what is a personal statement vs letter

Cover Letter vs Personal Statement [With Examples]

When it comes to applying for a job or a graduate program, you may come across two common requirements: a cover letter and a personal statement. While they may seem similar, there are key differences between the two that every applicant should be aware of. In this article, we'll explore what a personal statement and a cover letter are, when they are used, their similarities and differences, and provide examples of each.

What is a Personal Statement?

A personal statement is a brief essay that highlights your skills, experiences, and goals. It is usually required for graduate school applications, but it can also be requested by employers. The purpose of a personal statement is to demonstrate your fit for a program or a position by showcasing your unique qualifications and motivations.

A personal statement should be well-crafted and tailored to the specific program or position you are applying for. It should showcase your strengths and demonstrate your passion for your field. Your personal statement should also highlight any relevant experiences, such as research projects or internships, that have prepared you for the program or position you are applying for.

What is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a one-page document that accompanies your resume when applying for a job. It is a formal letter that introduces you to a potential employer and explains why you are interested in the job and how your skills and experiences make you a good fit for the position.

A cover letter should be personalized for each job application and should not simply restate your resume. It should highlight your skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job, and explain how you will add value to the organization. A well-crafted cover letter can help you stand out from other applicants and can increase your chances of getting an interview.

When is Each Used?

A personal statement is typically used for graduate school applications, while a cover letter is used for job applications. However, there may be some overlap in certain situations, such as when applying for a job in academia or research, where a personal statement may be requested instead of a cover letter.

Similarities

Both a personal statement and a cover letter are used to showcase your qualifications and explain why you are a good fit for a program or a position. They are both formal documents that require careful attention to detail and should be tailored to the specific program or position you are applying for.

Differences

The main difference between a personal statement and a cover letter is their purpose. A personal statement is meant to demonstrate your fit for a program and showcase your unique qualifications and motivations, while a cover letter is meant to introduce you to a potential employer and explain why you are interested in the job and how your skills and experiences make you a good fit for the position.

Another key difference is their length. A personal statement is typically longer than a cover letter and may be several pages, while a cover letter is usually one page or less.

Cover Letter Examples

Example 1: marketing coordinator cover letter.

Why this works: This cover letter is tailored to the specific job and company, highlighting the candidate's relevant experience and achievements. The tone is professional and enthusiastic, showing the candidate's passion for the industry and desire to contribute to the company's success.

Example 2: Sales Representative Cover Letter

Why this works: This cover letter focuses on the candidate's sales experience and achievements, emphasizing their ability to meet and exceed targets and build strong relationships with clients. The language is confident and persuasive, showing the candidate's ability to sell themselves and their skills.

Example 3: Human Resources Manager Cover Letter

Why this works: This cover letter highlights the candidate's extensive HR experience and achievements, showing their ability to lead and innovate in the field. The tone is professional and confident, demonstrating the candidate's ability to establish credibility and build relationships with stakeholders.

Example 4: Graphic Designer Cover Letter

Why this works: This cover letter showcases the candidate's design skills and experience, emphasizing their ability to create compelling visuals and drive user engagement. The tone is enthusiastic and passionate, conveying the candidate's love for design and eagerness to contribute to the company's creative vision.

Personal Statement Examples

Example 1: medical school personal statement.

Why this works: This personal statement is focused on the candidate's motivation and passion for medicine, demonstrating their commitment to the field and their desire to make a difference. The language is clear and concise, showing the candidate's ability to communicate their ideas effectively.

Example 2: Law School Personal Statement

Why this works: This personal statement is focused on the candidate's motivation and passion for law, demonstrating their commitment to social justice and their desire to use the law as a tool for positive change. The language is clear and persuasive, showing the candidate's ability to make a compelling argument.

Example 3: MBA Personal Statement

Why this works: This personal statement is focused on the candidate's professional experience and goals, demonstrating their commitment to business leadership and their desire to use the MBA program as a platform for growth and development. The language is clear and results-oriented, showing the candidate's ability to apply their skills and knowledge to real-world problems.

Example 4: Education Personal Statement

Why this works: This personal statement is focused on the candidate's experience and goals as an educator, showing their commitment to teaching, learning, and innovation. The language is clear and enthusiastic, demonstrating the candidate's ability to inspire and motivate both students and colleagues.

Personal Statement vs. Cover Letter: What’s the Difference?

When applying for a job or academic program, you may encounter requirements for both a personal statement and a cover letter. Although these documents might seem similar at first glance, they serve distinct purposes and require different approaches. Understanding the differences between a personal statement and a cover letter is crucial for crafting effective application materials that showcase your strengths and qualifications.

The Purpose of a Personal Statement

A personal statement is a narrative essay that provides insight into your background, experiences, goals, and motivations. This document is typically required for academic programs, scholarships, or specific job applications that seek a deeper understanding of the applicant’s personal and professional journey.

Key Components of a Personal Statement

Introduction:.

• Introduce yourself and provide a brief overview of your background.
• Highlight key experiences that have shaped your goals and aspirations.
• Discuss your academic achievements, professional experiences, and relevant skills.
• Explain your motivations for pursuing the specific program or position.
• Share personal anecdotes or stories that illustrate your dedication and passion.

Conclusion:

• Summarize your main points and restate your enthusiasm for the opportunity.
• Emphasize how the program or position aligns with your long-term goals.

A well-crafted personal statement should be reflective and introspective, offering a comprehensive view of who you are beyond your resume .

The Purpose of a Cover Letter

A cover letter , on the other hand, is a professional document that accompanies your resume when applying for a job. Its primary purpose is to introduce yourself to the employer, highlight your relevant qualifications, and express your interest in the position.

Key Components of a Cover Letter

• Include your contact information, the date, and the employer’s contact details.
• Use a formal salutation to address the hiring manager.
• Mention the position you are applying for and how you found out about it.
• Provide a brief overview of your background and relevant experience.
• Highlight specific skills, experiences, and accomplishments that make you a strong candidate for the position.
• Explain how your qualifications match the job requirements.
• Use concrete examples to demonstrate your achievements and contributions in previous roles.
• Reiterate your enthusiasm for the position and the company.
• Express your willingness to discuss your application further and provide contact information for follow-up.

A cover letter should be concise and focused, clearly linking your qualifications to the job requirements and demonstrating your understanding of the company’s needs.

Key Differences Between Personal Statements and Cover Letters

1. audience and purpose.

• A personal statement is often used in academic contexts and focuses on your personal journey, goals, and motivations.
• A cover letter is used in professional contexts and focuses on your qualifications and fit for a specific job.

2. Content and Tone

• Personal statements are more narrative and introspective, offering a deeper insight into your character and aspirations.
• Cover letters are more formal and concise, emphasizing your professional achievements and skills.

3. Structure and Length

• Personal statements can be longer and more detailed, typically ranging from one to two pages.
• Cover letters are usually one page in length and follow a structured format with distinct sections.

4. Approach

• Personal statements allow for more creativity and storytelling, enabling you to share personal anecdotes and experiences.
• Cover letters require a direct and focused approach, highlighting your professional qualifications and how they align with the job.

Understanding the differences between a personal statement vs. cover letter is essential for creating compelling application materials. While both documents aim to present you in the best light, they serve different purposes and require distinct approaches. A personal statement delves into your personal and professional journey, offering a comprehensive view of your goals and motivations. In contrast, a cover letter highlights your relevant qualifications and demonstrates your fit for a specific job. By tailoring each document to its intended purpose, you can effectively showcase your strengths and increase your chances of success in both academic and professional pursuits.

Amtec Bitz Newsletters

Latest posts, how to develop a comprehensive construction safety plan.

As construction sites are inherently hazardous environments, developing and implementing a robust safety plan is crucial.

How to Become a Pyrotechnician

If you’re passionate about fireworks and dream of creating your own displays, a career as a pyrotechnician might be for you.

Understanding the differences between a personal statement and a cover letter is essential for creating compelling application materials.

Are personal statements the new cover letter?

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Applying for a job is already daunting enough, but do you know whether you should be using a cover letter or personal statement to get traction?

While there has been a wide array of research completed on how many hiring managers read the coverage, while others scan it in 5-10 seconds. That being said, a well crafted cover letter or tailored personal statement can be the difference you need to stand out from the rest.

Find out the difference between a cover letter and a personal statement, and explore the advantages and disadvantages of both, so you can reach an informed decision for your next application.

Cover letters vs personal statements

Writing a personal statement is more reflective of your professional story, your work ethic and your beliefs. This can be written in a letter format and attached to your CV, but is most commonly included on the CV as a precursor to your job history and experience.

Writing a cover letter is the best course of action if you prefer a formal introduction to a hiring manager before they read your CV. It will typically address how appropriate you are for the role, pull out relevant experience and detail why you want the job.

Related:  How to write an effective CV: best practice tips for job success

What are the advantages of using a cover letter?

•    you can pitch yourself separately from your cv.

Writing a cover letter gives you the freedom to pitch yourself separately from your CV. This is useful because it means having to make fewer amendments to your CV with each job application you make and also gives you the space to go into specific detail—something a CV would not have room to accommodate.

•    You can target it towards the job you’re applying for

Job applications are at their most effective when tailored to the role at hand. Writing a fresh, specific and targeted cover letter for each role you apply for will increase your chances of securing an interview. Try picking out key responsibilities in the job description and matching your skills to them.

•    You can address it to the hiring manager

The function of a cover letter is to be a written introduction to a potential employer. This gives you the valuable opportunity to personalise it with the hiring manager’s name. A survey by Saddleback College showed that 33% of employers expect a tailored CV for job applications.

What are the disadvantages of using a cover letter?

•    it takes longer to apply for a job.

Setting aside time to write a personalised cover letter for each position will take significantly longer than if you were to resort to canvasing with a generic CV. Aside from the time taken to match skills to job roles and pitch effectively, time also needs to be set aside for proof reading and checks to avoid embarrassing mistakes .

•    There’s potential for rambling

Because a personal statement usually sits on a CV, it needs to be a short paragraph to avoid clutter. Cover letters are longer than personal statements, leaving plenty of additional room for unnecessary detail which could result in a loss of reader interest.

What are the advantages of using a personal statement?

•    quicker applications.

Applying for jobs can be a lot faster if you don’t need to type out a personalised cover letter for each role. You will need to amend your CV slightly to showcase relevant experience for the job at hand, but the work is significantly less, leaving you free to apply to multiple opportunities in half the time.

•    Shows your passion

A personal statement is designed to show passion for a career path and tell more of a personal story. It departs from the formality of a cover letter and so gives an employer a much better feel for your career goals and whether you are a fit for company culture.

•    Demonstrates skills in concision

A CV may demonstrate an ability to tailor content to a specific readership, but a personal statement is an excellent display of the ability to give relevant information in a concise way. Because you have limited space, you’ll need to be selective about the information you include.

What are the disadvantages of using a personal statement?

•    more cv tweaking.

Although a CV will always require some degree of editing to make it appropriate for each role, relying solely on a personal statement means much more editing on your part. This leaves more room for errors and accidents in a place where information is at its most crucial.

•    Too generic

Passion and cultural fit may be high on many hiring managers’ agendas, but so is candidate relevance. Personal statements tend to remain far too generic, and so fail to give the full picture as to how well your experience and skill set fit role requirements.

Your CV is an essential part of your job search process. Our advice on CVs and cover letters will help you avoid common CV mistakes and write the perfect cover letter to create a winning job application.  If you’re looking for interview tips, visit our interview advice section .

Important Differences Between a Personal Statement and a Cover Letter

One is personal, the other is professional. One is abstract, the other is concrete. A personal statement is a succinct essay where you tell your prospective employer about yourself. For example, you can say that you're a good worker. On the other hand, a cover letter highlights your professional experience. Also known as a letter of intent, a cover letter tells an employer that you are the best person for the job because you have this number of years of experience or you led that team to unprecedented success.

Another important difference is how you use these. Place your personal statement in a prominent space on your resumé. Tweak it according to the values and culture of the company you are submitting your resumé to. Conversely, submit your cover letter as a document separate from your resumé.

Both documents relay the value you can bring to a company. However, knowing the distinction between the two can be advantageous so you can use either or both to really show off your skills. Learn how to write a personal statement letter that can perfectly complement your cover letter. Let JobStreet show you how.

A personal statement focuses on you; a cover letter focuses on the job.

The main topic for your personal statement must be yourself in relation to the company you are pursuing. Write about how your educational background shaped you into who you are today. Share general experiences that will show your employer your values and skills Your goal is to show the employer who you are as a person and as a worker.

For example:

"Six months ago, I graduated with a degree in Communications. Now, I am eager to begin a career using what I've learned. In my senior year, I worked as our university paper's editor-in-chief, which we printed and also published online. My work there sharpened my writing, editing, and people skills."

Your cover letter, on the other hand, must focus on how well-suited you are to the position you are applying for. Specify which of your top-tier professional experiences make you the best candidate for the job.

"I am interested in the position of content writer for your company. Currently, I am a writer for Scidev.com; my tasks include monitoring the news daily in developing countries and submitting weekly story pitches to my editor. In just six months, I published 75 articles; 25 of those were shared widely on social media.

I believe this has prepared me to be an efficient and effective content writer."

Read: 5 Ways to Highlight Your Best Personal Qualities in Your Resumé

A personal statement is short; a cover letter, longer.

Keep your statement down to a concise paragraph of five or six sentences. Make sure you include the following:

• Where you currently stand in your career—" Currently, I am an IT professional specialising in cybersecurity. I began my career as a white hat hacker. I hold four certifications in ethical hacking."
• The value you'll bring to any company— "I conduct security assessments on different operating systems, cloud networks, computer systems, and wireless networks. My experience gives me a well-rounded knowledge of various platforms."
• Your career goals— "Looking for a career in cybersecurity where I can apply my skills, and learn more to also be able to develop security software."

Since your cover letter will talk about more specifics about your career goals and qualifications, it can be half a page to a page long; no more. Remember to mention the following:

• The position you are applying for— "I am interested in the position of pre-school English teacher, which you advertised for on JobStreet. "
• How your skills match the skills required by the position— "I hold a bachelor's degree in early childhood education. In the past two years, I have worked directly with toddlers at a pre-school. I adhere to an inquiry-based teaching method, and have excellent written and oral English communication skills."
• Why you are the best person for the job— "I believe my natural connection with children and desire for continuous learning along with them make me well-suited for this job."

Read: CV vs Resumé: Knowing Which One to Use Can Boost Your Chances

A personal statement concludes with a summary of your skills and goals; a cover letter wraps up with a note of thanks.

Let your statement begin and end with why you are an ideal candidate. Stay with this topic—do not introduce the story of a new passion in your conclusion.

"My two years working as an ER intern have not only sharpened my trauma skills. It has also trained me to be self-motivated, compassionate, and reliable. My goal is to use these skills and learn much more as an ER resident."

Conclude your cover letter by thanking your potential employer for their time and consideration. Then include a call to action.

"Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. Your trauma programme is above par, and I hope to be able to contribute to it as a member of your trauma team. My resumé is attached, and I would be happy to share with you any other information you may need."

A personal statement is inherently vague about any job applications since it focuses on you and your work. It gives any potential employers a peek into your persona. On the other hand, a cover letter mentions specifics, and it answers how you fit within the company.

Update your JobStreet profile today so you can begin composing your personal statement and cover letter. Put #WorkNow in your profile to let employers know you are ready to work. Then visit JobStreet's Career Resources Hub for more expert career advice.

At JobStreet, we believe in bringing you #JobsThatMatter. As a Career Partner, we are committed to helping all jobseekers find passion and purpose in every career choice. And as the number 1 Talent Partner in Asia, we connect employers with the right candidates who truly make a positive and lasting impact on the organisation.

Discover Jobs That Matter. Visit JobStreet today.

About SEEK Asia

SEEK Asia , a combination of two leading brands JobStreet and jobsDB, is the leading job portal and Asia's preferred destination for candidates and hirers. SEEK Asia's presence span across 7 countries, namely Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, and Vietnam. SEEK Asia is part of the Australian Securities Exchange-listed SEEK Limited Company, the world's largest job portal by market capitalisation. SEEK Asia attracts over 400 million visits a year.

About SEEK Limited

SEEK is a diverse group of companies, comprising a strong portfolio of online employment, educational, commercial and volunteer businesses. SEEK has a global presence (including Australia, New Zealand, China, Hong Kong, South-East Asia, Brazil, and Mexico), with exposure to over 2.9 billion people and approximately 27 per cent of global GDP. SEEK makes a positive contribution to people's lives on a global scale. SEEK is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange, where it is a top 100 company and has been listed in the Top 20 Most Innovative Companies by Forbes.

Top search terms

Popular on jobstreet, explore related topics, subscribe to career advice.

Personal Statements vs. Cover Letters: What’s the Difference?

The main difference between Personal Statements and Cover Letters is that Personal Statements focus on who you are, while Cover Letters emphasize why you’re a good fit for a specific job.

Before we move to more differences, let’s first understand Personal Statements and Cover Letters:

Major differences between Personal Statements and Cover Letters

You can see other “differences between…” posts by clicking here .

If you have a related query, kindly feel free to let me know in the comments below.

We are aware of a global phishing scam with employees from companies impersonated across email, WhatsApp, and Telegram. We are confident that no PageGroup system has been breached.  Find out how to protect yourself  and the signs to look out for

Personal Statements: Examples, Do's and Don'ts

As the name suggests, a personal statement is unique to everyone, but that does not mean there are not specific personal statement rules and guidelines to follow. Being able to quickly showcase your skills, personality and job fit can be challenging, so we are here to shed some light on structuring a personal statement that’ll make you stand out from the crowd. 

In this guide, we will be looking at how to write a personal statement and the do’s and don’ts. By the end, you should have a better idea of how to structure a personal statement and impress your potential new employers.

💡 Note: We will be covering professional personal statements and not personal statements for University admissions in this article.

What is a personal statement?

Often confused with a cover letter or supporting statement, a personal statement is a small section on various forms of CVs. A personal statement is often no more than a few sentences where you can quickly summarise your skills, experience and job fit into a bitesize paragraph. 

A personal statement gives you the opportunity to briefly sell yourself to your potential employer and showcase why you are the best candidate for the role. It is important to note that not all employers will require a personal statement, but if done correctly they can help set you apart from other applicants. 

What makes a good personal statement? 

As a personal statement is essentially a summary of the rest of your CV and you as a person, you want to ensure you list all the most important things from your CV that are the most relevant to the job you are applying for. You should never use the same personal statement, when applying for multiple jobs you can use a similar statement for each, but it should be tailored to each individual role if possible. 

How to start a personal statement 

Start your personal statement by introducing yourself and set the tone for the rest of your personal statement.

You want to capture the employer’s interest and summarise exactly why you are a perfect fit for the role. Most personal statement examples start with saying the role you are currently in, how much industry experience you have and key achievements or relevant skills and statistics. 

How to finish a personal statement 

A good way to finish your personal statement is to summarise your overall goal or aim when moving forwards towards this job and your career.  This means you have spoken about the past, present and future, in just a few lines and gives the employer a good idea of you and your potential. 

How to finish a personal statement can vary from role to role, but this is a good rule of thumb and will stand you in good stead, as with any application, tailor it to the job, some may call for this, some may not.

Personal statement do’s

• Tailor your personal statement - utilise the job description to help you highlight exactly what the employer is looking for, highlight the skills and experience it calls for. The job description is the blueprint to your personal statement for that role, so try and signpost your abilities from the exact things the employer is looking for.
• Be concise - ensure that you keep your personal statement short and relevant, aim for the maximum of a few lines or around 200 words at most. Find the most important and relevant things that you can say within that word count.
• Highlight you - candidates have a habit of being too generic and not showcasing themselves, it is called a personal statement, so keep it personal to you. Personal does not mean talking about your dog though, but how you personally can succeed at this job.
• Include tangibles - always try to give additional details that add value to your application, for instance, quantifying something always makes it sound better. ‘Increased sales by 35%’ sounds better than just saying ‘increased sales’.
• Hit key points - a good personal statement will be able to give the employer a quick summary of you and entice them to read more or move you forward to the interview stage.
• Get a second opinion - having someone else read over your personal statement can be a real help, they may spot something you haven’t or not understand something the way you had intended. This will help improve your finished personal statement.  

Personal statement don’ts

• Use the same wording - you can actually hurt your own chances if you use an overly generic personal statement. You want to show that you have put effort into your application and impress the employer.
• Make it too long - candidates will often confuse their personal statement with a cover letter, this is a short rundown of you, focus on skills, successes, and statistics, things that can be quickly digested. Grab their attention with your personal statement, but do not bore them with an essay.
• Go too personal - this may sound strange, but remember you are writing a professional application, and not setting up a dating profile. Focus on what you can bring to the company, and how your skills would be perfect for the role.
• Send off your first draft - always read over your personal statement a few times to make sure it flows right and rolls off the tongue. Having a spelling or grammar mistake can ruin your chances of getting the job.
• Be too broad - showing that you understood the job description and are a good candidate for the role can be evident if you have a good personal statement, but being too broad will make you look like you copy and pasted the same response to 20 applications.

What next? 

Now you have a better understanding on how to structure your personal statement to increase your chances of getting your new role, you want to start your job search . Currently at Michael Page, we have over 10,000 live jobs on the site so submit your CV today to become discoverable for new roles added in your industry. 

For more CV and cover letter advice , read through our collective library of articles that’ll help you create a winning CV. 

Download your Job Applicant Toolkit

Want more tips on navigating your job search and landing your dream role? 

Is your CV updated and ready to go?

 Submit today to become discoverable to all our live roles.

Related articles

This website has app functionality. Add it to your home screen for fast access and offline features.

The Puzzle: Blog

• CandidateConnect Login
• ORM School Login
• cSMS Retained Search Login
• CS&A Internship Portal
• CS&A News and Events
• Internal Jobs at CS&A
• Working with Carney Sandoe
• Get Started – Our Application
• Leadership Positions
• Positions by Subject Area
• Hiring Conferences
• For College Students
• Success Stories
• Placement or Retained Search?
• Become a Member School
• List a Position
• Why Retain the Search Group?
• Implicit Bias Training for Search Committees
• Search Consultants
• Current Searches
• Recent Leadership Appointments
• Head of School Practice
• Key Administrator Practice
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Practice
• Catholic Schools Practice
• International Schools Practice
• TBG – Admission & Enrollment Management Practice
• Development & Finance Practice
• Leadership Coaching
• Board Governance
• Search Group Newsletter
• Contact Our Search Group
• The CS&A Consulting Advantage
• The Consulting Team
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Consulting
• TBG – Admission & Enrollment Management Consulting
• TBG – Admission Office Assessments
• Contact Our Consulting Group
• CS&A Women’s* Institute
• Women in Leadership
• DEIB Resources
• FORUM/Los Angeles
• FORUM/Boston
• FORUM/Atlanta
• FORUM/San Francisco
• Health & Safety Guidelines
• The Green Mountain Institute
• The Well Institute
• TBG Crow’s Nest Institute
• Gardner Carney Leadership Institute
• Women’s* Institute

If you’re zipping through the documents  in your CS&A candidate file, checking “to-be-completed” items off a list ( resume : check. transcripts: check. references : check.), you might pause when you come to the personal statement. Burdened by personal and professional commitments (those papers aren’t going to grade themselves), you might decide that you can skip it. You’ll be sending cover letters to each school that interests you anyway. And how different can the two documents be?

If this is the way you’re thinking, you’re missing an opportunity to demonstrate who you are without the constraints of addressing a particular school. Here are some key differences between a cover letter and a  personal statement —both important parts of your candidate file.

1. Cover Letter = Them. Personal Statement = You

While to a certain extent every document you submit during your application process is for and about the school to which you’re applying, the cover letter presents a more direct opportunity to specify the attributes of a particular school that align with your past successes and future plans.  The inherent vagueness of the personal statement allows you to discuss yourself more generally, without having to fit into the mold of a specific school.

2.  Presenting All Tiers of Your Experience

We all have them: the “top tier” experience in our resumes. These are the positions with the best titles, the coolest opportunities, the real “turning points” in our careers. When you’re writing a cover letter, you need to address your top tier experiences, as well as any experience you’ve had that’s directly related to the opportunity at hand. That’s a lot of showcasing to do in one page.

Your personal statement provides an opportunity to highlight some of your “second tier” experiences—the ones that may have lasted for a shorter time or occurred years ago, but that may have made a real difference in the formation of your career. Your personal statement should complement—not completely echo—your cover letter. The two documents together allow you to flesh out some parts of your history that you may have had to rush by submitting solely a cover letter.

3.  Hook ’em With a Story

Blank space on a cover letter is precious: you need to seamlessly condense your life story and catch your reader’s attention in a page or less. There’s not much room for the “softer” elements of presentation, like an anecdote that explains why you began teaching or a story that embodies why you love what you do.

There is room for that, however, in your personal statement. You have more room for creativity when you’re complementing—not highlighting—your accomplishments, and this creativity can create a rounder portrait of who you are.

4.  Personality

The personal statement is just that: personal. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate your personality, tone of voice, and outlook in a very real way. Spend some time writing it and making it excellent: in the initial stages of your job application, the personal statement will do a lot of the heavy lifting in answering questions about what kind of educator and person you are. Whether you make it funny, touching, or smart, be sure to make it yours.

Back to Blog

Leave a Comment

West Sharon 10/12/2020 at 9:18am

Extension of your professional goals: Some statements for job applications may include specific reference to your goals and how the position can help you achieve those goals. For a university personal statement, reinforce how the school s mission or coursework can prepare you for a career. In both types of statements, consider discussing relevant short- and long-term goals, such as what you hope to achieve in the school or position and where you see yourself in 5-10 years. Summary of your personal statement: A brief summary of the main points in your statement can be an effective strategy for a one-sentence conclusion or one sentence of a larger conclusion. Be sure to connect your achievements, experiences and skills directly to your future contributions with the company or university.

Judith Hansen 9/25/2023 at 8:00am

It’s great that I found this article. I am in need of a statement of purpose writer and I decided to use a statement of purpose writer because I have never written one before. I don’t really know what they are about. Your article helped me to better understand what they are for.

Blog Categories

• Conferences
• CS&A News
• Education News and Trends
• Good In Your Hood
• Landing the Job
• Teachers Who Rock
• The Schoolroom
• Thought Leadership

Carney, Sandoe & Associates | (617) 542-0260 | Interested in finding a school job you love?

My Account / Create Account

Forgot My Password

PracticeMatch Physician Articles

• Cover Letters vs. Personal Statements

Cover Letters vs. Personal Statements Crystal Carter

Not sure how to distinguish cover letters from personal statements? We’re here to help! We’ll break down the parts of each piece of content, as well as what they’re used for. Cover letters and personal statements are both used in many different settings, and both of them serve different purposes. If you’re planning to apply to residency or fellowship, you will need a personal statement, where a cover letter is required when applying for jobs. In the event that you need assistance writing your personal statement, we have written an article about it. You can access that article here .

Cover Letter A cover letter serves the purpose of establishing your qualifications for a position for which you may have applied. Cover letters tend to be more formal and introductory. Your cover letter should be used to expand upon the experience listed on your Curriculum Vitae (CV). Most people make the mistake of writing their cover letter about how the company could help them advance their career, rather than writing about how the company would benefit from hiring them. Your cover letter should not only be about selling your skills to a company, but you should explain how your skills could benefit that company. It is important to tailor your cover letter to each position that you apply for. As easy as it is to go in and replace the company name and job title before submitting a job application, you should also take the time to change the skills and experiences you have included so that they fit the position you’re applying for. Keep in mind that while including your skills and experiences in your cover letter is beneficial, you should make sure that you include the information that best fits the description of each position. Below are some things you should remember when writing your cover letter:

• Highlight the right experiences
• Showcase your skills
• Don’t focus too much on your education
• Avoid apologizing for any missing experience
• Consider including testimonials from your colleagues and supervisors
• Don’t be too formal – an excessive amount of formality makes you seem robotic

Personal Statement If you’re applying for medical school, you will need a personal statement. Personal statements are less formal and more flexible than cover letters. When writing your personal statement, there is no such thing as a “perfect topic”, nor will you have an “aha moment”. You should focus on writing about the experiences that helped you decide on a specialty, and you could even discuss other specialties that you considered. It is also important that you use identifying information in your story to avoid the risk of writing a personal statement that someone else could’ve written. Your personal statement should make you stand out rather than blend in, and should have quality and depth, and be personal and unique to you.

Here are some important reminders for your personal statement:

• Introduce your personal statement with a unique observation or idea that you will further develop in subsequent paragraphs
• Demonstrate the qualities that make you distinct by choosing experiences that highlight your best characteristics
• Show instead of tell – use a story to talk about your qualities
• Explain ways that you intend to help patients, or reasons you want to help patients
• Maintain the focus of your personal statement on the main character – you!
• Explain your thought process, critical thinking, and decision-making abilities
• Use identifying information to write a personal statement that could have only been written by you

Now that you know the difference between cover letters and personal statements, you’re reading to prepare yourself for medical school! If you find that there’s something we missed or something you would just like to share, please reach out to us at [email protected] – we love to hear from you!

Crystal Carter,  Content Marketing Specialist You can stay connected with me on  LinkedIn  for all of the latest PracticeMatch articles and upcoming events.

References:

https://www.shemmassianconsulting.com/blog/medical-school-personal-statement-analysis https://linguaholic.com/linguablog/cover-letter-vs-personal-statement/  

Have a language expert improve your writing

Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.

• Knowledge Base
• Applying to graduate school
• How to Write Your Personal Statement | Strategies & Examples

How to Write Your Personal Statement | Strategies & Examples

Published on February 12, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on July 3, 2023.

A personal statement is a short essay of around 500–1,000 words, in which you tell a compelling story about who you are, what drives you, and why you’re applying.

To write a successful personal statement for a graduate school application , don’t just summarize your experience; instead, craft a focused narrative in your own voice. Aim to demonstrate three things:

• Your personality: what are your interests, values, and motivations?
• Your talents: what can you bring to the program?
• Your goals: what do you hope the program will do for you?

This article guides you through some winning strategies to build a strong, well-structured personal statement for a master’s or PhD application. You can download the full examples below.

Urban Planning Psychology History

Table of contents

Getting started with your personal statement, the introduction: start with an attention-grabbing opening, the main body: craft your narrative, the conclusion: look ahead, revising, editing, and proofreading your personal statement, frequently asked questions, other interesting articles.

Before you start writing, the first step is to understand exactly what’s expected of you. If the application gives you a question or prompt for your personal statement, the most important thing is to respond to it directly.

For example, you might be asked to focus on the development of your personal identity; challenges you have faced in your life; or your career motivations. This will shape your focus and emphasis—but you still need to find your own unique approach to answering it.

There’s no universal template for a personal statement; it’s your chance to be creative and let your own voice shine through. But there are strategies you can use to build a compelling, well-structured story.

The first paragraph of your personal statement should set the tone and lead smoothly into the story you want to tell.

Strategy 1: Open with a concrete scene

An effective way to catch the reader’s attention is to set up a scene that illustrates something about your character and interests. If you’re stuck, try thinking about:

• A personal experience that changed your perspective
• A story from your family’s history
• A memorable teacher or learning experience
• An unusual or unexpected encounter

To write an effective scene, try to go beyond straightforward description; start with an intriguing sentence that pulls the reader in, and give concrete details to create a convincing atmosphere.

Strategy 2: Open with your motivations

To emphasize your enthusiasm and commitment, you can start by explaining your interest in the subject you want to study or the career path you want to follow.

Just stating that it interests you isn’t enough: first, you need to figure out why you’re interested in this field:

• Is it a longstanding passion or a recent discovery?
• Does it come naturally or have you had to work hard at it?
• How does it fit into the rest of your life?
• What do you think it contributes to society?

Tips for the introduction

• Don’t start on a cliche: avoid phrases like “Ever since I was a child…” or “For as long as I can remember…”
• Do save the introduction for last. If you’re struggling to come up with a strong opening, leave it aside, and note down any interesting ideas that occur to you as you write the rest of the personal statement.

Once you’ve set up the main themes of your personal statement, you’ll delve into more detail about your experiences and motivations.

To structure the body of your personal statement, there are various strategies you can use.

Strategy 1: Describe your development over time

One of the simplest strategies is to give a chronological overview of key experiences that have led you to apply for graduate school.

• What first sparked your interest in the field?
• Which classes, assignments, classmates, internships, or other activities helped you develop your knowledge and skills?
• Where do you want to go next? How does this program fit into your future plans?

Don’t try to include absolutely everything you’ve done—pick out highlights that are relevant to your application. Aim to craft a compelling narrative that shows how you’ve changed and actively developed yourself.

My interest in psychology was first sparked early in my high school career. Though somewhat scientifically inclined, I found that what interested me most was not the equations we learned about in physics and chemistry, but the motivations and perceptions of my fellow students, and the subtle social dynamics that I observed inside and outside the classroom. I wanted to learn how our identities, beliefs, and behaviours are shaped through our interactions with others, so I decided to major in Social Psychology. My undergraduate studies deepened my understanding of, and fascination with, the interplay between an individual mind and its social context.During my studies, I acquired a solid foundation of knowledge about concepts like social influence and group dynamics, but I also took classes on various topics not strictly related to my major. I was particularly interested in how other fields intersect with psychology—the classes I took on media studies, biology, and literature all enhanced my understanding of psychological concepts by providing different lenses through which to look at the issues involved.

Strategy 2: Own your challenges and obstacles

If your path to graduate school hasn’t been easy or straightforward, you can turn this into a strength, and structure your personal statement as a story of overcoming obstacles.

• Is your social, cultural or economic background underrepresented in the field? Show how your experiences will contribute a unique perspective.
• Do you have gaps in your resume or lower-than-ideal grades? Explain the challenges you faced and how you dealt with them.

Don’t focus too heavily on negatives, but use them to highlight your positive qualities. Resilience, resourcefulness and perseverance make you a promising graduate school candidate.

Growing up working class, urban decay becomes depressingly familiar. The sight of a row of abandoned houses does not surprise me, but it continues to bother me. Since high school, I have been determined to pursue a career in urban planning. While people of my background experience the consequences of urban planning decisions first-hand, we are underrepresented in the field itself. Ironically, given my motivation, my economic background has made my studies challenging. I was fortunate enough to be awarded a scholarship for my undergraduate studies, but after graduation I took jobs in unrelated fields to help support my parents. In the three years since, I have not lost my ambition. Now I am keen to resume my studies, and I believe I can bring an invaluable perspective to the table: that of the people most impacted by the decisions of urban planners.

Strategy 3: Demonstrate your knowledge of the field

Especially if you’re applying for a PhD or another research-focused program, it’s a good idea to show your familiarity with the subject and the department. Your personal statement can focus on the area you want to specialize in and reflect on why it matters to you.

• Reflect on the topics or themes that you’ve focused on in your studies. What draws you to them?
• Discuss any academic achievements, influential teachers, or other highlights of your education.
• Talk about the questions you’d like to explore in your research and why you think they’re important.

The personal statement isn’t a research proposal , so don’t go overboard on detail—but it’s a great opportunity to show your enthusiasm for the field and your capacity for original thinking.

In applying for this research program, my intention is to build on the multidisciplinary approach I have taken in my studies so far, combining knowledge from disparate fields of study to better understand psychological concepts and issues. The Media Psychology program stands out to me as the perfect environment for this kind of research, given its researchers’ openness to collaboration across diverse fields. I am impressed by the department’s innovative interdisciplinary projects that focus on the shifting landscape of media and technology, and I hope that my own work can follow a similarly trailblazing approach. More specifically, I want to develop my understanding of the intersection of psychology and media studies, and explore how media psychology theories and methods might be applied to neurodivergent minds. I am interested not only in media psychology but also in psychological disorders, and how the two interact. This is something I touched on during my undergraduate studies and that I’m excited to delve into further.

Strategy 4: Discuss your professional ambitions

Especially if you’re applying for a more professionally-oriented program (such as an MBA), it’s a good idea to focus on concrete goals and how the program will help you achieve them.

• If your career is just getting started, show how your character is suited to the field, and explain how graduate school will help you develop your talents.
• If you have already worked in the profession, show what you’ve achieved so far, and explain how the program will allow you to take the next step.
• If you are planning a career change, explain what has driven this decision and how your existing experience will help you succeed.

Don’t just state the position you want to achieve. You should demonstrate that you’ve put plenty of thought into your career plans and show why you’re well-suited to this profession.

One thing that fascinated me about the field during my undergraduate studies was the sheer number of different elements whose interactions constitute a person’s experience of an urban environment. Any number of factors could transform the scene I described at the beginning: What if there were no bus route? Better community outreach in the neighborhood? Worse law enforcement? More or fewer jobs available in the area? Some of these factors are out of the hands of an urban planner, but without taking them all into consideration, the planner has an incomplete picture of their task. Through further study I hope to develop my understanding of how these disparate elements combine and interact to create the urban environment. I am interested in the social, psychological and political effects our surroundings have on our lives. My studies will allow me to work on projects directly affecting the kinds of working-class urban communities I know well. I believe I can bring my own experiences, as well as my education, to bear upon the problem of improving infrastructure and quality of life in these communities.

Tips for the main body

• Don’t rehash your resume by trying to summarize everything you’ve done so far; the personal statement isn’t about listing your academic or professional experience, but about reflecting, evaluating, and relating it to broader themes.
• Do make your statements into stories: Instead of saying you’re hard-working and self-motivated, write about your internship where you took the initiative to start a new project. Instead of saying you’ve always loved reading, reflect on a novel or poem that changed your perspective.

Your conclusion should bring the focus back to the program and what you hope to get out of it, whether that’s developing practical skills, exploring intellectual questions, or both.

Emphasize the fit with your specific interests, showing why this program would be the best way to achieve your aims.

Strategy 1: What do you want to know?

If you’re applying for a more academic or research-focused program, end on a note of curiosity: what do you hope to learn, and why do you think this is the best place to learn it?

If there are specific classes or faculty members that you’re excited to learn from, this is the place to express your enthusiasm.

Strategy 2: What do you want to do?

If you’re applying for a program that focuses more on professional training, your conclusion can look to your career aspirations: what role do you want to play in society, and why is this program the best choice to help you get there?

Tips for the conclusion

• Don’t summarize what you’ve already said. You have limited space in a personal statement, so use it wisely!
• Do think bigger than yourself: try to express how your individual aspirations relate to your local community, your academic field, or society more broadly. It’s not just about what you’ll get out of graduate school, but about what you’ll be able to give back.

You’ll be expected to do a lot of writing in graduate school, so make a good first impression: leave yourself plenty of time to revise and polish the text.

Your style doesn’t have to be as formal as other kinds of academic writing, but it should be clear, direct and coherent. Make sure that each paragraph flows smoothly from the last, using topic sentences and transitions to create clear connections between each part.

Don’t be afraid to rewrite and restructure as much as necessary. Since you have a lot of freedom in the structure of a personal statement, you can experiment and move information around to see what works best.

Finally, it’s essential to carefully proofread your personal statement and fix any language errors. Before you submit your application, consider investing in professional personal statement editing . For $150, you have the peace of mind that your personal statement is grammatically correct, strong in term of your arguments, and free of awkward mistakes.

A statement of purpose is usually more formal, focusing on your academic or professional goals. It shouldn’t include anything that isn’t directly relevant to the application.

A personal statement can often be more creative. It might tell a story that isn’t directly related to the application, but that shows something about your personality, values, and motivations.

However, both types of document have the same overall goal: to demonstrate your potential as a graduate student and s how why you’re a great match for the program.

The typical length of a personal statement for graduate school applications is between 500 and 1,000 words.

Different programs have different requirements, so always check if there’s a minimum or maximum length and stick to the guidelines. If there is no recommended word count, aim for no more than 1-2 pages.

If you’re applying to multiple graduate school programs, you should tailor your personal statement to each application.

Some applications provide a prompt or question. In this case, you might have to write a new personal statement from scratch: the most important task is to respond to what you have been asked.

If there’s no prompt or guidelines, you can re-use the same idea for your personal statement – but change the details wherever relevant, making sure to emphasize why you’re applying to this specific program.

If the application also includes other essays, such as a statement of purpose , you might have to revise your personal statement to avoid repeating the same information.

If you want to know more about college essays , academic writing , and AI tools , make sure to check out some of our other language articles with explanations, examples, and quizzes.

College essays

• College essay examples
• College essay format
• College essay style
• College essay length
• Diversity essays
• Scholarship essays

Academic writing

• Writing process
• Avoiding repetition
• Literature review
• Conceptual framework
• Dissertation outline
• Thesis acknowledgements
• Burned or burnt
• Canceled or cancelled
• Dreamt or dreamed
• Gray or grey
• Theater vs theatre

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

McCombes, S. (2023, July 03). How to Write Your Personal Statement | Strategies & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved July 17, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/graduate-school/personal-statement/

Is this article helpful?

Shona McCombes

Other students also liked, how to write a graduate school resume | template & example, how (and who) to ask for a letter of recommendation, master's vs phd | a complete guide to the differences, get unlimited documents corrected.

✔ Free APA citation check included ✔ Unlimited document corrections ✔ Specialized in correcting academic texts

What is the difference between a supporting statement and a cover letter?

In this competitive job market, crafting a strong application is crucial for securing an interview. Employers often request written documents as part of your application, and you may find yourself asked to submit either a supporting statement or a cover letter. While these two documents share the common goal of showcasing your suitability for a position, they differ in a few important ways. In this post, we will delve into the key differences between supporting statements and cover letters, helping you understand the differences between them and how to maximise their impact.

Supporting statement vs. cover letter: the key differences

A supporting statement , also known as a personal statement, is a document that requires you to outline your suitability for the job by addressing how you meet the essential and desirable criteria listed in the person specification/job description. Its primary purpose is to highlight how your skills, experience and accomplishments make you a good fit for the role. While some employers may ask you to explain your motivations for applying, this is not the primary focus of the document. A supporting statement is often a standalone submission, and employers may not allow you to submit your CV with it, so it needs to speak for itself.

In contrast, a cover letter almost always accompanies your CV. For this reason, it provides an opportunity to express your motivations for applying for the role and to highlight a select number of aspects about your skills and experience (as evidenced in your CV), that you feel make you particularly well-suited to the position.

A supporting statement is a written statement, not a letter, and it is structured around the specific criteria or competencies that the employer is looking for. You should address each criterion individually and provide detailed evidence.

Cover letters, as the name suggests, are more like a formal letter. They begin with a formal greeting and introduction, followed by a brief paragraph explaining how you learned about the job and your interest in it. The body of the cover letter discusses your qualifications, experiences, and why you think you are a good fit for the job. It often includes a narrative about your career journey and what drives your passion for the industry or role. The letter concludes with a closing statement and a call to action. It will tend to be quite a bit shorter than a supporting statement.

When employers request a supporting statement , most will specify a maximum word or character limit that equates to about two sides of A4. If no word limit is provided, aiming for somewhere around this length is advisable, as it allows you enough space to fully address the competencies listed in the person specification.

Cover letters are typically shorter and, in most cases, should be limited to one page. This length is typically sufficient to introduce yourself, explain your interest in the job, and highlight your suitability for the role.

Writing a supporting statement will require you to take a methodical approach in order to address all of the competencies the employer is looking for. For each competency, you will need to provide specific examples and evidence to demonstrate that you have it. For advice on what to include read my other post How to write a supporting statement for a job application .

A cover letter has a broader focus and should aim to make a strong, persuasive case for your candidacy, without getting too deep into the specifics. This usually means focusing on 3 or 4 of the main requirements of the position. Read my How to write a great cover letter blog post for more in-depth advice on what to include.

5. Tailoring

Supporting statements are often tailored to a very specific job application. Since they are structured around the criteria for a particular role, you need to customise each supporting statement for the job you're applying to. This level of specificity is crucial in demonstrating your alignment with the job requirements. For this reason, it will usually take longer to write a compelling supporting statement than it will a cover letter.

While it's important to tailor your cover letters , they tend to be more versatile. You can create a template that outlines your general career story and qualifications, and then make specific modifications for each job application. However, it's essential to ensure that the modified sections still align with the company's values and the specific job description.

In summary, a cover letter and a supporting statement serve distinct roles in a job application. A cover letter is a more general introduction that highlights your motivation and fit for the job, while a supporting statement is a much more specific document that provides evidence of your suitability for the role, by directly addressing each of the competencies listed in the person specification. Tailoring each document to the job you're applying for is crucial for a successful application.

If you would like to take your applications to the next level, check out my application review services, including both cover letters and supporting statements .

Share this post

Statement of Purpose (SoP) vs Personal Statement vs Letter of Motivation (LoM)

• December 3, 2020
• Study Abroad

Statement of Purpose (SOP), Personal Statement, and Letter of Motivation (or Letter of Intent) are the three things that people often struggle to differentiate between, or rather they just confuse one with another. No worries. We are here to put each one of them into their respective perspectives so as to give you a clear understanding SOP vs Personal Statement vs Letter of Motivation, and how one of them is different from the other.

SOP vs Personal Statement vs Letter of Motivation

Co-authored by Parinita Gupta

Statement of Purpose (SoP) vs Personal Statement

The majority of US and UK universities ask for a statement of purpose (aka SOP) or a Personal Statement. However, sometimes the US schools ask for both an SOP and a Personal Statement (popular for schools like UC Berkeley, UCLA, University of Michigan, etc.).

In simple words, the Statement of purpose defines what you want to do, in contradiction with the Personal statement which defines you and who you are as a person. Both of them have a unique role to play in the enrollment in the grad college program that you are applying for.

When it comes to a Statement of purpose vs a personal statement for grad/ug school, the two are very different yet very alike. While both of them cater to the same purpose of making the grad admission committee believe in you, each of them contains quite different information.

The statement of purpose lies on a little more of a formal end in contrast to a personal statement. A personal statement is rather less formal and focuses more on who you are as a person and a student.

A statement of purpose showcases your academic background and your skills relevant to the program you are applying for. It specifically lists your career goals and exactly what you are aiming for, maybe a year down the line or five. It lets the college know what your research and extra curriculum interests are and helps it decide whether you are a complete fit for the program that you are enrolling in or not.

A personal statement on the other hand highlights more on what motivates you personally, what truly drives you to pursue a grad/undergrad program, and brags about all the major accomplishments you have or any major challenges that you have faced along the way and have successfully overcome.

Here is an example, where applicants need to submit both SoP and Personal Statement:

Similar Objectives of SOP and Personal Statement

Even though a personal statement and Statement of purpose are completely different from each other, both of them essentially have the same overarching purpose, of making the admission committee believe that you are the best fit for their institution and the selected program and that you’ll be successful in completing the program with flying colors. Assuring them of the things mentioned above is your goal, bear that in mind.

What is the statement of purpose, and what is it used for?

The statement of purpose (SoP) is an integral part of your application for graduate admission and consideration for merit-based financial support.

It is used to understand your academic interests, and to evaluate your aptitude and preparation for graduate work, as well as your fit with the proposed program of study. It is also used to assess your ability to write coherent and convincing prose.

What to Write in a Statement of Purpose (SOP )?

• What is your purpose in applying for graduate study in your specified degree program? Describe your area(s) of interest, including any subfield(s) or interdisciplinary interests.  
• What experiences have prepared you for advanced study or research in this degree program? What relevant skills have you gained from these experiences? Have your experiences led to specific or tangible outcomes that would support your potential to contribute to this field (examples: performances, publications, presentations, awards or recognitions)?  
• What additional information about your past experience may aid the selection committee in evaluating your preparation and aptitude for graduate study at the particular university? For example, you may wish to describe research, employment, teaching, service, artistic or international experiences through which you have developed skills in leadership, communication, project management, teamwork, or other areas.  
• Why is this graduate program to which you are applying is the best place for you to pursue your academic goals? If you are applying for a research master’s or doctoral program, we encourage you to indicate specific research interests and potential faculty mentors.  
• What are your plans for your career after earning this degree?

What is a Personal Statement and what is it used for?

The Personal Statement is an opportunity for you to provide additional information that may aid the selection committee in evaluating your preparation and aptitude for graduate study at a particular school. It will also be used to consider candidates for specific scholarship or fellowship schemes.

What to Include in a Personal Statement?

• Are there educational, personal, cultural, economic, or social experiences, not described in your Statement of Purpose, that have shaped your academic journey? If so, how? Have any of these experiences provided a unique perspective(s) that you would contribute to your program, field, or profession?  
• Describe the challenge(s) or barriers that you have faced in your pursuit of higher education. What motivated you to persist, and how did you overcome them? What is the evidence of your persistence, progress, or success?  
• How have your life experiences and educational background informed your understanding of the barriers facing groups that are underrepresented in higher education?  
• How have you been actively engaged (e.g., through participation, employment, service, teaching, or other activities) in programs or activities focused on increasing participation by groups that have been historically underrepresented in higher education?  
• How do you intend to engage in scholarly discourse, research, teaching, creative efforts, and/or community engagement during your graduate program that has the potential to advance diversity and equal opportunity in higher education?  
• How do you see yourself contributing to diversity in your profession after you earn your advanced degree at a particular university?

[inbound_button font_size=”18″ color=”#faf20a” text_color=”#121212″ icon=”arrow-circle-o-right” url=” https://www.stoodnt.com/counselor-detail/tanmoy-ray&#8221 ; width=”” target=”_blank”] Book a 1-on-1 Session (30/60 Minute) with a MS Admissions Consultant[/inbound_button]

Tips for Writing SoP and Personal Statement for a Single Application

Since a statement of purpose (SOP) is different from a personal statement , your approach toward each statement in these essays also has to be different.

To quickly summarize, here are a few things to keep in mind while writing a statement of purpose (SOP):

• Take your future goals into consideration
• Research well about the program and the faculties
• Explain how both of these two points mentioned above are a good match
• Emphasize your accomplishments and all the challenges which you’ve overcome

And, here are a few things to keep in mind before writing a Personal statement:

• Make it sound like you’re telling a story
• Emphasize more what your personal motivations are
• Explain in detail your weaknesses and the challenges that you’ve overcome.

Finally, keep these things in mind for either of these essays:

• Use specific details
• Edit and proofread
• Be authentic

Statement of Purpose (SoP) vs Letter of Motivation

On the other hand, one might get confused between a Statement of purpose and a Letter of Motivation. Generally, European universities (Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, Norway, etc.) ask for a letter of motivation.

So, there’s a fine line between both of them. Letter of motivation vitally focuses on the future aspects, and your career goals, specifically how your presence in the college/ grad program is going to affect you, your skills, or any professional work or internship experience that you have.

However, a statement of purpose, apart from focusing on all of these things mentioned above, in a LOM, also allows you to focus on, or rather brag about your past qualifications, grades, internships, work experience, volunteering experience, and other activities. A statement of purpose must explain how you are in your academic field of study, how your choice of subject affects you, and how your previous experiences have influenced your career choices, etc.

Even though a statement of purpose (SOP) and a Letter of motivation are used interchangeably, an SOP is more of something to write to an employer while applying for a job whereas a letter of motivation is something more of an application letter to write to a university or a college when applying. It’s pretty common to find universities, colleges, and employers to use these 3 terms interchangeably, you may also find them referring to LOM (letter of motivation) as a personal statement, but a letter of motivation is not alike a personal statement or statement of purpose (SOP).

How is a Letter of Motivation Different from SoP or Personal Statement?

The difference lies in the fact that how long each of these letters is supposed to be and what intention it serves. Generally, personal statements tend to get more personal, and in-depth with the candidate’s personal life, enigmas, strengths, weaknesses, etc., and even past achievements and failures, whereas letters of motivation have personal elements to it.

However, LOMs are much more focused on the applicant’s future plans and aspirations. A letter of motivation, allows the candidates to refer to their past achievements only as proof of their commitment to their future aspirations.

Before you start writing your letter of motivation, make sure that you have enough time to complete it. Important and crucial letters such as this one cannot be written in a hurry.

Therefore, make sure that you reserve some time beforehand. Also, make sure that you research well your university and its program in-depth and what their requirements and expectations are from their future pupils.

Knowing a little more about their main activities, projects, personal philosophy, and interests will help you figure out what the letter should contain and how you can frame your letter in a way that can make you look like a perfect fit for their institution.

Related Articles:

How to Write a Statement of Purpose (SOP) for Graduate School (MS/MBA)?

How to Write an MS SOP for Ivy League Schools?

What do Admission Officers and Universities Look for in SOP and Personal Statements?

About Parinita Gupta:

Parinita is a full-time banking professional. Additionally, she is also a passionate blogger and digital marketer.

She mostly writes about the Banking & Finance, Technology, and FinTech sector. But, she also enjoys writing on other topics as well.  You can follow her on  Twitter .

References: 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 .

Share this:

One comment.

[…] don’t treat it like outsourcing. Consultants are not going to write the SoP or essays for you. That’s your […]

Comments are closed.

Discover more from Stoodnt

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

Guidance from our top admission experts — for free!

• Admit Finder

Discover Past Admits, Gauge Your Chances!

• Shortlist Builder

Personalized University Picks, Just a Click Away.

• Course Finder

Navigate Global Courses Tailored for You

• Scholarship Finder

Unlock Funding Opportunities Worldwide.

Get tailored study abroad advice.

Sign in for exclusive content!

Planning to study abroad?

Build your target shortlist and see your odds of getting into top schools with Ambitio's AI shortlist builder!

Heading Out Already?

Our Ivy League mentors and top admission experts can help with personalized tips to get you into your dream school

11 December 2023

6 minutes read

Understanding the Difference Between a Motivation Letter and Personal Statement

Dirghayu Kaushik

Worried about the cost of Studying Abroad?

Sign up to access 25 game-changing scholarships that could cover your costs.

• Introduction

Navigating through college admissions and scholarship applications can be a challenging journey, especially when it comes to articulating your aspirations and qualifications.

Two critical elements in this process are the personal statement and motivation letter. Although they may seem similar, understanding their distinct purposes and crafting them effectively can significantly influence the success of your application.

This comprehensive guide aims to demystify these documents, providing insights and tips on how to effectively articulate your story and ambitions.

Stuck on How to Pick Your Ideal College?

Sign up to access your tailored shortlist and simplify finding your ideal college.

• The Essence of a Personal Statement

Crafting Your Narrative

A personal statement is your canvas to paint a picture of who you are beyond grades and test scores. It is an opportunity to narrate your journey, highlighting personal experiences, challenges, and triumphs.

This document should reflect your personality, values, and the driving forces behind your aspirations. To begin, brainstorm key moments in your life that have shaped your identity and perspective.

These could include pivotal experiences, influential relationships, or significant achievements. The goal is to provide the admissions committee with a holistic view of your character and potential.

Beyond Academics: Showcasing Personal Growth

While academic achievements are important, a personal statement should also delve into personal growth and development. Reflect on how your experiences have cultivated resilience, empathy, creativity, or leadership skills.

These attributes are invaluable in an academic setting and demonstrate your readiness to contribute to a university community.

See how Successful Applications Look Like!

Access 350K+ profiles of students who got in. See what you can improve in your own application!

• Decoding the Motivation Letter

Aligning with Academic and Career Goals

The motivation letter, often referred to as a statement of purpose or SOP , is a more targeted document. It’s your platform to articulate why you are drawn to a specific program or opportunity.

This letter should align your academic background, research interests, and career objectives with the offerings and ethos of the program you are applying to.

In this letter, specificity is key. Discuss particular courses, faculty members, or research opportunities within the program that resonate with your interests.

Explain how these align with your long-term goals and how your previous experiences have laid the foundation for your future pursuits.

Demonstrating Research and Professional Aspirations

Your motivation letter should also reflect your understanding of the field or industry you wish to enter. Discuss current trends, challenges, and innovations, and how you aspire to contribute to the field.

This not only shows your passion and knowledge but also your potential to make meaningful contributions.

Start Your University Applications with Ambitio Pro!

Get Ambitio Pro!

Begin your journey to top universities with Ambitio Pro. Our premium platform offers you tools and support needed to craft standout applications.

Unlock Advanced Features for a More Comprehensive Application Experience!

Start your Journey today

• The Art of Personalization in Application Documents

Tailoring Your Story to Each Application

One key aspect of writing effective personal statements and motivation letters is personalization. Each application should be crafted with the specific institution and program in mind.

Research the university’s values, mission, and what they look for in a candidate. This research will guide you in tailoring your narrative to resonate with the admissions committee.

Reflecting Institutional Values and Culture

Your documents should reflect an understanding of the institution’s culture and values. For instance, if a university is known for its commitment to community service, highlight your involvement in similar activities.

This demonstrates not only your alignment with the university’s values but also your ability to contribute to its community.

• Addressing Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles

In your journey towards academic and professional success, addressing challenges and overcoming obstacles is crucial. Here’s how to effectively incorporate these elements into your personal statement or motivation letter:

• Identify Key Challenges: Begin by identifying the significant challenges you’ve faced. These could be personal, academic, or professional obstacles that have had a profound impact on your journey. It’s important to choose challenges that have contributed meaningfully to your growth and development.
• Describe the Obstacle Clearly: Provide a clear and concise description of the obstacle. This helps the reader understand the context and the gravity of the challenge you faced. Be specific about the nature of the obstacle, whether it was a personal hardship, an academic setback, or a professional hurdle.
• Emphasize Your Response: Focus on how you responded to the challenge. Describe the actions you took to overcome the obstacle. This might include seeking help, developing new strategies, or pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. The goal is to highlight your resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving skills.
• Reflect on Personal Growth: Discuss the personal growth that resulted from overcoming these challenges. This could be in the form of newfound resilience, improved problem-solving skills, increased empathy, or a better understanding of your own strengths and weaknesses.
• Connect to Your Goals: Make a clear connection between the challenges you’ve overcome and your academic or career goals. Explain how these experiences have prepared you for the future challenges you might face in the program or career you are pursuing.
• Showcase Development of Skills: If applicable, highlight any skills or knowledge you gained as a result of overcoming these obstacles. For example, overcoming a personal challenge might have improved your communication skills, while overcoming an academic challenge might have enhanced your research or analytical abilities.
• Demonstrate Your Resilience: Use your experiences to demonstrate your resilience. Show the admission committee that you are capable of bouncing back from setbacks and that you have the tenacity to persevere in the face of adversity.
• Inspire with Optimism: Convey a sense of optimism and a positive outlook. Even when discussing challenges, it’s important to maintain a tone that is hopeful and forward-looking. This shows that you are not deterred by difficulties but are instead motivated by them.
• Avoid Over-Dramatization: While it’s important to be honest about the challenges you’ve faced, avoid over-dramatizing them. Stick to the facts and focus on the positive outcomes and lessons learned rather than dwelling excessively on the negative aspects.
• End with a Forward-Looking Statement: Conclude this section by looking towards the future. Discuss how these experiences have equipped you to handle future challenges and how they have influenced your career or academic aspirations.

By effectively addressing challenges and obstacles in your personal statement or motivation letter, you not only showcase your resilience and growth but also demonstrate your preparedness for the rigors of higher education or the professional world.

Remember, it’s not just about the challenges themselves, but how you’ve overcome them and what you’ve learned in the process that counts.

Balancing Personal Anecdotes and Professional Aspirations

The interplay of the personal and professional.

In both your personal statement and motivation letter, there’s a delicate balance to be struck between personal anecdotes and professional aspirations.

While personal stories provide a glimpse into your character, they should also tie back to your academic and career goals.

Connecting Personal Experiences to Future Goals

Link your personal experiences to your future goals. For instance, if you’re applying to a medical program, a personal story about a healthcare challenge in your family could be connected to your aspiration to improve healthcare systems.

This creates a cohesive narrative that underscores the continuity between your past experiences and future objectives.

For your Astronomy personal statement, click here

Concluding with Impact: Leaving a Lasting Impression

Crafting a memorable conclusion.

The conclusion of your personal statement or motivation letter is your final opportunity to leave a lasting impression. Reinforce your enthusiasm for the program and your readiness to take on the challenges it presents.

Express your eagerness to contribute to the university community and your confidence in your ability to succeed.

The Future Vision

End with a forward-looking statement. Share your vision for how the program will shape your future and how you, in turn, plan to contribute to your field.

A strong conclusion not only reiterates your fit for the program but also leaves the reader with a clear understanding of your aspirations and potential impact.

Crafting a compelling personal statement and motivation letter is a critical step in the journey toward academic and professional advancement. These documents are more than mere formalities; they are reflections of your personality, aspirations, and potential.

By understanding their distinct purposes and effectively articulating your story and goals, you can enhance the impact of your application and move closer to achieving your academic and career objectives.

Remember, each document is a unique opportunity to showcase different facets of your journey and how they align with your future aspirations.

With careful thought and a clear strategy, you can create powerful narratives that resonate with admissions committees and pave your way to success.

What is the main difference between a personal statement and a motivation letter?

A personal statement is a broader document that describes your overall personality, experiences, and goals, while a motivation letter is more focused on how a specific program or opportunity aligns with your academic and professional aspirations.

Can the same document be used as both a personal statement and a motivation letter?

While there might be some overlap in content, it’s important to tailor each document to its specific purpose. A personal statement should be more about you as an individual, whereas a motivation letter should be closely aligned with the specific program or opportunity.

How long should these documents be?

Both documents should be concise and to the point. Typically, they should not exceed one page, ensuring clarity and focus on the most relevant aspects.

What should be included in a motivation letter?

Your motivation letter should include your specific academic and professional interests, how they align with the program you’re applying to, and how your past experiences have prepared you for this next step.

Is it necessary to include personal anecdotes in a personal statement?

Yes, personal anecdotes can be very effective in a personal statement as they provide a more intimate glimpse into your life, making your application more memorable.

Spread the Word!

Share across your social media if you found it helpful

Table of Contents

• • Introduction
• • The Essence of a Personal Statement
• • Decoding the Motivation Letter
• • The Art of Personalization in Application Documents
• • Addressing Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles
• • Conclusion

Build your profile to get into top colleges

Phone Number

What level are you targetting

Almost there!

Just enter your OTP, and your planner will be on its way!

Code sent on

Resend OTP (30s)

Your Handbook Is Waiting on WhatsApp!

Please have a look, and always feel free to reach out for any detailed guidance

Click here to download

Meanwhile check out your dashboard to access various tools to help you in your study abroad journey

Recent Blogs

Ultimate Guide: 3 Fashion Design Personal Statement Example

Font for Statement of Purpose

Tips To Write Executive Letter Of Recommendation Template

Find your Dream school now⭐️

Welcome! Let's Land Your Dream Admit.

Let us make sure you get into the best!

• 2024 Winter
• 2024 Spring
• 2024 Summer

Enter verification code

Code was sent to

• Our Experts

Connect with us on our social media

• Today's news
• Reviews and deals
• Climate change
• 2024 election
• Fall allergies
• Health news
• Mental health
• Sexual health
• Family health
• So mini ways
• Unapologetically
• Buying guides

Entertainment

• How to Watch
• My Portfolio
• Latest News
• Stock Market
• Biden Economy
• Stocks: Most Actives
• Stocks: Gainers
• Stocks: Losers
• Trending Tickers
• World Indices
• US Treasury Bonds
• Top Mutual Funds
• Highest Open Interest
• Highest Implied Volatility
• Stock Comparison
• Advanced Charts
• Currency Converter
• Basic Materials
• Communication Services
• Consumer Cyclical
• Consumer Defensive
• Financial Services
• Industrials
• Real Estate
• Mutual Funds
• Credit Cards
• Balance Transfer Cards
• Cash-back Cards
• Rewards Cards
• Travel Cards
• Credit Card Offers
• Best Free Checking
• Student Loans
• Personal Loans
• Car Insurance
• Mortgage Refinancing
• Mortgage Calculator
• Morning Brief
• Market Domination
• Market Domination Overtime
• Asking for a Trend
• Opening Bid
• Stocks in Translation
• Lead This Way
• Good Buy or Goodbye?
• Financial Freestyle
• Fantasy football
• Pro Pick 'Em
• College Pick 'Em
• Fantasy baseball
• Fantasy hockey
• Fantasy basketball
• Download the app
• Daily fantasy
• Scores and schedules
• GameChannel
• World Baseball Classic
• Premier League
• CONCACAF League
• Champions League
• Motorsports
• Horse racing
• Newsletters

New on Yahoo

• Privacy Dashboard

Yahoo Finance

The offers on this page are from advertisers who pay us. That may influence which products we write about, but it does not affect what we write about them. Here's an explanation of how we make money and our Advertiser Disclosure.

What is a bank statement, and how do you read one?

Use this example bank statement to help navigate your own..

If you want to know what's going on with your bank account, take a look at your bank statements. These documents give you a full rundown of all the activity in your bank account each month.

You can receive your bank statements by mail or electronically, and it's worth looking at them each month to keep tabs on what's happening with your money.

What is a bank statement?

A bank statement is a document that shows your bank account details and all the activity that's taken place in your account during a specific time period — usually a month.

Banks and credit unions must provide you with a monthly bank statement if your checking account or savings account had at least one account transaction during the month. But if your activity is less frequent, they'll provide a quarterly statement.

By default, banks typically send your statements by mail, but you can opt to go "paperless." If you do, you can find your eStatements online when you log into your bank account.

Should you get paperless bank statements?

A paperless bank statement, or eStatement, is a PDF version of your paper bank statement. Here are a few great reasons to choose paperless over receiving them in the mail:

More secure : You don't have to worry about your statements being lost in the mail, intercepted by an identity thief, being read or stolen by your bank's printing vendor, or storing and disposing of the documents safely.

Avoid fees : Some banks charge fees up to $5 per printed statement, or $60 a year, but digital statements are free.

Better for the environment : In 2019, Bank of America alone mailed 551 million paper statements to customers, which amounted to 7.915 metric tons of paper. When you switch to eStatements, you help reduce paper waste and use less of the resources needed for paper production and transportation.

Faster receipt : Electronic statements are available immediately, and you don't have to wait for them to arrive by mail.

One downside to going paperless is that your electronic statements are only available for a limited time period, sometimes 12, 24, or 36 months, depending on the bank. For that reason, you might consider downloading them or, if needed, printing copies.

Reasons to read your bank statement

The only way to thoroughly monitor your bank account is to view your account activity on a regular basis or read all of your bank statements. By reviewing this information, you can find and address serious account issues. For example:

Unauthorized transactions : If you find a fraudulent transaction , you have 60 days after receiving the statement to notify your bank and avoid having to cover the full cost.

Errors : You can look for incorrect transactions and contact the vendor or work with the bank to correct them.

Recurring charges : In a 2022 survey, consumers underestimated their recurring monthly subscription expenses by $133, or $1,596 a year . Regular account reviews help you save money when you identify and cancel charges for services you don't use.

Account fees : Keep an eye on various bank fees , such as monthly maintenance fees, ATM fees , non-sufficient funds (NSF) fees , and overdraft charges .

Bank statement example

Reviewing your bank statements each month is an important habit. But if you’re not familiar with these statements, they may seem overwhelming at first. Here’s an example of a bank statement to familiarize yourself.

• Skip to main content
• Keyboard shortcuts for audio player

It seems like Project 2025 is everywhere. But what is it?

Franco Ordoñez

Project 2025 Controversy

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump gestures after speaking at a campaign rally at Trump National Doral Miami on Tuesday. Rebecca Blackwell/AP hide caption

Former President Donald Trump wants to distance himself from Project 2025 , while the Biden campaign is doing everything it can to tie Trump to the conservative plan to transform the American government.

“I know nothing about Project 2025,” Trump wrote on his social media website Truth Social. “I have no idea who is behind it. I disagree with some of the things they’re saying and some of the things they’re saying are absolutely ridiculous and abysmal. Anything they do, I wish them luck, but I have nothing to do with them.”

The 900-page plan, pulled together by the prominent conservative think tank The Heritage Foundation, serves as a conservative guidebook to expand presidential powers and overhaul the federal workforce so that it can be replaced with partisan loyalists.

Trump allies craft plans to give him unprecedented power if he wins the White House

What is in project 2025.

It’s not Trump’s plan, but it is a plan made for Trump, who leaders have described as the “embodiment” of their efforts. And it outlines legal pathways Trump could take to implement some of his biggest policy goals.

Project 2025 also outlines transition and recruitment plans to help ensure Trump does not repeat some of the mistakes made early in his first administration when his team was caught unprepared to staff and take over the government from the outgoing Obama administration.

“If we learned anything from President Trump's 2016 presidential transition effort, it wasn't as smooth as others,” said Ryan Williams, who worked for Mitt Romney on his 2012 presidential campaign. “Usually, presidential campaigns have fully functioning transition operations ready to go.”

While Trump has sought to deny a connection, there is plenty of overlap between Project 2025 and his agenda.

With just one mention of abortion, Republican Party lays out its 2024 policy platform

It proposes mass deportations of millions of undocumented immigrants. So does Trump.

Trump has called for cuts to the federal agencies like the Department of Education. Project 2025 calls for its elimination.

But, there are also differences.

On abortion, for example, Project 2025 goes farther with restrictions than Trump has said he would go.

Trump blasted the plan last week, days after the president of the Heritage Foundation, Kevin Roberts, warned of the potential for political violence.

“We are in the process of the second American Revolution, which will remain bloodless if the left allows it to be,” Roberts said on the conservative podcast The War Room .

How have Democrats responded to it?

Democrats pounced, immediately seeing an opportunity to point to Roberts' comments as an example of the dangers of a second Trump administration.

“ 248 years ago tomorrow America declared independence from a tyrannical king, and now Donald Trump and his allies want to make him one at our expense,” James Singer, a spokesperson for the Biden campaign said ahead of the Fourth of July.

The campaign has also launched ads and created a website tying Trump to Project 2025.

Biden got some political help from Taraji P. Henson, who warned about Project 2025 — on stage — when she hosted the BET awards.

“Pay attention,” she said. “It’s not a secret: Look it up. They are attacking our most vulnerable citizens. The Project 2025 plan is not a game. Look it up!”

The critical focus on Project 2025 has been a small sliver of good political news for the Biden team in an otherwise rough period of endless attention on Biden’s bad debate performance and questions about whether he would remain the Democratic nominee.

What did Trump say? Explaining the former president's favorite talking points

The Trump campaign continues to push back.

Senior Trump adviser Danielle Alvarez pointed out that the campaign has been saying for months that these outside groups don't represent Trump. She stressed that the Trump team has its own policy proposals, Agenda 47, and the Republican platform.

The Heritage Foundation emphasized this week that Project 2025 doesn’t speak for any candidate and is only offering recommendations, and that it is "ultimately up to that president, who we believe will be President Trump, to decide which recommendations to implement."

Alvarez also responded to Democrats' focus on the project, accusing Biden of trying to distract from questions about his mental acuity and staying power.

“And so Democrats are desperate,” she said. “And they're throwing a Hail Mary attempting to talk about outside groups as though they are President Trump's policy positions.”

• project 2025
• Republicans
• Donald Trump

To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories .

• What Is Cinema?

A Punchy King Charles Tells England Not to Raise Its “Collective Heart Rate”

Following the England National soccer team’s triumphant win against the Netherlands in the Euro Cup semi-finals on Wednesday night, King Charles III and Prince William celebrated with a few joyous public comments. “Good luck, England!” the king said after the match in advance of Sunday’s final game against Spain.

He also added some dry humor about the stressful penalty kick-off when the Lions advanced to the finals in 2021. “My wife and I join all our family in wishing you the warmest congratulations on reaching the final of the U.E.F.A. European Championship—and in sending our very best wishes for Sunday’s match,” his statement read. “If I may encourage you to secure victory before the need for any last minute wonder-goals or another penalties drama, I am sure the stresses on the nation’s collective heart rate and blood pressure would be greatly alleviated!"

Wednesday night’s win was clinched by a last minute goal by striker Ollie Watkins, who was later named the match’s MVP. During the regular seasons, Watkins plays for Aston Villa, the Birmingham team that counts William as its highest profile supporter. In a comment sent personally by William after the game concluded, he praised Watkins’s goal in particular. “What a beauty, Ollie! Congratulations England!” he said, before signing off as “W.”

William and Watkins last got together in June , when the prince visited the England National Training Center to wish the team luck before the tournament got underway in Germany. On July 7 , William traveled to the Düsseldorf Arena to watch the team play Switzerland during the quarter-finals match, where he was photographed enthusiastically cheering when Bukayo Saka scored an exciting goal. A Thursday engagement for his Homewards charity addressing homelessness in the UK kept the prince from attending the semi-finals, but he has not yet announced whether he plans to return to watch the finals in person.

More Great Stories From Vanity Fair

Peter Thiel, J.D. Vance, and the Dangerous Dance of the New Right

Ivanka Trump , Sensing Power, Slinks Back to the National Stage

An Epic First Look at Gladiator II

Looking for Love in the Hamptons? Buy a Ticket for the Luxury Bus.

The Dark Origins of the True-Crime Frenzy at CrimeCon

Palace Insiders on the Monarchy’s Difficult Year

The Best TV Shows of 2024 , So Far

Listen Now: VF ’s Still Watching Podcast Dissects House of the Dragon

Erin Vanderhoof

Staff writer, royal watch.

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement and Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

What went wrong? How did Secret Service allow shooter to get so close to Trump?

Investigations into the sniper shooting that injured Donald Trump and killed a local firefighter must focus on whether several key Secret Service protocols were violated, current and former law enforcement officials said Sunday.

Chief among them: Why wasn't a building well within 1,000 yards of the former president locked down enough to prevent the shooter from nearly assassinating the presumptive GOP presidential nominee?

In an exclusive interview, former Secret Service Director Julia Pierson told USA TODAY that maintaining such a sniper security perimeter is part of the agency's responsibility for safeguarding "protectees" like Trump from harm. Yet the man identified as the sniper, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks , fired off numerous rounds from a building top about 150 yards from Trump's lectern at Saturday's rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

“I think 1,000 yards is the sniper capability that we have a concern about for the President. So anything that's within that range, that is a professional, makable shot... and you want to know about it,” Pierson said.

“When you think about it, it's a football field and a half … and that is a makeable shot by an individual.  And obviously an inch would have made a difference in this case and Trump wouldn't be with us,” said Pierson, who spent three decades with the Secret Service, much of that on presidential protective operations, before becoming director in 2013.

Crooks managed to fire off numerous rounds , injuring two other people in the crowd, before being killed by a Secret Service counter-sniper sharpshooter from another nearby roof. On Sunday evening, the FBI clarified that Crooks had used an "AR-style 556 rifle ."  

Rep. Ruben Gallego, a former Marine and Arizona Democrat, said that those "responsible for the planning, approving and executing of this clearly insufficient security plan need to testify before Congress and be held accountable."

"There should never have been a clear line of sight on the former president. My Marine Corps training taught me that,” said Gallego, an Iraq veteran who is running for Senate in Arizona.

President Joe Biden also weighed in, directing Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle to review all security measures for the Republican National Convention, which begins Monday in Milwaukee. He said he had ordered an independent review of the security measures taken at the Trump rally to "assess exactly what happened."

First assassination attempt against a former or current President in 43 years

The shooting marks the first assassination attempt against a former or current U.S. president since President Ronald Reagan was injured in a March 1981 shooting at a Washington, D.C. hotel. Before that, in 1975 a member of the Manson Family cult tried to shoot President Gerald Ford at close range in Sacramento, California but failed to chamber a round into the gun.

The Secret Service has confirmed that it is investigating how a gunman armed with an AR-style rifle was able to get close enough to shoot and injure Trump in what appears to be an epic failure of one the agency's primary duties of protecting VIPs. The FBI, state police and the U.S. Congress also will be seeking to answer the many swirling questions.

Some of those questions: How did Donald Trump’s would-be assassin gain a high-ground vantage point to fire off a potentially fatal head shot against the former president? Why didn’t Secret Service counter-sniper teams neutralize Crooks before he got off so many rounds from his high-powered rifle, killing one Trump rally-goer and injuring two others?

Also, if Crooks had been flagged by local authorities for acting suspiciously as some media have reported, why was he then able to climb atop a nearby building with a rifle, firing a shot that grazed Trump's ear? And why did Secret Service agents allow Trump to stand back up defiantly and do three fist-pumps when it wasn't clear that the threat had been fully neutralized?

Could this have been stopped before it started?

John Miller, a former senior FBI and New York Police Department official, said on CNN that Crooks had been observed acting suspiciously near the magnetometers, or metal detectors stationed outside the event by local law enforcement agencies.

Those officials then shared those concerns with the Secret Service and other authorities “and people had his description and were looking around for him,” said Miller, who’s currently a CNN analyst.

At some point, Miller said, Crooks “left the magnetometer area. And then at some point, people start to point out there's a guy who's climbing on that roof, and he has a rifle and police are putting that over the radio.”

According to some video and media reports, the Secret Service counter-sniper on a nearby rooftop was aiming at the shooter, perhaps before he took some or all of his shots.

“The counter sniper appears to be looking through his scope as if he's scanning for something. … And then, when the shots are fired, takes out the shooter from his position almost immediately,” said Miller, the NYPD’s deputy commissioner of Intelligence & Counterterrorism until 2022. “So we have to fill in those gaps. What happened during those seconds? What were the communications? What did he see through the scope, and did he act at his first opportunity? And we'll learn that later.”

Miller said the counter-sniper succeeded in eliminating the threat quickly. “That part worked,” he said. But, he added, “What about the front end? Could this have been stopped with faster or more clear communications or a more intense search?”

Investigations have already begun

It’s possible and even likely that the Secret Service security plan for the rally, in conjunction with local and state authorities, took into consideration the building from which Crooks allegedly sprayed bullets. It could have been locked down from the inside, prompting Crooks to have to climb to the roof from the outside as part of the security plan put in place by authorities before the rally.

But the entire sequence of events will be investigated to find out what went so wrong that Crooks was able to gain access to the roof of the building, including whether he might have surveilled the site ahead of time to find the best way up, according to current and former law enforcement officials.

William Pickle, a former special agent in charge of the Secret Service's Vice Presidential Protective Division who oversaw Vice President Al Gore’s detail, said there are provisions in any Secret Service security survey that nearby buildings are accounted for. The Secret Service regularly secures public areas such as parade routes peppered with large buildings, and advance teams interview building owners and business managers to determine who has access to the building and at what times to determine if agents need to stand watch.

“We know who’s there, why they’re there, we have control over those buildings,” Pickle said. “It seems like somewhere in this security survey, someone dropped the ball on those particular buildings.”

Though Pickle said the counter-sniper that took out the shooter did an “outstanding” job, he questioned if the Secret Service had posted additional counter-sniper teams to sufficiently cover the entire event perimeter. “A gunshot knows no boundaries except by the velocity and distance a bullet can travel,” Pickle said. “This was a relatively easy shot, and Donald Trump may have been the luckiest man in the world yesterday. He survived by about half an inch."

Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi told USA TODAY on Sunday that he was traveling to Milwaukee, the site of the upcoming Republican National Convention, and would not be in a position to talk until later in the day. At 2 p.m., he said he was still "unable to respond" to claims that the Secret Service made mistakes in allowing the shooter to gain such a close vantage point.

Three hours later, another senior Secret Service official also declined to comment on whether the agency failed in its mission to protect Trump at the Saturday rally.

“Any questions regarding yesterday’s event can be directed to our public affairs office out of DC,” said Audrey Gibson-Cicchino, the agency’s coordinator for the upcoming Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. Speaking at a news conference there, she said she could only discuss convention security measures.

In a news conference early Sunday morning, the FBI special agent in charge of the Pittsburgh field office, Kevin Rojek, had confirmed that the FBI is leading the investigation into the shooting and that it “is our assessment at this time” that law enforcement did not know the shooter was on the roof until he began firing.

“It is surprising,” Rojek said when asked about the gunman’s close vicinity to the rally. He said that proximity is among the details that will be a focus of the investigation. Rojek added: “The Secret Service really needs to answer that question. They conduct the initial site survey.”

At the midnight news conference, State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens had deferred questions about whether there was anything about the venue that made it particularly difficult to secure by the Secret Service, which did not have representatives at the televised briefing.

Bivens also said he would not speculate on “how close a call” it was for Trump.

But Bivens confirmed that law enforcement is following up on a “number of suspicious occurrences” including accounts from witnesses who said they tried to flag police about the activity of a person outside the rally moments before the shooting.

Calls for answers from both sides of the aisle

Sen. James Comer, a Kentucky Republican who chairs the House Oversight committee, was one of several lawmakers who called for an immediate investigation into potential lapses by the Secret Service.

Comer said in a statement that he has already contacted the Service Service for a briefing and he called on Cheatle – the director – to testify about what went wrong. His committee will send a formal invitation soon, Comer said.

"Political violence in all forms is unamerican and unacceptable," Comer said in his statement. "There are many questions and Americans demand answers."

Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman, a Democrat, also called morning for an urgent investigation to explain what happened. Several hours later, however, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, also a Democrat, sidestepped a question at his own news conference about potential Secret Service failures in preventing the shooter from climbing atop the building.

"I'm not getting into ... any questions regarding the ongoing investigation," Shapiro said. "I trust that the FBI and the Pennsylvania State Police will keep you posted throughout the day and in the days ahead as to their investigations."

Contributing: Melissa Brown, a state political reporter at The Tennessean in Nashville, Tennessee.

US Justice Department to appeal ruling dismissing Trump documents case

• Medium Text

'BREATHTAKINGLY MISGUIDED'

Sign up here.

Reporting by Andrew Goudsward and Sarah N. Lynch; Editing by Scott Malone, Will Dunham, Rosalba O'Brien and Deepa Babington

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tab

Thomson Reuters

Sarah N. Lynch is the lead reporter for Reuters covering the U.S. Justice Department out of Washington, D.C. During her time on the beat, she has covered everything from the Mueller report and the use of federal agents to quell protesters in the wake of George Floyd’s murder, to the rampant spread of COVID-19 in prisons and the department's prosecutions following the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Read Next / Editor's Picks

Industry Insight

Luc Cohen, Susan Heavey

David Thomas

Mike Scarcella, David Thomas

Karen Sloan