personal statements examples harvard

Login to your account

Remember Me

Register for a Free Account

Access sample lessons, a free LSAT PrepTest, and 100 question explanations today!

Password (twice) * password strength indicator

Analytics Identifier

Six Law School Personal Statements That Got Into Harvard By David Busis Published Feb 10, 2021 Updated Feb 10, 2021

The essays below, which were all part of successful applications to Harvard Law, rely on humble reckonings followed by reflections. Some reckonings are political: an applicant grapples with the 2008 financial crisis; another grapples with her political party’s embrace of populism. Others are personal: a student struggles to sprint up a hill; another struggles to speak clearly. The writers have different ideologies, different ambitions, and different levels of engagement with the law. Yet all of them come across as thoughtful, open to change, and ready to serve.

Jump to a personal statement:

Essay 1: Sea Turtles

I stood over the dead loggerhead, blood crusting my surgical gloves and dark green streaks of bile from its punctured gallbladder drying on my khaki shorts. It was the fifth day of a five-week summer scholarship at the University of Chicago’s Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL), and as I shuffled downwind of the massive creature, the pungent scent of its decomposition wafted toward me in the hot summer breeze. Aggressive flies buzzed around my head, occasionally pausing to land on the wad of plastic we had extracted from the loggerhead’s stomach. The plastic had likely caused a blockage somewhere, and the sea turtle had died of malnutrition. When the necropsy was finished, we discarded the remains in a shallow hole under a thicket of trees, and with the last shovel of sand over its permanent resting place, its death became just another data point among myriad others. Would it make a difference in the long, arduous battle against environmental pollution? Probably not. But that dead loggerhead was something of a personal tipping point for me.

I have always loved the clean, carefully objective nature of scientific research, but when I returned to the US from my native XXXX to study biology, I began to understand that because of this objectivity, scientific data rarely produces an emotional effect. It is difficult to initiate change based on such a passive approach. My ecology professor used to lament that it was not science that would determine the fate of the environment, but politics. The deeper I delved into research, the more I agreed with her. Almost every day, I came across pieces of published research that were incorrectly cited as evidence for exaggerated conclusions and used, for example, as a rebuttal against climate change. Reality meant nothing when pitted against a provocative narrative. It was rather disillusioning at first, but I was never one to favor passivity. In an effort to better understand the issues, I began to look into the policy side of biological conservation. The opportunity at the MBL came at this juncture in my academic journey, and it was there that I received my final push to the path of law.

After weeks of sea turtle biology and policy debates at the MBL, we held a mock symposium on fishing and bycatch regulations. Participants were exclusively STEM majors, so before the debate even began, everyone in the room was already heavily in favor of reducing commercial fishing. I was assigned the role of the Chair of the New Bedford Division of Marine Fisheries, and my objective was clear: to represent the wishes of my constituents, and my constituents wanted more time out on the sea. However, that meant an increase in accidental bycatch, which could hurt endangered marine populations and fill up the bycatch quota for commercial fishermen before the season ended.

There were hundreds of pages of research data on novel technological innovations for bycatch reduction that I had to wade through, but with the help of my group, I was able to piece together a net replacement plan that just barely satisfied my constituents, the scientists, and the industry reps. Although the issue of widespread net replacement incentives for the commercial fishermen remained, there was no doubt that I enjoyed the mental stimulus of tackling this hypothetical challenge. I was able to use my science background to aid in brokering a compromise that would reduce the amount of damage done to the environment without endangering the livelihood of the people involved in the industry.

By the end of the symposium, I knew that I wanted to bridge the gap between presenting scientific data correctly and effecting change in the policy world. Although there are many ways for me to advocate for change, I believe that only legal and legislative enforcements will have a widespread and lasting effect on the heavy polluters of the world. I want to combine my legal education and a solid foundation in the biological sciences to tackle the ever-growing slew of environmental challenges facing us in the twenty-first century.

The night the symposium ended, we patrolled the beach for nesting females. As I walked beneath the stars, I thought of that sea turtle and of the repeating migration of my own life, from my birthplace in XXXX to my childhood in the US, back to XXXX and now the US again. With the guidance of the Earth’s magnetic fields, sea turtles are able to accurately return to their birthplace no matter how far they deviate, but I like to imagine that they, like me, do need to occasionally chart another course to get there. Standing on a beach in Woods Hole, thousands of miles from home, I knew that I was on the right path and ready to embark on a career in law.

Essay 2: Joining the Arsonists To Become a Fireman

On the morning of the 2004 presidential election, my sixth-grade teacher told me to watch out for John Kerry voters in the hallways because our school was a polling station. I nodded and went to the water fountain, thinking to myself that my parents were voting for John Kerry, and that as far as I could tell, they posed no risk to students. It was a familiar juxtaposition—the ideas at my dinner table in conflict with the dogmas I encountered elsewhere in my conservative Missourian community. This dissonance fostered my curiosity about issues of policy and politics. I wanted to figure out why the adults in my life couldn’t seem to agree.

Earlier in 2004, Barack Obama’s now famous DNC keynote had inspired me to turn my interests into actions. Even at age twelve, I was moved by his ideas and motivated to work in public service. When Obama ran for president four years later, I heeded his call to get involved. I gave money I had made mowing lawns to my parents to donate to his campaign and taped Obama-Biden yard signs to my old Corolla, which earned it an egging and a run-in with silly string in my high school parking lot.

While I knew in high school that I wanted to involve myself in public service, I wasn’t sure what shape that involvement would take until signs of the financial crisis—deserted strip malls and foreclosed homes—cropped up in my hometown. I was amazed by the disaster and shaken by the toll it took on my community. As I saw it, the crisis wasn’t about Wall Street, but about people losing their jobs, homes, and savings. I didn’t understand what Lehman Brothers had to do with the fact that my neighbor’s appliance store had to lay off most of its employees.

Intent on understanding what had happened, I started reading up, inhaling books about financial crises and articles on mortgage-backed securities and rating agencies. Along the way, I also developed an affinity for the policymakers fighting the crisis. I admired how time and again these unknown bureaucrats struggled to choose the best among bad options, served as Congressional piñatas on Capitol Hill, and went back across the street to face the next disaster. I decided that I too wanted to work in financial regulation. I thought then and believe today that if I can help protect consumers and mitigate the downturns that force people from their jobs and homes, I will have done something worthwhile.

Strange though it may seem, this decision led me to join Barclays as an investment banking analyst after college. While in a sense I was “joining the arsonists to become a fireman,” as one skeptical friend put it, banking gave me immediate experience working with the firms and people who had played key roles in the response to the financial crisis years before. I was initially worried that I would discover financial rules and regulations to be impotent platitudes, without the power to change the financial system, but my experience taught me the opposite. New regulations catalyzed many of the transactions on which I worked, from bank capital raises to divestitures aimed at de-risking. Ironically, becoming a banker made me even more of an idealist about the power of policy.

I envisioned spending years in the industry before moving to a government role, and I left banking for private equity investing with that track in mind. When I began making get-out-the-vote calls on behalf of the Clinton presidential campaign, however, I realized that I needed to change my plans. I cared more about contacting voters, about the result of the election, and about its policy implications than anything I did at work. Although I’m grateful for what I’ve learned in the private sector, I don’t want to spend more time on the sidelines of the policy debates and decisions that matter to me.

That’s why I am pursuing a J.D. I want to help shape the policies that will make the financial system more resilient and equitable, and to do so effectively, I need to understand the foundation upon which the financial system is built: the law. The post-crisis regulatory landscape is already in need of recalibration; large banks still pose systemic risks, and regulation lags even further behind in the non-bank world. Advances in financial technology, from online lending platforms to blockchain technology, are raising new questions about everything from capital and liquidity to smart contracts and financial privacy. Policymakers need to confront these issues proactively and pursue legal and regulatory frameworks that foster public trust while encouraging innovation. A J.D. will give me the training I need to be involved in this process. I don’t claim to have a revolutionary theory of financial crisis, but I do hope to be a part of preventing the next one.

Essay 3: Populism

Growing up, I felt that I existed in two different worlds. At home, I was influenced by my large, conservative Arizonan family, who shaped my values and understanding of the world. During middle school, my family moved, and I enrolled in a small, left-leaning school with an intense focus on globalism and diversity. I enjoyed being surrounded by people who challenged my beliefs, and I prided myself on my ability to dwell comfortably in both spaces.

In 2015, American political reality disrupted the happy balance between my two worlds. The Republican presidential primary, in a gust of populism, was proposing ideas that I didn’t recognize and wouldn’t condone, like a hardline immigration stance, opposition to free trade, and a tolerance for harassment. I resented this populist wave for hijacking the party, and the voters who created it. I didn’t understand them, and I didn’t think I could.

Despite my skepticism, I decided to make an attempt. As the founder of the Bowdoin College Political Union, a program that promotes substantive, inclusive conversations about policy and politics among students, I brought speakers with diverse ideologies to campus and hosted small group discussions with members of the College Democrats, the College Republicans, and students somewhere in between. In the winter of my senior year, I helped organize a summit that brought together students with a broad spectrum of views from dozens of universities throughout the eastern United States.

As a resident assistant during the 2016 presidential election, I held open-door discussions for individuals from across the political spectrum and around the globe. Facilitating these discussions felt like a natural extension of my role on campus, and I learned not only that having space for open dialogue can ease tensions, but also that the absence of that space does not erase political difference. Instead, it creates feelings of isolation and fosters ignorance.

But it was the death of a family member in early 2016 that helped me understand another perspective, namely the populist views beginning to overwhelm the Republican Party. After the death of my mother’s cousin from cancer, I called my second cousins, all three of whom are around my age, to offer my condolences. I was surprised to learn that none of them had finished high school. Instead, they had worked to help pay for their mother’s treatment. While I had been worrying about which summer internships to apply for, they were worried about maintaining their family home. In the past, I’d thought that their views on economic policy and immigration came from a place of ignorance or spite. I realized over the course of our conversation that I had no idea what it was like to not have a high school degree and compete for employment in a rural area where wages are low. For the first time, I was engaging with people in the demographic that was generating the populist wave that was sweeping the country. This conversation led me to expand my studies in politics and to think beyond the left-right spectrum to consider class and urban-rural divides within my own party. Ultimately, reconnecting with my extended family informed my decision to write my senior thesis on populist movements and why economics drives them. It also changed the way I thought about politics and its effect on people like my second cousins.

After my college graduation, I took a job with a political and opposition research firm called XYZ in Washington, because I felt that my understanding of 2016’s populism was still lacking. XYZ gave me the opportunity to work with people from different parts of the Republican Party: both establishment operatives and grassroots operations. This enabled me to work within the framework of Republican politics that resembles my own, while being exposed to the perspectives of people working to represent people like my second cousins. My time at XYZ helped me see the power of the populist movement, but also understand the limitations of its proposed solutions, like a resurgence of manufacturing. Now that I have interacted with populist groups, I see that ultimately, the valid frustrations of many working-class Americans need to be addressed by empathetic leadership and challenging but necessary evaluations of policy in the areas of economics, education, and culture.

I want to apply my passion for political discourse in law school and in my career as a lawyer. My passion for engaging with others will serve me well in the classroom and in a career at the intersection of law and politics. I hope to continue to make connections between people of diverse backgrounds and viewpoints and to engage in meaningful, bipartisan discourse.

Essay 4: Pop Warner

One summer, when I was eight years old, I signed up to play Pop Warner Football for my hometown. After the calisthenics, scrimmages, and the rest of practice concluded in the midst of the sweltering early August sun, I would sprint thirty yards up a hill steep enough to go sledding down. I had to lose nine pounds in order to make weight for my junior pee-wee football team. I wanted nothing more than to be on the team, so it didn’t faze me that I was the only one running up and down the hill. A dirt path marked the grassy knoll from my countless trips up and down. I usually managed to hold back the tears just long enough until I got home. As an eight-year-old, this was the most difficult challenge I had ever been tasked with. But the next day, I would get down in a three-point stance and sprint up the hill under the red sky of the setting sun.

When I finally made the team, I was elated; I had achieved a goal I often felt impossible in those moments of sweat and tears. The excitement was, nonetheless, short-lived. The other kids still called me “Corey the Cupcake,” a nickname I thought I’d left behind with the extra pounds. In every game of the season, my first playing football, I received my eight minimum plays and rode the bench the rest of the game. It was an unusually wet September, and I caught a cold a few times from standing there for two and a half hours in the nippy morning rain. I hated it, but I kept playing.

I continued to play every fall through high school. My freshman year, during a varsity practice, I broke both the radius and ulna bones in my left arm and simultaneously dislocated my wrist, which required a plate and four screws to repair. To this day, I can’t help but flash back to that frigid November afternoon when I look at the five-inch scar on my left arm or when the breaking point is hit precisely. Sophomore year, I was introduced to a coach who frequently criticized me for “not being black enough,” or sometimes, contradictorily, for acting “too black.” I was even benched for my entire junior year for being unable to attend football camp over the summer.

Why did I play football for eleven years? It might have been for the Friday nights in front of the school, as there was nothing more thrilling than making a crucial catch and hearing the whole town cheer. It might have been because I wanted to fit in with my athletic classmates. It might have been because I felt that I was improving after each catch, each hit, and each drill. But I believe, above all else, it was because I just don’t like to give up.

My first job as a project assistant at a large law firm was somewhat similar to my experiences as a young football player; both required grit and determination to push through difficult circumstances. Late one evening, two days before Thanksgiving, my supervisor asked me to complete and organize the service of eighteen subpoenas for the following day. The partners and associates were so busy with internal politics—one of the head partners was leaving the firm—that no one was available to walk me through the process. I felt ridiculous when I Googled “How to fill out and serve a subpoena,” but it was important to me that I complete the project properly.

I am appreciative of the challenges that I faced as a project assistant. If it weren’t for those experiences, it is unlikely that I would have been fortunate enough to be hired by the Delaware Office of the Attorney General, where I work today. My job here has confirmed that law is exactly what I want to do. I realized this through several opportunities to draft written discovery. I loved fashioning objections to each individual request in a given set. Developing legitimate grounds for disputing discovery on its merits and intent was inspiring to me. I can’t wait to do this more and on a larger scale as an attorney.

The steadfastness that I obtained as a young athlete defines who I am. I couldn’t see it at the time, but every day on which I gave something my best effort, whether it was on the practice field or in my tiny office on the twenty-seventh floor, I became a little bit stronger, a little bit wiser. I am confident that my perseverance and dedication will facilitate my future success, both in law school and afterwards.

Essay 5: Speech Therapy

When I was very young, I was diagnosed with a severe phonological disorder that hindered my ability to verbalize the most basic sounds that make up words. It didn’t take my parents long to notice that as other children my age began speaking and communicating with each other, I remained quiet. When I did speak, my words were mostly incomprehensible and seemed to lack any repetition. I was taken to numerous speech therapists, many of whom believed that I would never be able to communicate effectively with others.

From the age of three until I was in seventh grade, I went to speech therapy twice a week. I also regularly practiced my speech outside of therapy, eventually improving to such an extent that I thought I was done with therapy forever. This, however, was short-lived. By tenth grade, I realized my impediment was back and was once again severely limiting my ability to articulate words. That was also the year my family moved from Vancouver, Canada to Little Rock, Arkansas, which complicated matters for me.

I knew that my speech was preventing me from making new friends and participating in classroom discussions, but I resisted going back into therapy. I thought that a renewal of speech therapy would be like accepting defeat. It was a part of my life that had long passed. With college approaching, though, I was desperate not to continue stuttering words and slurring sentences. I knew that I would have to become more confident about my speech to make friends and to be the student I wanted to be. During the summer before my freshman year, I reluctantly decided to reenter speech therapy.

I see now that this decision was anything but an acceptance of defeat. In fact, refusing to reenter therapy would have been a defeat. With my new therapist, I made significant strides and the quality of my speech improved greatly. Using the confidence that I built in therapy that summer, I pushed myself to meet new people and join extracurricular organizations when I entered college. In particular, I applied to and was accepted into a competitive freshman service leadership organization called Forward.

The other members of Forward were incredibly outgoing, and many of them had been highly involved in their high school communities—two things I was not. I made a concerted effort to learn from those who were different from me. I was an active participant in discussions during meetings, utilizing my unique background to provide a different perspective. My peers not only understood me, but also cared about what I had to say. I even began taking on leadership roles in the program, such as directing a community service project to help the elderly. My time in Forward made it clear to me that my speech disorder wouldn’t be what held me back in college; as long as I made the effort, I could succeed. The confidence I gained led me to continue to push past the boundaries I had set for myself in high school, and has guided the bold approach I have taken to new challenges in college.

When I first finished therapy in seventh grade, I pretended that I had never had a speech disorder in the first place. Having recently finished therapy again, I can accept that my speech disorder has shaped the person I am today. In many ways, it has had a positive effect on me. My struggle to communicate, for example, has made me a better listener. My inability to ask questions has forced me to engage with problems on a deeper level, which has led me to develop a methodical approach to reasoning. I believe these skills will help me succeed in law school, and they are part of what motivates me to apply in the first place. Having struggled for so long to speak up for myself, I look forward to the day when I can speak up for others.

Essay 6: Ting Hua

“Ting hua!” I heard it when I scalded my fingers reaching above the kitchen counter to grab at a steaming slice of pork belly before it was served; I heard it when I hid little Twix bars underneath the bags of Chinese broccoli in the grocery store shopping cart; I heard it when I brought sticks back home to swing perilously close to the ceiling fan. Literally translated, “ting hua” means “hear my words.” Its true meaning, though, is closer to “listen to what I mean.” Although the phrase was nearly ubiquitous in my childhood, that distinction—between hearing and listening—did not become clear for me until much later in life.

That childhood began in Shanghai, where I was born, and continued in Southern California, where we moved shortly after I turned four. Some things stayed the same in the US. We still ate my mom’s chive dumplings at the dinner table. On New Year’s, I could still look forward to a red envelope with a few dollars’ worth of pocket money. But other things changed. I stopped learning Chinese, and my parents never became proficient in English. Slowly, so slowly I almost didn’t realize, it became harder and harder for me to communicate with them.

Because I didn’t feel like I could talk to them, I could never resist opening my mouth with others. I talked to good friends about Yu-Gi-Oh, to not-so-good friends about Pokemon, and to absolute strangers about PB&J, the Simpsons, and why golden retriever puppies were the best dogs ever. Even alone, I talked to my pet turtle Snorkel and tried out different war cries—you know, in case I woke up one morning as a mouse in Brian Jacques’s Redwall .

The way I communicated with my parents didn’t change until I came back for Thanksgiving my freshman year of college. I was writing for the school newspaper—a weekly column on politics. I had written an article in support of gay marriage. My parents had asked me about it, and in the way I was wont to do, I answered briefly before moving on to talk about my friends and my floor and my classes.

While I was brushing my teeth that night, my dad came into the restroom. He stood in the doorway and said, “Hey. I read the article you wrote about gay marriage… you should be careful saying things like that.”

His words—you should be careful saying things like that— sounded to me like homophobia. I knew that in China, same-sex relationships were illegal, stigmatized, banned, so I thought I understood where my dad was coming from, even though I also thought it was bigotry. I was about to brush him off, to accept that we had different views, but when I looked up, I didn’t see the judgment I was expecting. In the way he stood slightly hunched in the doorway, in the way he touched his chin, in the way his eyebrows drew together, I saw love. So I swallowed down “don’t worry about it” and asked what he meant. He told me about a cousin of his, someone I would have called Uncle, who was expelled from his school and sent to the countryside for his political comments. In that moment, I realized that my dad wasn’t concerned about my politics—he was concerned about me. Had I not stopped to listen , rather than just to hear, I would not have understood that. I would not have known why he told me to be careful.

Although I still enjoy talking to other people about PB&J sandwiches, I have learned to listen, to actively engage with my parents when we communicate. More importantly, whether I’m interviewing witnesses on the stand in mock trial, resolving disagreements between friends, or sitting in a chair while teachers and professors give me advice, I’ve made an effort to remember those words my mom has spoken since I was a toddler: “ting hua.”

📌 Check out our full, free admissions course .

Join our newsletter

Harvard Personal Statement Example

by Talha Omer, M.Eng., Cornell Grad

In personal statements samples by university.

In this article, I will be providing a sample grad school personal statement for Harvard University. This example aims to show how prospective applicants like you can seamlessly weave your passion, skills, and relevant experiences into a compelling narrative.

In writing this personal statement , the applicant has drawn upon key insights from a number of my previous writings on personal statements . You are also welcome to use my previous writings to help you write your personal statement.

In those posts I’ve discussed the art of constructing a captivating personal statement for grad school , and I’ve highlighted the pitfalls to avoid to ensure your statement leaves a positive impression.

I’ve also shared valuable tips on structuring your personal statement for clarity and readability, not to mention how to create a powerful opening that grabs attention from the start. And let’s not forget about maintaining brevity while effectively telling your story, as well as offering a vast range of personal statement examples from different fields for reference.

And yes, do not forget to explore my 8-point framework that anyone can use to self-evaluate their personal statement. Complementing this, I’ve also created a 7-point guide to help you steer clear of potential traps and missteps in your personal statement.

I encourage you to explore these topics in depth, as they will be useful while we explore the sample personal statement for Harvard.

In this Article

What Does Harvard Look for in a Grad School Personal Statement?

How do i write a grad school personal statement for harvard, sample harvard personal statement, my in-depth feedback on this sample.

When applying to Harvard or any other reputable institution for grad school, your personal statement is a crucial part of your application. This is your opportunity to showcase your personality, motivation, and fit for the program beyond what’s evident in your academic records and CV.

The specifics can vary depending on the particular graduate program. For example, for the MBA program, Harvard places greater emphasis on the applicant’s leadership potential, business acumen, and entrepreneurial mindset. In their personal statement, applicants are expected to highlight their professional achievements, managerial experience, and their ability to think strategically in a business context. They also need to demonstrate their motivation for pursuing an MBA and explain how the program aligns with their career goals.

On the other hand, for the MPH program, Harvard prioritizes qualities such as a commitment to public health, a strong understanding of healthcare systems, and a passion for community service. Applicants to the MPH program are asked to discuss their experiences in public health or related fields, their research interests, and their dedication to improving population health. They also need to articulate how their academic background and previous experiences have prepared them for the program and how they intend to contribute to the field of public health.

Nevertheless, there are some general attributes that Harvard and other prestigious schools often look for in a personal statement:

Clear Objectives and Motivation: Admissions committees want to see that you have a clear understanding of your career objectives, why you want to pursue the program you’re applying to, and how it aligns with your long-term goals. A personal statement that communicates these points effectively can be compelling.
Academic and Research Interests: Highlight your areas of interest within your chosen field, and how those interests tie into Harvard’s program. Discuss any relevant research experience or projects you have undertaken.
Passion and Engagement: Show that you are deeply engaged and passionate about your chosen field. Use examples of experiences, accomplishments, and challenges you’ve overcome to demonstrate your commitment.
Intellectual Ability and Creativity: Harvard values candidates who can bring unique perspectives and ideas. Showcase your intellectual curiosity, ability to think critically, and creative problem-solving skills.
Leadership and Collaboration: Illustrate instances where you have shown leadership or worked effectively in a team. Graduate programs are often collaborative, and universities value individuals who can lead and work well with others.
Community Involvement: Discuss any involvement in community services, clubs, or other extracurricular activities that demonstrate your ability to contribute positively to the Harvard community.
Personal Growth: Highlight instances of personal growth and how you’ve learned from past experiences. This shows maturity and readiness for graduate-level work.
Writing Skills: Your personal statement also demonstrates your writing ability. Make sure it’s well-written, clear, and free of grammatical errors.
Personal Story: Lastly, don’t forget the “personal” in personal statement. Use anecdotes and personal experiences to tell a compelling story and make your statement unique.

Remember, while it’s important to cover these points, each program may have specific instructions or questions for the personal statement. Make sure to answer these directly and thoroughly. And, of course, always be authentic—your personal statement should reflect who you truly are.

Writing a graduate school personal statement for Harvard University, or any other prestigious institution, is a matter of conveying your personal goals, experiences, and qualifications in an engaging, thoughtful, and persuasive way.

Here’s a comprehensive guide, supplemented with examples, on how you might go about it:

Understand the requirements: Start by ensuring that you grasp what Harvard is looking for. Different graduate programs may have varying requirements or prompts for the personal statement. Be clear about the application instructions, word limits and the exact nature of the query.
Self-reflection: Reflect on your journey, both academically and professionally. What experiences have shaped your desire to pursue this specific program? What are your long-term objectives? Your reflections will help to substantiate why you’re applying to Harvard and why you’ve opted for this particular area of study.
Introduction: An engaging opening line that gives the reader a glimpse into your story, such as “Growing up in a low-income community, I experienced firsthand how social determinants could negatively influence health outcomes.”
Body: Here, discuss your experiences, achievements, and challenges. This can include academic accomplishments, such as “My passion for addressing health inequities propelled me to major in Public Health at XYZ University, where I graduated with a 3.8 GPA.” You could also discuss work or internship experiences: “As a Health Coordinator at ABC Nonprofit, I led a team that implemented health programs in underserved areas, reducing preventable diseases by 25% within a year.” The key is to make sure you’re demonstrating your skills, capabilities, and personal growth.
Conclusion: Summarize your key points, emphasize why you’re the right candidate for the program, and express your long-term goals or vision.
Write your draft: Use your outline as a guide and begin writing. Stay genuine and use your own voice. The admission committee wants to get to know you as an individual, so feel free to include personal experiences that shaped your professional journey.
Be specific and relevant: Share specific experiences or achievements that are directly relevant to the program you’re applying to. Demonstrating how you’ve leveraged opportunities or overcome challenges will show that you’ve done your research and understand what the program entails.
Explain why Harvard: It’s essential to show that you understand what Harvard offers and how it aligns with your career objectives. For instance, “Harvard’s emphasis on health equity and social justice aligns with my career goals. The university’s multidisciplinary approach and global perspective would broaden my understanding of public health.”
Review and revise: After completing your first draft, set aside time to review and revise it. You’re looking for grammatical errors, awkward phrasing, or unclear points. Aim to present a polished and professional statement.
Seek feedback: Ask professors, mentors, colleagues, or career center counselors to review your personal statement and offer feedback. Their perspective may help you improve the clarity and impact of your statement.
Finalize your statement: Based on the feedback, revise your personal statement. Make sure it accurately represents your goals, experiences, and reasons for applying to Harvard.
Proofread: Rigorously proofread your statement one last time before submitting it, ensuring there are no typographical or grammatical errors.

Your personal statement should be an authentic reflection of your passion for your chosen field of study. It should showcase your readiness for graduate-level work and your potential to contribute to the field.

When I journey back through the corridors of my childhood memories, tracing the footsteps of my past, I invariably find myself in a room where a nine-year-old girl is fervently sketching a societal map in her graph copy. This was my routine, a pastime I indulged in whenever time allowed. I would be engrossed in creating diagrams of my envisioned society. This practice of map-making allowed me to actualize my dream of a model society onto the medium of paper, my sole aspiration being universal access to all amenities for its members. As time unfurled, I grew and evolved, leaving this cherished activity nestled in the recesses of the past. Nevertheless, it shaped my personality, fostering in me a heightened sensitivity to emerging problems and a passion for crafting solutions. This passion led me to the field of Economics, with a unique ability to frame social dilemmas as problem statements. My interest has particularly gravitated towards the Ph.D. program in Public Policy with an emphasis on Economic Policy at Harvard University, primarily because it coalesces with my overarching passion and career trajectory.

From the early stages of my life, I developed an affinity for in-depth reasoning and meticulous research, often immersing myself in the smallest of details. This inclination led me down the path to pursue an undergraduate degree in Chemistry. Concurrently, my unwavering desire to solve societal issues introduced me to the world of Economics. This resonated so deeply with my intrinsic beliefs that I felt an irresistible draw towards this field. Thus marked a pivotal juncture in my life, one that required me to make a challenging decision: to undertake my Economics studies in the evenings, parallel to my ongoing Chemistry majors in the morning.

I was indeed fortunate to have successfully completed both undergraduate degrees concurrently. Juggling time management, exam preparation, assignment submissions, strict deadlines, and the art of multitasking while weathering the storm of challenges not only honed my practical skills but also molded me into a more accountable individual. This dual-degree experience did more than just put my abilities to the test at an advanced level—it equipped me with a unique cocktail of competencies in estimation, analysis, reasoning, and detailed research, setting me apart from my peers.

Subsequently, my Master’s in Economics further refined and amplified my skill set, guiding my career choice towards Economic development, which hinges heavily on growth and its influence on strategic affairs management.

My aspiration for public service found its realization when I was appointed Assistant Director at the Federal Reserve Bank. Armed with a well-rounded skill set and a solid foundation in both the sciences and social sciences, the FRB served as the ideal platform where I could harness my abilities for the public good. It acted as a bridge, connecting my dream of providing my society with the best resources and my potential to serve as a policymaker. This role enabled me to tackle issues springing from resource mismanagement and policy voids head-on. Given that the FRB stands as the sentinel of financial stability, it possesses a profound capacity to influence the lives of the masses through its policies.

Within a short span at the FRB, I was assigned to the policy and regulations department at the Deposit Protection Corporation. Here, I made substantial contributions to projects such as the enhancement of DPC’s mandate, the policy for periodic review of coverage levels, and the risk assessment of member institutions.

Beyond my professional obligations, I also dedicated time to volunteer with various organizations, collecting donations for the less fortunate and educating school children. This engagement amplifies my positive impact within the community, balancing my professional duties with my interest in societal betterment.

The reputation of Harvard as a pioneering institution in fostering critical thought and generating innovative solutions has always intrigued me. The Ph.D. program’s unique interdisciplinary approach, which bridges the gap between economic theories and public policy applications, will significantly enhance my understanding of how economic principles can inform effective policy-making. Specific elements of the program that captivate my attention include the opportunity to work closely with esteemed faculty members, renowned for their research and contribution in the field of Economic Policy. I am particularly drawn to Professor X’s work on fiscal policy and its social implications, which is closely aligned with my own interests. Moreover, the rich variety of courses offered, such as ‘Economic Strategies for Public Policy’ and ‘Quantitative Methods in Public Policy’, will equip me with the necessary tools and expertise to formulate impactful policies.

Finally, my long-term plans involve returning to the FRB to make an effective contribution as a more equipped and enlightened policymaker. I am convinced that undertaking studies in the US, with its rigorous curriculum, advanced research methodologies, and comprehensive analytical approaches, will nudge me closer to the realization of my dream. I am an economist, a policymaker, a volunteer, a budding educationist, a researcher, and a deposit insurer, ceaselessly driven by my eagerness to learn from and engage with individuals of diverse backgrounds.

Your personal statement is articulate, insightful, and displays a deep commitment to both academic and public service. However, I would like to suggest a few areas that might help improve the effectiveness of your essay and potentially strengthen its impact on the reader.

Clarity and Structure: (8.5/10) Your essay follows a logical progression, transitioning from your childhood, to education, to professional experience, and finally, to future aspirations. You have nicely encapsulated your journey with an emphasis on the interdisciplinary nature of your interests. However, the transition from Chemistry to Economics could use some more explanation. Try to draw parallels between the two or describe how Chemistry enhanced your understanding of Economics.
Content: (8/10) The content is engaging and rich. Your experiences, responsibilities, and achievements are well-highlighted. Still, I’d suggest emphasizing a bit more on the practical applications of your theoretical knowledge. Try to provide more concrete examples of how you’ve applied your Economics knowledge in real-world situations. Mention the outcomes of your projects at the Deposit Protection Corporation – what was the impact of these initiatives?
Passion and Commitment: (9/10) Your passion for economic policy and societal betterment are evident. The way you described your childhood interests evolving into your current academic and professional pursuits is commendable. The enthusiasm you show for the interdisciplinary Ph.D. program at Harvard is also a great way to show alignment with their program.
Originality: (8/10) The personal statement is original and offers a unique perspective, combining Chemistry and Economics. However, try to present your personal story and journey in a more unique way. Perhaps you could share a particular event or encounter that deeply influenced your decision to pursue a career in economic policy.
Grammar and Style: (9/10) The essay is grammatically sound and the language used is sophisticated and appropriate for a personal statement. The tone is formal, yet personal. It’s important to keep the language natural and not overly complex.

Recommendations:

Clarity and Structure: Add a little more about your transition from Chemistry to Economics. Show how one has informed or complemented the other.
Content: Highlight more concrete examples of your work. Show the outcomes and impacts of your projects, not just your role.
Originality: Try to include more unique experiences or perspectives that will make your application stand out from the others.
Grammar and Style: Maintain the formal yet personal tone, but ensure your language is natural and easy to follow.

Overall, this is a compelling personal statement that shows your dedication, experience, and potential. I would give it an overall rating of 8.5 out of 10. With the recommendations suggested, I believe you could increase that score even further. Remember, the key is to let your passion and dedication shine through while presenting clear, concise, and specific examples of your experiences and achievements. Good luck with your application!

WANT MORE AMAZING ARTICLES ON GRAD SCHOOL PERSONAL STATEMENTS?

100+ Outstanding Examples of Personal Statements
The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Winning Personal Statement
Common Pitfalls to Avoid in Your Personal Statement
Writing a Killer Opening Paragraph for Your Personal Statement
Ideal Length for a Graduate School Personal Statement
100 Inspiring Quotes to Jumpstart Your Personal Statement

100+ Grad School Personal Statement Examples

Introduction Importance of a Strong Personal Statement A personal statement is essential in the graduate school application process, as it plays a significant role in shaping the admissions committee's perception of you. In fact, a survey conducted by the Council of...

UCLA Personal Statement Example

The following personal statement was written by an applicant who was admitted to UCLA. This personal statement is intended to provide an example of a successful essay for a top school like UCLA. Sample Personal Statement for UCLA I fear the remote thought of being the...

Example LSE Personal Statement in Economics

The following personal statement is written by an applicant who got accepted to Masters’s program in Local Economic Development at London School of Economics. Read this essay to understand what a top Personal Statement in economics should look like. Sample Personal...

Sample Cambridge Personal Statement Computer Science

Cambridge is one of the most prestigious universities in the world and among the most competitive global schools. The following essay was written by an applicant who got accepted to Cambridge's Ph.D. program in Computer science program. Read her essay to understand...

Sample MIT Statement of Objectives

MIT's graduate school requires applicants to write a statement of objectives, mostly for Ph.D. program. The objectives statement tells MIT why you want to do graduate work in your chosen area of research. The statement should contain technical jargon that reflects...

WANT AMAZING ARTICLES ON GRAD SCHOOL PERSONAL STATEMENTS?