Does writing a professional statement scare you?
Are you worried your writing won’t be good enough for graduate school? Maybe you’re confused about what to write. I’ve had many students worry about how to write a professional statement or statement of purpose for grad school.
And I get it. The expectations for a professional statement are much higher when you apply to graduate school. You must stand out among all the other applicants.
But here’s the secret. You already have a unique story and perspective that makes you different. All you need to do is commit to writing your best personal or professional statement highlighting your experience, drive, and desire to go into your field.
What makes a professional statement different from a personal statement?
A professional statement for graduate school focuses more on your academic or professional background than a personal statement for universities or colleges. It highlights the most relevant experiences related to the field you wish to study and your goals beyond graduate school.
While some may have story-telling elements, the purpose is to show your qualifications and determination to do accomplish great things in your field. So, how can you best do that?
In this post, I’ll dive into the 7-Step Professional Statement Writing Process I use with my clients.
Step # 1: Brainstorm ideas for your writing prompt.
Graduate schools have their own individual requirements for application essays. Some will ask for a professional or personal statement, some for a statement of purpose, and other schools may ask for multiple writing pieces.
Collect ideas about personal, academic, or practical experiences related to your field, mission, and future goals that link to each graduate school. (Hopefully, you will have some overlap).
Here’s how you can start brainstorming ideas:
- Write all the writing prompts and requirements for each graduate school, and organize this information in a table, a spreadsheet, a list etc.
- Start writing down ideas that relate to each writing prompt. You can do this individually for each prompt or have a general brainstorming session and categorize your ideas.
- Don’t stop brainstorming. Keep doing it until you run out of ideas. Then, take a break.
- As you go about the rest of the week, write down other ideas as they come to you.
Step # 2 Select the ideas that help you answer a writing prompt.
Look at each prompt separately and decide which ideas are most relevant to each question. You may find the same ones will help you with all your preferred graduate schools, but don’t rely on this being the case. While many things are similar across personal statements, there can be differences.
For example, one Master’s in Counseling Psychology Program might offer opportunities to participate in psychological research studies; another Counseling Psychology Program may want to emphasize work in clinical settings.
The first program might prioritize candidates with academic research experience or a strong desire to work on studies. The second Master’s in Counseling program, which wants students willing to work in various clinical settings, would place a higher value on your work related to your field. Choose relevant ideas and experiences for each graduate program.
Once you’ve selected your ideas, make notes. Add more detail to your thoughts and write down any connections you see. This approach is when your statement starts to take shape.
Step # 3 Get clear on how you will show each graduate program you’re a good fit.
Not every graduate program in your field is the right choice for you. Programs select applicants that are the right fit for them. When writing a personal statement, you must show an admissions committee why you are the right student for that graduate school.
Write notes on how you can demonstrate what you will contribute to a graduate program.
Consider things like:
- Why do you believe in the mission or goals of that graduate school?
- How does going to that graduate school help you meet your goals for the future?
- How have your experiences prepared you for what you’ll study?
- How can you be a valuable member of that academic program?
Step #4 Write a “messy” first draft.
I know you have a lot of pressure to write an outstanding statement. You probably feel the drive to craft a flawless piece of writing. Resist the urge to write a perfect draft.
I use the word “messy” because it describes something that will need to be changed but has some great ideas and elements. Don’t stop to edit your writing and “fix” something.
After you have written a messy, rough draft, take a break and walk away from it. Wait at least a day between writing and revising your work.
Step #5 Get feedback on your writing.
After you write a first draft, have someone else read it and give you feedback. Much is at stake when you write a professional statement for graduate school. These statements not only show your writing ability but also your academic potential.
Getting comments and suggestions from people who know how to write an excellent professional statement is important. These people could be mentors, peers, professors or writing coaches. But whoever you choose should be someone whose advice you trust.
If that person suggests many changes, ask them if they will look at your essay after you make those changes.
Step #6 Edit and proofread the professional statement.
Edit your professional statement until it reflects the very best of your writing. It should have clear language. Don’t overload your essay with unnecessary wordy academic phrases and sentences.
You want your readers to understand and appreciate your writing. You don’t want them to find your writing tedious.
Proofread your writing and correct any grammar mistakes or misspelled words. I use Grammarly to help me check grammar and spelling. Also, take the time to proofread it yourself. No grammar checker is perfect. Grammarly can recommend changes that will alter the meaning of your sentences.
Try reading your paper aloud. This technique helps you spot omitted words and awkward sentences. Plus, it’s another way to find grammar and spelling mistakes.
Step # 7 Adapt your professional statement for each graduate program.
While some students only have one program they are applying for, most have at least two.
Applying to multiple programs means you must convince each program you want to go there and that it is the place you like the best (even if it’s your second, third or even fourth choice).
You want to tweak your statement and highlight what makes that program special and how you see yourself contributing to it. Pointing out specific professors you admire or would like to work with is a way to do this and impress a particular graduate school. Don’t overlook or skimp on this section. It’s crucial.
Start Your Professional Statement Early
My final advice is to start working on your statements as soon as you have your graduate school applications. Don’t rush this process or try to take shortcuts. Take time brainstorming ideas, making notes, drafting, revising, and editing your statements.
The more time and effort you put into each professional statement you write, the better your chances are of getting accepted and receiving a scholarship.
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