Your personal statement is exactly that—personal. But it’s also a professional document. So how do you strike the right balance between authenticity and professionalism? How do you let your personality shine while still making a strong case for your readiness and fit for graduate school?
If you’ve found yourself wondering, “How much of me should go into this essay?”, you’re not alone. The good news is: you should show your personality—but strategically. Here’s how to do it well.
1. Understand What “Professional Personality” Means
Showing personality doesn’t mean being casual, cracking jokes, or trying to be overly clever. It means:
- Writing in your authentic voice
- Sharing meaningful stories or experiences
- Demonstrating values and motivations that drive you
- Showing passion and curiosity for your field
In other words, you’re not trying to entertain or impress with wit—you’re helping the admissions committee get a sense of who you are as a person and a future graduate student.
2. Start With a Story—But Make It Purposeful
One of the best ways to reveal your personality is through storytelling. Start your personal statement with a moment that reflects your character, curiosity, or a pivotal experience. It could be a moment of discovery, a challenge you overcame, or something that sparked your passion.
For example:
“As I sat with my third-grade students during a lunch break, one of them asked, ‘Why do adults stop asking questions?’ That moment, in a noisy school cafeteria, solidified my desire to pursue research in early childhood development.”
This kind of opening invites the reader into your world. It feels human. It also sets the tone for your essay to reflect not just what you’ve done—but who you are.
3. Let Your Voice Come Through
Graduate school essays are formal—but they’re not robotic. Write the way you would speak in a job interview: polished, confident, and natural.
Instead of:
“I have always been passionate about educational policy.”
Try:
“I first became interested in educational policy when I noticed how my high school’s resources changed depending on the zip code.”
This subtle difference adds warmth and personality while still being professional. Avoid overly academic jargon, and don’t be afraid to let your enthusiasm show.
4. Show Your Values, Not Just Your Resume
Admissions committees already have your resume. Your personal statement should complement it by showing why you’ve made the choices you have.
Talk about:
- Why certain roles or experiences mattered to you
- What challenges taught you about yourself
- What kind of professional you want to become
For instance:
“Volunteering at the refugee resettlement center challenged me to think beyond traditional approaches to counseling. It taught me how to listen deeply and adapt quickly—skills I hope to bring into my future practice.”
This kind of reflection gives depth to your experience—and shows what kind of graduate student you’ll be.
5. Let Passion and Purpose Shine Through
Personality isn’t just about being interesting—it’s about being motivated and purpose-driven. Your passion for your field, your desire to make a difference, your intellectual curiosity—these are all professional forms of personality.
Don’t hold back from expressing why this work matters to you.
6. Get Feedback From a Reader Who Knows You
After you’ve written a draft, ask a mentor or friend to read it and ask:
- Does this sound like me?
- Does it feel authentic?
- Does it strike a balance between personal and professional?
You want your statement to feel grounded and genuine—not like you’re playing a part.
In Summary
You can—and should—show your personality in your personal statement. The key is to do it with purpose and professionalism. Here’s a quick recap:
- Use storytelling to bring your experiences to life
- Write in a natural, confident tone
- Highlight your values and motivations
- Connect your experiences to your goals
- Let your passion for the field guide your voice
Ultimately, your personal statement is your opportunity to help the admissions committee see the person behind the transcript. When done well, your personality becomes your strength—and your story becomes the reason they want to say yes.
Download a checklist: Tailoring Your Graduate School Essay to a Specific Program
Learn more about all of the graduate programs at the University of Michigan – Flint by clicking here.
