of study?
Do you have an international perspective from living, studying or working overseas?
Do you have examples from your undergraduate degree of contributing to the student body through running societies, networking groups or clubs?
If you are working, are you involved as a leader in your professional association or networks?
Do you have any significant achievements or hobbies?
Universities are looking for people who will be engaged students and contribute to student life, with an eye to who might be an active alumni.
Putting it all together
Use your answers to the above questions to form the structure of your personal statement. Adjust the level of detail to the specific length required of the personal statement and check you have met any essential requirements for your specific application.
By thinking deeply about your career goals and ambitions and why this master’s program is an essential step in reaching that goal, you will avoid some of the common pitfalls of writing a personal statement. This process can be challenging, if you would like support from a career coach in this process do reach out to me to book a session.