1. Read the question very carefully and be sure that your essay answers exactly what the question is asking. Do not use a generic essay that is only loosely connected to the question.

2. If the university does not ask a specific question, normal topics to address in a personal statement include the following: your interest in the field, your background in the field, your short and long-term goals, and your interest in this particular university.

3. Have a clear thesis or main idea. This main idea should be stated in your introduction and reinforced throughout the essay. Every detail should be in some way connected to this main idea.

4. Use specific details to support your points. For example, to show that you have background in the field, you can refer to specific courses you have taken, research projects that you have completed, and related extracurricular activities.

5. Write a strong introductory paragraph and conclusion. Your introduction needs to attract the readers’ attention immediately, and your conclusion needs to restate your main idea in a memorable fashion.

6. Sound interesting and intelligent. Do not write a boring essay! Remember that you need to make yourself stand out from the other applicants.

7. Do not lie. Falsifying information in an application is considered a serious offense in the United States.

8. If you have any weaknesses in your record, you can explain them in your letter. For instance, if you made low grades in courses unrelated to your major but made very high grades in your major’s courses, you can point that out.

9. Check your grammar, spelling, and typing very carefully. How you write can be as important as what you write. Remember that writing standards are high for graduate programs.