Make sure you are clear about which statement is wanted, the "statement of purpose" or the "personal statement." If you are at all unsure, call the department you are applying to and ask for clarification.
A statement of purpose explains why you want to go into a particular program, why their program is particularly appropriate for you, what your career goals are, and how well prepared you are to do well as a graduate student in that program.
A personal statement is more focused on who you are as an individual and what unique experiences you have had that will make you a good student-able to do well-in their program.
Both of these are important ways to highlight your successes outside the academic field. Many of the faculty members writing letters of recommendation for you will not be acquainted with what you have done outside their classes or their department and some of the things you are most proud of will not be obvious in your résumé.
Whichever statement you complete, prepare to follow these guidelines:
- Be honest (it is alright to exaggerate your strengths but don't lie; it is alright to gloss over your weaknesses, but if they are important, you need to at least address them-for instance, if you are lacking certain prerequisites, explain how you plan to fulfill them).
- Don't just list things that could best be presented in your résumé; use the statement to discuss how you accomplished your achievements, especially the difficulties you dealt with.
- Use proper English-have someone with good editing skills proofread everything for you; ask your advisor for help as well.
- Indicate what you achieved as an undergraduate besides earning a 4.0 GPA. Many graduate schools prefer a very well rounded "B" student who has been active on their campus or in their community over someone who has ONLY gotten perfect grades.
- In particular, emphasize any experience you have had in areas directly pertinent to your future studies.
- Use "power words" to describe your achievements.