2 answers
Lucy
Student
Arlington, Texas
1
Question
Asked
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Should a personal statement about one's identity, backstory, or passions be something that they could write 8 pages about but shortened down or something that easily fits into a 600-word limit? #pondering
I saw a Tiktok explaining that a solid personal statement should be able to be extended to thousands of words, since it sort of encompasses your life story or at least the special interests, moments, or circumstances that have made you, you! However, my friend told me yesterday that a personal statement story should fit without needing to be squeezed down; if it doesn't naturally/easily fit within the word count, it's not the right story. I am asking for clarity on this. For context, my personal statement is 648 out of 650 words. Thanks to whoever can help me!
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2 answers
Tom Tate
Copywriter
9
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Tom’s Answer
It sounds like TikTok is talking about an autobiography rather than a personal statement. In my experience, no one will take the time to read something that long, especially if it is part of an admission process or job application.
I suggest creating three versions: a long one of 600-800 words, a shorter one of 200-250 words, and an "elevator pitch" of 50-60 words. If you are unfamiliar with the last one, think of being in a elevator with someone who will decide if they want to hire or admit you and you only have the time in the elevator to convince them. Memorize this and consider it your personal meta description.
For most purposes, I would see the mid-length version as the workhorse for most needs, unless the recipient specifies a different length.
Consider you longest statement as resource material. Write and perfect it first. Distill your elevator pitch from that, and then create the mid-length version last. In fact, I recommend you tailor this piece to each situation. Look for keywords in admissions documents or job descriptions and tailor your mid-length version to highlight how you satisfy these points, where applicable.
Finally, should you use AI? Only as an assistant. Use it to identify keywords and suggest excerpts from your long document. But always rewrite it in your own words.
I suggest creating three versions: a long one of 600-800 words, a shorter one of 200-250 words, and an "elevator pitch" of 50-60 words. If you are unfamiliar with the last one, think of being in a elevator with someone who will decide if they want to hire or admit you and you only have the time in the elevator to convince them. Memorize this and consider it your personal meta description.
For most purposes, I would see the mid-length version as the workhorse for most needs, unless the recipient specifies a different length.
Consider you longest statement as resource material. Write and perfect it first. Distill your elevator pitch from that, and then create the mid-length version last. In fact, I recommend you tailor this piece to each situation. Look for keywords in admissions documents or job descriptions and tailor your mid-length version to highlight how you satisfy these points, where applicable.
Finally, should you use AI? Only as an assistant. Use it to identify keywords and suggest excerpts from your long document. But always rewrite it in your own words.
Kelly Smyth
Visual development, character design, storyboards
23
Answers
Cupertino, California
Updated
Kelly’s Answer
By personal statement, do you mean for an "About" page that you'd include on a portfolio website? Because if so, it certainly doesn't need to be that long. One primary goal of a portfolio is to be easy to navigate and understand, especially for recruiters who can only spend a certain amount of time looking at each portfolio. So you don't need to go into your whole life story. But yes, you SHOULD describe your interests, goals, and personal career highlights!
To give you an example, I just checked and my current artist statement is 165 words, split into 3 short paragraphs. The first one is an overview of my chosen disciplines, the second goes into my artistic background, and the third lists some of my goals for the future. Followed by a button to view/download my full resume.
To give you an example, I just checked and my current artist statement is 165 words, split into 3 short paragraphs. The first one is an overview of my chosen disciplines, the second goes into my artistic background, and the third lists some of my goals for the future. Followed by a button to view/download my full resume.