trinity college dublin personal statement examples

5 things admissions officers at Trinity College Dublin look for in an application

Considering studying in Ireland ? If so, it’s likely that Trinity College Dublin has caught your eye as one of the most popular destinations for international students.

With its vast array of courses, incredible facilities and stunning historical campus, the university has an impressive amount to offer. But with real competition for places, what is it that admissions officers are looking for in prospective students’ applications.

I caught up with Trinity College Dublin to find out what they’re on the lookout for in their applicants at the moment. Here’s the top five things to keep in mind.

Table of Contents

• English Language proficiency is essential
• Your personal statement is important
• Take into account additional assessment criteria
• You must meet the minimum requirements for admission
• Undergraduate module grades are important for postgraduate applicants

1. English Language proficiency is essential

English Language testing forms an important part of the application process for international students. It’s important that the university knows that you will be comfortable and confident studying and being assessed in a different language.

Standardised English Language Proficiency Tests, either IELTS or TOEFL , and two academic letters of recognition are mandatory for both undergraduate and postgraduate applications at Trinity.

2. Your personal statement is important

Your personal statement is an integral part of your application as it adds character to your academic qualifications. 

Trinity College Dublin assesses students’ motivation through the statement to make sure they have put in the required level of research to make an informed decision when applying.

Brushing up on your knowledge of the subject, on the things that interest and fascinate you about the course you’re applying for and the academics you’d most like to learn from are great places to start with this.  Taking the time to make sure your personal statement is perfect is an important part of the process too.

3. Take into account additional assessment criteria

Some courses will require you to complete and excel in additional assessments, especially at postgraduate level.

At Trinity, this can include the GMAT, an online programming test for some MSc programmes and interviews either by video or phone. 

Preparing for these additional assessments are an integral part of your application, and are used to determine your suitability for the programme.

4. You must meet the minimum requirements for admission

Unfortunately this is one of the most important parts of applying at a competitive university or for an in-demand course. Meeting the specific requirements for the programme of your choice is an essential part of your application.

Working hard and securing those grades, to match your passion for your course, is an important stepping stone to studying at Trinity College Dublin.

5. Undergraduate module grades are important for postgraduate applicants

Postgraduate applications are reviewed far more rigorously due to the competition for places. The standing of your undergraduate institution is taken into account when applying, using a range of rankings both domestically and internationally.

But performance in individual modules that are relevant to the programme you’re applying to are considered too. Your bachelor degree also needs to be equivalent to a 2:1 in Ireland.

Interested in studying abroad? Find out more about Dublin as a study abroad destination , and explore Trinity College Dublin’s courses on our website.

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Disclaimer: The views and opinions shared in this site solely belong to the individual authors and do not necessarily represent t ...Read More

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• Ireland Master's Personal Statement

How to Write a Personal Statement for your Master's Degree in Ireland

Posted 19 February 2024 Masters Courses Student Tips and Advice Study in Ireland

While applying to study abroad, one of the crucial documents, especially for a master's degree application, is the Statement of Purpose (SOP).

The Statement of Purpose is a crucial document illustrating your motivation and interest in taking a specific master's course. The document gives you a chance to explain your areas of strength, highlight the particular skills that can help you understand a course better, and showcase the achievements that have led you to take up a particular course at a specific university. 

Most universities clearly state what they want you to include in the SOP you are creating, and in such cases, you must incorporate those details with as much precision as possible. If the admission committee for your university and course doesn't have these guidelines, then you must follow the general structure of this essay to make a great first impression. 

Keep reading ahead to find all the relevant details needed to create an impressive personal statement for a master's in Ireland . 

SOP for MS in Ireland: Requirements at Top Universities

As almost all universities in Ireland ask for an SOP as a compulsory requirement for admission to master's degrees, including the taught and research-based programmes , you must find the specific requirements for different universities. Most of them provide clear guidelines, and some don't, as they want to see your version of this academic and formal document. To give a certain idea, we have listed below some of the major requirements as asked by top universities in Ireland: 

Tips for Writing Statement of Purpose for MS in Ireland

Crafting an effective Statement of Purpose for a master's programme in Ireland usually requires thoughtful consideration and attention to detail. Here are some tips to guide you:

• Research your programme: You can start by researching the specifics of the master's programme you are applying to and familiarise yourself with the curriculum, faculty, and any unique features that attracted you to the course.
• Start with a strong introduction: Try to capture the reader's attention from the beginning when writing your SOP. Clearly state your motivations for pursuing the course and choosing the specific university.
• Alignment with the programme: You should showcase how your academic background, research interests, and career goals align with the programme's offerings. Highlight your understanding of what the programme offers and how it fits into your career trajectory.
• Highlight relevant experience: You must discuss academic or professional experiences relevant to your chosen field. Emphasise how these experiences have prepared you for advanced studies in the field. 
• Express your interest: You should be able to convey your passion for the subject matter by sharing personal anecdotes to illustrate what drives your interest and commitment to the field.
• Be specific: You must avoid generalisations and be precise in detailing your academic and research interests. Mention particular courses, projects, or faculty members that align with your aspirations.
• Discuss career goals: You must be able to articulate your short-term and long-term career goals clearly. Explain how the master's programme in Ireland will contribute to your professional development.
• Be concise and cohesive: Keep your SOP concise and focused. Each paragraph should contribute to the overall narrative, and you must ensure a logical flow from the introduction to the conclusion in chronological or reverse chronological order. 
• Proofread thoroughly: Eliminate all grammatical and spelling errors and typos. A polished and error-free SOP reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
• Seek feedback: Ask for feedback from mentors, professors, and family or friends to gain a fresh perspective to refine your statement and ensure clarity.

Structure of SOP

The structure of an SOP is crucial for effectively conveying your academic and professional background, goals, and reasons for pursuing a specific programme. Here is a typical structure for an SOP:

• Introduction: Begin your SOP with a captivating introduction that concisely overviews your academic and professional journey. Clearly state your motivation for pursuing a master's degree in that university and express your enthusiasm for the academic challenges that lie ahead.
• Academic background: In this section, you should delve into your educational history, highlighting key achievements, relevant coursework, and any notable honours or awards. Provide a snapshot of your undergraduate experience, showcasing the foundation that has led you to pursue advanced studies.
• Research interests: You should articulate your specific research interests, emphasising how they have evolved over time. Discuss particular topics, theories, or methodologies that captivate your intellectual curiosity. You can also establish a clear link between your research passions and the specialised offerings of the master's degree you are applying to. 
• Professional experience: If applicable, detail your professional background, emphasising skills acquired and insights gained from work or internships. Showcase how your professional experiences complement your academic aspirations, creating a well-rounded perspective you bring to the master's programme.
• Alignment with the programme: You must demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the programme and discuss why this particular course resonates with you.
• Career goals: You should clearly explain your short-term and long-term career goals and how the master's programme plays a pivotal role in achieving these goals, emphasising the skills and knowledge you aim to acquire and apply in your future professional endeavours.
• Conclusion: You must summarise the key points of your SOP in a strong conclusion. Reiterate your enthusiasm for the program, underscore your commitment to academic excellence, and conclude with a memorable statement that leaves a lasting impression on the admissions committee.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Writing SOP for MS in Ireland

• Generic statements: You should not use generic statements that could apply to any programme or university. Instead, tailor your SOP to the specific programme and university, demonstrating a genuine interest in their offerings.
• Lack of research: Your SOP must showcase that you have researched to find the details of what the course offers and how it can help you achieve your career goals. 
• Vague career goals: Stating vague or unrealistic career goals can give the admissions committee the wrong impression, which is certainly not your intention.
• Overemphasis on grades: Even if you have a solid academic background, don’t overemphasise grades without giving a context that aligns with the course. 
• Exaggeration: You must never make this mistake, as exaggerating accomplishments can backfire, and you may lose the chance to get admission if you cannot prove the achievements later. 
• Ignoring word limits: You must stick to the word limit set by the university for a particular course. 
• Failing to personalise: Your SOP must be unique to your interests, achievements and personality. A generic template won’t leave a lasting impression, so you should personalise the SOP. 
• Neglecting proofreading: If you don’t proofread your SOP, chances are that there will be grammatical errors, typos, or inconsistencies. 

How is an SOP for MS in Ireland different from others?

Even though the general structure of an SOP remains consistent across countries, there are specific differences in the way it is submitted for pursuing higher education in Ireland. The general guidelines worldwide have a word limit of 300 words, but that is not the case in Ireland. Many universities ask for more than 500 words, some even mandating up to 1000 words to be included in your SOP. Additionally, if you can incorporate a nuanced approach in your personal statement, including a culturally aware tone, the readers at the admission committee can become aware of your deep interest in studying in Ireland. 

Study in Ireland

Contact SI-Ireland today if you need further help or advice in constructing your personal statement for entry to a university in Ireland.

How do I start my SOP for a Master's in Ireland? How many pages should a master personal statement be?

You can start your SOP for a master's programme in Ireland with a compelling introduction highlighting your academic background, passion for the chosen field, and motivation to pursue a Master's degree in Ireland. Regarding the length, you can write anywhere between 500 and 1,000 words, and it should be at most two pages. 

What questions should I ask for a personal statement?

When crafting a personal statement for a Master's programme, addressing critical questions is essential to provide a comprehensive and compelling narrative. Here are some questions to guide your reflection and writing:

• What specific aspects of the Master's program attracted you?
• How has your academic background prepared you for this programme?
• What are your research interests, and how do they connect with the programme's offerings? 
• How has your professional experience shaped your desire to pursue a Master's degree?
• How will the Master's program contribute to your professional development?
• What unique qualities, skills, or perspectives do you bring to the program? 

How should I format my personal statement?

You must format your personal statement with clarity and professionalism. Begin with a concise introduction that grabs attention and clearly states your motivation. Organise the body into cohesive paragraphs, each addressing specific aspects. Use clear and formal language, focusing on conveying your unique qualities and why you are an ideal candidate. End with a strong conclusion summarising your key points and reaffirming your enthusiasm for the program. You should also follow any specific formatting guidelines the university provides and pay attention to word or page limits. 

Do I need to attach work experience with SOP for Masters in Ireland?

While attaching work experience to your SOP for a master's programme in Ireland is not mandatory, it can significantly enhance your application. 

Are there different types of SOPs for Masters in Ireland?

While the core elements of an SOP remain consistent, variations in specific requirements or prompts may lead to slight differences in the SOPs for Master's programs in Ireland. You should tailor your SOP to the guidelines provided by each institution to ensure you meet their expectations.

Why do we consider SOP for Masters in Ireland an important document?

The SOP for pursuing a master's in Ireland is important as it is a personalised introduction, allowing applicants to convey their academic and professional intentions to the admission committee. A well-crafted SOP enhances applicants' chances of securing admission by presenting a compelling and coherent case for their candidacy beyond academic transcripts.

Last Updated: 20 February 2024

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The trinity msc blog, application advice: how to submit a good reference.

/ by Ella Halfacree

Since you don’t write your own references, this is less a guide about how to submit a good reference and more tips on how to ensure this part of your application is fulfilled as efficiently and painlessly as possibly.

Student Recruitment Officer Ella Halfacree discusses below s ome of the most common questions we receive about references.

How do I submit references?

"When completing your application form you will note a section at the bottom allowing you to populate contact details for your chosen referees. Ideally these will both be academic referees from a third level institution where you have studied, however, we would accept one professional and one academic referee. Once you have submitted your application form, a reference request email will automatically trigger from your portal to your referees; this will include an official TCD reference template and a link that will allow your referees to upload the reference directly to your portal themselves. If you have already been provided references then you may upload them to your portal yourself.

What is the correct format for a reference?

A reference must be submitted on either official headed paper or the TCD reference template provided in the reference request email. It must be from either an academic that taught you at a third level institution or a professional manager for whom you have worked. It must be signed and dated within the last year.

Application FAQs

What sort of information should be included in a reference?

The reference should give an impression of you as a student/ employee rather than simply state that you studied or worked somewhere so ensure you nominate someone who knows you well enough to provide this level of detail. Chances are anyone you ask to give a reference on your behalf will have provided one before so should have a fairly good idea of what is expected but a standard reference would include (among other things): confirmation of your contributions in class (or work if a professional reference), your level of ability, attendance, whether or not you work well in groups etc and generally whether they believe you would be suited to further study.

My referees did not receive the reference request email – what should I do?

You can contact the admissions officer for your programme by emailing [email protected] and they can send on the reference template to your referee or you can contact the central admissions team at [email protected] who can access your portal and attempt to re-trigger the email. However, it’s important to ask your referees to check the junk/ spam folder of their inbox just in case they did receive it.

I need to change one or both of my referees – is this possible?

This is possible, you can do this by emailing the central admissions team at [email protected] who will trigger a referee amendment task to your portal, this will allow you to amend the email address of your referee(s) so the reference request email can be re-triggered - alternatively you can contact the admissions officer for your programme who can send the reference template to your new nominated referee.

Can I submit a reference from a secondary school teacher or sports coach?

Academic references must be submitted by someone who taught you at a third level institution so references from a secondary school teacher would, unfortunately, not be accepted. Similarly, a reference from a work colleague who is not your manager would also not be accepted.

Application Tips & Advice

My professional referee received the academic reference template, how do I get a professional one?

Since the standard requirement for the university is two academic references, there is only one version of the TCD reference template which is tailored towards providing an academic reference. If your professional referee is unable to submit their reference on company headed paper they can of course submit their reference on the TCD template provided but should disregard any sections pertaining to academic achievement.

My offer states that one of my references has been accepted, how do I find out which one?

You should be able to see on your portal which one of your references has been submitted (and more importantly which one hasn’t) but if you aren’t sure feel free to email your admission officer at [email protected] who can access your portal and check.

Any other hints and tips?

Keep in touch with your referees – make sure they are aware that you have nominated them as a referee – this is important for many reasons, firstly, out of common courtesy so they are not surprised by the arrival of an email from us, secondly so that they know exactly who they are providing a reference for (occasionally referees reach out to the university to request information about someone who has nominated them as a referee and unfortunately the university cannot provide any additional information due to GDPR).

Furthermore, it’s important that you are in contact with your referees to ensure you provide the correct contact details for them – sometimes faculty members have retired or moved to a different institution since you last contacted them, and for your own sake you probably want to ensure that this person would be willing to provide a reference for you (a positive one anyway!).

Lastly staying in touch with your referees could significantly reduce the potential for delays – references are the only part of your application that you yourself are not responsible for submitting but they are very important so you should be comfortable enough with your referees to reach out and prompt them if required!

Tags: Admissions Process , Application , tips

Written by Ella Halfacree

Ella Halfacree is Student Recruitment Officer for MSc Finance, MSc Financial Risk Management and MSc Human Resource Management at Trinity Business School.

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A Strong Trinity College Essay Example

Trinity College is a private liberal arts college in Hartford, Connecticut. With only 2,300 undergraduates, Trinity takes a focused, student-oriented approach to higher education. Students can select from both traditional areas of study and more unique, interdisciplinary ones such as Human Rights Studies and Urban China Studies. 

Read ahead for an example of an essay that a real student submitted to Trinity, as well as a breakdown of what they did well and what could be improved.

Essay Example 1 – The Interdisciplinary Science Program

As I delved deeper into the world of physics, chemistry, and mathematics in my advanced-level studies, I felt myself being pulled in by the allure of the unknown. The mysteries of the universe, hidden in equations and formulas, called to me like a siren’s song. And as I solved advanced problems, like calculating the tension in a bridge or understanding the kinematics of a vehicle, I couldn’t help but imagine what it would be like to apply these concepts in real life. To this end, I always endangered my life by seeking challenges and opportunities to enjoy my dreams of real-world experience.

With that delight, I was bolstered to join my school’s Scientific Club, eager to further explore the wonders of the natural world. Too focused, my fellow clubmates and I spent hours poring over scientific journals like Science et Vie and conducting experiments and research projects, one of which was my idea of using the Piezo-Energy Generation Project, which later faded due to a lack of materials. But overall, I relished the opportunity to apply my mathematical and scientific skills to solve various equations and felt a sense of satisfaction as I unlocked the universe’s secrets one equation at a time.

As I continued to explore the world of science and mathematics, I became increasingly interested in the interplay between science and society. This thrill pushed me to attend different courses, including an introduction to quantum computing by MIT and Oxford researchers and artificial intelligence courses by Atingi. The very reason I attended and enrolled in those classes is that I wanted to know how modern science is done and how it affects our lives. Similarly, that is why and how I am particularly interested in the Interdisciplinary Science Program (ISP) at Trinity College.

What appeals more about the program is its focus on the interplay between science and society, comparable to its pairing of high-achieving students in their first year and beyond with STEM faculty to do original research. This is a perfect fit for me because it will allow me to continue to explore the mysteries of the universe and apply my mathematical and scientific skills to real-world problems. It will also allow me to work with STEM faculty who are experts in their fields and to conduct original research that can impact society.

Not to mention that the ISP includes a paid summer research experience, which is a fantastic opportunity for me to gain hands-on experience and further explore my interests at Trinity Laboratory. Additionally, I am keen to take advantage of this opportunity and work on cutting-edge research projects to help advance our understanding of the world around us.

In conclusion, given my experience and interests, ISP is a perfect fit for me. I am excited to continue to explore the mysteries of the universe and to apply my mathematical and scientific skills to real-world problems. I am also excited to work with STEM faculty and to conduct original research that can make a real impact on society. I am confident that the ISP will help me to achieve my lofty goals and to become a leader in science and mathematics.

What the Essay Did Well

Since this essay is for a specific program within Trinity as a whole, the strategy for writing a strong essay has some overlap with how you would write a “Why This Major?” essay. Namely, you want to explain how you first became interested in science, and how Trinity will support your educational goals. This author does a great job providing details that answer both of those questions.

For example, they describe how they were first “pulled in by the allure of the unknown,” and how their interest in the sciences deepened once they became interested in “apply[ing] these concepts in real life.” Their interest feels even more authentic thanks to creative, personal phrasings like comparing the mysteries of science to “a siren’s song.”

They go on to highlight their participation in their school’s Scientific Club, and research they did independently. Showing how they have gone out of their way to increase their scientific knowledge proves that they are genuinely excited and curious about science.

In the second half of the essay, the author lays out the reasons they are interested in the ISP specifically: namely, the opportunity to conduct research with real-world applications, and the access to a paid summer internship. These details show that the writer has considered how the ISP connects to their broader educational goals, which gives readers a clearer sense of what the student is hoping to get out of the program.

What Could Be Improved 

The author gives us a general sense of why they are interested in STEM, and how the ISP would help them develop that interest further. However, the essay would go from good to great if they dived deeper into specific STEM topics that interest them, and more concretely described how ISP would shape their college education.

In the first few paragraphs, the student mentions a range of science topics that interest them, from energy generation to quantum computing to artificial intelligence. While this variety shows that the student is generally curious, we fail to get a sense of their specific academic interests, which may make us feel worried that this student hasn’t spent much time thinking about how they want to focus in their field of interest.

Rather than providing a laundry list of STEM topics, the student would be better off describing one of their scientific interests, and explaining in detail the steps they have taken thus far to pursue that interest. For example, if they are interested in energy generation, they could elaborate more on their club’s experiment on using the “Piezo-Energy Generation Project,” by describing specific online tutorials they watched to refine their equation-solving skills, or their experience shopping at the local hobby store for parts.

The author could also provide more details about what specific role they see the ISP playing in their education. For example, when discussing the summer internship, they could write about their interest in energy production, and mention how they hope to connect with a specific professor who has done work in Piezoelectricity, and so may be able to help them find a job in that field. 

Additionally, the student would benefit from citing other specific features of the program, such as the semester-long seminar focused on research ethics, particular funding and publication opportunities, and the broader ISP community. Having the one example of the summer internship is a good start, but incorporating another program-specific opportunity or two would show that the student has really done their homework, and is prepared to take full advantage of the ISP.

Where to Get Feedback on Your Essay 

Want feedback on your Trinity essay before you submit? That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools. Find the right advisor for you to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

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TCD Personal Statement?

Hi all, I’m well aware that the Republic of Ireland is not a member of the United Kingdom, but I couldn’t find anywhere better to post this. I’m applying to Trinity College, Dublin as an American and am struggling a little bit with writing my Personal Statement. I’ve never really had to write a Personal Statement before, and so I’m struggling with how exactly to write it. Is it supposed to be formal? Do I mention my qualifications at all? Is it supposed to be anything like the Why St. Andrews essay on the Common App? Any tips for writing the PS and tips for applying would be appreciated please! Have a nice day!

You might find this helpful:

https://www.tcd.ie/Careers/assets/pdf/student-pdf/personal-statement-guidelines.pdf

It is for students applying to grad programs, but you won’t go wrong following the basic outline. Be sure to fit in elements that would show why you are looking to go Ireland, and that demonstrate some maturity (ie, “I’ve always loved Ireland and all things green and my mothers maiden name is O’Kelly and I can’t wait to…” will not make you look like a student who is making a serious academic choice, and who is ready to do the real work of moving to a new country and new educational system as an adult)

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Ll.m. applications: the personal statement.

The personal statement can be a daunting part of the LL.M. application process—what to write, and how to write it? Here are some tips from admissions officials to help guide you through the process.

While it’s only one of many elements going into an LL.M. application, the personal statement can be a tricky one to master. 

Many law schools are not very specific about the requirements for the personal statement, aside from word count. Georgetown University Law Center, for instance, asks applicants to describe their background, goals, and reasons for applying to the program; Stanford is looking for information about the applicant’s experience in legal practice, interest in graduate study, and professional goals.

“To be honest we are purposefully broad in our description because we want applicants to have the freedom to express themselves in whatever way they see fit,” says Justin Swinsick, director of graduate admissions at Georgetown. 

“However, applicants should think about what they would say to the admissions committee if they were sat in front of them and had the chance to highlight the very best things about themselves and how the program and school will take them where they want to go.”  

Other law schools are more explicit; Northwestern asks applicants to answer two essay questions, while Harvard requires a two-part statement—one addressing a theoretical framework or analysis to a current legal problem, and another that says something about the applicant’s motivations for the LL.M. and how it relates to his/her future plans.

This year, University of Pennsylvania also updated its personal statement requirement to include a bit more guidance, calling for a statement of no more than two pages, and specifically recommending that the applicant avoid repeating his/her CV. 

For some schools, like Trinity College Dublin, the personal statement is optional; around 10 to 15 percent of each year’s pool of applicants sends one as part of their applications, according to Kelley McCabe, senior executive officer of the School of Law at Trinity.

“We’re looking for further insight into the applicant's current research interests and their career plans and goals for the future,” she says. “But we focus mostly on academic transcripts, the two academic references and the applicant's CV.”

“These documents give us a holistic picture of the applicant.” 

Tackling the LL.M. personal statement

One of the cornerstone pieces of advice is: be specific. Admissions officers read many personal statements, and you want yours to stand out in their memories. 

“Spend some time really thinking about why you want to get an LL.M.” and why that specific program fits this reason, says Elise Kraemer, director of graduate programs at UPenn.

Be honest and open about yourself; you could be moved to write about an inspirational figure in your life, an important event, or even about the school itself—which is fine, as long as you direct the statement back to you, Georgetown’s Swinsick recommends. 

Kraemer agrees: “Although a personal and/or family stories can be moving, if you use one, be sure that it directly supports your application.”

Sometimes, a well-justified directness can pay off. Swinsick says one applicant start her statement by writing that she wanted to pursue an LL.M. in order to make as much money as possible. “This was certainly an unusual way to start and played into negative stereotypes of why one pursues legal education,” Swinsick recalls. But she went on to tie this into how she planned to leverage her legal studies, career and financial success into bringing help and visibility to problems plaguing her community in a developing country.  

“It was very well written, highlighted her best qualities, and tied together why she wanted to pursue the program and why Georgetown’s program in particular would help her achieve her goals.” 

Mistakes to avoid in your personal statement

While it’s a good thing to be personal, don’t overdo it either. “Some of the more colorful statements I have read entail very personal details that usually would only be shared with clergy, partners or close personal friends,” Swinsick says.

And polish is key: proofread, check your word limit, and make sure it looks as professional as possible. For Kraemer, a minor typographical or grammatical error—especially from non-native speakers—is not a deal-breaker, but a statement that is “poorly written or contains unprofessional content” can be. 

“Take some time to work on it,” Kraemer says. “Don’t leave it to the last minute.”

And the resounding consensus from every law school is: always, always check the name of the school at the top of the page. Every year, every admission committee receives personal statements addressed to the wrong school. “I tend to be relatively forgiving on this one, but it never looks good,” Kraemer says. 

How much does your personal statement matter?

The value of the personal statement can vary from school to school, but in general, a strong one can significantly bolster the merit of an application. 

“It’s the only communication that we receive in the applicant’s own voice and is one of the best ways for the committee to ‘get to know’ the person applying,” says Kraemer. “It is not uncommon for a personal statement to have a significant impact on how we evaluate a candidate—a particularly strong or weak statement can be determinative.”

It can also afford an opportunity for the applicant to explain or put in context to the admissions committee a negative element of their application—a poor grade or language score, for instance. And this effort will show; an applicant that puts time and thought into their personal statement shows that they are serious about pursuing graduate legal education, Swinsick says.

“A personal statement is just that—personal,” says McCabe. “It gives the admissions committee a sense of who the applicant is so, when writing it, they should be true to themselves.”

LL.M. personal statement quick tips

• Be specific. Address why you want to get an LL.M. and your career goals.
• Be honest, about your background and the reasons for applying for an LL.M.
• Address any negative elements of your application, such as a low TOEFL or ITELTS score.
• Make sure to proofread your personal statement and check your word count.
• Make sure that you've addressed the statement to the right law school.

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Applications and Interviews

You might have to take part in a range of application processes as you set out in search of your next job or course of study. The application process can be challenging, but with research and preparation, you will develop your skills and increase your application success rate. You are encouraged to use Trinity’s Guided Reflection Tool to identify your skills and graduate attributes which will strength your application.

General tips

At all stages of the application process, from your CV and cover letter through to your performance at interview, you need to be able to demonstrate to an employer that you possess the skills, competencies and experience required for the role.

Identify what the employer is looking for

The first step in the application process is to identify the criteria required for the role. The employer will often clearly outline what they are looking for in the job description or person specification. If there is no clear job description, or if you are speculatively applying, you will need to create a list of criteria that you think would be related to the role. Ways to do this include looking at job descriptions for similar jobs, researching the company and its employees through LinkedIn, talking to current or previous employees in your network, and reading the companies' websites and publications to get a sense of their work, their culture and their values.

Demonstrate that you match the job criteria

You now need to identify examples from your experience which provide evidence that you match the criteria that are required. For example if the job requires that you have team-working, communication and presentation skills, and an ability to work on your own initiative, you need to reflect on your experience to date and think of examples which demonstrate how you acquired these skills through your experience to date - including your academic, personal, and work experience.

Where possible try and use examples that:

• are specific and relevant to the role to which you are applying
• draw on your most recent experience where possible
• show that you were proactive and highlight your achievements

These examples will form the basis of all stages of the application process as  you embark on your job search. While a lot of the information and examples that you have will be applicable across a range of roles, always make sure to carefully tailor your applications to the specific role to which you are applying. Demonstrate to employers that you have spent time considering why you want the role, why you want to work in this company, and how this fits in with your career plans. Carefully tailored applications that demonstrate this type of interest and attention to detail will increase your chances of success in your job search.

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Personal Statement Guidelines

To complete your application you are required to submit a personal statement detailing your experience and interest in the course.  Your personal statement should be unique and tailored to the course for which you are applying.

What is a personal statement?

The personal statement offers you the opportunity to shed more light on your personality, character and suitability for the course. The information we are looking for should add clarity, richness and meaning to the information you have already provided in your application and in your Curriculum Vitae.  Your personal statement will help us to assess your application and to make a decision on your suitability for the course.

What your personal statement should cover  

• Why you are applying for the course and why you think you are suitable for it.
• How your academic abilities, relevant skills and knowledge will fit with the course and help you succeed.
• Your interest in the subject matter of the course, perhaps including some academic references or readings.
• What you know about DCU’s expertise in the subject matter of the course and why you want to study at DCU.
• The impact which you expect the course to have on your goals and aspirations and how the course will help you achieve them.

How to write a personal statement

 There is no fixed structure or formula you should follow but here are some tips to help you:

• Start early: and think about what you would like to write, and how you would like to come across
• Write a draft, and give yourself enough time to make revisions
• Structure your personal statement to contain:
• a general introduction to yourself;
• body text to reflect your experiences, skills, interests and qualities;
• and a conclusion to reinforce your commitment to your chosen course and your enthusiasm about studying at DCU
• Present your ideas in a structured and meaningful manner
• Proofread and edit until you are happy that the structure, grammar, spelling and punctuation are correct.
• Stick to the word count and use double line spacing throughout.

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Law personal statement example 49.

It often occurs to me how needs for rules and regulations are determined and fulfilled in today's ever-changing and emerging world? Take the example of internet, what copyright laws are there? How online dealings are regulated? What authority is there to manage all?.

Likewise on international level it interests to know details of rights of war prisoners, regulations for refugees, terrorism(internal / external),I have never done any research work before , it looks very demanding and interesting.

I wonder on what basis topics are chosen? How students to whom all the method is quite new present their reports? What help they get from teachers? Why so many websites offer to sell dissertations? Can students buy them and get desired results? Then what is the use of their degree? I really want to know all these and much more.

My desire to get into the field stems from the inspiration of Mohammad Ali Jinnah, a renowned leader of nineteen century and founder of Pakistan.

He was a Bar-at-Law and had his legal education from Lincoln's Inn. He was highly disciplined and hardworking .I admire him for being a very bold, committed and honest person.

He devoted all his life for us Pakistanis, fought for muslims' rights and in the end succeeded in his mission. I also want success in my life and career .He has been my role model ever since I took up my studies in law.

Throughout three years of study of law the areas which attracted me most are Mercantile law, Equity, Medical jurisprudence and Civil law.

Now I wish to do LLM to enhance my knowledge and have a promising career thereby. It will open doors of opportunities for me .On one hand I will be able to join bar on the other hand legal advisors are needed in almost all the organizations plus I always have this advantage of teaching.

I am B.Com and LLB. I have done seventeen years of education. After my graduation I got into the profession of teaching. Teaching is also my passion.

One of the reasons of my joining the course is to be able to teach law. The occupation is very attractive to me for it provides direct interaction with the youth and you get ample opportunities to speak to present your views .Having taught in a couple of schools for about two years I really enjoyed supporting myself and feeling responsible.

I had a very useful and interesting teaching experience. I was extremely enthusiastic during the jobs.

During “Students' Week” I organized an exhibition in which students expressed their concerns over social issues through presentations. I once arranged a performing art competition in which pupils performed on some chosen situations .The objective behind these activities were to make students confident and creative.

As a library teacher in my school, I introduced use of magazines and movies to inculcate the habit of reading in students which was highly appreciated by the administrators. All these activities strengthened my faith in God and polished my confidence in myself to take up responsibilities and fulfill tasks properly.

My decision to go abroad is supported by my love to meet different people and know their culture and traditions.

I have a lot heard about foreign education system and really want to experience it. I will be financially supported by my family however I will also go for a work permit to support myself .My brother lives in Ireland so accommodation will not be a problem.

Profile info

This personal statement was written by fatima for application in 2008.

fatima's Comments

This statement earned me admission in two world ranking universities of Ireland: Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin. After God I thanks this website in helping me to understand the purpose of personal statement. I wrote this statement after reading the guidelines available on the website. Howerever all the information I give is the truth.

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Being graduate you can do.

Fri, 23/01/2009 - 19:03

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need to add more stuff

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