personal statement music examples

Music Personal Statement Examples

• 1 Personal Statement Example Links
• 2 Career Opportunities
• 3 UK Admission Requirements
• 4 UK Earnings Potential For Musicians
• 5 Similar Courses in UK
• 6 UK Curriculum
• 7 Alumni Network

Personal Statement Example Links

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Ever been captivated by the universal language of music, its power to evoke emotions, and its profound cultural significance? Intrigued by the prospect of creating, interpreting, or studying music?

If so, a degree in Music could be your perfect journey. This vibrant field offers you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the theory and practice of music, honing your artistic expression and understanding the cultural contexts of various musical traditions.

Music is an incredibly interesting and relevant choice for students because it provides a way to express themselves creatively, to explore different cultures, and to gain an understanding of the world around them. Music can also provide a way to relax and destress, which is especially important in today’s fast-paced world.

Additionally, music can be used as a tool for self-expression and communication, as well as a way to connect with others. Finally, music can be used to explore the history and culture of different societies, providing students with a unique perspective on the world. All of these reasons make music an incredibly interesting and relevant choice for students.

👍 When writing a personal statement : Highlight your passion for the course, demonstrating your understanding of it. Use relevant personal experiences, coursework, or work history to showcase how these have fostered your interest and readiness for the course.

Career Opportunities

Someone with a degree in music can pursue many different career opportunities.

In the music industry, potential career paths include:

• Music Producer: A music producer oversees the recording and production of music, from the initial composition to the final mix. They are responsible for selecting the right musicians, sound engineers, and other personnel to create the desired sound.
• Music Composer: A music composer creates original music for a variety of purposes, from film scores to background music for video games. They must have a strong understanding of music theory and composition techniques.
• Music Teacher: Music teachers are responsible for teaching students of all ages how to read, write, and play music. They may teach in a school, university, or private studio setting.
• Music Therapist: Music therapists use music to help people cope with physical, mental, and emotional challenges. They may work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, schools, and private practices.
• Music Journalist: Music journalists write about music for a variety of publications, such as magazines, newspapers, and websites. They must have a deep understanding of the music industry and current trends.
• Music Business Professional: Music business professionals work in the business side of the music industry, from marketing and promotion to legal and financial matters. They must have a strong understanding of the music industry and the laws and regulations that govern it.
• Music Venue Manager: Music venue managers are responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a music venue. Their duties may include booking artists, organizing and promoting concerts, managing staff, ensuring the venue complies with health and safety regulations, and dealing with financial tasks like budgeting and accounting.

UK Admission Requirements

In order to be accepted into a university course in music, applicants must meet certain entry criteria. Generally, applicants must have a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English, Maths, and a science. Additionally, applicants must have at least two A Levels at grade C or above in music-related subjects such as Music Theory, Music Technology, Music Performance, or Music Composition.

In comparison to similar courses, the entry criteria for a university course in music is slightly more stringent. For example, a university course in music production may require only three GCSEs at grade 4 or above, and one A Level at grade C or above in a related subject.

UK Earnings Potential For Musicians

The average earnings for someone with a degree in music can vary widely depending on the individual’s job and experience level. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for musicians and singers was $28,000 in May 2020. However, the top 10% of earners in this field made more than $80,000 per year.

In terms of job market trends, the music industry is expected to grow by 3% between 2019 and 2029, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. Additionally, the demand for live performers is expected to remain strong, as the industry continues to diversify and expand. Furthermore, the use of technology and digital media has created new opportunities for musicians to create and distribute their work.

Similar Courses in UK

Other university courses related to Music include Music Technology, Music Production, Music Performance, Music Education, and Musicology.

Music Technology focuses on the use of technology to create, manipulate, and record music. It involves the use of computers, software, and hardware to produce music.

Music Production is the process of taking a musical composition and turning it into a finished product ready for release. It involves recording, mixing, and mastering.

Music Performance focuses on the development of performance skills and techniques. It involves learning to play an instrument, developing vocal skills, and learning how to perform in front of an audience.

Music Education is the study of the history, theory, and practice of music. It involves learning about music theory, composition, and performance.

Musicology is the study of music from a historical and cultural perspective. It involves the study of music from different cultures and eras, as well as the study of music theory and composition.

UK Curriculum

The key topics and modules covered in a university course in music typically include:

• Music Theory: This module covers the fundamentals of music theory, including scales, intervals, chords, and harmony.
• Music History: This module looks at the history of music from the Baroque period to the present day. It may also include an overview of different musical styles and genres.
• Music Composition: This module focuses on the fundamentals of composition, including melody, harmony, and rhythm. Students will learn how to write and arrange music for various instruments and ensembles.
• Music Performance: This module focuses on performance techniques and skills, such as sight-reading, improvisation, and vocal technique. Students will learn how to perform music in a variety of styles and genres.
• Music Technology: This module introduces students to the use of technology in music production, such as recording, mixing, and mastering.

Hands-on experience and practical work are an important part of any music course. Students will typically have the opportunity to perform in ensembles, compose and arrange music, and record and mix music using technology.

Alumni Network

One notable alumni from the University course in Music is John Williams, who is a five-time Academy Award-winning composer, conductor, and pianist. He is best known for his film scores, including the iconic Star Wars, Jaws, and Indiana Jones franchises.

Williams has also composed music for numerous other films, television shows, and concert pieces. He has contributed greatly to the field of music, and his influence can be heard in many of today’s popular film scores.

The University of Music offers several alumni events and networking opportunities for alumni. These include the annual Alumni Reunion, which is held each summer, and the Alumni Networking Series, which is held throughout the year.

Alumni can also connect with one another through the University’s online alumni network. Additionally, the University offers an alumni mentoring program, which provides students with the opportunity to connect with alumni who have experience in their chosen field.

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How to Draft a Creative Music Grad School Personal Statement

Table of Contents

Are you considering pursuing a graduate degree in music? Writing a personal statement for your application can be an intimidating task. It is, after all, the one piece of writing that will give admissions officers insight into who you are as a person and musician.

Let’s dive into how to write an effective music grad school personal statement without further ado.

Steps to Writing a Music Grad School Personal Statement

Brainstorming.

Before you begin writing your personal statement , it’s essential to take some time to brainstorm. Reflect on why you want to pursue a graduate music degree in the first place. Consider what experiences have led you to this point—what has been meaningful for you about past musical endeavors? What made those experiences unique or special? What do you hope to experience in the future after attending grad school?

Explaining Your Passion

Your personal statement should also explain how your passion for music has evolved and how it drives your decision-making process . You may choose to discuss any challenges faced along the way or successes achieved that demonstrate a solid commitment to the art.

Providing Specifics

It is essential to be as specific and detailed as possible when writing your personal statement. This will give admissions officers a better understanding of who you are as an individual and musician. Try to include specific examples from past experiences demonstrating why you are uniquely qualified for the program. State how your skill set has grown over time.

Once you’ve completed the first draft of your personal statement, it’s time to do some editing! Read through it carefully, looking for any typos or errors in grammar or punctuation. Ensure the content is clear and concise—you don’t want to overwhelm the reader with too much information. Finally, review it for style to ensure that the tone and voice are consistent throughout the statement.

Music Grad School Personal Statement Examples

I have been passionate about music my entire life. As a child, I was constantly listening to and playing various instruments. After attending Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos performance, I was deeply inspired and decided to pursue music as my career path.

I attended college and earned a degree in Music Performance, where I honed my skills as a musician. I performed with many renowned ensembles during this time and developed close relationships with experienced musicians worldwide. My education has given me an appreciation for all genres of music, but classical music truly drives my passion for performing.

Now that I am ready to pursue a graduate degree in music, I am looking to expand my knowledge and skill set. A graduate program would provide me with the opportunity to learn from accomplished mentors. It will give access resources that will allow me to pursue unique performance opportunities.

My love for music began when I was very young. I started singing at an early age and eventually progressed to playing several instruments, including piano, guitar, and drums. Music has always been an outlet for me—not just as a means of expression but also as a way of understanding myself better.

I have had the privilege of studying with some fantastic musicians throughout my collegiate career. My professors have always encouraged me to push myself beyond my comfort zone and have helped shape me into the musician I am today. After receiving my undergraduate degree in Music Performance, I am ready to take the next step and pursue a graduate degree. This will help to expand my knowledge of music theory and composition.

Grad school will open up many unique opportunities for me as an aspiring musician. I am excited to learn from experienced teachers and peers who can help me reach new heights as an artist. I can achieve great things in this field with hard work, dedication, and commitment.

Final Thoughts

Writing a personal statement for music grad school is no small feat! However, take the time to brainstorm, explain your passion, provide specifics from past experiences, and edit thoroughly. You can craft a compelling personal statement that will make a great impression on admissions officers .

Good luck with your application process!

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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• Music Personal Statement

Music Personal Statements Example

Sample statement.

I love music but I also enjoy a challenge. That is why I have decided to focus on music as my future career rather than just a way to relax. I have had an instinctive feel for playing music, singing and moving to music since I was a small child and I have enjoyed training to improve my skills and to make my playing and singing a pleasure for others. That has not always been easy. It’s a lot of hard work at times but the rewards for sticking with it are very worthwhile.

A university course in music is the next natural step for me and I realise that it won’t be easy. It will be an opportunity to grow as a musician and I look forward to being able to immerse myself in music and to develop my skills both on a personal and academic level. Music for me is relaxing but it is that all-encompassing relaxation that comes with the self-discipline required to practice and improve. Learning to play a musical instrument can be torture, but getting through the difficult stages and learning to make the instrument sound good is so satisfying.

Music needs determination, commitment and skill to be able to make it sound good, but being able to apply your musical achievements to build a career also needs a thorough grounding in the music industry. I want to focus on expanding my musical skills and knowledge but also on where it can take me in the future. Studying at university level seems a very natural next step.

I have looked for music courses that allow flexibility and that will give me the widest experience and appreciation for different types of music and different ways of making it. I want to learn the technical knowledge too, building on my experience with music software I have already been using.

College has been a positive experience for me and I am lucky to have been within an environment that was encouraging and challenging at the same time. My music teachers provided the push we needed to achieve our best but were also realistic in the deadlines that they set. This has made me able to cope well with time pressure and I work consistently and well to finish set tasks, which has given me added confidence. I have a high natural ability, with a good ear, timing and good rhythmic skills but I have learned to become a polished performer and to work well within a group.

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Essays, Personal Statements, and Résumés for Music Students

Essays, personal statements and résumés for music students can be daunting. While the audition is a key component in the acceptance process, admission reps want you to keep in mind that the paperwork side of the application is also important.

by Caitlin Peterkin

“We have a small interview component to our audition process and we review recommendation letters and a student’s music history (typically via the résumé),” says Megan Grady, music recruitment coordinator and assistant director of Admission at the University of Puget Sound School of Music. “We also like to see what else students do and if we think they’ll fit in well with our liberal arts university, not just the School of Music.”

Applying to music school is a highly-competitive process. Brittany Jimenez, associate director of Undergraduate Admission at USC Thornton School of Music , encourages students to be genuine and to put their best foot forward in all parts of the admission process.

“There are many parts of the application and admission process you cannot control, like who else is applying,” she says, “so carefully managing the parts you can control (like the writing supplements and portfolio submissions) will be very important.”

Catch the attention you want

An essay, often referred to as your personal statement, is required by many music schools. Each school posts its own guidelines for these. If you’re uncertain about what they’re asking for, contact the admissions office.

The Common App streamlines the process of applying to several schools, although not all schools use it. You’ll find out whether colleges and universities that use the Common App require a personal essay once you create your Dashboard on the Common App website. The Common App provides a list of “prompts” or ideas to write about and you are given the option to edit your essay after you submit your first application. Even if schools don’t require a personal essay, you’ll have the option to submit one.  

Music schools within universities as well as some colleges require you to apply to the university or college as well as to the music school. A separate school of music essay may also be required. Schools will indicate the word count as well as prompts or a specific theme they want you to write about. This may be referred to as a “supplemental essay.”

You can also choose to apply directly to schools instead of using the Common App. A request for supplemental materials including writing requirements is built in to these applications.

Note that these requirements may be different for transfer students.

So how do you make sure your essay and personal statement stand out from the crowd?

Here are suggestions from recruiters and admission representatives for creating essays they’ll they’ll be eager to read:

1. Do your research.

“It is beneficial to research the school and program and speak to the specific aspects and opportunities you find most relevant to you and your interests,” says Jimenez. “Getting to know the specific programs and faculty is important because every school is going to be unique in the type of experience they offer.”

Patrick Zylka, assistant dean for Admission, Financial Aid and Graduate Services at Northwestern University Bienen School of Music , agrees. “We want to know an applicant has done the research on our institution, not just that it’s a top ten ranking, or that their best friend goes here, but that they’ve really dug a little bit deeper and understand what the institution offers….and whether we’re actually a good fit for them.”

But he adds the caveat to not just regurgitate what’s on a school’s website: “Don’t tell us we’re a beautiful campus next to Lake Michigan—we already know!”

2. Don’t copy and paste.

Faculty and staff recognize that you’re probably applying to multiple institutions. Make sure to write a unique statement for each one, tailoring each essay to the specific program you’re applying to. Schools do not want to see a generic, cookie-cutter answer as to why you’re choosing their particular program.

“Essays that are clearly ‘cut and paste’ versions of an essay you’ve sent to a dozen schools…are not very persuasive,” says Christina Crispin, assistant director of Admissions at Eastman School of Music .

3. Show your personality!

As faculty and admissions reps review hundreds of applications each year, they want to read thoughtful statements from prospective students to get a better sense of each individual’s personality.

According to Zylka, admission reps view the essay as an applicant’s only opportunity to really show who they are as an individual, more than what any transcript or test score can reveal. “Speak from the heart,” he says. “If you’re funny, be funny. If you’re serious, be serious.”

Grady agrees: “We are looking for students to tell us more about themselves. We like to see creative essays that tell us something we may not be able to learn from the rest of their application.”

4. Proofread—multiple times.

Not only are essays a good way to show your personality, but they’re also a chance to demonstrate that you can write in a clear and coherent way.

“The essays that we are least impressed by are those that have typos, grammatical or punctuation errors—anything that screams, ‘I didn’t proofread this,’” says Crispin.

Some other no-nos: run-on sentences and “writing one big paragraph instead of a thought-out essay,” according to Grady.

Your résumé – the right way

Nearly all applications for music schools require a résumé.  

“The résumé is the place for applicants to highlight their musical accomplishments and experiences,” says Crispin. “If they want us to know about other extracurricular activities, leadership, volunteer work, etc., the résumé is a good place to capture that information.”

“It’s important to tell us about any honors, awards, summer festivals, private lessons,” adds Zylka. “Things that show us you didn’t just go to high school from a certain time in the morning to the afternoon.”  

• Make it clean and organized.

There is no one right way to format a résumé unless specified by the schools you’re applying to. They should be easy to read. Include your contact information plus music-specific information and experience.

“Present your résumé in an organized way so it is easy to review what you have done and when,” says Jimenez. “The résumé is typically 1-2 pages in length and mostly focuses on accomplishments and activities during high school.”

“Clean résumés are best—for musicians, that involves what you’ve performed, competitions you’ve won, ensembles you’ve performed along with chair placement (if applicable),” says Grady.  

“Keep your activities limited to your high school achievements,” she adds “unless there’s something particularly outstanding (like a performance at Carnegie Hall) that took place before high school. Show that you play multiple instruments and for how long, who you’ve studied with, ensemble directors, etc.”

• Proofread.

Edit your résumé multiple times, and have a trusted friend, family member, or teacher look it over. “We never want to see typos, misspelled words, or grammatical errors,” says Jimenez.

Final thoughts

Crispin advises all students to start their application early. “We often hear from applicants that they were surprised how much time it took to fill out their applications, and you don’t want to be rushing and risking errors right before the deadline,” she says. This also includes reaching out to teachers for recommendations well before applications are due.

Just like no two music programs are the same, no two application processes are the same. Do the research on what exactly is needed for each program you’re applying to, and make a checklist with deadlines for each one.

Finally, utilize all the resources available online and in admission offices. “Our website should be your best friend throughout the process,” says Jimenez. “Your other best friends will be the people in the office of admission. Applicants are always encouraged to ask questions anytime! We want our applicants to be successful throughout the admission process and are here to help however we can.”

Caitlin Peterkin is a writer/editor and arts enthusiast currently based in Portland, OR. She has worked as program manager for Earshot Jazz (Seattle) and has written for BestNewBands.com , Chronicle of Higher Education , and Paste Magazine . She graduated from Indiana University Bloomington with a B.A. in Journalism and a minor in Music.  

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Music Performance Personal Statement

Sample Music Performance Personal Statement

From a young age, hearing stories of my grandfather’s career as a play-by-ear pub pianist, I have been passionate about music and determined to pursue a career as a musician. Having worked hard to gain academic and practical experience in the field I am confident that I have the ability to succeed at undergraduate level.

At school I have performed solidly across a range of subjects, showing motivation and ability by taking my GCSEs and my A-levels 12 months early. It has been in musically related subjects where I have performed best, however, and, through undertaking both Music and Music Technology at A-Level I have given myself an excellent foundation for future study.

As with anyone who is pursuing a career within the field, studying various instruments and music theory has also constituted a large element of my extra-curricular activities. My main instrument is the alto saxophone, in which I have achieved a distinction at Grade 8. My love of woodwind instruments extends from playing the clarinet, in which I have achieved a Grade 7, while my broader interest has allowed me to gain both Grade 5 Music Theory and a merit in Grade 2 Piano.

It is performing and sharing my love of music with others that has truly inspired me, however, and I have taken every opportunity to gain experience where possible. I am currently the principle saxophonist for a number of local orchestras, I also fill in as principle clarinettist when necessary. This has offered the opportunity to play in a range of venues and contexts, including concerts at Symphony Hall and various fundraising events. I also play with a range of smaller ensembles throughout my community, covering every type of performance and venue, from busking to residential care homes. More recently I have begun playing with a function band, covering bass sections in a range of covers. While broadening my experience into different styles, this has also improved my arrangement abilities by working out the relevant parts from the recordings by ear. Recently I also attended the Summer Saxophone Spectacular course run by the National Saxophone Orchestra, which offered the opportunity to perform with noted professionals, such as Nigel Wood. I also gained experience teaching saxophone, clarinet and music theory for Musical Den International, Walsall Academy and at local primary schools, greatly improving my confidence in my knowledge, my ability to communicate my enthusiasm verbally and musically, and my teamwork skills. Perhaps the experience of which I am most proud, however, is my performance at last year’s Walsall Young Musician of the Year competition, in which I was a finalist.

While my love of music, and my dedication to developing my skills in the field may well dominate both my educational and extra-curricular activities, I also find time to indulge my desire to play a valuable role in my community, arranging regular fundraising events. I am also a keen traveller with a limitless curiosity about the world, having visited various countries both with school and family.

As my achievements within the field suggest, I am a hardworking and dedicated student with the passion and ability to make a real contribution as a musician. While I have worked hard to gain the relevant academic knowledge to ensure I can perform to a high level throughout undergraduate study, it is my skill in performing, and communicating my enthusiasm to others both through playing and teaching, that will continue to motivate me to achieve my future goals in the field.

We hope his sample Music Performance Personal Statement has been helpful in developing your own.

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Gre prep online guides and tips, 3 successful graduate school personal statement examples.

Looking for grad school personal statement examples? Look no further! In this total guide to graduate school personal statement examples, we’ll discuss why you need a personal statement for grad school and what makes a good one. Then we’ll provide three graduate school personal statement samples from our grad school experts. After that, we’ll do a deep dive on one of our personal statement for graduate school examples. Finally, we’ll wrap up with a list of other grad school personal statements you can find online.

Why Do You Need a Personal Statement?

A personal statement is a chance for admissions committees to get to know you: your goals and passions, what you’ll bring to the program, and what you’re hoping to get out of the program.  You need to sell the admissions committee on what makes you a worthwhile applicant. The personal statement is a good chance to highlight significant things about you that don’t appear elsewhere on your application.

A personal statement is slightly different from a statement of purpose (also known as a letter of intent). A statement of purpose/letter of intent tends to be more tightly focused on your academic or professional credentials and your future research and/or professional interests.

While a personal statement also addresses your academic experiences and goals, you have more leeway to be a little more, well, personal. In a personal statement, it’s often appropriate to include information on significant life experiences or challenges that aren’t necessarily directly relevant to your field of interest.

Some programs ask for both a personal statement and a statement of purpose/letter of intent. In this case, the personal statement is likely to be much more tightly focused on your life experience and personality assets while the statement of purpose will focus in much more on your academic/research experiences and goals.

However, there’s not always a hard-and-fast demarcation between a personal statement and a statement of purpose. The two statement types should address a lot of the same themes, especially as relates to your future goals and the valuable assets you bring to the program. Some programs will ask for a personal statement but the prompt will be focused primarily on your research and professional experiences and interests. Some will ask for a statement of purpose but the prompt will be more focused on your general life experiences.

When in doubt, give the program what they are asking for in the prompt and don’t get too hung up on whether they call it a personal statement or statement of purpose. You can always call the admissions office to get more clarification on what they want you to address in your admissions essay.

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What Makes a Good Grad School Personal Statement?

A great graduate school personal statement can come in many forms and styles. However, strong grad school personal statement examples all share the same following elements:

A Clear Narrative

Above all, a good personal statement communicates clear messages about what makes you a strong applicant who is likely to have success in graduate school. So to that extent, think about a couple of key points that you want to communicate about yourself and then drill down on how you can best communicate those points. (Your key points should of course be related to what you can bring to the field and to the program specifically).

You can also decide whether to address things like setbacks or gaps in your application as part of your narrative. Have a low GPA for a couple semesters due to a health issue? Been out of a job for a while taking care of a family member? If you do decide to explain an issue like this, make sure that the overall arc is more about demonstrating positive qualities like resilience and diligence than about providing excuses.

Specific Examples

A great statement of purpose uses specific examples to illustrate its key messages. This can include anecdotes that demonstrate particular traits or even references to scholars and works that have influenced your academic trajectory to show that you are familiar and insightful about the relevant literature in your field.

Just saying “I love plants,” is pretty vague. Describing how you worked in a plant lab during undergrad and then went home and carefully cultivated your own greenhouse where you cross-bred new flower colors by hand is much more specific and vivid, which makes for better evidence.

A strong personal statement will describe why you are a good fit for the program, and why the program is a good fit for you. It’s important to identify specific things about the program that appeal to you, and how you’ll take advantage of those opportunities. It’s also a good idea to talk about specific professors you might be interested in working with. This shows that you are informed about and genuinely invested in the program.

Strong Writing

Even quantitative and science disciplines typically require some writing, so it’s important that your personal statement shows strong writing skills. Make sure that you are communicating clearly and that you don’t have any grammar and spelling errors. It’s helpful to get other people to read your statement and provide feedback. Plan on going through multiple drafts.

Another important thing here is to avoid cliches and gimmicks. Don’t deploy overused phrases and openings like “ever since I was a child.” Don’t structure your statement in a gimmicky way (i.e., writing a faux legal brief about yourself for a law school statement of purpose). The first will make your writing banal; the second is likely to make you stand out in a bad way.

Appropriate Boundaries

While you can be more personal in a personal statement than in a statement of purpose, it’s important to maintain appropriate boundaries in your writing. Don’t overshare anything too personal about relationships, bodily functions, or illegal activities. Similarly, don’t share anything that makes it seem like you may be out of control, unstable, or an otherwise risky investment. The personal statement is not a confessional booth. If you share inappropriately, you may seem like you have bad judgment, which is a huge red flag to admissions committees.

You should also be careful with how you deploy humor and jokes. Your statement doesn’t have to be totally joyless and serious, but bear in mind that the person reading the statement may not have the same sense of humor as you do. When in doubt, err towards the side of being as inoffensive as possible.

Just as being too intimate in your statement can hurt you, it’s also important not to be overly formal or staid. You should be professional, but conversational.

Graduate School Personal Statement Examples

Our graduate school experts have been kind enough to provide some successful grad school personal statement examples. We’ll provide three examples here, along with brief analysis of what makes each one successful.

Sample Personal Statement for Graduate School 1

PDF of Sample Personal Statement 1 – Japanese Studies

For this Japanese Studies master’s degree, the applicant had to provide a statement of purpose outlining her academic goals and experience with Japanese and a separate personal statement describing her personal relationship with Japanese Studies and what led her to pursue a master’s degree.

Here’s what’s successful about this personal statement:

• An attention-grabbing beginning: The applicant begins with the statement that Japanese has never come easily to her and that it’s a brutal language to learn. Seeing as how this is an application for a Japanese Studies program, this is an intriguing beginning that makes the reader want to keep going.
• A compelling narrative: From this attention-grabbing beginning, the applicant builds a well-structured and dramatic narrative tracking her engagement with the Japanese language over time. The clear turning point is her experience studying abroad, leading to a resolution in which she has clarity about her plans. Seeing as how the applicant wants to be a translator of Japanese literature, the tight narrative structure here is a great way to show her writing skills.
• Specific examples that show important traits: The applicant clearly communicates both a deep passion for Japanese through examples of her continued engagement with Japanese and her determination and work ethic by highlighting the challenges she’s faced (and overcome) in her study of the language. This gives the impression that she is an engaged and dedicated student.

Overall, this is a very strong statement both in terms of style and content. It flows well, is memorable, and communicates that the applicant would make the most of the graduate school experience.

Sample Personal Statement for Graduate School 2

PDF of Sample Graduate School Personal Statement 2 – Musical Composition

This personal statement for a Music Composition master’s degree discusses the factors that motivate the applicant to pursue graduate study.

Here’s what works well in this statement:

• The applicant provides two clear reasons motivating the student to pursue graduate study: her experiences with music growing up, and her family’s musical history. She then supports those two reasons with examples and analysis.
• The description of her ancestors’ engagement with music is very compelling and memorable. The applicant paints her own involvement with music as almost inevitable based on her family’s long history with musical pursuits.
• The applicant gives thoughtful analysis of the advantages she has been afforded that have allowed her to study music so extensively. We get the sense that she is insightful and empathetic—qualities that would add greatly to any academic community.

This is a strong, serviceable personal statement. And in truth, given that this for a masters in music composition, other elements of the application (like work samples) are probably the most important.  However, here are two small changes I would make to improve it:

• I would probably to split the massive second paragraph into 2-3 separate paragraphs. I might use one paragraph to orient the reader to the family’s musical history, one paragraph to discuss Giacomo and Antonio, and one paragraph to discuss how the family has influenced the applicant. As it stands, it’s a little unwieldy and the second paragraph doesn’t have a super-clear focus even though it’s all loosely related to the applicant’s family history with music.
• I would also slightly shorten the anecdote about the applicant’s ancestors and expand more on how this family history has motivated the applicant’s interest in music. In what specific ways has her ancestors’ perseverance inspired her? Did she think about them during hard practice sessions? Is she interested in composing music in a style they might have played? More specific examples here would lend greater depth and clarity to the statement.

Sample Personal Statement for Graduate School 3

PDF of Sample Graduate School Personal Statement 3 – Public Health

This is my successful personal statement for Columbia’s Master’s program in Public Health. We’ll do a deep dive on this statement paragraph-by-paragraph in the next section, but I’ll highlight a couple of things that work in this statement here:

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• This statement is clearly organized. Almost every paragraph has a distinct focus and message, and when I move on to a new idea, I move on to a new paragraph with a logical transitions.
• This statement covers a lot of ground in a pretty short space. I discuss my family history, my goals, my educational background, and my professional background. But because the paragraphs are organized and I use specific examples, it doesn’t feel too vague or scattered.
• In addition to including information about my personal motivations, like my family, I also include some analysis about tailoring health interventions with my example of the Zande. This is a good way to show off what kinds of insights I might bring to the program based on my academic background.

Grad School Personal Statement Example: Deep Dive

Now let’s do a deep dive, paragraph-by-paragraph, on one of these sample graduate school personal statements. We’ll use my personal statement that I used when I applied to Columbia’s public health program.

Paragraph One: For twenty-three years, my grandmother (a Veterinarian and an Epidemiologist) ran the Communicable Disease Department of a mid-sized urban public health department. The stories of Grandma Betty doggedly tracking down the named sexual partners of the infected are part of our family lore. Grandma Betty would persuade people to be tested for sexually transmitted diseases, encourage safer sexual practices, document the spread of infection and strive to contain and prevent it. Indeed, due to the large gay population in the city where she worked, Grandma Betty was at the forefront of the AIDS crises, and her analysis contributed greatly towards understanding how the disease was contracted and spread. My grandmother has always been a huge inspiration to me, and the reason why a career in public health was always on my radar.

This is an attention-grabbing opening anecdote that avoids most of the usual cliches about childhood dreams and proclivities. This story also subtly shows that I have a sense of public health history, given the significance of the AIDs crisis for public health as a field.

It’s good that I connect this family history to my own interests. However, if I were to revise this paragraph again, I might cut down on some of the detail because when it comes down to it, this story isn’t really about me. It’s important that even (sparingly used) anecdotes about other people ultimately reveal something about you in a personal statement.

Paragraph Two: Recent years have cemented that interest. In January 2012, my parents adopted my little brother Fred from China. Doctors in America subsequently diagnosed Fred with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). My parents were told that if Fred’s condition had been discovered in China, the (very poor) orphanage in which he spent the first 8+ years of his life would have recognized his DMD as a death sentence and denied him sustenance to hasten his demise.

Here’s another compelling anecdote to help explain my interest in public health. This is an appropriately personal detail for a personal statement—it’s a serious thing about my immediate family, but it doesn’t disclose anything that the admissions committee might find concerning or inappropriate.

If I were to take another pass through this paragraph, the main thing I would change is the last phrase. “Denied him sustenance to hasten his demise” is a little flowery. “Denied him food to hasten his death” is actually more powerful because it’s clearer and more direct.

Paragraph Three: It is not right that some people have access to the best doctors and treatment while others have no medical care. I want to pursue an MPH in Sociomedical Sciences at Columbia because studying social factors in health, with a particular focus on socio-health inequities, will prepare me to address these inequities. The interdisciplinary approach of the program appeals to me greatly as I believe interdisciplinary approaches are the most effective way to develop meaningful solutions to complex problems.

In this paragraph I make a neat and clear transition from discussing what sparked my interest in public health and health equity to what I am interested in about Columbia specifically: the interdisciplinary focus of the program, and how that focus will prepare me to solve complex health problems. This paragraph also serves as a good pivot point to start discussing my academic and professional background.

Paragraph Four: My undergraduate education has prepared me well for my chosen career. Understanding the underlying structure of a group’s culture is essential to successfully communicating with the group. In studying folklore and mythology, I’ve learned how to parse the unspoken structures of folk groups, and how those structures can be used to build bridges of understanding. For example, in a culture where most illnesses are believed to be caused by witchcraft, as is the case for the Zande people of central Africa, any successful health intervention or education program would of necessity take into account their very real belief in witchcraft.

In this paragraph, I link my undergraduate education and the skills I learned there to public health. The (very brief) analysis of tailoring health interventions to the Zande is a good way to show insight and show off the competencies I would bring to the program.

Paragraph Five: I now work in the healthcare industry for one of the largest providers of health benefits in the world. In addition to reigniting my passion for data and quantitative analytics, working for this company has immersed me in the business side of healthcare, a critical component of public health.

This brief paragraph highlights my relevant work experience in the healthcare industry. It also allows me to mention my work with data and quantitative analytics, which isn’t necessarily obvious from my academic background, which was primarily based in the social sciences.

Paragraph Six: I intend to pursue a PhD in order to become an expert in how social factors affect health, particularly as related to gender and sexuality. I intend to pursue a certificate in Sexuality, Sexual Health, and Reproduction. Working together with other experts to create effective interventions across cultures and societies, I want to help transform health landscapes both in America and abroad.

This final paragraph is about my future plans and intentions. Unfortunately, it’s a little disjointed, primarily because I discuss goals of pursuing a PhD before I talk about what certificate I want to pursue within the MPH program! Switching those two sentences and discussing my certificate goals within the MPH and then mentioning my PhD plans would make a lot more sense.

I also start two sentences in a row with “I intend,” which is repetitive.

The final sentence is a little bit generic; I might tailor it to specifically discuss a gender and sexual health issue, since that is the primary area of interest I’ve identified.

This was a successful personal statement; I got into (and attended!) the program. It has strong examples, clear organization, and outlines what interests me about the program (its interdisciplinary focus) and what competencies I would bring (a background in cultural analysis and experience with the business side of healthcare). However, a few slight tweaks would elevate this statement to the next level.

Graduate School Personal Statement Examples You Can Find Online

So you need more samples for your personal statement for graduate school? Examples are everywhere on the internet, but they aren’t all of equal quality.

Most of examples are posted as part of writing guides published online by educational institutions. We’ve rounded up some of the best ones here if you are looking for more personal statement examples for graduate school.

Penn State Personal Statement Examples for Graduate School

This selection of ten short personal statements for graduate school and fellowship programs offers an interesting mix of approaches. Some focus more on personal adversity while others focus more closely on professional work within the field.

The writing in some of these statements is a little dry, and most deploy at least a few cliches. However, these are generally strong, serviceable statements that communicate clearly why the student is interested in the field, their skills and competencies, and what about the specific program appeals to them.

Cal State Sample Graduate School Personal Statements

These are good examples of personal statements for graduate school where students deploy lots of very vivid imagery and illustrative anecdotes of life experiences. There are also helpful comments about what works in each of these essays.

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However, all of these statements are definitely pushing the boundaries of acceptable length, as all are above 1000 and one is almost 1500 words! Many programs limit you to 500 words; if you don’t have a limit, you should try to keep it to two single-spaced pages at most (which is about 1000 words).

University of Chicago Personal Statement for Graduate School Examples

These examples of successful essays to the University of Chicago law school cover a wide range of life experiences and topics. The writing in all is very vivid, and all communicate clear messages about the students’ strengths and competencies.

Note, however, that these are all essays that specifically worked for University of Chicago law school. That does not mean that they would work everywhere. In fact, one major thing to note is that many of these responses, while well-written and vivid, barely address the students’ interest in law school at all! This is something that might not work well for most graduate programs.

Wheaton College Personal Statement for Graduate School Sample 10

This successful essay for law school from a Wheaton College undergraduate does a great job tracking the student’s interest in the law in a compelling and personal way. Wheaton offers other graduate school personal statement examples, but this one offers the most persuasive case for the students’ competencies. The student accomplishes this by using clear, well-elaborated examples, showing strong and vivid writing, and highlighting positive qualities like an interest in justice and empathy without seeming grandiose or out of touch.

Wheaton College Personal Statement for Graduate School Sample 1

Based on the background information provided at the bottom of the essay, this essay was apparently successful for this applicant. However, I’ve actually included this essay because it demonstrates an extremely risky approach. While this personal statement is strikingly written and the story is very memorable, it could definitely communicate the wrong message to some admissions committees. The student’s decision not to report the drill sergeant may read incredibly poorly to some admissions committees. They may wonder if the student’s failure to report the sergeant’s violence will ultimately expose more soldiers-in-training to the same kinds of abuses. This incident perhaps reads especially poorly in light of the fact that the military has such a notable problem with violence against women being covered up and otherwise mishandled

It’s actually hard to get a complete picture of the student’s true motivations from this essay, and what we have might raise real questions about the student’s character to some admissions committees. This student took a risk and it paid off, but it could have just as easily backfired spectacularly.

Key Takeaways: Graduate School Personal Statement Examples

In this guide, we discussed why you need a personal statement and how it differs from a statement of purpose. (It’s more personal!)

We also discussed what you’ll find in a strong sample personal statement for graduate school:

• A clear narrative about the applicant and why they are qualified for graduate study.
• Specific examples to support that narrative.
• Compelling reasons why the applicant and the program are a good fit for each other.
• Strong writing, including clear organization and error-free, cliche-free language.
• Appropriate boundaries—sharing without over-sharing.

Then, we provided three strong graduate school personal statement examples for different fields, along with analysis. We did a deep-dive on the third statement.

Finally, we provided a list of other sample grad school personal statements online.

What’s Next?

Want more advice on writing a personal statement ? See our guide.

Writing a graduate school statement of purpose? See our statement of purpose samples  and a nine-step process for writing the best statement of purpose possible .

If you’re writing a graduate school CV or resume, see our how-to guide to writing a CV , a how-to guide to writing a resume , our list of sample resumes and CVs , resume and CV templates , and a special guide for writing resume objectives .

Need stellar graduate school recommendation letters ? See our guide.

See our 29 tips for successfully applying to graduate school .

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Author: Ellen McCammon

Ellen is a public health graduate student and education expert. She has extensive experience mentoring students of all ages to reach their goals and in-depth knowledge on a variety of health topics. View all posts by Ellen McCammon

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What is a personal statement.

A personal statement is an essay written by a student applying to either a college or university. A personal statement is written and then uploaded to UCAS and is then attached to any university applications that the student may then make.

If you need more information check out our personal statement advice articles .

How to write a personal statement

There isn't a clearly defined personal statement template for you to use as each person's statement is different.

When it comes to writing a personal statement for universities, your personal statement should touch on your passions, your interest in the course, why you're applying for the course and why you would be an asset to the university you're applying to.

Talk about the clubs and societies that you belong to, any work experience you may have and any awards you might have won.

If you're still looking for information check out our article on how to write a personal statement .

How to start a personal statement

When it comes to starting your personal statement, the best thing to do is to be succinct and to have enough tantalising information to keep the reader informed and eager for more.

Your introduction should touch on your personal qualities and why you are applying for the subject you're applying for. Keeping things short and sweet means that it also allows you to break your personal statement up, which makes it easier for the reader.

We have plenty of advice for students that are wondering about what to include in a personal statement .

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Music technology personal statement example 4.

The practice of using technology to enhance music has been at the heart of the innovations that see the art constantly evolving; both practically and creatively the combination allows us to reach new markets and I see myself as being part of this.

Having been brought up with a musical parent I was exposed to an education in the art form from a young age and have always aspired to pursue it as a career. I learnt bass guitar and piano in primary school but never settled on what I was taught in books and lessons; instead I sought to emulate the techniques of the musicians who inspired me and used this to develop my own playing style.

Alongside this I have long held a fascination for the recording process and the methods behind taking a single live performance and turning it into something so timeless; during high school I began setting up rudimentary recording systems, experimented with audio editing tools and how equipment could be used creatively.

The proof of this determination to learn more is in the experiences I’ve had, on my 16th birthday I built my own PC and setup a basic digital recording system as well as more recently setting up a recording studio in my house that revolved around a professional standard digital control room along with multiple live rooms and monitor mixes. Taking this practical approach has taught me how to effectively troubleshoot both the hardware and software aspects of the modern recording studio. Outside of studio work I have managed a yearly charity music event an arranged shows for my own band, requiring me to effectively advertise and manage the financial implications such as hiring venues, sound systems and lighting.

As a musician I have worked with several local bands as both a secondary bassist as well as a studio player which on top of my permanent band and solo projects has lead to me playing notable venues such as the HMV Institute and a showcase on BBC London. Being able to play a range of styles has further broadened my ability, giving me the confidence and versatility to put myself forward as well as giving me new ideas when I come to writing for myself.

And whilst writing, recording and performing original music for a living would be my ideal, I understand that it would be naive at best to solely rely on this. I enjoy working as a member of a group however I don’t believe it offers much in the way of stability and because of that I want to use this course as a means of ensuring that I am capable of succeeding wherever the opportunity arises. In particular I have started to become more interested in electronics and have worked with bespoke methods such as circuit bending and building effects pedals into guitars, I enjoy taking an idea and using the principles of science to make it a reality. I would use your course to build on what I know and then look at how I can make a career using that knowledge; whether it’s developing a product or service or working for a reputable company.

Currently I’m on a gap year and I’m using it to push myself as a musician, having nearly always performed in music venues that I’m familiar with I plan to start performing on the street and be able to take this with me when I travel Europe in the spring. Furthermore I am starting to organise a two week tour of the south of England for my band along with aiming to achieve grade 6 Piano by next summer.

I see this course as being integral to my future; I know what I want to be doing in five years time and to get there I need the education your course provides.

Profile info

This personal statement was written by joshwtaylor for application in 2012.

joshwtaylor's Comments

Applied for Glamorgan, UWE, York, Birmingham City, Manchester Met.

This personal statement is unrated

Related Personal Statements

Tue, 20/03/2012 - 21:50

Major thankies for the blog post. Fantastic.

Sodoku is for gays

Wed, 03/07/2013 - 12:58

This means you Tim

Appreciate this! You're

Sun, 01/12/2013 - 11:14

Appreciate this! You're living my dream life haha.

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