Crafting Personal Statements And Letters Of Intent
Providing a statement is commonly requested as part of your application package for graduate and professional school or post-graduate programs. The statement helps the admissions committee learn more about you beyond your academic transcript and resume or CV. More specifically, its an opportunity to provide them with a sense of who you are and what your motivations are.
However, writing an impactful statement can be a daunting task. You may be asking yourself:
- Where do I begin?
- What type of information should I include?
- What exactly is the admissions committee looking for?
- How do I format it?
The goal of this chapter is to provide you with some guidance on the essential components of writing an effective statement.
Disclaimer: Every program and school has their own unique set of admissions requirements and instructions. The expectations for a statement and how to write a statement will differ for each program and school you are applying to. Make sure to research the specific program(s) admission requirements listed on the program and school websites before proceeding.
- Programs may call the statement a Statement of Intent, Letter of Intent, or other names.
- Some schools may set rules for the statement, such as word or page count and formatting requirements.
- Most schools now list the questions they specifically would like you to answer or address in your statement.
Understanding The Difference: Personal Statement vs. Statement Of Intent
Graduate and professional programs may ask for a personal statement, statement of intent, or letter of intent—sometimes using these terms interchangeably. While all aim to explain your interest in the program, your background, and your goals, some programs may specifically request one type over the other.
In general, your statement should address:
- What motivates you to apply.
- How your academic and professional experiences have prepared you.
- Your research interests or areas of specialization.
- How the program supports your future career goals.
Understanding the difference between a personal statement and a statement of intent will help you tailor your writing effectively.
| Statement of intent | Focuses on your academic and research interests and how they align with the program.
Purpose: To explain what you plan to study and how your background supports your success in the program. Include:
Tone: Focused, academic, and goal-oriented. |
| Personal Statement |
Focuses on your personal journey and how your experiences have shaped your interest in the field. Purpose: To explain why you’re pursuing this area of study and how your background has prepared you. Include:
Tone: Reflective, narrative, and personal—while remaining professional. |
Steps For Writing A Statement
Click on the steps listed in the accordion below for more information and tips on how to write your statement.
Highlight Relevant Skills
Highlighting discipline-specific skills in your statement to show how your experiences have prepared you for the program and demonstrate your potential to succeed. This helps admissions committees see the connection between your background, your goals, and the competencies needed for graduate study.
In addition to these suggested skills, you may want to explore the eight Science Professional Competencies McMaster Science students develop that prepare them for diverse career paths. Learn more about these competencies here.
Elements Of A Strong Written Statement
- Be specific: Describe your experiences and accomplishments with detail.
- Write clearly: Avoid run-on sentences and technical jargon.
- Show program knowledge: Demonstrate that you’ve researched the program.
- Outline career goals: Explain how the program fits into your future.
- Highlight relevant skills: Connect your competencies to your career path and grad studies.
- Use a professional tone: Keep your writing formal and focused.
- Avoid clichés and generalities: Phrases like “I’ve always wanted to be a doctor” or “I want to help people” are too vague.
Example of a strong statement excerpt
As an undergraduate, I volunteered with the Community Health Access Network (CHAN), a non-profit offering free health screenings and educational resources to low-income immigrant and refugee populations in the downtown core. I coordinated outreach efforts, set up mobile clinics, and assisted with screenings for hypertension, diabetes, and cholesterol. Working closely with families facing language barriers and limited access to care, I witnessed the critical role of early detection and preventive health services. This experience deepened my understanding of the social determinants of health and sparked a commitment to addressing healthcare inequities. It also strengthened my communication, organizational, and cross-cultural collaboration skills. Motivated by these insights, I am pursuing a Master of Public Health to gain the analytical and policy development tools needed to design evidence-based interventions that improve health outcomes for underserved communities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Additional resources and readings to explore:
Need more support with building your application materials?
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Enrol in SCIENCE 2C00: Skills for Career Success in Science — for guidance on developing essential career skills and become eligible for co-op and experiential education opportunities.
Explore these additional chapters:
- Introduction To Science Professional Competencies
- Creating Your Résumé And CV
- Writing A Cover Letter
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