where postgrad statements get personal

 From an opening statement in an application to Stanford University* 

Personal Statements or Letters of motivation as they might be called, are excellent personal branding exercises. The higher in the league tables the University is, the more competitive it gets to secure a place. 

To best prepare, watch out for the following:

Begin early

The earlier you decide which University you aim for and the earlier you send an amazing application form, the more chances you have got to be successful. March, is a definite "deadline" for most sought after institutions. 

Get it all together

Transcripts, official translations and other official documentation are documents you must have  in hand in time for the applications. Make sure you collect them as soon as possible, as with any bureaucratic procedure, getting them all together might take more time that you estimate. 

Focus on you

Sought after universities prefer candidates that match their brand: put down in writing everything you have achieved throughout your student life and think about what the person assessing your application needs to know about. 

Take it very personally

What makes people want to know you? What do they say about you? What do you really believe in? Answer these questions and discover your personal brand. Then make sure that these few words that describe you, run right through your application. 

Differentiate

Don't just rely on an inspirational quote or a verse from a poem for an impressive opening statement. This is just not enough any more unless it is fully backed up by a branded text. Create an approach strategy based on your personal brand, match it with the University's and you will make it!

Until next time, enjoy work!

*http://alumni.stanford.edu/get/page/magazine/article/?article_id=31010