A lot of online colleges ask for a personal statement or admissions essay as part of the application. If you haven’t written an essay in years (or decades), this can feel intimidating. But it doesn’t have to be.
Here’s what admissions committees are actually looking for, and how to give it to them.
Why do you want this degree? They want to see that you have a clear reason for enrolling, not just “I guess I should get a degree.”
What in your background has prepared you? This is where your life experience as an adult learner is actually an advantage. Work experience, volunteer work, military service, raising a family — all of these demonstrate qualities like discipline, time management, and commitment.
What will you do with this degree? They want to know you have a plan, even if it’s a loose one.
Opening: Start with a specific moment or experience that sparked your interest in going back to school. Avoid generic openings like “I have always wanted to further my education.”
Middle: Explain your background briefly. What have you been doing? What skills have you developed? Then connect that to why you’re choosing this particular programme.
Closing: Look forward. What do you plan to do with the degree? How will it change your career or life?
Don’t apologise for gaps. If you dropped out of college 15 years ago, don’t spend the whole essay explaining why. Briefly acknowledge it and focus on why you’re ready now.
Show, don’t tell. Instead of saying “I’m hardworking,” describe a time your work ethic made a difference.
Keep it concise. Most personal statements should be 500–750 words. Don’t pad it.
Proofread. Seriously. Have someone else read it too.
Being too vague. “I want to help people” is not a career plan.
Trying to sound overly academic. Write like you talk (but polished).
Forgetting to mention the specific programme or school. Make it clear you’ve done your research.
If you’re working on a personal statement and want feedback, post it here (you can anonymise it) and the community can help you polish it up.
Here’s what admissions committees are actually looking for, and how to give it to them.
WHAT THEY WANT TO KNOW
It’s really just three things:Why do you want this degree? They want to see that you have a clear reason for enrolling, not just “I guess I should get a degree.”
What in your background has prepared you? This is where your life experience as an adult learner is actually an advantage. Work experience, volunteer work, military service, raising a family — all of these demonstrate qualities like discipline, time management, and commitment.
What will you do with this degree? They want to know you have a plan, even if it’s a loose one.
STRUCTURE THAT WORKS
You don’t need to be a brilliant writer. Just be clear and genuine.Opening: Start with a specific moment or experience that sparked your interest in going back to school. Avoid generic openings like “I have always wanted to further my education.”
Middle: Explain your background briefly. What have you been doing? What skills have you developed? Then connect that to why you’re choosing this particular programme.
Closing: Look forward. What do you plan to do with the degree? How will it change your career or life?
TIPS FOR ADULT LEARNERS
Be honest about your journey. Admissions committees at online schools know their students are non-traditional. They’re not expecting a fresh-out-of-high-school essay. They want to hear your real story.Don’t apologise for gaps. If you dropped out of college 15 years ago, don’t spend the whole essay explaining why. Briefly acknowledge it and focus on why you’re ready now.
Show, don’t tell. Instead of saying “I’m hardworking,” describe a time your work ethic made a difference.
Keep it concise. Most personal statements should be 500–750 words. Don’t pad it.
Proofread. Seriously. Have someone else read it too.
COMMON MISTAKES
Writing about what the school can do for you without explaining what you bring.Being too vague. “I want to help people” is not a career plan.
Trying to sound overly academic. Write like you talk (but polished).
Forgetting to mention the specific programme or school. Make it clear you’ve done your research.
If you’re working on a personal statement and want feedback, post it here (you can anonymise it) and the community can help you polish it up.