Apples to Oranges: The Personal Statement

By Quetzal Mama • January 22, 2014

The Personal Statement or Statement of Purpose

Scholarship Statements

vs. College Application Statements

During winter and spring, when students are completing scholarship applications, they inevitably encounter the phrase “Please provide a Personal Statement,” or a “Statement of Purpose.” At this point, they become confused. The instructions are often vague, so students are unclear as to what they are supposed to write! Where is the prompt? How can I respond without knowing what they want?

The Personal Statement for a scholarship, leadership, or internship program is not the same thing as a Personal Statement for college admissions. This is confusing for many students. While both statements are intended to supplement the application by providing personal information, their difference lies within the structure and content. To help clear some of the confusion, I've prepared this handy table:

Personal Statement

(College Application)

Personal Statement or Statement of Purpose

(Scholarships)

A prompt (or question) is provided. Student responds directly to the prompt.

Style and tone tends to be more personal.

The audience is broad, with multiple readers reading for general qualities that would make a student successful at their campus.

The audience is often multiple universities; content does not address a particular school or program.

Typically covers past, present, and future – to indicate influences and how the student evolved as a scholar.

The student must respond in standard essay form (introduction, supporting paragraphs, and conclusion).

The content is speculative, because the student has not yet begun their undergraduate academic career.

No prompt provided; Instructions are limited to “Please provide a Personal Statement.”

Style and tone is more formal.

Audience is very limited, and will include folks within your discipline/major.

Generally includes short and long-term academic and career goals, as well as definitive plans for their future.

Each paragraph within the Statement is self-inclusive and provides details concerning each subtopic covered.

Statement will reflect broad categories such as your philosophy, values, academics, discipline or major, personal obstacles, extracurricular activities, and future academic and career goals.

Detailed evidence as to why you have chosen a specific field of study. Include reference to qualifications including GPA, research, publications, presentations, service, or anything demonstrating excellence in your field.

Content is definitive and demonstrative – should define and demonstrate accomplishments thus far. Should reflect your dedication (passion) for your particular major/career.