Nova A.
Nova A.

Inspiring Personal Statement Examples to Help You Stand Out

24 min read

Published on: Feb 28, 2023

Last updated on: Oct 26, 2024

Personal Statement Examples

Crafting a captivating personal statement is a daunting task. 

Without proper guidance and inspiration, it's easy to get stuck in a sea of generic statements that fail to make an impact.

But don't worry! CollgeEssay.org has come up with a solution!

This blog provides you with 25+ personal statement examples to serve as a source of inspiration and guidance. 

By analyzing successful examples, you'll gain valuable insights into the key elements that make a statement memorable and effective.

Let's get started.

On This Page

Personal Statement - Definition

A personal statement or essay is a chance for you to get into the college of your choice and study what interests you. It's also an opportunity for many people to fulfill their dream.

In easy words this is an essay that is written at the time of an admission. This essay focuses on the unique experiences, ideas, or beliefs that are not mentioned throughout the application. 

What Should a Personal Statement Include?

The personal statement is a key component of your college application. It's an opportunity to let the reader know who you are and what they can expect from working or studying with you. So it should be well-written.

Below we've listed some basic things that should be included in your statement.

  • Mention achievements/experience
  • Your academic goals
  • Talk about your problem-solving techniques
  • Highlight your strengths and weaknesses that justify your personality

Be concise and stay to your point while writing. The admission officers read hundreds or thousands of applications and hardly give 2-3 minutes to each application. Therefore, try to avoid writing irrelevant and obscure information. 

Expert Tip

Need to learn more about personal statements? Click on this useful link - Personal statement - An ultimate guide for beginners

Personal Statement Examples

Example No 1 -

"The Fears That Have Held Me Back And How I Overcame Them"

My biggest fear has always been of failure. I have let it hold me back from reaching my goals, and it has prevented me from growing as a person. To overcome this fear, I had to take risks and face my fears head-on. I learned that even if I failed at something, I could still learn valuable lessons from the experience. This gave me the courage to push forward and strive for success.

In addition to overcoming my fear of failure, I have also developed unique skills and qualities that make me stand out from others. I am an excellent communicator and problem solver, as well as a creative thinker. These abilities have helped me excel in various tasks, and they have enabled me to make a difference in the lives of others.

My goal in life is to become a successful entrepreneur. I want to use my knowledge and skills to create something meaningful that can help people. To achieve this, I am constantly pushing myself out of my comfort zone and exploring new opportunities that will benefit me in the long run. I understand that this journey will be filled with challenges, but I am determined to find solutions and reach my goals.

Growing up, I faced numerous obstacles such as poverty and bullying. Although these hardships were difficult to handle at times, they taught me valuable lessons about resilience and perseverance. These experiences also helped shape who I am today, and I am grateful for the strength and determination that I have gained from them.

Finally, service to others has also made a tremendous impact on my life. By reaching out to those in need, I have been able to discover my true potential and help make a difference in their lives. This has motivated me to continue giving back and inspiring others to reach their full potential.

Through overcoming my fears, discovering my unique skills and qualities, and dedicating my life to service, I have been able to unlock the power within me. This has taught me that no matter how challenging a situation may be, there is always a way forward. And for this reason, I am determined to never give up and strive for success.

Qualities That Make This Statement Successful:

It highlights the key qualities: The qualities make the student unique, such as communication and problem-solving skills, resilience, and determination. It also shows how these traits have allowed the student to overcome his/her fears and create meaningful change in his/her life. 

It emphasizes their commitment: The statement highlights the student's commitment to service and helping others reach their full potential. All of these qualities will make the student an attractive candidate for any program or job they're applying to. 

The statement is written with a positive attitude and enthusiasm that comes through in the writing. This is important because admission officers want to see applicants who are dedicated and motivated about their work. The statement reflects this and will make the student stand out from other applicants.

Example No 2 -

"The Beauty of Nature"

My obsession with the beauty of nature has been a lifelong passion. From a young age, I have found myself continually drawn to its vast and diverse wonders. Nature has become my solace in times of stress; it is my source of joy when life throws its obstacles in my way. 

From lush forests and rolling hills to rugged mountains and vast oceans, I have seen beauty in every corner of the world. I can't help but marvel at Mother Nature's works of art - from majestic sunsets to blooming flowers. Even in dark times, nature provides us with a light of hope and joy that is hard to describe in words alone. 

Nature has also taught me an appreciation for the intricate cycle of life, death, and rebirth. To witness a sunrise or sunset gives me a sense of awe and reverence that can only be experienced by being in its presence. Even the simplest of things such as taking a walk in the woods stirs up emotions that I would have otherwise never known. 

Nature has always been my greatest source of inspiration, allowing me to reflect and find clarity in life's most challenging moments. To me, nature is a reminder that life is ever-changing and each day brings new opportunities for growth and exploration. For this reason, my obsession with the beauty of nature will continue on for the rest of my life. 

I am passionate about protecting the environment and giving back to nature in whatever ways I can, whether it's picking up trash in my local park or lobbying for legislation that will help protect our fragile ecosystems. With this passion, I hope to inspire others to find joy in nature's beauty and to nurture our planet for generations to come. 

The beauty of nature has captivated me since the day I was born and I have no doubt that it will be with me until my last breath. Nature is a source of comfort, joy, and inspiration in my life, and I am grateful every day to be able to witness its beauty and learn from it.

Qualities That Make This Statement Successful:

Its ability to capture the emotion behind a true appreciation for nature. The author conveys their lifelong passion and connection to the beauty of nature. Moreover, he has also expressed how it has served as an inspiration, source of hope, and reminder of life's changing cycles. 

The commitment to protect nature: He has then expressed his commitment to protecting the environment and inspiring others to do the same. 

Vivid and Descriptive language: The author's language is vivid and descriptive, which helps the reader be drawn into their story and feel a connection to what they are saying. 

The statement also uses specific examples of nature, such as sunsets and walks in the woods, making them more relatable for readers.

Finally, the statement ends with a heartfelt sentiment of gratitude for being able to witness nature's beauty. All of these elements together create an effective and moving personal statement that conveys the author's true love for nature.

Example No 3

"My Obsession With  Music"

Music has been an integral part of my life since childhood. From spending hours singing, playing instruments, and writing songs, to attending gigs and festivals, I have always felt deeply connected to the world of music. The freedom that it provides, the emotive power of its sounds and messages, and the sense of community that it engenders, have all contributed to my obsession with music.

As a child, I was fascinated by the power that music had to move me and others. I remember playing instruments with friends, learning songs off the radio, and singing together in harmony - experiences that were full of joy and connection. As I grew older, this love only deepened and I found myself drawn to genres that connected with my own emotions and experiences.

This infatuation has extended into adulthood, as I continue to explore different musical styles, instruments, cultures, and sounds. It is a creative outlet for me as well - writing songs and improvising on guitar or piano allow me to express my feelings in ways that I can't always put into words. Music has become a way for me to reach beyond my own realm of experience, and connect with something much larger than myself.

Music is an infinite source of inspiration and creativity, and it continues to drive my fascination and obsession. It has become part of who I am - an ever-present companion that guides me and moves my soul. I am passionate about sharing my love of music with others, hoping to spread its power and joy throughout the world. For me, it is much more than just a hobby - it's a way of life. 

This is why my obsession with music has become such a crucial part of my identity. It's not only a source of joy, but it's also something that helps me to grow and foster a deeper connection with myself and the world around me. Music will always be an essential part of my life no matter where I go or who I am. 

The power of music is something I will always cherish and carry with me throughout my life. It has been a source of solace, comfort, and joy in the darkest of times and has brought me immense peace in moments of chaos. My obsession with music goes beyond just a hobby - it's an essential part of who I am, and something I couldn't live without.

Qualities of success of this statement:

The qualities of this personal statement that make it successful include its clarity, honesty, and specificity. It communicates the author's deep connection to music in a way that is clearly communicated and deeply felt. 

The impact of music on an author's life: The statement delves into how music has impacted the author's life on an emotional level. This gives readers a better understanding of why they are so obsessed with music. 

The importance of sharing music with others: This emphasis conveys a sense of purpose and social connectivity that is often missing from personal statements. 

Finally, the author's genuine passion for music and its impact on their life shines through in this statement, making it both powerful and memorable. Overall, this statement effectively conveys the author's obsession with music in a way that is both reflective and inspiring.

Example No 4

"Traveling To United States"

The sun beats hot and bright, reflecting off the glaring white sand and illuminating my skin as I take a deep breath of salty air. It's been a long journey to get here - to the United States - but finally, I have arrived. I look out at the endless expanse of shoreline before me with awe and a newfound appreciation for the country I'm in. 

My eyes take in all of the beauty that is before me - from the gentle waves lapping at the shore to the towering palm trees dancing in the wind. Everywhere I look, there is something new and exciting waiting to be discovered. Although I am far from home, my spirit feels alive like never before. 

This sense of adventure has been a part of me since I was young, and now I get to fulfill my lifelong dream of travelling to the United States. With each step I take towards the unknown, my heart flutters with excitement for what lies ahead. Not only will this be an unforgettable journey, but it will also be an invaluable learning experience. 

From the bustling cities to the quaint rural towns, I'm sure that this journey will be full of surprises. I hope to gain greater insight into American culture and lifestyle, as well as take in all that this amazing country has to offer. Whether it is visiting historical monuments or exploring the great outdoors, I am sure that I will find something to captivate my soul. 

My United States journey has just begun, and I can't wait to see what lies ahead. With each passing day, I feel more alive as I prepare for this unforgettable experience. The opportunities are endless - my heart is full and I can't wait to take it all in. Here's to many more memories made! 

Qualities of Success of this Statement

This statement engages the reader and captures the reader's attention right away by describing a specific scene. It then dives into an exploration of why the author wants to travel to the United States.

The essay also paints a vivid picture of what they hope to experience while being there. This makes it easier for readers to connect with the writer's motivations and dreams.

Ends on a positive note that reflects the author's enthusiasm for what lies ahead, which is sure to leave readers feeling inspired. 

Overall, this statement paints a picture of an individual who is passionate about exploring new experiences in foreign lands. He conveys his excitement in such a way that it encourages others to do the same.  It is this combination of engaging storytelling, vivid imagery, and inspiring optimism that makes this statement a success.

Example No 5 

"My Life as an Undocumented Student"

Life as an undocumented student has been an emotional rollercoaster. Growing up, I never knew my legal status and it wasn't until high school that I found out about it. This news was devastating, to say the least. I felt like my dreams of going to college were abruptly taken away from me. Having no access to financial aid or scholarships made it even harder to stay on track. 

Despite these challenges, I persevered and was determined to make the best out of my situation. I volunteered for numerous organizations, worked every-odd job I could find, took extra classes in high school and looked for creative ways to pay for college tuition. It wasn't easy, but I never gave up.

Today, I am proud of my accomplishments as an undocumented student and how far I have come. Even though college is still out of reach for me, I take comfort in knowing that my hard work and dedication will eventually pay off. As an example to other undocumented students like myself, I want to demonstrate that with perseverance and dedication, anything is possible. My story of resilience will continue on as I work to make my dreams come true. 

This is why I am so passionate about advocating for the rights of undocumented students and creating pathways for them to pursue their education. Education should not be a privilege but rather an opportunity that all children have access to. I want to be part of the solution that will create a brighter future for other undocumented students like me.

My experience has taught me a great deal about life, hope and determination. It has made me an even stronger person and empowered me to keep fighting for what I believe in. I am an undocumented student and now, I am proud to stand in that identity.

 Qualities of Success of This Statement:

The qualities of success for this statement are determination, resilience, and advocacy. Determination is the key to any successful endeavor. This statement clearly demonstrates how determination has helped to overcome the challenges of being an undocumented student.

With resilience and dedication, the reader is able to make the best out of the situation and fight for what he believes in. 

Lastly ,we can see advocating for the rights of undocumented students and creating pathways for them to pursue their education. This speaks volumes about his commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others. 

Overall, this statement is a testament to how far he has come as an undocumented student and used his experience to become a stronger person. 

Example No 6

"Photography"

I have been interested in photography for as long as I can remember, ever since I first picked up my point-and-shoot camera when I was seven. As my skills and understanding of photographic techniques improved, so did my appreciation for the beauty that surrounds us. In particular, I find it remarkable how light is able to create interesting shadows and highlights, making ordinary subjects extraordinary.

This appreciation has been entrenched in my photography ever since I developed an image of a homeless woman on the street. When I first saw the photo, I was taken aback by its poignancy. In that moment, beauty became more than what we normally associate with beauty - flawless faces and perfect bodies. Instead, beauty is what we make of it. It can be found in the smallest details and even in tragedy.

I believe that this concept should be embraced by everyone who appreciates art and photography. Beauty isn't something confined to a certain type or form, but rather something that can be seen everywhere when we open our eyes and hearts to it. Through my photography, I aspire to bring this concept to light and inspire others to do the same.

Typically, photography can be seen as an art of capturing a moment in time. For me, however, it's about creating beauty out of whatever comes my way - be it a homeless woman or a fashion model - and immortalizing it for the world to see. It's my hope that, through my photography, I can reveal the beauty of our world and all its nuances.  With every photo I take, I strive to evoke emotion in those who view my work and remind them that no matter where they are or what they're looking at, there is beauty all around us, waiting to be discovered.

Qualities of Success in this Statement:

It effectively communicates the author's appreciation for photography and how it has informed their approach to capturing beauty.

It Reveals a deeper understanding of the subject. The statement also reveals a deeper understanding of the concept of beauty. It emphasizes that it can be found in places beyond what we normally associate with beauty such as in tragedy or in small details. 

By referencing a particular photo of a homeless woman, the author conveys their understanding of beauty in an emotive way that resonates with readers.

Finally, the author's goal to evoke emotion through photography is clear and inspiring. It also provides readers with a sense of hope that they too can discover beauty everywhere. Together, these elements make this personal statement compelling and effective. 

Looking at these examples can be a good way to get an idea about what your own statement should look like. These different topics and styles, which will help you become more creative with words. 

To help you write your own, we've gathered some more examples from the past few years. These will help you see what great essays look like and learn how they were constructed.

Order Essay

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job!


Personal Statement Example For Students

The personal statement is a part of your admission application, and it tells the admission officers why you decided to pursue admission into their institute.

It increases your chances of university or college admissions. It should be written in a way that makes you stand out from the rest of the other applicants.

Moreover, it is a chance for students to impress the admission officers with their writing skills. When you opt to write a personal statement, you should follow these tips that make your statement noteworthy.

  • Carefully read the instructions of the admission officers.
  • Use accurate examples to support your point.
  • Demonstrate why you are a suitable candidate.
  • Make it engaging and relevant.
  • Don't attempt to sound too clever. 

Done with these? Now express the following…

  • Why are you a suitable applicant?
  • What makes you unique from other candidates?
  • What are your long-term and short-term goals?
  • What are your strengths?
  • What are your career aspirations?

Here are some example for you to get guidance and help with writing 

Personal Statement Examples for Jobs

Some employers require the applicant to submit a personal statement with their resume. The personal statement for the job summarizes what an applicant offers to the company.

Therefore, try to write a well-written personal statement that helps you get a job easily. Also, show that you are the best candidate in front of the recruiters.

When you write a personal statement, you should consider some questions that recruiters ask the candidates.

  • What benefit will an employer get from hiring you?
  • What are your career goals?
  • Why did you apply for this job?
  • What are your strengths and weaknesses?
  • What area of expertise do you have?
  • How much work were you able to complete within a day or a week?
  • Describe your professional experience.

Therefore, keep these questions in mind, and they will help you create a great personal statement for the job. You can also read this example for your help.

Personal Statement Example for Scholarship

A personal statement is a main part of the scholarship application. It showcases who you are and why you deserve this scholarship.

Therefore, writing a great statement is necessary to win the scholarship. It should be written in a way that grabs the scholarship provider's attention. It should also make them realize that you are the most deserving candidate for the scholarship.

When you write the personal statement for scholarship, it should be:

  • Organized
  • Focused
  • Relevant
  • Authentic
  • Clear

Below is an example that you can use to write a personal statement on your own without any problem.

Personal Statement Example for Computer Science

Writing a great personal statement for computer science students becomes a daunting task if they haven't written it before. However, it is not as tough as it sounds.

With little guidance and help, you will easily write an excellent statement. Therefore, we compiled some guidelines that you should follow for writing a good personal statement.

  • Discuss your technological skills.
  • Focus on your achievements and interests.
  • The statement reflects yourself.
  • Explain your future goals.
  • Write in a positive tone.
  • Talk about your hobbies and extracurricular activities and how they are relevant.

Therefore, follow these guidelines and try to write a compelling statement for computer science. We also gathered an example that makes your writing phase easy.

400 Word Personal Statement Examples

The personal statement is an important document for students applying to any academic institution or job. It is the only document that shows your real personality apart from your academic grades. Also, it is an essential part of the college/university common app.

Writing a 400-word personal statement reveals your best qualities and shows you a better candidate. It also gives a strong sense of the applicant's personality.

Before you start writing the 400 words personal statement, do your research where you apply and follow their guidelines. You should know what they want and how you will present yourself in front of them.

We collected some examples of the personal application essay; use them for your help.

Order Essay

Tough Essay Due? Hire Tough Writers!

Personal Statement Example Law School

The law school personal statement is written the same way but with different content. When you start writing the law school personal statement, you should mention your goals and highlight your personality in the best way.

Moreover, highlight that allows the admission officers to understand your motivation to attend law school. Also, be professional and write only relevant information about yourself.

Take a look at this example and effectively create a great law school personal statement.

Medical School Personal Statement Example

This medical school personal statement example provides insight into the journey of prospective students as they strive to become a doctor. It covers the applicant's:

  • Academic and professional background
  • Reasons for pursuing medicine, and
  • What makes them an ideal candidate for medical school  

Some medical students get stuck when writing the statement for admission. Therefore, we gathered an example that guides you in writing a great personal statement for medical school.

Nursing Personal Statement Example

This nursing personal statement example outlines the reasons why a student decided to pursue a career in nursing. 

It must provide an insight into their ambition, skills, and passion for the field. It should also explain how their background and interest has led them to develop the qualities necessary for success in this chosen profession.

Without these points, the personal nursing statement is incomplete, and the admission committee rejects it. Check this example that will inspire you to write your own without any difficulty.

Vet School Personal Statement Examples

Personal statements are an opportunity to let the reader get to know you. They're also your ticket into veterinary school, so make it count.

When writing your veterinary statement, it is a chance for you to show the world who you are. It is also a time for self-reflection and thinking about what makes you unique from others.

Here is an example that gives you a better idea of writing a great statement. 

Don't miss this helpful video that highlights some basic points to write an engaging personal statement.

Tips for Writing the Personal Statement

Ready to craft your personal statement after getting guidance from the examples? Wait and go through these helpful tips first. 

Following these expert tips will help you write an engaging personal statement that will make you stand out from the crowd.

  • Avoid using vague language.
  • Show the positive side of yourself.
  • Keep it simple and clear for the readers.
  • Take plenty of time and then start the writing phase.
  • Research about the institute or company for which you are applying for.
  • Check the admission officer's guidelines.
  • Mention your career objective.
  • List your achievements and specific skills.
  • Check the word count.
  • The opening paragraph will show why you are applying for admission or a job.
  • Try not to repeat the same sentence again and again.
  • Never add useless arguments and opinions.
  • Follow the proper personal statement format.
  • Choose the best personal statement prompt to grab the reader's attention.

Here you get a complete list of some good personal statement examples for your college essay that professional writers write. However, you need professional writing help, then look no further. Simply consult CollegeEssay.org.

So, you have gone through different examples of personal statements and now understand the basics of how to compose one. But, before you start writing your personal statement, remember that it should reflect your individual skills and abilities. 

The examples and tips mentioned above will help you craft an engaging statement that will surely impress your readers. Although if you still face difficulty in crafting an engaging statement, contact our essay writing company

At CollegeEssay.org, we have AI essay writing tools to help students around the globe. 

Our writers have extraordinary writing skills that will help you in writing a good personal statement. So, place your order now and get help for your academic assignments from our personal essay writing service.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a great personal statement?

A good personal statement should: 

  • Clear and concise 
  • Show who you are except for your grades
  • Show your interest in the college you will be admitted to.

What should you not write in a personal statement?

Here are some things that you don’t write in your personal statement. 

  • Talking about your childhood memories 
  • The bad experience of your school and college life 
  • Not trying to portray yourself in a funny way 
Nova A.

WRITTEN BY

Nova A. (Literature, Marketing)

As a Digital Content Strategist, Nova Allison has eight years of experience in writing both technical and scientific content. With a focus on developing online content plans that engage audiences, Nova strives to write pieces that are not only informative but captivating as well.

As a Digital Content Strategist, Nova Allison has eight years of experience in writing both technical and scientific content. With a focus on developing online content plans that engage audiences, Nova strives to write pieces that are not only informative but captivating as well.

Need Help With Your Essay?

50% off

Also get FREE title page, Turnitin report, unlimited revisions, and more!

Order Essay at 50% Off Offer Expiring Soon!

Keep reading

3D present

OFF ON CUSTOM ESSAYS

OFFER EXPIRES SOON!