political science personal statement

Sample Personal Statement for Political Science

by Talha Omer, MBA, M.Eng., Harvard & Cornell Grad

In personal statement samples by field.

The following personal statement is written by an applicant who got accepted to several top graduate schools in political science. Variations of this PS got accepted at Duke, UCLA, and NYU. Read this essay to understand what a top personal statement in political science should look like.

Sample Personal Statement for Graduate School in PoliSci

It was not until I studied the introductory “Political Thought” course during my undergrad that I discovered my passion for political philosophy. Studying ancient and modern political thought allowed me to get introduced to the thought experiments of political thinkers to construct novel political concepts. This enabled me to relate the theory to other branches of political science. However, the courses I studied at the undergrad level were introductory, hence, not enough to quench my thirst for philosophical thinking.

The best thing that happened to me because of studying these courses was that I started thinking along the lines of philosophy. After my undergrad, I engaged in various endeavors, which also included working as an HR Manager. However, the intrigue that originated after studying the Political Thought courses kept pushing me towards further academic pursuits. I applied to the program of MA Political Science at Central European University and got in. It was here that I discovered that I needed to cover immense ground in Political Theory. The fortunate thing was that I was not confused about the line I was supposed to tread, which was political theory.

Therefore, I opted for the same line and selected electives accordingly. In the mandatory course of Political Theory, I got introduced to more profound philosophies, particularly related to liberal egalitarianism. I hadn’t read those theories before, and the start of the course was not as rosy as it was in the courses of Political Thoughts back in my bachelor’s. However, my professor, Dr. Moles, encouraged all students to participate in the rigorous debates surrounding those philosophies.

The whole process happened to be very enriching. My brain started working in that direction, and I kept philosophizing about different political ideas even during my leisure time. The unfortunate thing that happened during this course was the aggravated anxiety I was going through. The condition took a toll on my studies, and I had to seek help from the medical center at my university. There was a time when I thought I would not be able to complete my master’s. However, thanks to the encouragement of my professors and peers, I was soon back on track amid psychological challenges. After studying political theory courses from Moles, Miklosi, and Kis, I concluded that I wanted to conceptualize responsibility in egalitarian distributive justice. It was mainly due to my reading of luck egalitarianism. Under the guidance of Professor Moles, I completed my thesis on the topic of “Individual Choice and Responsibility in the Backdrop of Just Institutions.”

After my master’s, teaching was the first option that occurred to me. Therefore, I sought employment in higher-education-teaching and got employed as a lecturer. It has been a challenging yet enriching experience. I am still teaching in the same organization. I teach courses ranging from qualitative research methods to International Relations (IR). I enjoy teaching IR courses, and the most exciting thing about them is that my knowledge of political theory helps me have a profound understanding of global political issues.

In addition to the intrigue of engaging in different philosophical debates, teaching various courses and applying my theoretical knowledge galvanize me to further advance my understanding. The important thing is that I want to produce coherent research along the lines of political and social theory. For this to happen, it is imperative to pursue a doctorate. If I get the chance to enter a doctorate, I shall research along the lines of the Theory of Justice, Liberal Rights, Marxist critique on liberal rights, etc. I am also writing a research paper on “The Moral Status of Potential Immigrants from the Rawlsian Original Position.” The topic has the potential to be converted into comprehensive doctorate research.

Numerous universities in the USA have excellent political theory faculty, and many are working in my area of interest. If I get the opportunity, I shall be able to pursue my interest in becoming a teacher and researcher. I have survived the events which could have instilled hopelessness in me. However, on the contrary, my determination shows that I have cultivated enough resilience to tread the trajectory toward my passion.

WANT MORE AMAZING ARTICLES ON GRAD SCHOOL PERSONAL STATEMENTS?

100+ Outstanding Examples of Personal Statements
The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Winning Personal Statement
Common Pitfalls to Avoid in Your Personal Statement
Writing a Killer Opening Paragraph for Your Personal Statement
Ideal Length for a Graduate School Personal Statement
100 Inspiring Quotes to Jumpstart Your Personal Statement

Sample Personal Statement for Masters in International Business

Sample Personal Statement for Masters in International Business My journey began amidst the kaleidoscope of Qatar's landscapes, setting the stage for a life attuned to cultural nuances. Transitioning to Riyadh in my teens, I absorbed a mosaic of traditions, sparking a...

Sample Personal Statement for Family Medicine Residency

Personal Statement Prompt: A personal letter is required. We are looking for mature, enthusiastic physicians who bring with them a broad range of life experiences, are committed to providing excellent patient care, and can embrace the depth and breadth of experiences...

[2024] 4 Law School Personal Statement Examples from Top Programs

In this article, I will discuss 4 law school personal statement samples. These statements have been written by successful applicants who gained admission to prestigious US Law schools like Yale, Harvard, and Stanford. The purpose of these examples is to demonstrate...

Sample Personal Statement Cybersecurity

In this article, I will be providing a sample grad school personal statement in the field of cybersecurity. This sample was written by an applicant who got admitted into George Mason, Northeastern and Arizona State University. This example aims to show how prospective...

100+ Grad School Personal Statement Examples

Introduction Importance of a Strong Personal Statement A personal statement is essential in the graduate school application process, as it plays a significant role in shaping the admissions committee's perception of you. In fact, a survey conducted by the Council of...

WANT AMAZING ARTICLES ON GRAD SCHOOL PERSONAL STATEMENTS?

100+ Personal Statement Templates

Prices/Payment
Standard Service US$199.00
VIP/Rush Service US$299.00
Statement of Purpose Help
Dr Robert Edinger, Personal Statement of Purpose Specialist
Editing/Writing Service
Guarantee/Privacy Policy
Client Testimony
Autobiographical
Disadvantaged Status
Letters of Recommendation

#header_text h2#site_subheading a, #header_text h2#site_subheading{ color:#000000 } @media (min-width: 650px) { #header_text h2#site_subheading a, #header_text h2#site_subheading{ } }

Samples of my work in political science & closely related areas.

MA International Political Economy
MA Political Science, History, Sociology
MA Political Science UK, Environmentalism
MA Political Science, Former Soviet Republics

Search by Degree, Field, or Country of Origin

Phd political science, iranian applicant, focus on persion gulf.

I want to devote my life to the cause of managing and preventing conflicts in the Middle East - and subsequently the world. While born in Iran, I had the privilege of living in Canada, and had the opportunity to attend a boarding school in Switzerland for my secondary education, helping to lay a foundation for a truly international consciousness through constant travel and interaction with people from around the world. Thereafter, I moved to the United States, attending universities at three cities across the country, further paving the way for the development of my identity as a global citizen.

Hassan Rouhani’s victory in the 2013 presidential elections in Iran brought unexpected hope and altered the trajectory of my life. While I intended to manage our family business in the area of international trade, the new era impelled me to seek a future in academia and politics. Ever since, I became deeply involved in research about Iran and focused my studies on Iranian foreign policy, nominally, the nuclear negotiation between Iran and the world powers, different facets of the relationship between Iran and the United States, as well as United States foreign policy towards the Middle East.

Following the completion of the negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program, regional tensions unexpectedly grew to a level rarely seen in the past. As my research was mainly focused on Iran’s foreign policy towards the West, in January 2016 I felt an urge to refocus my studies on the Persian Gulf and the Middle East region. My Master’s thesis, titled “Effectuating A Cooperative Future Between Iran and the Arab States of the Persian Gulf,” focused on fining ways to inhibit the escalation of current conflicts to perpetual ones, while at the same time, aims for more robust economic, social, and religious collaborations between Iran and its Arab neighbors. To broaden my audience, I translated the complete thesis in Farsi, and the Arabic version will be available early 2018.

I felt a gap in the productive analysis of the future of the Persian Gulf. The majority of the existing literature on the Persian Gulf region have focused on the importance of oil, the religious dimensions, and the proxy wars that have embroiled the Middle East as a whole. There has rarely been an analysis that differentiates Iran’s relations with its Arab neighbors, and subsequently, no blueprint exists for moving forward. I relied on the importance of understanding the merits of each bilateral relationship to better identify the past grievances, as well as the potential areas for greater cooperation.

Having heavily invested the past two years in the study of the Persian Gulf region, I feel it is only the beginning of my research in to this ever-important region, and I hope to pursue my PhD degree with a focus on Iran’s relationships with the Arab countries in the Persian Gulf and the Middle East as a whole. Furthermore, the principal question my research intends to answer is how to best formulate a regional architecture based on qualitative and quantitative methods in which the regional actors can address past grievances, and build on the cultural, religious, and economic ties that have existed for centuries. I now seek a much deeper understanding of the Persian Gulf Region from a broad variety of interdisciplinary perspective, in the ongoing search for trends in foreign policy decision makings and the opportunities that exist for dialogue and peaceful resolution of differences, and ways to secure a more cooperative future amongst countries in the region.

I feel that I am the best fit with the PhD Program at XXXX University because of both the focus and the flexibility of your program in addition to your world-class faculty. I have special admiration for the publications of Professor Daniel Corstange and it would be a special honor to learn directly from him given the fact that his main focus is on the Arab world which strongly complements my research. I also pay close attention to the research of Professor Robert Jervis who represents another potentially important resource for my dissertation.

In addition to the great faculty of the Political Science Department, it would be beneficial to take advantage of the distinguished professors at the School of International and Public Affairs. I have closely followed the efforts of Ambassador Luers to establish better relations between Iran and the United States, working through the Iran Project and its collaboration with the Atlantic Council’s Future of Iran Initiative. Additionally, it would be an especially great honor for me to develop a professional relationship with Professor Lawrence Potter whose research and practical experience dovetails nicely with my own research focus.

While I will always be Iranian, I seek to professionally serve the international community, as an academic, diplomat, peacemaker, and someone who builds bridges to the Middle East and helps to maintain them. Based on my past experiences and the need for peace in the most unstable region of the world, I feel called to build a career in the area of international relations and diplomacy, at least in part as a result of the great need that exists for negotiating and peace building between Iran and its neighbors. My sense of global citizenship and appreciation for the vast diversity of cultural and political expression has been enhanced by the fact that I have spent my life aiming for a better Iran, and subsequently its relations with the world.

During the first semester of my Master’s Program at XXXX University, I happily registered for a course titled “United States and Iran, from Conflict to Reconciliation”; and I developed a superb relationship with Professor XXXX, going on to become her Teaching Assistant for the same course as well as an undergraduate course titled “Iran and Middle East Conflicts.” I enjoy teaching and I could not be more committed to my goal of serving as a professor following the completion of my PhD program.

I feel strongly that my studies towards the Master’s Degree in International Affairs that I recently completed at American University, coupled with my experience at the Atlantic Council in Washington, as well as my work in Tehran, will help me to hit the ground running and excel in your rigorous PhD Program.

I have fresh, highly relevant professional experience that will help me to excel at Columbia University. At the Atlantic Council’s Future of Iran Initiative in Washington, where I started as an intern and was later promoted to Project Assistant, I

Ever since graduation in May 2017, I have assisted and advised several Iranian diplomats and I am currently a project assistant at the Foreign Ministry’s Institute for Political and International Studies in Tehran. Furthermore, I assisted my father in revamping our family business to better address the economic needs of Iran in the new era following the lifting of sanctions. At MehrIran International in Tehran, I serve as co-founder and Vice President. We collaborate with numerous domestic services in Iran, including foreign investment facilitation, international trade process, and other matters. I am personally responsible for conducting political risk analyses by effectively coordinating with foreign embassies in Tehran, as well as other international organizations based in places such as Qatar, Switzerland, Netherlands, Bulgaria, and Brazil. I have a long list of contacts most of which I established during my time in Washington that I have effectively used to broaden my impact.

I have been asked to publish a chapter on Iran’s foreign policy determinants for an upcoming book being published by the University of Leitz, Poland, in addition to publishing several chapters of my translated thesis in the Journal of International and Political Studies in Iran. Furthermore, I regularly write opinion pieces for the Atlantic Council website which are sometimes republished and translated to different languages by various sources around the world. Furthermore, I was invited to present my research on “Barriers To A Cooperative Future Between Iran and the Arab States of the Persian Gulf” at the Tehran Security Conference in December 2017.

Another asset that I hope to bring to your program was the invaluable experience in the summer of last year in Geneva, Switzerland as a participant in the International Affairs and Multilateral Governance Summer Program. Peacemaking through diplomacy has always been my central focus, which is why I earned dual degrees as an undergraduate student, in Peace Studies as well as Political Science. For this reason, I am very keen on taking full advantage of the Center for International Conflict Resolution and Columbia.

I was highly active in Southern California with the United Nations Association which I co-founded a chapter in Orange and won a “Head Delegate Award” for my efforts, in addition to an Outstanding Delegate Award from the UNA Conference in Boston in November of 2011.

I thank you for considering my application for Phd in Political Science at XXXX University’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.

World Humanitarian Day 2016

Margo Conry Mckenzie, Port St. Lucie, Florida 34986, USA

Statements of Excellence for Graduate School in Political Science

Sample Statement of Purpose for the MA in Political Science, Colombian, US Military Experience

I visit Colombia almost every year and like to think of myself as something of a Colombian expert in training. As both a Colombian, a member of the US Armed Forces, and an avid student of political conflict, I have long studied the civil war in Colombia with a profound sense of fascination driven by my concern for the very high levels of violence to which my people have been subjected for more than a half century. I have also closely followed the long and drawn out - but apparently, finally, more or less successful - peace process. I hope to continue to do so as a graduate student in your program, writing term papers on conflict in Colombia, as well as a host of other subjects that are related to this central interest. At the University of XXXX, I hope to better understand my land of origin and the challenges that it continues to face by learning as much as I can about political science and its relevance for our troubled times.

I will probably choose to pursue a career somewhere in the justice system. I treasure diversity and have strong feelings about equality, particularly with respect to employment at the federal level and the Armed Forces in particular. I am deeply troubled by the way in which minorities are overrepresented in the criminal justice system. While I understand the complexity of the underlying issues and the entrenched nature of the challenges involved, I still aspire to become part of a search for a sustainable solution to this great challenge. Now 28, my 10 years in the Navy enabled me to become fully American, a citizen, and a devoted public servant, with respect to both the US and my native Colombia. Nearly half of the sailors with whom I served had been born somewhere other than in the USA and I enjoyed this diversity enormously, learning about different cultures, peoples, and languages on a daily basis. Earning my Associates Degree in Sociology in May of 2013 and a Bachelors in Political Science in December of last year, 2016, I am eager to return to study and look forward to doing so full time. I want to learn as much as I can about international politics and international conflict generally speaking.

At some point, I look forward to serving an organization that helps the disenfranchised, the at-risk. I could be a natural to help young Latino men avoid the criminal justice system, and/or helping those already caught up in the system to survive the experience. I look forward to continuing to return to Colombia on an annual basis and to furthering my engagement with social justice and peace building issues in my native land. In Colombia, the justice system is clearly divided along class lines and I look forward to paying special attention to social class and economic factors as they tend to play themselves out in a variety of conflictive parts of the world. Drug trafficking, kidnappings, and terrorism also top my list as intellectual interests. I could conceivably end up returning to law enforcement or even the US Armed Forces. For the moment, I look forward to playing with my little sister and studying full time for the next 2 years at the University of XXXX. I look forward to the time to devote myself to finding out who I am and locating myself in a complex web of issues and opportunities wherein I hope to someday make my maximum contribution to society, the United States, Colombia, and the world. I thank you for considering my application.

Professional Writing & Editing Service

From US$99.00

If your goal is to find employment as an academic once you graduate, the reputation and quality of your program and chosen supervisor matter A LOT. Research grad schools; indeed, treat this as your most important research task. Use the web, reference libraries, journals, and discussions with different professors and mentors. Your decision about where to apply and where to go really matter; contact the ones you're interested in. Grad schools compete for the best students, and will likely be eager to sell themselves to you. I suggest that you visit campuses; the wealthier schools may even pay your expenses for a visit.

Accountancy
Agriculture
Architecture
Asian Studies
Communications
Computer Science
Construction Management
Engineering
Environmental Science
Ethnic Studies
Food Science
Gender Studies
Graphic Design
Hospitality
Human Resources
Information Systems
International Relations
Latin American Studies
Law Enforcement
Library & Information Science
Linguistics
Mathematics
Media Studies
Medical School
Occupational Therapy
Physician Assistant Studies
Political Science
Real Estate
Religious Studies
Security Studies
Translation
Veterinary Medicine
Women's Studies

Premium Statement Service by Dr. Robert Edinger

Premium Service US$299.00

With maximum creativity, research as indicated, priority attention, and as many drafts as needed,

Dr Robert Edinger with Son David

[email protected]

1-812-675-4937

I want to help you get accepted to graduate school in Political Science.

You will also need a highly eloquent Statement that portrays you as someone with enormous potential to contribute to the advance of Physics over the long term. After you fill out my Online Interview Form , I will ask you some specific questions by email if I need any further information. Please also send your resume/CV and or rough draft if you have one.

The Humanitarian Side of Political Science

Helen Joanne "Jo" Cox was a British Labour Party politician that passed away in June 2016.

Cox was the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Batley and Spen constituency from May 2015 until her death 13 months later in June 2016. She won the seat with an increased majority for Labour in the 2015 general election .

Cox was born in Batley , West Yorkshire and studied Social and Political Sciences at Cambridge University. Working first as a political assistant, she then joined the international humanitarian charity Oxfam . There, she rose to become head of policy and advocacy at Oxfam GB . She was selected to contest the Batley and Spen parliamentary seat after the previous incumbent decided not to stand during 2015.

After having held the seat for Labour, she became a campaigner on issues relating to the Syrian Civil War . She founded and chaired the all-party parliamentary group Friends of Syria. An obituary appearing in The Independent on the day of her death described her as having "campaigned tirelessly for refugees".

On the 16 th of June 2016, Cox died shortly after being shot and stabbed multiple times in Birstall , where she had been due to hold a constituency surgery . A 52-year-old man was charged with her murder. He will stand trial under the Terrorism Acts .

Hours after Labour MP Jo Cox was killed her husband Brendan made a statement saying that she had fought for "a better world".

She met her husband while working for Oxfam - where she met her husband. She was there for eight years, and it enabled her to show inspiring leadership and political intelligence, despite her remarkably young age, according to her former colleagues.

Cox's charity work took her around the world to tackle issues like poverty and maternal mortality—issues she previously helped put on the European Parliament, as a researcher for Glenys (now Baroness) Kinnock, who was an MEP during that time.

It was around 1997, when Ed Cairns, Oxfam's senior policy advisor, first met Cox—quickly coming to regard her as a "key contact" for the charity.

"She was about the greatest person I ever met, combining a humanitarian passion with political nous," he said. "It is very rare to have someone with as much political intelligence as Jo actually show you how you can achieve things in the real world."

Together, they worked to convince the EU to establish a new code of conduct in the arms trade, which was successfully adopted in 1998. In 2001, Cox started working for Oxfam. She quickly became head of the charity's Brussels office, where Mr Cairns said she dealt with "one humanitarian crisis after another".

Talking to the Huffington Post last year, Cox herself said: "I would jump on a plane and be in Kabul one week and then Darfur the next."

Oxfam's Max Lawson described her campaigning to end the conflict in Darfur as "particularly brilliant". "She was as a ball of energy, always smiling, full of new ideas, of idealism, of passion."

Together with Amnesty International, Cox also pushed for a global arms trade treaty, which was eventually adopted in 2014 after a decades-long campaign.

At the 2005 World Summit, she argued for the international community to agree a "responsibility to protect" and intervene when governments fail to stop crimes against their citizens and was successful.

Mr Cairns said no matter how many setbacks the charity encountered, Cox would always stay positive. "She was always the first to get over the dejection of a setback, and in about half a second she would say 'right, we are going to do something else', said Cairns. "She was completely committed to achieving something tangible rather than just saying the right things."

Cox herself told the BBC: "I've been in some horrific situations - where women have been raped repeatedly in Darfur, I've been with child soldiers who have been given a Kalashnikov and kill members of their own family in Uganda.

"That's the thing that all of that experience gave me - if you ignore a problem, it gets worse," she said.

In 2007, she moved to Oxfam's New York office and became head of humanitarian campaigning around the world until around 2009.

Cairns said she was instrumental in the publication of a "landmark book" called For a Safer Tomorrow, which analyzed how the world's humanitarian policies were changing. "She was remarkably young for such a senior position," said Cairns.

"But she had a brilliant touch with everybody that she managed, she really encouraged people and was a great, motivating people manager.”

Cox left Oxfam in 2009 and became the director of ex-Prime Minister Gordon Brown's wife Sarah's Maternal Mortality Campaign, which campaigns for women's right in the developing world. Even when she moved into politics, she continued to work as a strategy consultant for Save the Children and then the NSPCC.

Such an inspiring career, but such a tragic ending. Will you have a story like this to tell when you retire? We want you to do yourself proud. To fight for your passions and be brilliant. That´s why we support people as they express themselves during the admissions process. We wouldn´t want someone amazing to fall through the cracks. Get in touch if you´d like our support.

Most Recently Edited Samples

Real Estate Finance Master's Degree, Hong Kong, China
MS, Chinese, Statistics for Technological Advancement
MS Construction Mgmt, Indian Applicant
Graphic Design Master's, Art History Background
PHD Health Sciences Informatics, Chinese
PHD Economics, Policy Analysis, Chinese
PHD Earth Sciences, Petroleum Engineering Nigeria
Master’s Real Estate Development, Latino, Mexico
Doctor of Special Education, Autism Spectrum
Masters Real Estate, Los Angeles, Indian
MS Real Estate, NYC, Harlem, African-American
Master’s Statistics, Chinese Woman
Master’s Global Business Journalism, Korean
Undergraduate, Physics, Chinese
Diversity Statement, Grad School, Hong Kong
PHD Statistics, Biomedical Research, Korean
PHD Epidemiology LOR, Chinese Doctor
MS Accountancy, Bookkeeping, Vietnamese
Certificate Program in Global Studies and IR, Mexican-American
PHD Agricultural Economics, Bangladeshi

View older posts »

AI Content Shield
AI KW Research
AI Assistant
SEO Optimizer
AI KW Clustering
Customer reviews
The NLO Revolution
Press Center
Help Center
Content Resources
Facebook Group

Effective Political Science Masters Personal Statement for School

Table of Contents

Are you looking for guidance on how to write your political science masters personal statement ? You’ve come to the right place!

You are just starting your academic journey or have several years of experience in the field. A well-written and persuasive personal statement is essential when applying for a master’s degree program. This blog post will provide tips and advice on crafting an impactful personal statement that will help set you apart from other applicants.

We’ll also share some dos and don’ts and examples of successful statements. By the end of this post, you should have all the knowledge needed to move forward with your statement confidently. Let’s get started!

Understanding the Role of a Political Science Masters Personal Statement

When applying for a master’s degree program in political science, you will likely be asked to submit a personal statement. This statement is an opportunity for you to share your academic and professional achievements , demonstrate why you are passionate about the field.

Express what unique skills or perspectives you can bring to the classroom. It should also explain how this program would help you reach your career goals.

Your statement should be exciting and engaging while showcasing your best qualities and strengths. A well-crafted statement can make all the difference when convincing an admission’s committee that you will be a valuable addition to their program!

Tips for Crafting Your Statement

1. Keep It Concise

Your personal statement should be no more than one page long, so keep your writing brief and focused. Stay calm in the details and maintain sight of the main point.

2. Showcase Your Strengths

Make sure to highlight any skills or characteristics that make you stand out from other applicants. Include prior work experience in the field, leadership roles held during college, volunteer activities, etc.

3. Be Specific

Avoid using generalizations and use concrete examples when possible to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in the subject matter.

4. Show Passion

It’s essential to convey a genuine enthusiasm for political science and explain why you are passionate about the field.

5. Proofread

Make sure to read and re-read your statement for any typos or grammatical errors before submitting it. It’s also a good idea to have someone else review your work to ensure it is clear and concise.

Examples of Successful Statements

Here are some examples of successful personal statements that can give you an idea of what yours should look like:

“I am applying for a master’s degree in political science because I believe this program will provide me with the necessary skills and knowledge. I need this to pursue a career in public service and policymaking. My long-term goal is to serve my community by advocating for social and political reforms. I have had prior experience in the field working on campaigns for local elected officials. I am passionate about developing innovative solutions to complex challenges. With a master’s degree in political science, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of our current political climate. And learn how it impacts the lives of the folks in my society and beyond.”

“I believe that having an advanced degree in political science is essential. It will be helping me reach my long-term career goals of becoming a policy analyst. My enthusiasm for the field has been fueled by my coursework at college. And also my internship experience with a non-profit organization focused on youth advocacy. Through this program, I hope to develop the analytical skills needed to understand and assess the complexities of today’s political landscape. I am eager to contribute my knowledge, skills, and passion for this field to the classroom and beyond.”

“As a student of political science, I am passionate about the power that knowledge has to create positive change in our world. My studies have opened my eyes to the powerful impact that politics can have on people’s lives. This passion drives me to pursue a career in public service. I believe that a master’s degree in political science will help equip me with the skills and knowledge necessary. This way, I have to be an effective advocate for social issues. I also look forward to gaining further insight into existing governmental systems and exploring new possibilities for reform. With my degree, I hope to make meaningful contributions to my community by bringing diverse perspectives together and developing innovative solutions.”

Template to Try

“I am applying for a master’s degree in political science because ___________. My long-term goal is to ___________, and I have had prior experience in the field ________________. With an advanced degree, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of _________ and how it impacts the lives of those around me. I believe that my knowledge, skills, and passion for this field can contribute to the classroom and beyond.”

Your personal statement should effectively express why you are an excellent fit for the master’s degree program in political science. State how it can help you reach your career goals. Keep these tips in mind as you craft your statement, and remember to proofread before submitting! Good luck!

Effective Political Science Masters Personal Statement for School

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

Explore All Write Personal Statement Articles

How to draft meaningful length of law school personal statement.

Are you confused on how to write a law school personal statement? One of the essential elements of your application…

Write Personal Statement

Effective History and International Relations Personal Statement to Try

Are you considering studying history and international relations? Or you may be curious about what a degree in this field…

Guide to Quality Global Management Personal Statement

Are you applying for a global management program and want to stand out from the crowd? A well-written personal statement…

How to Draft Better Examples of Personal Statements for Residency

Achieving a residency can be a massive accomplishment for any aspiring medical professional. To secure your spot in one of…

Tips for Drafting a Free Example of Personal History Statement

A personal history statement can be crucial to many applications, from university admissions to job search processes. This blog will…

Writing Compelling Dietetic Internship Personal Statement

Applying for a dietetic internship is a rigorous process and requires submitting a personal statement, which is an essential part…

Student Good Guide

The best UK online resource for students

Politics Personal Statement Examples

The following 3 personal statement examples for politics are for inspiration and guidance for students who are applying to politics at UK universities. These examples will give you a sense of the structure of personal statements for politics. Also, the tone is appropriate to use for university applications.

Hopefully, political personal statement examples will help you write a compelling statement that will help you stand out as an applicant for a political course.

Personal Statement Examples for Politics

We are all affected by politics, and to ignore it is to be in the dark about how the world works. People have acquiesced to unjust institutions and unfair political practices because of ignorance of politics. I am interested in studying Politics so that I can gain the knowledge and analytical skills to understand the workings of the world and therefore inform the public about pervasive injustice as a foreign correspondent or political reporter.

As evidenced by my A-Level English Literature results, I have a gift for language and understanding texts. Due to my talent, I initially decided to study Literature and American Studies. Although I began these studies, I found Literature to be too detached from reality and unable to help me understand politics or fulfil my ambitions. After much reflection, I made the difficult decision to withdraw and pursue my primary interests closer to home.

My reading for American Studies, however, was very helpful in helping me gain an understanding of American politics, a subject I am looking forward to studying at university. Because of America’s unrivalled power, no one is untouched by its politics, which makes it the most important to understand all national politics. Moreover, the pace of political change and the polarisation of the parties make for fascinating reading, especially through the lens of the Huffington Post, my favourite American news outlet. Barely 2 years following Obama’s victory, Republicans are back on the offensive, winning control of Congress with the support of the ‘Tea Party movement. I’d like to learn more about how such religious grass-roots groups can coexist with established political parties in the setting of one of the world’s most secular constitutions.

In its foreign policy announcements, America sometimes uses the word democracy loosely. As well, I am interested in studying Democratic Theory to better understand how democracy has triumphed in the West and its pros and cons. I am a member of the Electoral Reform Society, which seeks to find a more representative electoral system that better reflects the wishes of voters in the UK. In reading Plato’s Republic for Philosophy A-Level, I have become aware that democracy may have deeper, intrinsic weaknesses. The anti-democracy argument of Plato has some problems, since it seems to only apply to direct democracies and assumes that philosopher-kings are apt to rule. However, his benevolent tyranny model still has appeal, which may explain why democracy has not yet reached every country, much to the chagrin of Washington.

By studying philosophy at A-Level, I have improved my argumentative skills and learned how to present clear and logical arguments. My political essays or seminars at university will benefit from this knowledge when I argue my case. On the other hand, my History A-Level has prepared me for understanding the genesis of contemporary political events through historical research skills.

Aside from school, I am preparing myself for university life and my future career by pursuing an internship at BBC Look East and volunteering for the Green Party. I plan to become very politically active at university. I’d want to join the student union and advocate for Green Party ideas. To better prepare myself for the media world, I would also like to write for and help edit a student newspaper.

I am committed to using my education and extracurricular experiences at university to not only gain the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the field of journalism, but also to cultivate compassion within myself. This increased sense of empathy will drive me to actively seek out and bring to light instances of injustice, with the ultimate goal of creating a more equitable and fair society.

Successful Personal Statement Examples

Statistics Personal Statements
PPE Oxford Personal Statement Example
Classics Personal Statement Examples
Theology Personal Statement Examples
Physics Personal Statement Examples
Chemical Engineering personal statement examples
Oncology Personal Statement Examples
Psychiatry Personal Statement Examples
Earth Sciences Personal Statement Example
History Personal Statement Examples
Veterinary Personal Statement Examples For University
Civil Engineering Personal Statement Examples
User Experience Design Personal Statement Example
Finance Personal Statement Examples
Neuroscience Personal Statement Examples
Graphic Design Personal Statement Examples
Film Production Personal Statement Examples
Events Management Personal Statement Examples
Counselling Personal Statement Examples
Forensic Science Personal Statement Examples
Children’s Nursing Personal Statement Examples
Chemistry Personal Statement Examples
Sports Science Personal Statement Examples
Mechanical Engineering Personal Statement Examples
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Personal Statement Examples
Quantity Surveying Personal Statement Examples
Social Work Personal Statement Examples
Physiotherapy Personal Statement Examples
Journalism Personal Statement Examples
English Literature Personal Statement Examples
Marketing Personal Statement Examples
Computer Science Personal Statement Examples
Fashion Marketing Personal Statement Examples
Dietetic Personal Statement Examples
Product Design Personal Statement Examples
Aerospace Engineering Personal Statement Examples
Geography Personal Statement Examples
Business Management Personal Statement Examples
Psychology Personal Statement Examples
Oxbridge Personal Statement Examples
Zoology Personal Statement Example
Sociology Personal Statement Example
Fashion Personal Statement Example
Mathematics Personal Statement Examples
Software Engineering Personal Statement Examples
Philosophy Personal Statement
International Relations Personal Statement Example
Biochemistry Personal Statement Example
Dentistry Personal Statement Examples

University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Department of political science, college of liberal arts, search form.

News & Events
Faculty & Staff
Alumni & Donors
Saloom Chair Speaker Series
What can I do with a degree in political science?
Political Science
Pre-Law Concentration
International Relations Concentration
Political Science Minor
American Politics Minor
International Relations Minor
Critical Courses
Course Distribution Sheets
4-Year Plans
Transfer Plans
Internships
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Organizations & Associations
Study Abroad
Career Opportunities & Support
Law School Advising
Catalogs & Handbooks
Student Survival Guide

Be Yourself.

What is a "personal statement"? Notice it's not called a "work statement" or "academic statement" or "extracurricular activity statement" or "awards and honors statement." All these things should already appear on your resume as part of your application. So, basically, a "personal" statement is your chance to briefly tell the admissions committee personal things about you that do not otherwise appear in the rest of your application. Primarily, it is your chance to market yourself to them by explaining what makes you unique or different; in other words, what makes you “you” such that you want to go to law school and be a lawyer. Put simply, what personal experiences and attributes do you have that would make you a particularly good lawyer, and better than everyone else, such that the admission committee should admit you rather than other applicants. You should not simply re-state facts about your education, employment history, etc. that are already available on the rest of your application material. Instead, you should describe your unique and different background, interests, and qualities that made you want to be a lawyer, and which will make you an exceptionally good addition to the legal profession.

Again, in short: who are you personally, why do you want to be a lawyer, and why will you be a particularly good lawyer? For example, do you have a serious hobby or interest? Do you have unique work experience or accomplishments that are not clear from your resume? Are you committed to supporting a family who loves and respects you? Have you worked extensively to build a better community? Have you overcome some particular hardship(s) or disadvantage(s) in your life, and that struggle has had a key role in shaping who you are today? Do you have other unique life experiences that have profoundly affected you? Any of these subjects and many more can be used to frame a narrative personal statement that successfully tells a unique story about who you are to the Admissions Committee.

Your statement should ideally be short: one-page single-spaced or two pages double-spaced. Two pages double-spaced is the absolute maximum and even this amount is generally discouraged because the admission committee members have thousands of applications to review and will look negatively on you making them take extra time to read and review a lengthy personal statement. This will also reflect poorly on your writing skills because it will appear as if you are unable to state things concisely, which is an essential attribute for a lawyer.

Be Simple and Clear.

Your essay should be well-organized and clearly focused, using clear, simple, and understandable language. Do NOT write using flowery language or fancy vocabulary as it makes it appear as if you are unable to express things in a simple manner (which is important for lawyers to be able to do). Using flowery or obscure vocabulary also makes it appear as if you are simply trying to impress the admissions committee. Write simply and stay on track with your story--for example, remain chronological for the most part--and stay focused on the specific message you hope to convey.

Be Concrete.

Avoid clichés! For example do not just say you “want to help people” or “want to improve the world” or “are extra-hard-working” or “are super-motivated” or “are a high achiever” or “have overcome hardship” or “are exceptionally smart and talented.” Blah, blah, blah. Anyone can say those things, and law school admissions committee members read that sort of thing constantly. This means simply saying it is almost entirely worthless unless you back up your claims by describing numerous concrete examples from your actual life experience.

In other words, you must explain what you have done in your life that substantially demonstrates these alleged traits. Actions speaks far louder than words, so let your actions, achievements, and accomplishments speak for themselves. Specifically how have you helped people? Specifically how have you changed the world? Specifically what have you done that shows you are extra hard-working? Specifically what actions of yours demonstrate your alleged motivations? Specifically what hardships or experiences have you overcome? Specifically what demonstrates your intelligence and talent? Etc.

Whatever your reason for wanting to be a lawyer, offer specific actions that demonstrate your alleged motives, commitment, abilities, values, etc.. If you can’t back up your claims with solid evidence, then you’d better come up with an alternative explanation that you can back up with solid evidence. And generally, do not merely say you want to be a lawyer for the money, or simply to maintain a family tradition of being a lawyer, etc. That may be part of your larger explanation, but also offer something deeper and more meaningful in addition to mere tradition or a bare desire for money.

Explain deficiencies.

The personal statement--or more often an addendum to it-- is also a chance for you to offer an explanation if your overall academic history does not reflect your true abilities because of illness, tragedy, personal mistakes, or some other factor that you have had to overcome. Or, if you have a criminal record--which you should have disclosed to the law schools if asked-- you may wish to explain what happened. Often, however, these types of explanation should be included only as a very brief (one paragraph) separate addendum to your application. This is a judgment call on your part. If in doubt as to whether to explain something that you've reported to a law school, contact the admissions office for that particular law school and ask them what approach you should take to maximize your chances of admission.

Answer the questions.

If a particular law school wants you to answer specific questions on your personal statement, be sure you do answer them. Or, many law schools also want other types other statements from you in a addition to a personal statement, such as a "diversity statement" in which you another chance to explain specifically how you will bring some unique and different experience and background to the law school. Otherwise, if you don't address the particular things that law school is asking form, that law school’s admissions committee will see that you have sent them nothing more than a generic personal statement. This shows that either you are not seriously interested in applying to that particular school, or you are not very thorough and well-organized.

Proofread.

Proofread, proofread, proofread! Have other people proofread your statement for style, organization, and substance and make sure you proofread it extensively so that is has absolutely zero spelling or grammatical errors, etc. A failure to do this will tell the admissions committee that either you are either a bad writer or that you are not serious about applying to law school if you won’t even take the time to proofread your personal statement to eliminate errors in English usage. _________________________________________ For more information and advice, enter the phrase “law school personal statement” into any internet search engine. To get you started, here are some websites with information and examples of personal statements:

www.accepted.com
www.essayedge.com
www.admissionsessays.com
www.essayadvice.com

Browser does not support script.

Autumn Term events schedule
Using your voice at LSE
You've got this
LSE Volunteer Centre
Key information
School Voice
My Skills and Opportunities
Student Wellbeing Service
PhD Academy
LSE Careers
Student Services Centre
Timetable publication information
Students living in halls
Faith Centre

Personal statements

Read the phrasing carefully.

Different institutions will phrase what they want to see in their personal statement differently, some examples (as of September 2013) and how you could break the wording down to ensure you address everything are below:

Example of application guidance from LSE:

You must submit a personal statement with your application form. This should be between 1,000 and 1,500 words. It should describe your academic interests and your purpose and objectives in undertaking graduate study.

Suggestions of what to include for this phrasing:

Outline what are your academic interests specifically
How they are related to the course.
How do you see the course furthering these interests?
Do you have previous experience of studying these areas?
Was your undergraduate dissertation, major project or a group presentation relevant to the course or your academic interests?
Have you attended conferences, seminars or networking events outside your studies to increase your knowledge?
What have you learnt recently,
and how does this link to the course you are applying for?
Perhaps you can link your academic interests to work experience you have gained?
Purpose in undertaking graduate study – Why are you applying for postgraduate study? This could be linked to discussing your academic interests, or perhaps you have a career orientated goal.
Objectives in undertaking graduate study – What do you hope to achieve by the end of your postgraduate study, whether educationally or professionally? If you have professional objectives, how will this course help you move towards your career goal?
What else? – you could also include some of the suggestions in the guidelines below, but make sure you address everything in their description.

Example of application guidance from SOAS:

Your personal statement should be no more than 1,000 words. It should include the reasons why you are interested in the programme, highlight your relevant experience and suitability for the programme as well as future plans.

Why you are interested in the programme – Look at the course content carefully to decide what it is that most interests you in the programme content-wise. Discuss any relevant research or coursework you might have done in the past, and include technical language or language that shows you have a grasp of the topic.
Relevant experience – think back to your work experience, extracurricular activities and voluntary experiences and reflect upon relevant projects you might have worked on, tasks you were set or research you conducted that demonstrates relevance to the course. You might not feel you have this experience yet, but perhaps you have worked in a relevant sector and you could show your technical and commercial understanding.
Suitability for the programme – Think about the skills you might need to succeed in this programme. What is your experience that makes you suitable for the programme? Perhaps you will reflect on study or research skills that you have gained, or maybe you’ll need strong negotiation, communication or presentation skills which you gained through mooting or as a student representative? If you can show you were engaged with your undergraduate university’s community then this might be a good place to mention what you did.
Future plans – What are your career aspirations and how do you see the course furthering these?

Writing a personal statement

If they do not specify what to include in your personal statement, areas you might want to include are below. There is no set order of when to mention what but starting your personal statement with your most relevant point is advised.

Motivations

Why are you applying for the programme?
What do you hope to gain from the programme?
What is it that interests you about the subject? Can this be related to your previous education or work experience (see below)?
What are your career aspirations and how will this course help you achieve them?

Educational experience and commercial knowledge

Do you have past education that gives you the knowledge base you need for the course?
Is your undergraduate dissertation relevant? Tell the tutor about it and the research methods you used (especially if applying for a research masters).
Perhaps you like to keep up with current news in the sector you hope to go into. You could mention a topical issue and discuss how you see the course furthering your understanding.

Work experience

Have you gained work experience in a field relevant to the course or relevant to your career ambitions? Can you link this experience to your motivation to wanting to continue studying in this field?
Tell the tutor about this experience and reflect on how this could help with the course or use it as an example of your motivation for continued study in a related area.
If you are a mature student returning to study, why are you returning? Are you looking to make a career change? Why, and how, do you expect the course will support your new ambition?

Other experience

Include your extracurricular and voluntary experience too. Tutors want rounded people on their course; show that you engaged in university life during your undergraduate course or that you gained some relevant skills or experiences through volunteering.

Anything else

You can outline your main achievements, awards or successes in competitions. Think about the course you are applying for and if there is anything they might be particularly impressed by.
Mention relevant summer schools, overseas study or conferences/ short courses you might have attended that are related to the course.

Other circumstances

Deferred entry – if you would like to start the course the following year explain to the course tutor what you will be doing with the next year.

Final checks

Spelling and grammar – this will give the course tutor an idea as to your writing skills, so ensure there are no mistakes.
Abbreviations and acronyms – explain any you have used.
Content structure – ensure the paragraphs make sense and that the document flows well. Don’t repeat yourself by revisiting an experience or educational point.
Don’t write a narrative of your life, from leaving school to current day.
Be positive; don’t use negative language i.e. Although I have little experience of…
Adhere to the word count (where applicable) or if there isn’t one, keep your statement to two to three pages of A4.

If you are already a student at LSE and would like LSE Careers to check your personal statement before you submit it please make an appointment for a careers discussion on CareerHub. It is also advised that if your application is fairly technically subject specific that you get an academic to check the content for accuracy.

Breakfast-Career-Stands-and-Discussions-1-1

Funding postgraduate study in the UK

February 13 2018

USA postgraduate study resources

Studying abroad

Researching postgraduate courses

See more articles

Please ensure all the details have been entered correctly in the twitter control..

Browser does not support script.

Undergraduate
Executive education
Study Abroad
Summer schools
Online certificate courses
International students
Meet, visit and discover LSE

Personal statement

The quality of an applicant's personal statement is very important at LSE. The School does not interview for places so this is an applicant’s only opportunity to demonstrate they are a good fit for the course. Applicants should consult the advice here, as well as advice from UCAS when preparing to complete this section of their application.

Please note that writing a personal statement following the guidelines below does not guarantee an offer of admission. Personal statements are looked at on a comparative basis and there is a great deal of competition for places at LSE.

LSE does not accept additional or supplementary personal statements. We can only consider the personal statement submitted via UCAS.

Writing your personal statement

We expect that your submitted Personal Statement is structured and coherent and that you fully utilise the space available on your UCAS application form. We expect that you have checked spelling, punctuation, and grammar and that your Personal Statement flows in a logical order. We expect that your Personal Statement is entirely your own original work. We reserve the right to reject your application where it has been found that a statement has significant similarities to a previous submission or has been created with the use of Artificial Intelligence.

Before you start writing, do your research

Before you start writing your personal statement, you should visit our course guides . These guides give information on the course content of each of our undergraduate programmes.

When assessing your personal statement our Admissions Selectors will look at how well your academic interests align with the LSE course. So, for example, the Anthropology Admissions Selector is likely to prefer a statement which focuses mainly on social anthropology - which is taught at LSE - over one which suggests the applicant is very interested in biological anthropology, or a combined degree with archaeology, as these courses are not offered at the School.

Similarly, a personal statement which shows an interest mostly in modern international history (the focus of LSE’s International History course) is likely to be more competitive than one which shows a significant interest in ancient history, as LSE does not offer any ancient history units.

If you are applying for a range of slightly different courses, we recommend that you focus your personal statement on the areas of overlap between them, so that your statement appeals to all of your UCAS choices. It is important to note that LSE does not accept replacement or supplementary personal statements.

What to include in your personal statement

Your personal statement should discuss for the most part your academic interest in the subject you wish to study. One way to think about the personal statement is to reflect on what we expect from LSE undergraduates: we ask them to learn about topics relevant to their course, through reading or other experiences, and then discuss the ideas they have encountered in academic essays. This is the skill we look for in the personal statement and we recommend at least 80% of your statement should be dedicated to this type of academic discussion.

How you show your wider engagement with your subject is entirely up to you. Our Selectors look for students who can best reflect on the experiences and academic ideas they have encountered through the opportunities available to them, not those who have had the best opportunities. If you are not sure where to start, you could try listening to podcasts of LSE public events or look in the prospectus for examples of suggested reading. Remember we are interested not just in a list of what you have read/encountered, but evidence you have reflected on the academic ideas.

To help you begin, there are several questions you could think about:

Why have you chosen the course? What attracted you to the subject? Which aspects of the subject have interested you sufficiently to want to study it at degree level? Is there a specific area of the subject you wish to focus on? What are the big issues in the subject, and what do you find most interesting about them? What are your thoughts on these topics?
Have you developed your subject interest outside of your school studies? For example, have you undertaken any additional reading to broaden your knowledge of the subject? Have you attended lectures or explored online material relating to the subject? What did you find interesting in your reading/in the lectures you attended and what are your thoughts on the topics covered?
Have you gained any skills from your other school subjects that complement your application to study your chosen subject? Have you had the opportunity to undertake work experience relevant to your application? If you did, how did this experience give you a wider understanding of the topics you will study at university?
Have you attended any schemes or activities at LSE or other universities, such as Summer Schools, Saturday Schools, LSE Choice, etc? What you have learned from these? Have they furthered your knowledge of or interest in your chosen subject?

If you are applying for deferred entry, as well as thinking about the questions listed above, you may also wish to indicate (briefly) why you are taking a gap year and what you plan to do during the year.

If you are applying as a post-qualified student (ie, you have already received your final results), you may wish to mention briefly what you have been doing since your exams.

Please note : You are not expected to simply answer all of the questions above; these questions are merely intended to give you some guidance as to what to think about when writing your statement.

Extra-curricular activities

At LSE you are admitted to study a particular degree course so the majority of your personal statement − at least 80% − should focus on your academic interest in that subject. Many students like to include some details of their extra-curricular activities such as involvement in sports, the arts, volunteering or student government. As our Selectors are most interested in your academic interests, we recommend that no more than 20% of your statement is spent discussing extra-curricular activities.

Applying to combined degree programmes

LSE offers a number of combined degree programmes. If you are applying to one of these programmes, you are advised to give equal weighting to each subject in your statement. For instance, if you are applying to our Politics and Economics degree, you must show evidence of interest in both subjects; a statement weighted towards only one aspect of the degree will be significantly less competitive.

Example of a poor personal statement

"I have always dreamed of coming to LSE since I was young. It has been a dream of mine to study at this institution, which is well renowned for its social science courses.

I am currently studying History, English and Business and Management at Higher level and Italian, Maths and Chemistry at Standard level in the International Baccalaureate, and feel that these subjects are providing me with a solid background for university study.

I want to study History because I want to be a world class Historian, and feel that this degree will help me. I am especially interested in Ancient History, particularly the history concerning the Roman Empire. I am fascinated by the way in which the empire was run, and the events that led to its downfall.

"I was the captain of the school football team, and this has taught me the importance of working together as a team, and allowed me to prioritise my time between my studies and football practice. I feel that this has provided me with the experience to successfully balance my academic and social life, and I plan to continue this balance whilst at university.

It is my dream to become an alumnus of the School, and I am sure that as I am the top student of my class, you will offer me a place."

This brief example of a personal statement is poor. The applicant has mentioned an interest in history but they have not discussed this in depth or shown any evidence of wider engagement with the subject. Where the applicant does talk about history, the discussion is superficial and focussed on ancient history, which LSE does not offer as part of our history course.

The applicant has specifically mentioned LSE, which is likely to be unattractive to their other choices, and has wasted space listing their International Baccalaureate subjects, which would be shown in the qualifications section. The applicant has described how a history degree will help them get the job they later want, rather than what they are looking forward to studying during the degree.

The applicant has reflected on the transferable skills they have developed leading the football team. This is good, but it would be nice to see the same level of reflection applied to academic topics - this student has spent more time talking about football than about history.

UCAS reference Your teacher's reference: what we're looking for

Watch this presentation LSE Admissions Specialist Paul talks about personal statements

Study at LSE webinars Watch our Personal Statement FAQs webinar

Explore our Virtual Undergraduate Open Day Resources, guidance and videos on applying to LSE and more

Use our programme finder Explore our undergraduate degrees

Graduate Program

Graduate admissions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

All applications for the SM and PhD programs must be submitted online through GradApply by December 15, 2023 for Fall 2024 admission. Students are admitted as degree candidates only for September. The Political Science GradApply website is at https://gradapply.mit.edu/polisci .

The admissions committee will not review late or incomplete applications.

The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is required. The institution code is 3514, and the department code is 1902.

If your language of instruction from primary school through college/university was not English, you must take either the TOEFL iBT or the IELTS. We require a minimum TOEFL score of 100 on the internet-based test. On the IELTS you must score a minimum of 7. MIT only accepts official score reports. Degrees from US or English-speaking universities are not accepted in lieu of TOEFL or IELTS. In limited cases the department will consider a waiver. Applicants must request the waiver form from the department. The institution code for the TOEFL is 3514 and the department code is 92.

It is advised that these tests be taken as early as possible as official scores from ETS should be received by the deadline.

Special Instructions

In your Statement of Objectives, please be sure to discuss the research questions you would like to pursue in your graduate studies. We also require a personal statement of 250-500 words. You should use the personal statement to address how your background and life experiences (including cultural, geographical, financial, and educational opportunities and challenges) have shaped your academic career and your decision to pursue a graduate degree in political science. The personal statement is distinct from the statement of objectives in that it should focus on your personal journey to graduate school rather than your proposed academic plans. Please submit two other documents, both in .pdf format: a copy of your resume and a writing sample. The writing sample should be no more than 50 pages in length and is used to assess your conceptual thinking and analytical skills. Therefore, please submit a writing sample that best represents your potential to conduct graduate-level research, such as a research paper or a portion of an undergraduate or master’s thesis. Writing samples are welcome from any discipline and do not need to be from a political science course.

Academic Transcripts

All applicants are required to scan and upload official transcripts with their applications . Accepted applicants will be required to provide a sealed official transcript from each school attended. Any discrepancy between the scanned and official transcript may result in a withdrawal of our offer of admission.

If you participated in a study abroad program and your coursework/credits are reflected on your home institution's official transcript, you do not need to list this or send an official transcript from that program.

If you attended a community college or university from which you did not receive a degree and transferred those credits to an institution from which you received a degree (for which you are submitting an official transcript) you do not need to list the community college/university or provide an official transcript.

Letters of Recommendation

We advise you to request letters of recommendation as soon as possible from individuals who can best evaluate your scholarly potential as a graduate student in political science. We ask that all recommendations be submitted electronically, using the online system. Use Letters of Recommendation and then Letter Status to ask for electronic recommendations and to check whether recommendations have arrived. You must e-mail your recommenders the instructions shown in Letter Status .

You may address additional questions about Political Science graduate programs and the application process to [email protected] or [email protected] .

Application Mentorship Program

The Political Science Application Mentorship Program (PS AMP) is a student-run and student-initiated program specifically intended for PhD applicants from communities that have historically been underrepresented in higher education. This includes, but is not limited to: BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), non-cisgender individuals, members of the LGBTQIA+/queer community, individuals with disabilities, first-generation college students, and individuals from low-income or otherwise disadvantaged backgrounds. If you think you fall into one of these groups but aren’t sure, we still encourage you to sign up. Applicants will be paired with graduate student mentors who can answer questions about MIT PoliSci and provide application assistance. Participating in PS AMP is completely voluntary and will not affect your graduate admissions decision. Please sign up here , and check out the FAQ page or email [email protected] .

Privacy Policy

MIT is committed to protecting the individual privacy of applicants and students by restricting the use of all collected information as specified by Institute policies. In accordance with these policies, the information in your application may be used by MIT officials only for appropriate administrative and research purposes.

This site uses cookies to maintain a session identifier while you are actively using the site, but does not use cookies for any other purpose. The software we use to process credit card payments uses secure encryption technology (SSL) to reduce the possibility of theft, manipulation, and other alteration of information that you provide to us.

Any changes to our policy will be posted on this page.

Politics personal statement example (4) (Masters)

Politics personal statement example preview

Reading time: 4 minutes
Price: Free download
Published: 1st July 2019
Word count: 968 words
File format: Text

Changes in the world make it an exciting time to study global affairs, and the London School of Economics offers an unparalleled opportunity to examine shifting social and economic arrangements across the world. The discipline of international relations provides a profound outlook on how we attempt to understand the social world. As a student of international relations, I have benefited from the study of the political forces shaping contemporary times from a global perspective.

Additionally, as a political science student, I have studied the general security concerns of the nation-state and how the domestic context of each state relates to its international relations. This has supplied me with the tools needed to evaluate the workings of world politics and how it shapes foreign policy. Possessing such critical thinking skills is highly valuable, affording a flexible method for perceiving the changing global environment and the challenges it presents to governments, businesses, and communities.

Pursuing a master’s degree is an endeavour I am undertaking to enhance my analytical skills and expand my knowledge in the field of international affairs. Through undergraduate courses and research, I have developed an interest in studying contemporary global conflicts. In particular, their formation from a historical perspective and the conditions which perpetuate them and prevent peaceful resolution. For example, the political obstacles preventing nations from engaging in constructive efforts to address climate change.

What prevents the creation of an effective transnational regulatory framework? Solving this topical issue is necessary for defining and promoting a practical strategy for mitigating global climate change. Based on the growing interdependence between states, the traditionally competitive foreign policy strategies which characterize state relations may be overcome to achieve shared goals. It is essential, therefore, to understand the conditions required to facilitate cooperative action on the part of nations.

The LSE’s specialized approach to focusing on the international system independently of domestic politics is one reason I would be well suited for this program. By comparing the domestic and international levels of policy-making, it is possible to view the differences between them. For instance, long-term policy objectives regarding ecological sustainability are generally treated as an unimportant issue in domestic politics.

However, the problem of climate change is a priority in many international forums such as the United Nations Environment Programme and the European Climate Change Programme. The research done by LSE’s Department of International Relations is designed to consider the unique dynamics of domestic and international actors and institutions.

Thinking theoretically about international politics allows for the identification of factors which drive conflicts in contemporary times. Through my undergraduate research projects, I have studied trends which are shaping social and economic structures globally. Considering the most pressing concerns in the world right now, I asked the following question. How are the greatest threats to the long-term stability of the current world order being managed and adapted to? This inquiry led me to research how governments are acting to meet the challenges of the future.

The European Union is an ideal subject to study, as it represents an innovative attempt by governments to meet changing global conditions. Specifically, I researched the policy-direction of the EU regarding its position on the international climate change agenda. I identified the EU as a focal point in my research, as it evidenced one potential direction governments may take to formulate action plans in their efforts to mitigate and adapt to catastrophic climate change. Investigating a broad issue, such as power politics , through the study of a narrower policy-area, such as the international climate change regime, is something I hope to do through graduate level research.

Academic works which initiated my interest in studying climate change included Anthony Giddens’s book ‘ The Politics of Climate Change .’ Specifically, his sociological perspective on the development of climate change as the result of choices made by nations revealed a new avenue of discourse over climate policy that I had not previously considered. By looking at the role of society and culture in shaping the domestic sphere in which policy is debated, I came to appreciate the role international organizations play in bringing the issue of global climate change to citizens.

By looking at how the international, national and local levels interact around an issue is essential for identifying the factors which prevent a comprehensive approach to tackling climate change.

At the LSE, I hope to develop my research interests while benefiting from the insights of other disciplines. The diversity of research specialties in the Department of International Relations makes it clear that LSE is the best university for me to continue my post-graduate studies.

Combining insights from other fields is something I have benefited from immensely. As a global security risk analyst for a multinational software company, I learned about the ways data technologies are being used to inform business strategies. Using metrics to show trends makes it possible to identify changes in the world and to see them as part of a larger pattern. Learning about how various actors operating in a global environment use technology to think strategically in an increasingly complicated environment has been valuable training for my future academic research and career.

The LSE stands out as a truly international institution. The intellectual diversity of faculty within the international affairs department makes it an ideal place for me to study the evolving world. Also, the overall prestige of the university gives it ties to the nonacademic world, drawing policy-makers and activists from around the world to share their insights with the student body. Engaging with the outside world during my studies is something that I aspire to do. By doing so, I hope my academics and research will prepare me to form new and innovative ideas on current policy-debates and overall, help me to better understand and respond to the dynamic global environment.

Related personal statements:

Criminology and Forensic Science BSc Personal Statement
Law degree personal statement example (9)
Criminology BSc (Hons) Personal Statement Example
Social and Political Sciences BA (Hons) Personal Statement Example
Law personal statement (8)
Law personal statement (7)
Law personal statement example (6)
Politics personal statement (1)
Politics personal statement example (2)
Law (International) personal statement (5)

Review this personal statement:

Latest reviews:.

There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.

Privacy Overview

We use cookies to enhance our website for you. Proceed if you agree to this policy or learn more about it.

Essay Database >
Essay Examples >
Essays Topics >
Essay on Public

Political Science Personal Statement Personal Statement Examples

Type of paper: Personal Statement

Topic: Public , Policy , Economics , Politics , Skills , China , Professionalism , World

Published: 11/23/2021

ORDER PAPER LIKE THIS

Political Science Personal Statement for U.W. My academic and professional experiences validate my claim of competence in combining public policy analysis, economic skills and an advocacy towards the betterment of the society through the said areas of expertise. I believe that I have displayed these virtuous based on my accomplishments on several pursuits, and that my record can defend my excellence in public policy analysis and economics. In this respect, I am aware that each individual inherently possesses room for improvement in his or her chosen field of expertise, and that it is in this aspect that I now aspire to be included in your esteemed MPA Program. Historically, my background of coming from politics educator parents plays an integral part on my desire of reaching my optimal level of competence in my chosen field of interest. Understandably, in my growing-up years our home was filled with intense political atmosphere that it has become a regular staple of everyday conversations and bonding time. Perhaps it is because of this environment that I grew up to be a responsible lady who is intensely aware and concerned of various international issues and interests, not only those concerning the United States and other global economic powers, but especially those concerning my native land, China. In the same manner, my exposure to other foreign cultures has stimulated my desire to specialize in public policy and economics, especially when considering the achievements I have made in amalgamating these two skills in my endeavors in the UK, the United States and China. Such is the case in Michigan State University wherein my article had been accorded with full mark due to its competent application of applied public policy theories and economics. Here, the area of research revolved around theories in politics, economics and cultural related courses. Specifically, the article on Public Expenditure that I had written comparatively analyzed the impact of federal gasoline excise taxes and green taxes upon greenhouse gases emissions as well as the importance of government intervention. As previously stated, the high mark garnered by my article serves as a testament to my level of excellence in the field of public policy analysis and economics. The same claim regarding my competence can also be said with my academic endeavors in the United Kingdom. Here, during the summer of 2014 I was selected by the Michigan State University Study Abroad Program as a participant in Regent’s University’s classes on War and Revolution, and International Organisation & Cooperation. This was indeed especially very gratifying on my part since I was the only Chinese student chosen to participate in the said Program and that I was given the opportunity to delve on UK-based issues with students from other regions of the global community. More so, in line of improving my level of global adaptability, I chose to study the Japanese language and in the process was able to learn basic language and grammar. I believe that this is important in developing the ability to embrace diversified cultures and backgrounds especially in the field of public policy specialist, given that we need to listen and make judgments without racial bias. A more comprehensive mastery of public policy and economics has become more essential in recent times due to the reality that government functions have come to include not only the political and social aspects, but also the extensive aspects of a nation’s economy. Likewise in this regard, I believe that the knowledge I have gained in courses such as Survey of International Economics and Private Enterprises and Public Policy, have allowed me to develop a systematic set of economic perspectives and analytic tools. Indeed, these are very important in ensuring that contemporary public policy analysts are competent enough to face the growing challenges of the dynamic global society. Lastly, my experience in China has allowed me to evaluate the importance of policy-making in the real-world environment. This is especially true with my internship at Yiwu Finance Bureau. Here, it must be noted that I directly participated in the introduction of the Pre-Seed Fund (PSF), which allowed lower entry criteria, smaller scale and less operating cost for enterprises so that the industrial investment can be injected more effectively. In addition, during my stay in China I also had the opportunity to closely research the PPT mode and compare and contrast it with the existing systems in UK, New Zealand and Malaysia in reference with the inherent strengths and weaknesses of the Chinese counterpart. More so, through my collaboration with officials from Science and Technology Bureau, I made a proposal for the government to grant direct rent subsidy to eligible innovative enterprises by setting specific percentage or per square for the amounts. In this regard, as a result the present policy has been revised as to grant a 3% to 5% subsidy on rent. The academic and professional experiences stated in this paper serve as testaments to my advocacy to advance the existing social conditions through public policy analysis and economics. In accordance to this pursuit, I also intend to earn a doctorate degree and teach in an American or Chinese university, and help in training aspiring professionals acquire the necessary technical and societal virtues necessary in my chosen field of expertise. Ultimately, upon completion of your esteemed MPA Program, I aspire to share my unique perspectives of public policies which can impact more people, making our country more humane, more considerate and more efficient.

Cite this page

Share with friends using:

Removal Request

Finished papers: 1682

This paper is created by writer with

ID 253770790

If you want your paper to be:

Well-researched, fact-checked, and accurate

Original, fresh, based on current data

Eloquently written and immaculately formatted

275 words = 1 page double-spaced

Get your papers done by pros!

Other Pages

Clarity reports, borrower reports, molecule reports, catch reports, marketer reports, selection reports, intern personal statements, danby essays, vaux essays, james taylor essays, engineering education essays, melia essays, indian music essays, xifaxan essays, mao tse tung essays, vasovagal essays, vaso essays, evolution of man essays, wolfgang puck essays, grant and sherman essay, example of book review on the problem arises when in the western tradition of religions one religion sees, free book review on history, change theory research paper examples, free essay on online learning versus learning in traditional classrooms, the teleological argument essay examples, implementing auditing abc incorporation report examples, in america movie review, nominal group technique research paper, example of course work on the evolution of the prison system, good essay on peer pressure, good example of market analysis 4 business plan, free essay about photosynthesis, sample report on principles of macroeconomics, china india and united states marketing essay sample, how did ideas of black stereotypes and racism become embedded in american culture essay example, good security on the internet research paper example, example of the hunger games and the roman gladiators essay, working in international teams managing across different cultures with emphasis report sample, good essay about presidential appointment of federal judges, sample research paper on the state of payment method in 2050, example of international trade debate liberia report, the 1988 olympics effects on modern urbanization in south korea research paper, jewish identity book review examples.

Password recovery email has been sent to [email protected]

Use your new password to log in

You are not register!

By clicking Register, you agree to our Terms of Service and that you have read our Privacy Policy .

Now you can download documents directly to your device!

Check your email! An email with your password has already been sent to you! Now you can download documents directly to your device.

or Use the QR code to Save this Paper to Your Phone

The sample is NOT original!

Short on a deadline?

Don't waste time. Get help with 11% off using code - GETWOWED

No, thanks! I'm fine with missing my deadline

Graduate Program

Frequently asked questions.

Click on a category below to go directly to that section of the FAQ page, or scroll down to browse through all sections.

A: No, we only offer the PhD in Political Science. You will earn a Master's degree on your way to receiving the PhD, but we do not offer the MA for non-PhD students.

A: You can reasonably expect to finish the program in 5-6 years. Political Science PhD students typically spend at least one year in the field conducting research, which is why it may take longer than for other social science doctorates.

A: Currently, the Political Science PhD program does not offer any formal dual degrees.

A: You must fill out all sections of the online Graduate Division Application. Please view the application requirements page for additional details.

A: You can find helpful resources, links, and tools for successfully completing the graduate application via the Graduate Diversity Program or the Social Sciences Diversity Office.

A: If you are a U.S. citizen or current permanent resident, the application fee is $135; for all others, the fee is $155.

Fee Waiver (through the Graduate Division): U.S. citizens or permanent residents who can demonstrate financial need are eligible to apply for a waiver of the application fee. See guidelines for waivers.
Fee waiver information is also available on our application check list .

A: An application checklist for Admissions 2024 is available here .

A: Not unless you are admitted to the program and decide to enroll. However, in order to be considered for admission, we must have a digital copy of your unofficial transcripts for ALL courses that you received academic credit for toward a degree. All transcripts should be uploaded to your Graduate Division Online Application

A: An official transcript is issued directly by your registrar's office in a sealed envelope either to you or mailed directly to us. You are not permitted to see an official transcript. An unofficial transcript is one that you have seen, usually issued on paper or online from your school's registrar's office. You should upload your unofficial transcripts to your Graduate Division Online Application.

A: We need official transcripts for ALL courses that you received academic credit for toward a degree. A list of transferred courses on your degree transcript is not sufficient.

A: We must have a transcript on file by the deadline to review your application. Submit a current transcript by the deadline, and send us an updated transcript as soon as grades become available. Please be aware that review of applications begins very soon after the deadline, so we cannot guarantee review of any materials received after that date.

A: Ask your registrar's office to send us an official document verifying your enrollment and current course list, as well as a date when we can expect your official grades.

A: Please refer to the instructions given by the graduate division about degree requirements for international applicants at http://grad.berkeley.edu/admissions/admis_require.shtml (external link) .

A: Ask your registrar's office if they have a standard format for changing your grades to a 4.0 GPA scale. If it is not a simple conversion, you may leave these sections in the online application blank.

A: UC Berkeley refers to advanced level undergraduate courses as "Upper Division." Generally, these are the courses that may require prerequisites, junior or senior status, and/or are restricted to students within the major. Talk to your undergraduate advisor for further assistance in deciding which courses fit into this group.

A: In the online Graduate Division Application, you will be asked to submit the names and email addresses of your letter writers. Fill out the names and email addresses for each of your three recommenders, choose whether you waive your right to access the letters, and whether the recommenders will use the online system to submit letters. Follow the directions in the system closely to ensure that your professors will receive the email with instructions on how to submit their letters online.

A: While we strongly prefer to receive letters online, we can accept letters by mail. Ask your recommender to mail the letter directly to the Department of Political Science at the address at the bottom of this page. There is no additional form your recommender needs to fill out. Please remind him or her of our deadline, and that we need to have the letter in our office by that date.

A: We are happy to accept recommendation letters from either your university's dossier service or Interfolio either as an online upload or by mail.

A: We require three letters of recommendation, though you are welcome to submit more if you wish. Please keep in mind that we cannot guarantee that the committee will read more than three letters, so we recommend that you only ask recommenders to submit their letters if you believe they have something substantial to say about your application.

A: We encourage you to select faculty and research mentors who can speak to your abilities to be a successful graduate student. The most informative letters tend to come from professors who you worked with closely and recently, though not all letters need to meet all of these criteria. As a general rule we suggest that at least one recommendation come from a faculty member of the last institution you attended as a full-time student. However, we recognize this may not be feasible if you have been out of school for a number of years.

A: For the Fall 2024 application cycle, GRE scores are not required to apply, but are strongly recommended if feasible. Our committee evaluates applications holistically, and we do not use any threshold of GRE scores to be considered for admission. Ultimately we want to be confident that applicants will be able to develop the technical and communication skills to succeed at doing research, and GRE scores are one indicator among many that we can use to make this determination. While we will give full consideration to applications with no GRE scores, in some cases this can make it harder for us to be confident enough to admit a student. GRE scores are most useful to the committee if you aim to do quantitative work, and have not taken much coursework or have other job experience which gives us alternative ways to evaluate your ability to develop these skills. International students from countries where the official language is not English must also take the TOEFL or IELTS. Please refer to the graduate division's requirements for evidence of English language proficiency for exceptions to this requirement and more information at http://grad.berkeley.edu/admissions/admis_require.shtml

A: UC Berkeley's institution code is 4833. Please DO NOT include a department code or choose the Political Science department when selecting to which schools you would like ETS to send your scores. UC Berkeley receives all ETS scores electronically, which will then be automatically matched with your application and sent on to the department. Help save a tree, and prevent a duplicate printed version from being sent to the department by NOT entering a department code when you request your official GRE scores for UC Berkeley, Political Science Department. Note, for the Fall 2024 application cycle, GRE scores are not required to apply, but are strongly recommended if feasible. Our committee evaluates applications holistically, and we do not use any threshold of GRE scores to be considered for admission. Ultimately we want to be confident that applicants will be able to develop the technical and communication skills to succeed at doing research, and GRE scores are one indicator among many that we can use to make this determination. While we will give full consideration to applications with no GRE scores, in some cases this can make it harder for us to be confident enough to admit a student. GRE scores are most useful to the committee if you aim to do quantitative work, and have not taken much coursework or have other job experience which gives us alternative ways to evaluate your ability to develop these skills.

A: We do not have minimum score requirements for the GRE. However, due to the highly competitive applicant pool we receive each year, the average scores of admitted students are typically in the 80th percentile or higher on each of the three sections of the GRE General Test. For the IELTS and TOEFL, please refer to the graduate division website at http://grad.berkeley.edu/admissions/admis_require.shtml (external link) . Note, for the Fall 2024 application cycle, GRE scores are not required to apply, but are strongly recommended if feasible. Our committee evaluates applications holistically, and we do not use any threshold of GRE scores to be considered for admission. Ultimately we want to be confident that applicants will be able to develop the technical and communication skills to succeed at doing research, and GRE scores are one indicator among many that we can use to make this determination. While we will give full consideration to applications with no GRE scores, in some cases this can make it harder for us to be confident enough to admit a student. GRE scores are most useful to the committee if you aim to do quantitative work, and have not taken much coursework or have other job experience which gives us alternative ways to evaluate your ability to develop these skills.

A: Immediately after you complete the computer based GRE test, you will receive your quantitative and verbal scores. Include these unofficial scores in the online application before you submit it by the deadline, and we will wait for your official scores from ETS. Note, for the Fall 2024 application cycle, GRE scores are not required to apply, but are strongly recommended if feasible. Our committee evaluates applications holistically, and we do not use any threshold of GRE scores to be considered for admission. Ultimately we want to be confident that applicants will be able to develop the technical and communication skills to succeed at doing research, and GRE scores are one indicator among many that we can use to make this determination. While we will give full consideration to applications with no GRE scores, in some cases this can make it harder for us to be confident enough to admit a student. GRE scores are most useful to the committee if you aim to do quantitative work, and have not taken much coursework or have other job experience which gives us alternative ways to evaluate your ability to develop these skills. .

A: While the relative need for strong math skills for theory students is taken into consideration during the admissions review process, the admissions committee holds all applicants to extremely high academic achievement standards. We recommend you spend time mastering all skills tested in the GRE exam. Note, for the Fall 2024 application cycle, GRE scores are not required to apply, but are strongly recommended if feasible. Our committee evaluates applications holistically, and we do not use any threshold of GRE scores to be considered for admission. Ultimately we want to be confident that applicants will be able to develop the technical and communication skills to succeed at doing research, and GRE scores are one indicator among many that we can use to make this determination. While we will give full consideration to applications with no GRE scores, in some cases this can make it harder for us to be confident enough to admit a student. GRE scores are most useful to the committee if you aim to do quantitative work, and have not taken much coursework or have other job experience which gives us alternative ways to evaluate your ability to develop these skills.

A: The Personal History Statement is where you can inform the committee of your background, what makes you unique, and how you came to apply to a PhD program in Political Science. The Statement of Purpose is where you should focus more on your research interests and how you are a good fit with our department. Be sure to read the directions for each essay and answer the questions completely.

A: We do not have a minimum or maximum length for the essays. Focus on answering the questions completely in a concise, well-written manner.

A: Yes! You must submit a previously written political science or other social science research paper you have written, including a 250 word abstract on the paper. We also recommend that you submit a CV or resume. You can upload both of these document to the Graduate Division Online Application.

A: Please do not submit any materials by paper except recommendation letters if necessary. We do NOT accept printed writing samples. We have limited resources and space, and cannot accommodate additional printed materials from applicants. You should follow the directions in the Graduate Division Online Application to submit your documents electronically.

A: The department requires GRE scores from within the past five years, but does not have a minimum score requirement. Also, the university requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent with a 3.0 undergraduate GPA. However, due to the highly competitive applicant pool we receive each year, our admitted students typically far exceed the minimum requirements. For more information, please visit the Admission Requirements section on the Graduate Division website at http://grad.berkeley.edu/admissions/admis_require.shtml (external link) Click here for an application checklist. ( Note, for the Fall 2024 application cycle, GRE scores are not required to apply, but are strongly recommended if feasible. Our committee evaluates applications holistically, and we do not use any threshold of GRE scores to be considered for admission. Ultimately we want to be confident that applicants will be able to develop the technical and communication skills to succeed at doing research, and GRE scores are one indicator among many that we can use to make this determination. While we will give full consideration to applications with no GRE scores, in some cases this can make it harder for us to be confident enough to admit a student. GRE scores are most useful to the committee if you aim to do quantitative work, and have not taken much coursework or have other job experience which gives us alternative ways to evaluate your ability to develop these skills.)

A: A confidential committee of faculty reviews files beginning shortly after our application deadline. Decisions are made within the department and applicants are notified of the department's decision by email and/or phone. The Graduate Division Dean's office then reviews the department recommendations for admission, and notifies those applicants of their official admission by email.

A: No. Students will spend the first three years in the program establishing relationships with faculty to eventually ask them to serve on their dissertation committee, and it is not necessary that you contact potential advisors prior to applying. However, it is required that you name faculty members who you would be interested in working with on your application. Please review faculty pages on our website to determine whose areas of expertise best match your interests. You can also browse our subfield pages and view a list of faculty members associated with each subfield. Ideally, you should be able to identify three or more faculty members with whom you would like to work. Should you have specific questions about their research, you may contact them directly.

A: The department will contact you by email no later than March 1, usually by mid-February. The department is authorized only to recommend admission decisions to the Graduate Division Dean, but you will receive a final decision from the Dean's office if you are admitted shortly after you hear from the department.

Thank you for taking the time to consider our graduate program. Applications for Fall 2024 will open September 13th of 2023.

A: The deadline for Fall 2024 admissions will likely close December 4, 2023 at 8:59pm PST. We do not offer spring or summer admissions.

A: Yes! The committee begins the review process shortly after the deadline, so your application must be complete--including a complete application, GRE scores (unofficial scores are OK while we wait for the official scores from ETS), transcripts, and recommendation letters--by the deadline. We may accept transcripts which include Fall 2023 grades after the deadline, but you must send them as soon as possible once your grades are posted. We cannot guarantee that application materials received after the deadline will be reviewed by the admissions committee. Click here for an application checklist. ( Note, for the Fall 2024 application cycle, GRE scores are not required to apply, but are strongly recommended if feasible. Our committee evaluates applications holistically, and we do not use any threshold of GRE scores to be considered for admission. Ultimately we want to be confident that applicants will be able to develop the technical and communication skills to succeed at doing research, and GRE scores are one indicator among many that we can use to make this determination. While we will give full consideration to applications with no GRE scores, in some cases this can make it harder for us to be confident enough to admit a student. GRE scores are most useful to the committee if you aim to do quantitative work, and have not taken much coursework or have other job experience which gives us alternative ways to evaluate your ability to develop these skills.)

A: Don't worry about it! All we need to begin reviewing your application is your unofficial scores. As long as we have those by the application deadline, we are happy for wait for your official scores from ETS. Official scores received after the deadline will not affect the status of your application review as long as we have your unofficial scores by the deadline.

For the Fall 2024 application cycle, GRE scores are not required to apply, but are strongly recommended if feasible. Our committee evaluates applications holistically, and we do not use any threshold of GRE scores to be considered for admission. Ultimately we want to be confident that applicants will be able to develop the technical and communication skills to succeed at doing research, and GRE scores are one indicator among many that we can use to make this determination. While we will give full consideration to applications with no GRE scores, in some cases this can make it harder for us to be confident enough to admit a student. GRE scores are most useful to the committee if you aim to do quantitative work, and have not taken much coursework or have other job experience which gives us alternative ways to evaluate your ability to develop these skills.

A: Yes. Due to the huge volume of application materials we receive during the four weeks surrounding the application deadline, we may not be able to provide you with a status update on your application during this busy time. Therefore, it is in your best interest to submit your application and supplemental materials a few weeks early so you will have time to make sure your application is complete by the deadline. Submitting your application early does not improve your chances for admission, except by ensuring your complete application can be reviewed by the committee.

A: For the 2024 application cycle, if you plan on taking the GRE, your test date must be no later than December 1, 2023, NO EXCEPTIONS! Be sure to include your unofficial verbal and quantitative test scores in your online application by the deadline, and we will wait for your official scores from ETS. ( Note, for the Fall 2024 application cycle, GRE scores are not required to apply, but are strongly recommended if feasible. Our committee evaluates applications holistically, and we do not use any threshold of GRE scores to be considered for admission. Ultimately we want to be confident that applicants will be able to develop the technical and communication skills to succeed at doing research, and GRE scores are one indicator among many that we can use to make this determination. While we will give full consideration to applications with no GRE scores, in some cases this can make it harder for us to be confident enough to admit a student. GRE scores are most useful to the committee if you aim to do quantitative work, and have not taken much coursework or have other job experience which gives us alternative ways to evaluate your ability to develop these skills.)

If you have any further questions, please contact us at [email protected] .

Clearing Universities & Courses

Clearing advice.

Recommended Clearing Universities

Popular Course Categories

Course search & discover.

Start the search for your uni. Filter from hundreds of universities based on your preferences.

Search by Type

Search by region.

Recommended Universities

Ravensbourne University London

London (Greater) · 88% Recommended

City, University of London

London (Greater) · 92% Recommended

University of Surrey

South East England · 98% Recommended

Search Open Days

What's new at Uni Compare

University of Sunderland

Unlock your potential at one of the world’s best young universities (THE, 2023).

Surrey has been shortlisted for the University of the Year 2023 - find out more here!

Ranking Categories

Regional rankings.

More Rankings

Top 100 Universities

Taken from 65,000+ data points from students attending university to help future generations

About our Rankings

Discover university rankings devised from data collected from current students.

Guide Categories

Advice categories, recommended articles, popular statement examples, statement advice.

What to include in a Personal Statement

Personal Statement Tips

Personal statement example politics and i/r personal statement, politics and i/r personal statement.

Coming from a developing country to an advanced world at fifteen made a big impact on how I see the world. My attention was drawn to dissimilarities of welfare, social peace and economic growth. I read once how Mexico is happier even though it has a lower GDP than the UK, and this contrast has made me want to understand more about the correlation of soft measures like satisfaction with hard measures like wealth. I find it fascinating how such factors can diverge, producing unpredictable and, indeed, volatile outcomes. This has encouraged me to look for solutions to the many economic problems we currently face.

My A-Level choices have proved to be very rewarding, especially Economics as it has not only taught me how economies function but also how the world is governed. I find it fascinating how it is applicable and relatable to everything from prehistoric societies to our own. Spanish has taken my learning to another dimension as part of the course relates to key topics in my other subjects such as immigration, as most financial disputes these days are related to it. It has also developed a range and sophistication in my arguments and ideas.

Taking Business Studies for A-Level was a natural decision for me. Watching the American version of ‘The Apprentice’ every week at the age of 9 provoked my interest. Something about Donald Trump’s ambition to create an empire to my young eyes gave a first insight as to how some industries might succeed and how others might fail depending on not only strategy but passion and determination.

But having the opportunity to travel to Asia, Europe and America was what gave me an insight into the reality of countries and not merely how the media portrays them. The contrasts I perceived between Europe and Latin America compelled me to explore the different factors that drive both economies. This broadened my perspective on culture, and in particular the way economies evolve and the role business and politics play in that change. This was reflected while I was at school debates such as TECMUN (Tec Model United Nations) as we analysed differences between conditions in developing countries and long established economies.

After I moved to England, I realised how corrupt societies could be as I was able to comprehend the practices in business and politics that comply legally but fall short of moral ideals. I began to read ‘The Economist’ but it was ‘Nudge’ by Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein that revealed the barrage of corporate influence steering consumer choice – how we are all unconsciously ‘Nudged’. The link to politics was now clear: the Private Sector and the Government incentivise us indirectly and directly by using small factors. Societies are different, and it makes me interested in finding a way of helping people, communities and societies to become stable and sustainable.

During the summer I gained valuable experience by working in a business-coaching firm as a marketing assistant. This involved many tasks such as generating leads and attracting consumers and key knowledge I had gained in business studies I now saw work successfully.

In my spare time I compete in triathlons, which I not only enjoy, but give me strength and confidence in my daily life. These competitions have also given me greater self-motivation and discipline. I also enjoy reading books such as ‘The Undercover Economist’, ‘Velocity’ and ‘The Goal’. These introduced me to a new perception of daily life and reasoning. But what left me perplexed was ‘Start With Why’ by Simon Sinek as it triggered my passion as it gave answers to my questions but also showed me how to ask the right ones. This threw me into a spiral of why’s and how’s and I look forward to finding an answer in my further study at university.

Recommended Statements

Submitted by anonymous

Economic, Politics and Public Policy Personal Statement

When asking somebody of their initial thought when saying ‘McDonalds’, most individuals reply with “Ronald...

International Relations Personal Statement

I have long been interested in world affairs; the interaction of its leaders, their different economies an...

Submitted by Daniela

Politics and International Relations Personal Statement

Growing up in Colombia, I have experienced first-hand the consequences of living in a country where corrup...

Submitted by Aqil

Government and Politics Personal Statement

Watching 9/11 and the aftermath of the London bombings unfold live on television is what initially stimula...

Want to learn more about a university?

Get your questions answered by sending them an enquiry now.

undergraduate Universities

Undergraduate uni's.

Ravensbourne

245 courses

Uni of Surrey

437 courses

Uni of Kent

417 courses

Uni of Roehampton

268 courses

ARU Writtle

104 courses

Photo of West London Institute of Technology

West London IoT

Uni of Bedfordshire

336 courses

Uni of Leicester

267 courses

Uni of Chester

399 courses

Photo of Goldsmiths, University of London

Goldsmiths, UOL

273 courses

Northeastern Uni

Middlesex Uni

469 courses

Uni of Suffolk

109 courses

Uni of Bradford

197 courses

Photo of Cardiff Metropolitan University

Cardiff Met Uni

304 courses

Uni of Sunderland

200 courses

Uni of East London

317 courses

Uni of Winchester

161 courses

528 courses

Leeds Arts University

Kingston Uni

378 courses

Uni of Hertfordshire

419 courses

238 courses

Coventry Uni

445 courses

Photo of University for the Creative Arts

Uni for Creative Arts

323 courses

Leeds Beckett Uni

327 courses

Photo of New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering, NMITE

Heriot-Watt Uni

208 courses

Staffordshire Uni

272 courses

Photo of University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD)

414 courses

Swansea Uni

780 courses

Anglia Ruskin Uni

460 courses

Uni of Westminster

UWE, Bristol

249 courses

Uni of Essex

797 courses

Photo of University of Central Lancashire

Uni of C.Lancashire

438 courses

Wrexham Uni

168 courses

355 courses

Uni of Huddersfield

458 courses

Escape Studios

Uni of Portsmouth

542 courses

Uni of Brighton

253 courses

Bath Spa Uni

295 courses

Edge Hill Uni

243 courses

Uni of Hull

Nottingham Trent

539 courses

Edinburgh Napier

184 courses

Uni of Reading

393 courses

Queen's Uni

411 courses

Find the latest from Uni Compare

University of Roehampton

Interested in studying Engineering? Roehampton are building a new sustainable engineering and technology building - learn more here!

Goldsmiths offers creative, cultural and social courses - click here to learn more!

Law School Personal Statement with Examples

April 3, 2024

So you’re applying to law school? You’ve researched the LSAT , you’ve researched law schools , and now you’re preparing to write your personal statement. I’m sure you’ve got a lot on your plate so I won’t waste your time. In this blog, we’ll answer your questions, examine some law school personal statement examples, and discuss the law school personal statement format. Let’s dive right in.

What’s the purpose of a law school personal statement?

Here are the key objectives and functions of a law school personal statement:

1) Showcase your personal narrative

You can provide admissions committees with insight into who you are beyond your academic achievements and test scores. This essay allows you to share your personal narrative, experiences, values, and aspirations. Those details will help the admissions committee understand what motivates you and shapes your perspective.

2) Demonstrate your writing ability

Law schools place a high value on strong writing skills, because legal education and the legal profession require clear, concise, and persuasive communication. Your personal statement serves as a writing sample. The admissions committee will analyze your ability to articulate ideas effectively, organize thoughts coherently, and convey your message with clarity and precision.

3) Highlight your fit for the program

Your personal statement should also demonstrate why you are a good fit for the specific law school you’re applying to. So research the institution and tailor your statement accordingly. Then you can articulate how your interests, goals, and values align with the school’s mission, programs, and culture.

Law School Personal Statement with Examples (Continued)

4) Provide context for your application

Additionally, your personal statement offers context for the rest of your application. It allows you to address any inconsistencies or gaps in your application, explain unique circumstances, and showcase your growth and resilience.

5) Differentiate yourself from other applicants

In a competitive admissions process, a well-crafted personal statement can help you stand out from other applicants. By sharing authentic and compelling experiences and perspectives, you can distinguish yourself as a unique and valuable candidate.

6) Demonstrate your commitment to the legal profession

Admissions committees seek candidates who are passionate about pursuing a legal education and making a positive impact in the profession. So your personal statement should convey your sincere interest in law, your understanding of its challenges and responsibilities, and your readiness to contribute to the legal community.

Law school personal statement format

Formatting a personal statement for law school is crucial as it helps convey your message clearly and professionally. So before we look at some law school personal statement examples, here are the key components of the law school personal statement format:

Most law schools have specific guidelines regarding the length of personal statements, typically ranging from one to two pages. So it’s essential to adhere to these guidelines to ensure your statement is concise and focused.

Font and size

Use a professional font like Times New Roman and adjust the size to 12 points. This ensures readability and maintains a formal appearance.

Introduction

Begin with a strong and engaging introduction that captures the reader’s attention. This section should set the tone for the rest of your statement and provide context for your motivations.

Body paragraphs

Organize your statement into several paragraphs, each focusing on a specific theme or aspect of your background, experiences, and motivations for pursuing law school.

Transitions

Use transitional phrases and sentences to smoothly transition between different ideas and paragraphs. This helps maintain coherence and flow throughout your statement, ensuring that each section builds upon the previous one.

End your statement with a compelling conclusion that reinforces your motivations for pursuing a legal education. Focus on leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

Stick to the guidelines

Follow any specific formatting guidelines provided by the law school, such as file format requirements or word count limitations. Adhering to these guidelines demonstrates attention to detail and professionalism.

Two law school personal statement examples

With the law school personal statement format fresh in our minds, let’s take a look at some examples.

Here’s the first of our law school personal statement examples:

As I gaze into the innocent eyes of my two young daughters, I’m filled with boundless love. In their laughter and curiosity, I see the promise of a bright future—but intertwined with that hope is a profound fear and an overwhelming sense of responsibility. I can never forget the sobering reality of climate change, a crisis that threatens to reshape the world they will inherit.

My journey towards law school is not merely a pursuit of personal ambition but a solemn commitment to safeguarding the future of my children and generations to come. Growing up amidst the rolling hills of California, I witnessed the devastating effects of wildfires and droughts. Yet, it was the birth of my daughters that catalyzed my transformation from concerned bystander to impassioned advocate.

Driven by this newfound purpose, I immersed myself in climate advocacy, from grassroots campaigns to policy research. I rallied alongside fellow parents and concerned citizens, demanding accountability from policymakers and corporations alike. Each petition signed, each protest attended, was fueled by the determination to leave behind a world worthy of my daughters.

I want to leverage the power of the law as a force for environmental justice and sustainability. The University of Oregon is where my passion for climate advocacy meets the rigors of legal education. Its esteemed faculty and commitment to social responsibility offer the ideal platform to amplify my voice and effect meaningful change.

At the University of Oregon, I aspire to become not only a skilled attorney but also a champion for the planet. With each legal brief penned and each precedent set, I’ll strive to leave behind a legacy of hope and resilience. And I’ll ensure that my children inherit a world teeming with possibility, not plagued by relentless climate catastrophes.

Why the first of our law school personal statement examples works:

Compelling narrative

First, the statement begins with the applicant reflecting on their young daughters and their concern for the future amidst the looming threat of climate change . This narrative immediately grabs the reader’s attention and sets the stage for the applicant’s personal journey.

Personal connection

The applicant demonstrates a deep personal connection to the issue of climate change. This personal connection adds authenticity and depth to their motivations for pursuing law school.

Commitment to advocacy

The statement showcases the applicant’s proactive approach to addressing climate change through advocacy work, including grassroots campaigns and policy research. This demonstrates their dedication and initiative in confronting pressing societal issues.

Alignment with law school

The applicant articulates why they’re drawn to the specific law school they’re applying to. They emphasize how the University of Oregon’s commitment to social responsibility and environmental justice aligns with their own values and aspirations. This shows that the applicant has researched the law school and understands how its resources can support their goals.

Vision for the future

Finally, it concludes with a vision of the applicant’s future role as an attorney dedicated to environmental justice and sustainability. This, coupled with their commitment to leaving behind a positive legacy for future generations, highlights their long-term goals and ambition.

Overall, this personal statement effectively combines personal narrative, passion, and commitment to showcase the applicant’s readiness for law school and their potential to make a meaningful impact in the field of environmental law.

Here’s the second of our law school personal statement examples:

Nestled amidst the golden fields of rural America, I learned from an early age that community is not just a place. It’s a commitment to looking out for one another in times of need. Growing up in a tight-knit community, I was instilled with values of empathy, compassion, and service.

On an autumn morning several years ago, there was a knock at my door. On my porch was my neighbor Sarah, a single mother. She told me about the looming eviction notice that threatened to upend her family’s life. As she looked at me with desperate eyes, I felt a surge of empathy and determination.

I sprang into action and rallied the support of our neighbors. Together, we organized to challenge the unjust eviction and provide Sarah with the assistance she needed. This experience ignited my passion for social justice and set me on a path towards law school.

Throughout my undergraduate journey, I dove into political science and community development. I immersed myself in research projects that shed light on the lived experiences of marginalized communities. One particularly impactful project involved collaborating with local activists to advocate for the expansion of affordable housing programs. This culminated in a successful city council vote that brought tangible relief to countless families in need.

The allure of UC Davis lies not only in its esteemed faculty and rigorous curriculum but also in its dedication to fostering a culture of advocacy and social change. Its renowned clinics and externship opportunities offer a unique platform to translate classroom knowledge into real-world impact. I’m eager to contribute my firsthand experiences and passion for justice to the vibrant community of UC Davis, where every voice is heard, and every action is a step towards a more equitable future.

Why the second of our law school personal statement examples works:

Compelling introduction

The statement begins with vivid imagery and a nostalgic portrayal of the applicant’s upbringing in rural America. This sets the stage for the narrative and establishes the values that have shaped the applicant’s worldview.

Personal anecdote

The story of Sarah, the single mother facing eviction , demonstrates the applicant’s empathy, compassion, and commitment to social justice. Additionally, it showcases their ability to take initiative and mobilize their community in times of need.

Connection to law school

The statement effectively connects the applicant’s personal experiences to their decision to pursue law school. It highlights how their passion for social justice was ignited by their experiences. Then it also emphasizes their determination to use the law as a tool for positive change.

Academic and experiential background

The applicant provides specific examples of their academic and experiential background. They include involvement in political science and community development research projects. This demonstrates their commitment to understanding systemic injustices and their ability to engage in meaningful advocacy work.

Fit for the law school

The statement concludes by articulating why the applicant is drawn to the specific law school they are applying to. It mentions UC Davis’s dedication to advocacy and social change, aligning with the applicant’s values and aspirations. This shows that the applicant has done their research. Additionally, it shows their clear vision for how the law school’s resources align with their goals.

Overall, this personal statement effectively showcases the applicant’s passion, commitment, and readiness for law school, making them a compelling candidate for admission.

How to brainstorm for your law school personal statement

Here are some strategies to help you brainstorm effectively:

1) Reflect on personal experiences

First, think about significant events, challenges, or accomplishments in your life that have shaped your identity and aspirations. Also, consider how these experiences have influenced your interest in law and your commitment to social justice or advocacy.

2) Identify core values and beliefs

Reflect on your core values, beliefs, and principles that guide your decision-making and actions. Then consider how these values align with the mission and values of the law schools you’re interested in. Also, consider how they inform your interest in pursuing a legal education.

3) Evaluate unique experiences and perspectives

Consider any unique experiences, perspectives, or backgrounds you bring to the table that may set you apart from other applicants. Reflect on how these experiences have shaped your perspective and how they contribute to your readiness for law school.

4) Seek inspiration from others

Talk to family members, friends, mentors, or advisors who know you well. They may offer valuable perspectives and help you uncover ideas you hadn’t considered.

5) Freewriting and mind mapping

Finally, set aside time for freewriting or mind mapping exercises. This is where you jot down ideas, memories, thoughts, and associations related to your interest in law school. Allow yourself to explore different angles and connections without judgment.

By engaging in these brainstorming strategies, you can generate a wealth of ideas and insights to inform your law school personal statement.

Final Thoughts – Law School Personal Statement with Examples

Well, you’ve analyzed the law school personal statement examples and the law school personal statement format. You understand the purpose of the personal statement and all the nuances it brings to your application. You know how to brainstorm. Now you’re ready to find your inspiration, choose your topic, and craft your story. Happy writing!

You may also wish to check out the following relevant blogs:

LSAT Test Dates – 2024
Best Law Schools in Georgia
15 Best Law Schools in New York
Best Entertainment & Sports Law Schools
Law School Admissions

Mariya holds a BFA in Creative Writing from the Pratt Institute and is currently pursuing an MFA in writing at the University of California Davis. Mariya serves as a teaching assistant in the English department at UC Davis. She previously served as an associate editor at Carve Magazine for two years, where she managed 60 fiction writers. She is the winner of the 2015 Stony Brook Fiction Prize, and her short stories have been published in Mid-American Review , Cutbank , Sonora Review , New Orleans Review , and The Collagist , among other magazines.

2-Year Colleges
Application Strategies
Best Colleges by Major
Best Colleges by State
Big Picture
Career & Personality Assessment
College Essay
College Search/Knowledge
College Success
Costs & Financial Aid
Dental School Admissions
Extracurricular Activities
Graduate School Admissions
High School Success
High Schools
Medical School Admissions
Navigating the Admissions Process
Online Learning
Private High School Spotlight
Summer Program Spotlight
Summer Programs
Test Prep Provider Spotlight

“Innovative and invaluable…use this book as your college lifeline.”

— Lynn O'Shaughnessy

Nationally Recognized College Expert

College Planning in Your Inbox

Join our information-packed monthly newsletter.

I am a... Student Parent Counselor Educator Other Zip Code Area(s) s of Interest Select... Business Computer Science Engineering Fine/Performing Arts Humanities Mathematics STEM Pre-Med Psychology Social Studies/Sciences Sign Up Now

Applying to Uni
Apprenticeships
Health & Relationships
Money & Finance

Personal Statements

Postgraduate
U.S Universities

University Interviews

Vocational Qualifications
Accommodation
Budgeting, Money & Finance
Health & Relationships
Jobs & Careers
Socialising

Studying Abroad

Studying & Revision
Technology
University & College Admissions

Guide to GCSE Results Day

Finding a job after school or college

Retaking GCSEs

In this section

Choosing GCSE Subjects

Post-GCSE Options

GCSE Work Experience

GCSE Revision Tips

Why take an Apprenticeship?

Applying for an Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships Interviews

Apprenticeship Wage

Engineering Apprenticeships

What is an Apprenticeship?

Choosing an Apprenticeship

Real Life Apprentices

Degree Apprenticeships

Higher Apprenticeships

A Level Results Day 2024

AS Levels 2024

Clearing Guide 2024

Applying to University

SQA Results Day Guide 2024

BTEC Results Day Guide

Vocational Qualifications Guide

Sixth Form or College

International Baccalaureate

Post 18 options

Finding a Job

Should I take a Gap Year?

Travel Planning

Volunteering

Gap Year Guide

Gap Year Blogs

Applying to Oxbridge

Applying to US Universities

Choosing a Degree

Choosing a University or College

Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Guide to Freshers' Week

Student Guides

Student Cooking

Student Blogs

Top Rated Personal Statements

Personal Statement Examples

Writing Your Personal Statement

Postgraduate Personal Statements

International Student Personal Statements

Gap Year Personal Statements

Personal Statement Length Checker

Personal Statement Examples By University

Personal Statement Changes 2025

Personal Statement Template

Job Interviews

Types of Postgraduate Course

Writing a Postgraduate Personal Statement

Postgraduate Funding

Postgraduate Study

Internships

Choosing A College

Ivy League Universities

Common App Essay Examples

Universal College Application Guide

How To Write A College Admissions Essay

College Rankings

Admissions Tests

Fees & Funding

Scholarships

Budgeting For College

Online Degree

Platinum Express Editing and Review Service

Gold Editing and Review Service

Silver Express Editing and Review Service

UCAS Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Oxbridge Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Postgraduate Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

During my trip to China in 2006, I discovered a society vastly different from the one I was growing up in. While exploring the outskirts of Shanghai, my family and I were astonished by the levels of poverty and scarcity – I vividly remember watching someone clean a whole chicken in the same river I had just seen another person urinate into.

Travelling back to the wealthy neighborhood of the family we were visiting, I asked my mother about what I had just seen. I wanted to know why those people would not just move to a wealthier area – why not get a job and earn some more money?

Later in life, I have begun to suspect that this exposure to poverty and hardship was what first sparked my interest in the study of society and politics. Though I was too young to understand the complete answer to my question, it was made clear to me that it had something to do with the leadership of the country.

Following this incident, my eagerness to learn more about the world around me has only intensified. In school, I chose to enroll in subjects that allowed me to dive deeper into the areas of social and political sciences. Focusing heavily on international politics and the construction of different societies and forms of government, these courses warranted a sociological approach as well as a political one.

The souring relationship between Russia and the US, and the challenges related to the tribal construction of Afghan society were particularly interesting to me. I have also tried to satisfy my curiosity through extra-curricular activities, combining my interest in this field with a part time job, sporting activities and an active social life.

Constantly studying in my own time, discussing with friends and family, attending voluntary lectures and reading relevant books and articles, social and political sciences have been a major part of my life for many years.

The first book I read on the topic of society in my own time was “World Order” by Henry Kissinger. In it, he discusses the history of international relations, while also touching on how different countries and societies have developed their distinct characters.

This helped me understand the origins of our current international political climate, and revealed the driving forces behind its evolution. Later, when first considering higher education within the field of politics and society, I read Bernard Cricks “Democracy: A Very Short Introduction”, discussing the origins and evolution of democracy, and how the term has come to have so many definitions.

This book offered a more comprehensive study of one of the most frequently discussed topics in school, and deepened my fascination with the history of democracy, both as a political system and as a set of values. Through the reading of several various books on topics relevant to my interests, I believe I have developed a strong foundation for further study.

I have also had the opportunity to experience democracy firsthand. As the elected representative of my class in the student council, I saw both the challenges and virtues of a political system that considers the opinions of all those affected by its decisions.

Though the council operates on a relatively small scale, it captures the essence of democratic leadership – it is committed to considering the views of all students, many with different religions, nationalities and values. As an engaged member, I partook in the democratic process and discovered how deeply interlinked the fields of politics and sociology truly are.

In the years following my visit to Shanghai, my eagerness to further understand how the world works has developed into a true passion. The opportunity to pursue this passion at an elite university, surrounded by driven and ambitious people, would be a dream come true.

Profile info

There is no profile associated with this personal statement, as the writer has requested to remain anonymous.

Author's Comments

A personal statement aimed particularly towards Cambridge - Human, Social, and Political Sciences. Feedback is appreciated. :)

This personal statement is unrated

Related Personal Statements

Add new comment.

COMMENTS

Sample Personal Statement for Political Science
The following personal statement is written by an applicant who got accepted to several top graduate schools in political science. Variations of this PS got accepted at Duke, UCLA, and NYU. Read this essay to understand what a top personal statement in political science should look like. Sample Personal Statement for Graduate School in PoliSci
Politics Personal Statement Examples
Political Science Personal Statement Example 3. The study of Political Science highlights the humanistic and intellectual thirst of human beings. It is ever changing. International Relations is necessary as it ensures the safety of the world. While it is the core aspect of a government, Politics and International Relations are not confined to ...
Political Science Personal Statement Example 3
This personal statement is unrated. The study of Political Science highlights the humanistic and intellectual thirst of human beings. It is ever changing. International Relations is necessary as it ensures the safety of the world. While it is the core aspect of a government, Politics and International Relations are not confined to it and affect ...
Political Science Personal Statement of Purpose for Graduate School
Sample Statement of Purpose for the MA in Political Science, Colombian, US Military Experience. My first choice for graduate school is your especially distinguished Master's Program in Political Science at the University of XXXX. I have recently returned home to Florida after 10 years in the US Navy, seen much of the world, and feel that I ...
Politics Personal Statement Examples
Browse our range of Politics personal statement examples. Gain inspiration & make sure you're on the right track when writing your own personal statement. Order Prospectus
Political Science Personal Statement Example 1
Political Science Personal Statement Example 1. I have begun my personal statement a number of times, wondering where to start, what to include and what themes will interest whomever reads this, yet one thing that constantly arises - is a genuine interest in culture and ideologies. The distribution of power, be it due to gender, class ...
Effective Political Science Masters Personal Statement for School
Understanding the Role of a Political Science Masters Personal Statement. When applying for a master's degree program in political science, you will likely be asked to submit a personal statement. This statement is an opportunity for you to share your academic and professional achievements, demonstrate why you are passionate about the field.
Personal statement advice: politics
Personal statement advice: sports science; Personal statement advice: statistics; Personal statement advice: teacher training and education; Personal statement advice: veterinary medicine ... Short sentences please! And while some experience of the political world or participating in activities like the UK Youth Parliament can send a good ...
Politics Personal Statement Examples For UCAS Application
Personal Statement Examples for Politics. Example: 1. We are all affected by politics, and to ignore it is to be in the dark about how the world works. People have acquiesced to unjust institutions and unfair political practices because of ignorance of politics. I am interested in studying Politics so that I can gain the knowledge and ...
Writing a Personal Statement
Be Brief. Your statement should ideally be short: one-page single-spaced or two pages double-spaced. Two pages double-spaced is the absolute maximum and even this amount is generally discouraged because the admission committee members have thousands of applications to review and will look negatively on you making them take extra time to read ...
Politics personal statements
Personal Statement:Intenational politics statement. Personal Statement:International Politics 1. Personal Statement:MA History and Politics. Personal Statement:History and Politics 6. Personal Statement:Political Science. Personal Statement:Political Science and Philosophy 1. Personal Statement:Politics 1.
Personal statements
Example of application guidance from LSE: You must submit a personal statement with your application form. This should be between 1,000 and 1,500 words. It should describe your academic interests and your purpose and objectives in undertaking graduate study. Suggestions of what to include for this phrasing: Your academic interests - This part ...
BA Politics and Sociology Personal Statement
BA Politics and Sociology Personal Statement. Submitted by Emma. The world of politics is always evolving - there are always new policies or new concepts to consider, explore and analyse. Just as the progression politics and the dynamics of society have informed the modern political world, the shaping of policy and the progression of our ...
Political Science Personal Statement Example 2
Political Science Personal Statement Example 2. From Darwin's Theory of Evolution to the French ideologies during the revolution of 1789 to Karl Marx's theory on communism to Hitler's Nazi ideology, all are famous historical ideologies that have contributed to today's world. These theories fascinate me by the influence that they have left behind.
Politics & International Relations Statement
Politics and International Relations Personal Statement. Growing up in Colombia, I have experienced first-hand the consequences of living in a country where corruption and widespread ignorance of the true power of democracy have affected generations of citizens. When I came to England, I was exposed to a completely different political ...
Personal statement
Personal statements are looked at on a comparative basis and there is a great deal of competition for places at LSE. ... London School of Economics and Political Science. Houghton Street. London. WC2A 2AE UK . LSE is a private company limited by guarantee, registration number 70527. +44 (0)20 7405 7686. Campus map.
Graduate Admissions
We also require a personal statement of 250-500 words. You should use the personal statement to address how your background and life experiences (including cultural, geographical, financial, and educational opportunities and challenges) have shaped your academic career and your decision to pursue a graduate degree in political science.
Excellent politics personal statement example (downloadable)
Politics personal statement example (4) 1st July 2019 by PSE. Reading time: 4 minutes. Price: Free download. Published: 1st July 2019. Price: Free download. File format: Text. 0.0. Rated 0.0 out of 5.
Personal Statement About Political Science Personal Statement
Political Science Personal Statement for U.W. My academic and professional experiences validate my claim of competence in combining public policy analysis, economic skills and an advocacy towards the betterment of the society through the said areas of expertise. I believe that I have displayed these virtuous based on my accomplishments on ...
Frequently Asked Questions
A: The Personal History Statement is where you can inform the committee of your background, what makes you unique, and how you came to apply to a PhD program in Political Science. The Statement of Purpose is where you should focus more on your research interests and how you are a good fit with our department. Be sure to read the directions for ...
Human, Social, and Political Sciences Personal Statement Example
Although this personal statement was mainly written with an Oxbridge application in mind, it also granted me offers to my 4 other UCAS choices, namely Durham (Combined Honours in SocSci), UCL (Social Sciences), KCL (Liberal Arts) and York (Soc and Pol Sci with Philosophy). The most important advice I would give to someone writing their personal ...
Politics and I/R Personal Statement
Politics and I/R Personal Statement. Coming from a developing country to an advanced world at fifteen made a big impact on how I see the world. My attention was drawn to dissimilarities of welfare, social peace and economic growth. I read once how Mexico is happier even though it has a lower GDP than the UK, and this contrast has made me want ...
Law School Personal Statement with Examples
Law School Personal Statement Examples - We review the law school personal statement format and analyze why two sample essays worked. Skip to content. 678-710-3699 [email protected] ... They include involvement in political science and community development research projects. This demonstrates their commitment to understanding systemic ...
Human, Social & Political Sciences Personal Statement Example 2
Human, Social & Political Sciences Personal Statement Example 2. During my trip to China in 2006, I discovered a society vastly different from the one I was growing up in. While exploring the outskirts of Shanghai, my family and I were astonished by the levels of poverty and scarcity - I vividly remember watching someone clean a whole chicken ...

Sample Personal Statement for Political Science

by Talha Omer, MBA, M.Eng., Harvard & Cornell Grad

Sample Personal Statement for Graduate School in PoliSci

WANT MORE AMAZING ARTICLES ON GRAD SCHOOL PERSONAL STATEMENTS?

Sample Personal Statement for Masters in International Business

Sample Personal Statement for Family Medicine Residency

[2024] 4 Law School Personal Statement Examples from Top Programs

Sample Personal Statement Cybersecurity

100+ Grad School Personal Statement Examples

#header_text h2#site_subheading a, #header_text h2#site_subheading{ color:#000000 } @media (min-width: 650px) { #header_text h2#site_subheading a, #header_text h2#site_subheading{ } }

Search by Degree, Field, or Country of Origin

World Humanitarian Day 2016

Statements of Excellence for Graduate School in Political Science

Sample Statement of Purpose for the MA in Political Science, Colombian, US Military Experience

Professional Writing & Editing Service

Premium Statement Service by Dr. Robert Edinger

I want to help you get accepted to graduate school in Political Science.

The Humanitarian Side of Political Science

Most Recently Edited Samples

Effective Political Science Masters Personal Statement for School

Understanding the Role of a Political Science Masters Personal Statement

Tips for Crafting Your Statement

1. Keep It Concise

2. Showcase Your Strengths

3. Be Specific

4. Show Passion

5. Proofread

Examples of Successful Statements

Template to Try

Abir Ghenaiet

Explore All Write Personal Statement Articles

Effective History and International Relations Personal Statement to Try

Guide to Quality Global Management Personal Statement

How to Draft Better Examples of Personal Statements for Residency

Tips for Drafting a Free Example of Personal History Statement

Writing Compelling Dietetic Internship Personal Statement

Personal Statement Examples for Politics

Successful Personal Statement Examples

University of Louisiana at Lafayette

You are here

Be Yourself.

Be Simple and Clear.

Be Concrete.

Explain deficiencies.

Answer the questions.

Proofread.

Personal statements

Writing a personal statement

Motivations

Educational experience and commercial knowledge

Work experience

Other experience

Anything else

Other circumstances

Final checks

Funding postgraduate study in the UK

USA postgraduate study resources

Studying abroad

Researching postgraduate courses

See more articles

Personal statement

Writing your personal statement

Before you start writing, do your research

What to include in your personal statement

Extra-curricular activities

Applying to combined degree programmes

Example of a poor personal statement

UCAS reference Your teacher's reference: what we're looking for

Watch this presentation LSE Admissions Specialist Paul talks about personal statements

Study at LSE webinars Watch our Personal Statement FAQs webinar

Explore our Virtual Undergraduate Open Day Resources, guidance and videos on applying to LSE and more

Use our programme finder Explore our undergraduate degrees

Graduate Program

Special Instructions

Academic Transcripts

Letters of Recommendation

Application Mentorship Program

Privacy Policy

Politics personal statement example (4) (Masters)

Related personal statements: