how to write personal statement for university accounting

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How to Write a Personal Statement for Accounting (Best Tips)

Your personal statement for accounting school application must reflect your deep interest in the field.

It should signify your love for numbers and your passion for business and finance. It should also provide an in-depth look into your personality and evidence that you are qualified for this course. This article will show you how to write a captivating personal statement for accounting school in the simplest yet most substantial form.

What is a Personal Statement?

A personal statement is a detailed yet concise essay that requires you to elaborate on your suitability for your desired admission program, scholarship, or job. It is a pivot part of the university and college admission procedure. Besides your academic record and experiences, the personal statement is an integral part of convincing the selection committee to consider you for admission.

What to Include in Your Personal Statement?

A personal statement is not a lengthy essay to be filled with your life story and fancy goals. It must be a concise, realistic, and compelling justification of why you’re the most suitable candidate to be granted admission.

Include these in your personal statement:

• Reason(s) for choosing the
• Proof of your deep understanding of the course you are going to study.
• Mention academics and work experiences that apply to the course.
• Relevance of the course to your goals.
• The value that you can bring to the course, society, and industry.
• Validation that you know the program and that you are making an informed decision.
• Clear career plan after completing the course.
• Brief of relevant skills, experiences, and potential to complete the course.

According to James Seymour, Director of Marketing and Student Recruitment at the University of Gloucestershire , universities do not want a beautifully written essay with tens of achievements but a realistic picture of a candidate with all efforts, traits, goals, and hardships that shaped him for an accounting major.

How to Write a Personal Statement for Accounting (Step-by-Step Guide)

Writing a personal statement for accounting differs slightly from writing a personal statement for other business schools. Accounting is a straightforward and practical subject, and you must justify your position in choosing such an intensive course that requires hard work. Since accounting has nothing to do with creativity, personal statements for accounting are precise, simple, short, and directly explain your interest in the subject. Here is a step-by-step guide to writing a personal statement for accounting:

1. Do Your Research

Be very sure about what and where you are applying for and why you are applying for it. Do your research on:

• What is unique about the institute?
• What does the course prospectus look like?
• Who are the instructors and what is special about them?
• What are the achievements of their alumni?
• The importance of accounting in every industry?
• How do technology and business dynamics affect accounting and finance ?
• What would be the demand for accountants in the future?
• What will you do after completing this course?
• What value will you bring to society and industry after getting an accounting diploma?

This research will make you confident about your choice and your plans. Reflect the knowledge gained from this research into your statement. Tip: Do thorough research and make notes on the achievements of instructors, industry leaders, and related case studies. This will help you in compiling evidence-based personal statements.

2. Brainstorm and Write

Once you have done enough research and analysis on pursuing an accounting and finance program, the next step is to jot it down. Take a paper and pen, and write whatever comes to your mind regarding the course and your application. Leave the structure and language for now, and think and write whatever comes to your mind. Support your every thought with evidence from the research you did in step#1.

3. Filter it Out

Now you have a very long, unstructured, raw content, the next step is to read it and group your sentences into the following sections:

• Introduction and Passion for the subject and institute
• Academics and research
• Work experience
• The value you will bring to society and the industry
• Hobbies, interests, and soft skills

Group sentences into the above sections and then write them in paragraph forms under each section.

4. Arrange and Refine

Once you categorized sentences, the next step is to arrange them in a sequence and flow. Write your sentences in sequence in each section. Refine each sentence to make it more logical, more relevant, and worth reading. Re-read each section many times and think of ways to improve it. Make sure that every single sentence is supported with an example or evidence. Tip: Instead of writing, “Accounting and finance was my favorite subject since grade 7”, write “I won a Kangaroo math and puzzle-solving competition in grade 7, which sparked my interest further in solving mathematical problems related to real-world business”

5. Analyze and Improve Sections

Once content under each section is written, the next step is to analyze each section to make it much better and more logical. Think of every section as a separate essay. Analyze each section and think about what the reader will get from it. Each section must justify your choice of accounting and finance.

6. Set the Flow

Once the content is completed, the next step is to arrange the paragraphs in a sequence. Read the individual paragraphs and make connections between them. Each new paragraph should be a smooth transition from the previous one. Arrange paragraphs in such a way that it keeps the reader engaged and gradually provides insights about you. Think of it as the art of storytelling . It goes from the introduction to the body of the story to the climax.

7. Proofread

Once done, proofread your personal statement. Re-read it several times to make it better. Make sure that it sounds strong and is not just a word waffle. Scan it for spelling, punctuation, grammar, and other errors. There are a lot of content writing and editing tools available for modern writers, one of which is Grammarly. If you are not using it yet, I suggest you download it immediately to your PC. It is very helpful.

8. Peer Check

After writing the final copy of your personal statement, get it reviewed by your friend, colleague, teacher, supervisor, and subject expert. Be open to critique. Listen to their reviews and comments, ask them what they thought while reading your statement, and then jot down the suggested improvements.

9. Don’t be Hasty in Submitting It

Yes, do not submit your personal statement along with your application if the deadline is still far off. Keep the final version with you and read it after a day or two. You will see lots of space for improvement after checking it with a fresh mind. Keep on improving and submit the best version a few days before the closing date. That’s it. We provided you with the best approach to writing a personal statement for an accounting school application. You may end up writing an amazing one if you follow these steps in a sequence. If you are still confused about structuring your accounting and finance personal statement, here is how you can do that.

How to Structure Personal Statement for Accounting and Finance

Making a general structure or outline for your personal statement will make your writing ten times easier and will give it a natural flow. The widely accepted personal statements usually follow the following structure:

Opening Paragraph

Begin your personal statement with an interesting opening paragraph. It is a very crucial part of your essay as it draws the reader in. Mention your interest in accounting and finance and explain what stokes your passion for choosing this course.

• Keep it simple
• Avoid cheesy, exaggerated, unrealistic, bookish, and cliche sentences
• Express your strong passion for the subject
• Grab the reader’s attention
• Be very sure what you are getting into and how excited you are about it

Try to sum up the theme of your personal statement in the beginning lines. Don’t stress too much about it and keep it natural. The more you think, the more muddled your opening will become. Here is a complete guide for the opening paragraph of the personal statement.

Middle Part

Place your logical evidence in this part, showing your passion and suitability for accounting and finance. Prove it to the committee that you can do it.

You can divide this part into academics and work experience as follows:

• Academics: Besides your academic track record, you can mention and elaborate on any book (print or ebook ), lecture, research paper, or case study that spiked your interest in the course.
• Work Experience: Explain your past or current job and what learning experience in accounting and finance you got from them. If you do not have any work experience, then mention any online or offline courses you took or activities that show your passion for the subject.

Watch this and learn how to include academics and work experiences in your accounting and finance personal statement.

This part is a personal touch. This is where you can mention the least significant part of your story. Mention your interests, hobbies, and other activities and elaborate on how they help you develop relevant soft skills. Mention books, events, programs, or people by name that you follow. Tip: Even the least significant information must significantly relate to your passion for accounting and finance. For example, you can mention reading books like ‘Rich Dad, and Poor Dad’, listening to TEDx talks, etc. Check out this guide to learn how to talk about hobbies in a personal statement.

Tips for Writing a Great Accounting Personal Statement

Here are a few very useful tips for writing an appealing personal statement for accounting school. We gathered these tips after a keen analysis of multiple successful personal statements. They are going to help you stand out from the crowd.

• 1. Define what exactly appeals to you for the career rather than simply saying “I have wanted to be an accountant since a very young age”.
• 2. Rather than elaborating on work experience, focus on transferable skills that you learned from your experiences.
• 3. Focus on elaborating details that are not anywhere else in your application.
• 4. Emphasize your interest in mathematics, economics, and business.
• 5. Be realistic and genuine. Do not flatter the admission committee.
• 6. Realistically present yourself in the light in which the admission committee wants you to be.
• 7. Read profiles of selected and successful students to learn what type of person the institute prefers.
• 8. Make your statement academics-oriented. Express your passion for accounting and finance courses.
• 9. Do not mention books that are too common.
• 10. Choose a trendy topic like a country or a company facing a financial crisis or technology affecting global finance, elaborate on it in a paragraph or two, and link it back to accounting.

Common mistakes:

• Tending to express passion for business and entrepreneurship rather than for accounting.
• Too many fancy words and unrealistic goals.
• Showing off or exaggerating interests, goals, and skills.
• Using flowery language.

Amazing examples of personal statements

After reading all the tips and tricks for writing a personal statement for accounting and finance, check out these successful examples that got selected for top-ranked institutes.

• This personal statement got offers from four UCAS universities.
• This video explains the accounting personal statement that got selected for all the top five choices of UCAS.
• This personal statement got accepted for an accounting course at five UCAS universities.
• This is a typical, very simple, and yet compelling personal statement for an accounting course.

Want more examples? Here is a list of the best accounting statements that have been shared by the UCAS admission officer.

Writing a personal statement for accounting is not simple. It requires you to express and justify your interest in this rigid subject. It also requires lots of background knowledge and research. We provided a very comprehensive guide for you to write the best personal statement for accounting. Go, grab your laptop, gather your knowledge, and follow these guidelines to come up with a landing personal statement for the accounting program of your dreams. If you are still on your educational path, learn how to write a “why do you deserve the scholarship” essay and get the funding you need. Next up, you may want to explore a guide on how you can stand out to employers .

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Accounting: Exemplar Undergraduate Personal Statements to help you focus

Posted: 26.10.2023

• Business and Management
• Personal Statement
• University Application

If you are on the journey of applying to universities, crafting a compelling personal statement can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. But fear not; we are here to help you navigate this path more easily. We have curated three exemplary personal statements that serve as shining examples of what universities look for in applicants.  

These personal statements focus on Accounting, Biomedical and Engineering applications and embody quality, clarity, and individuality, compellingly showcasing how to present your academic interests, extracurricular activities, and personal experiences.  

However, it is crucial to remember that these are examples to guide and inspire you, not templates to be copied. Plagiarism is not just unethical, but it also robs you of the opportunity to express your unique story and aspirations authentically. Use these examples as a springboard to dive into your unique narrative. Happy writing!

Accounting Applicant  

Growing up in Doha, Qatar, my educational journey significantly changed when my family relocated to Accra, Ghana. This transition was challenging, particularly as I grappled with foundational lessons in mathematics that I had missed in the first grade. However, under the guidance of a supportive teacher in year nine who recommended math tutoring, I discovered that practice and understanding the basics could help me overcome my struggles.  

In secondary school, I ventured into commerce, accountancy, and economics. Initially, I was apprehensive about studying accountancy, associating it with my previous difficulties with math ematics .

However, under the mentorship of a dedicated teacher, I reali s ed that accountancy was a different realm altogether – one that I found surprisingly enjoyable.  

My passion for accountancy was further ignited when I managed my uncle’s business accounts in Accra. This hands-on experience allowed me to apply the theoretical knowledge I had learned in school, deepening my interest in the field. This experience was further supplemented by a placement at a local accounting firm where I shadowed a practising accountant and auditor. These opportunities gave me a glimpse into the daily operations of an accounting firm, solidifying my aspiration to become a professional accountant.  

I am determined to further my education at a high-ranking university in the UK and seek accreditation from the ACCA after completing my degree in the UK. The UK’s world-renowned education system, diverse culture, and the exciting opportunities it offers international students have always appealed to me. Moreover, the UK is the hub of many prestigious accounting firms, presenting numerous opportunities for internships and employment upon graduation.  

To prepare for this journey, I have completed the International Foundation Year with NCUK, studying Mathematics for Business, Business Studies, and Economics, along with the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) course.

This comprehensive program me has equipped me with the skills necessary to thrive in the UK’s rigorous academic environment.  

In addition to my academic pursuits, I enjoy chess and volunteer at a local community centre in my spare time. These hobbies have honed my strategic thinking, logic, and teamwork skills, which will benefit my studies and future career.  

I aspire to work with an international accounting firm, contributing to their success with my skills. Eventually, I aim to establish my accounting firm. A degree from your esteemed university will give me the knowledge, skills, and connections needed to achieve these goals.  

In conclusion, I am eager to embark on this academic journey and am confident in achieving academic and non-academic success at your university.  

Any questions?

If you have any questions about writing a personal statement, contact our teams today!

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Sample Personal Statement Accounting and Finance

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 accounting and finance programs. Variations of this PS got accepted at the University of Michigan, Vanderbilt, and Indiana University. Read this personal statement to understand what a top essay in Accounting and Finance should look like.

Example Personal Statement Accounting and Finance

I have never made popular choices, whether academic or professional. Where high academic achievement irrefutably means pursuing a career in Medicine or STEM, I opted for a career in management. I was free to choose a path for myself, owing to my performance during an extensive pre-induction professional training program. Fortunately, I picked a path that everyone believed was insignificant.

My decision to move to a new city to pursue my path did not receive encouragement. Making my own decisions has given me the freedom to dream and make it a reality. It has strengthened my belief that I am the only one who can bring a difference for myself and those around me. Brazil’s institutions may seem frozen, yet, at the grassroots, Brazil is in perpetual motion with ceaseless creativity. To accelerate this motion, we need to bring better and more affordable solutions; I plan to do that.

Growing up in Brazil, I have constantly questioned why we are still not growing economically despite having abundant resources. I frequently discussed the economic factors affecting us with my father, leading me to work at local NGOs and attend voluntary programs. My interest intensified when I discovered during these experiences that the unequal distribution of resources was a major cause of our economic constriction.

Moreover, our medical, engineering and academic professionals would not work in rural areas due to a lack of facilities, further debilitating the imbalance. It made me realize that we could only reap the benefits of our efforts if there were a proportionate distribution of resources. Realizing how effective mobilization of resources can aid in eradicating social ills, I developed an interest in management. This equipped me with technical knowledge and provided room for opinion building.

Pursuing this path, I joined the leading undergraduate institution in the country. The zeal with which I made this decision led me to graduate summa cum laude. While studying, I taught communication skills to undergraduate business students from rural areas. Meeting these students compelled me to get involved even though I lacked formal teaching training. Through empathy and friendly get-togethers, I was able to help these students conveniently traverse in English. With this experience, I understood that my time and energy had been well spent and that as an agent of change, one does not necessarily need to be exceptional; instead, one requires creativity, patience, and emotional intelligence.

After graduation, I followed through with my goal of facilitating change by joining the banking sector as an accounting and finance trainee. By working in Brazil’s most vital financial sector, I was exposed to diversified experiences, from being as simple as issuing customer chequebooks to designing accounting and credit proposals to the tune of USD 1.2 billion. Furthermore, while working on individual projects, I developed an in-depth understanding of international accounting rules that regulated trade transactions; the learning opportunities were immense.

Two and a half years of experience in the finance sector brought me to work for the country’s central bank. The anxiety that accompanied moving away from home for the first time was overwhelmed by my professional and personal growth. Nine months of extensive training and on-the-job assignments exposed me to interminable learning opportunities. However, my real gain has been in the form of self-improvement and growth that accompanied my first experience living independently. Leaving the protective living that I enjoyed with my family is challenging, but it has developed and strengthened my capabilities of taking and owning my decisions. Above all, knowing that my family is not always around to guide me has instilled in me a greater sense of responsibility.

During the two a half years of experience in accounting and finance, I observed the financial exclusion experienced by some important yet financially constrained sectors of the economy. This exposure motivated me to join the Development Finance Department upon my appointment to the country’s central bank. Moreover, most of the firms operating in any country of the world are either small or medium enterprises. Thus, providing an enabling environment to such enterprises is significant for economic growth and employment generation.

In Brazil also, 90 percent of the enterprises are small and medium-sized, and lack of access to formal sources of finance is a significant impediment to these enterprises’ growth. Therefore, a huge room for improvement is available concerning the development of policy framework and market infrastructure for the financial inclusion of this sector. As a part of the central bank, I have been allowed to intervene in a system that is not effectively performing its role of financial intermediation. Innovation in financial products, development of accounting and risk mitigation strategies are requirements to alleviate this segment’s financial exclusion.

By broadening my exposure and enhancing my knowledge, I aim to equip myself better to address the shortcomings of one of the critical segments of the economy.

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Accounting Personal Statement Examples

Personal statement examples for accounting are available for students to use as inspiration. Read below both examples.

Accounting Personal Statement

I am inspired and motivated by my family and by my own general aptitude for mathematical subjects to pursue a degree in accounting and to pursue a career in the field. During my summer vacations, I worked in the accounting department of my father’s company and observed the accountants at work and learned a lot from them. Upon graduation, my immediate plans are to return to my father’s business, assist him with his business, and gain experience that can be applied to my own company in the future. As China’s business environment continues to develop and expand at an unprecedented rate, I am eager to contribute to this new era of commerce. The versatility and variety of accounting appeal to me. Modern enterprises can benefit from the expertise of a well-qualified accountant in many ways, and a degree in business studies from a British university would be the best way to begin my career in this field, given the reputation of British universities and the business studies courses they offer. It is very important to my parents for me to take advantage of this opportunity to study in the UK and to expand my academic knowledge and skills.

Modern corporations, charities, governments, and individuals are eagerly seeking accountants from good universities with good degrees. The role of accountants in business planning and decision-making is becoming increasingly important, so they need good interpersonal skills in addition to academic aptitude. Complexity and analytical abilities are required for the job. In the same way that businesses rely on their lawyers, I understand that as an accountant I carry enormous responsibility. In addition to keeping up with tax and legal developments, the accountant must always be accurate and able to work under pressure. Being a member of a well-respected profession would be a great source of human satisfaction, both materially and personally. Prospects seem very promising to me.

Reading journals and following economics stories in the media has developed my interest in the business world and accountancy. Regularly updating one’s information is essential given that the situation is constantly changing. My communication skills and approachable temperament extend beyond the classroom. Both in everyday life and in my academic studies, I enjoy being part of a team. Being a team leader during my college’s summer campus taught me a lot about working with others and getting along with them. Being able to serve the needs of the elderly has always been rewarding for me as a volunteer in care homes in China. I love adventures, also I am open-minded and always ready to try new things and consider new ideas.

I have a number of languages, Chinese, fluent English and some Japanese and Korean. I believe that such skills are an immense asset in today’s increasingly international and globalised economic environment. I also have highly trained IT skills, which I know are now central to the accountancy profession. I am hard-working, reliable and mature in my attitude, and very much committed to my chosen career path. I have a number of friends with whom I would hope eventually to set up a joint venture company, after working for some time in my father’s firm. I am academically able, enthusiastic, energetic and ambitious, and very much look forward to a successful career. I can offer my total commitment to my chosen course and I hope you will consider my application.

Accounting Personal Statement Example

Besides serving as the cornerstones of any successful business management , finance and accounting are also two of the most important building blocks of our contemporary society, and they become even more important during economic crises, like the one we are currently experiencing. Hence, I cannot see how anyone cannot become fascinated by learning more about the processes that govern capital flows and shape our world. I have grown steadily fascinated by these processes and developed an aptitude for and interest in mathematics throughout my school years, so I am confident I will be a motivated and ambitious undergraduate student in these subjects.

I have always enjoyed subjects which focus on numbers and mathematics. In addition to my studies, I also undertook maths challenges that aimed to make mathematics accessible and fun. It is this attitude to the subject that has inspired me to continue progressing to higher-level study in related subjects. My positive attitude to study also extends to other subjects, however, and I have gained valuable skills and experience from branching out into other fields. Studying Biology and Chemistry not only made good use of my mathematical skills but also encourage a logical, patient approach to problem-solving, while studying German inspired an interest in learning about other cultures and languages that will assist me in the increasingly international field of global finance.

Gaining experience within existing businesses offered an opportunity to begin to see how the principles of finance were applied in a real-world context. Through working as a customer adviser at Next, I have gained experience in working to daily targets, handling money and realising the importance of setting and adjusting financial expectations based on a variety of variables. Through occupying a customer service role I also gained the opportunity to hone communication and teamwork skills, allowing me to maintain excellent relationships with customers and colleagues. During my work experience with Edutech, I also utilised and developed these same skills, while undertaking repairs of school computers and increasing my knowledge of Information Technology and computer systems, so central to the contemporary field of finance.

I have been deeply involved in supporting both my academic and local communities, believing it is essential to help guide younger students at my school and in my neighbourhood. I have found serving as a role model for them as they overcome challenges to be immensely rewarding. I served as Senior Prefect and School Council Member, roles giving me a window into how funding decisions directly impact students – reinforcing the centrality of finance and accounting. I also volunteered with Oriel Youth Wing, establishing and running a youth club, an experience that taught me much about organization and time management while mentoring members through difficulties. Similarly, I mentored and supervised children of various ages through BEIS fun club and the Knowing Me Knowing You mentor scheme.

As a committed and ambitious student with an aptitude for mathematics, I believe I possess the intellectual ability and drive needed for undergraduate and potentially graduate studies in accounting and finance. More importantly, as someone with a well-developed social conscience, I will bring to my studies an awareness of the profound impact these subjects have on all our lives, creating extra motivation to understand and influence these fields after graduation.

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• How to Write Your Personal Statement | Strategies & Examples

How to Write Your Personal Statement | Strategies & Examples

Published on February 12, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on July 3, 2023.

A personal statement is a short essay of around 500–1,000 words, in which you tell a compelling story about who you are, what drives you, and why you’re applying.

To write a successful personal statement for a graduate school application , don’t just summarize your experience; instead, craft a focused narrative in your own voice. Aim to demonstrate three things:

• Your personality: what are your interests, values, and motivations?
• Your talents: what can you bring to the program?
• Your goals: what do you hope the program will do for you?

This article guides you through some winning strategies to build a strong, well-structured personal statement for a master’s or PhD application. You can download the full examples below.

Urban Planning Psychology History

Table of contents

Getting started with your personal statement, the introduction: start with an attention-grabbing opening, the main body: craft your narrative, the conclusion: look ahead, revising, editing, and proofreading your personal statement, frequently asked questions, other interesting articles.

Before you start writing, the first step is to understand exactly what’s expected of you. If the application gives you a question or prompt for your personal statement, the most important thing is to respond to it directly.

For example, you might be asked to focus on the development of your personal identity; challenges you have faced in your life; or your career motivations. This will shape your focus and emphasis—but you still need to find your own unique approach to answering it.

There’s no universal template for a personal statement; it’s your chance to be creative and let your own voice shine through. But there are strategies you can use to build a compelling, well-structured story.

The first paragraph of your personal statement should set the tone and lead smoothly into the story you want to tell.

Strategy 1: Open with a concrete scene

An effective way to catch the reader’s attention is to set up a scene that illustrates something about your character and interests. If you’re stuck, try thinking about:

• A personal experience that changed your perspective
• A story from your family’s history
• A memorable teacher or learning experience
• An unusual or unexpected encounter

To write an effective scene, try to go beyond straightforward description; start with an intriguing sentence that pulls the reader in, and give concrete details to create a convincing atmosphere.

Strategy 2: Open with your motivations

To emphasize your enthusiasm and commitment, you can start by explaining your interest in the subject you want to study or the career path you want to follow.

Just stating that it interests you isn’t enough: first, you need to figure out why you’re interested in this field:

• Is it a longstanding passion or a recent discovery?
• Does it come naturally or have you had to work hard at it?
• How does it fit into the rest of your life?
• What do you think it contributes to society?

Tips for the introduction

• Don’t start on a cliche: avoid phrases like “Ever since I was a child…” or “For as long as I can remember…”
• Do save the introduction for last. If you’re struggling to come up with a strong opening, leave it aside, and note down any interesting ideas that occur to you as you write the rest of the personal statement.

Once you’ve set up the main themes of your personal statement, you’ll delve into more detail about your experiences and motivations.

To structure the body of your personal statement, there are various strategies you can use.

Strategy 1: Describe your development over time

One of the simplest strategies is to give a chronological overview of key experiences that have led you to apply for graduate school.

• What first sparked your interest in the field?
• Which classes, assignments, classmates, internships, or other activities helped you develop your knowledge and skills?
• Where do you want to go next? How does this program fit into your future plans?

Don’t try to include absolutely everything you’ve done—pick out highlights that are relevant to your application. Aim to craft a compelling narrative that shows how you’ve changed and actively developed yourself.

My interest in psychology was first sparked early in my high school career. Though somewhat scientifically inclined, I found that what interested me most was not the equations we learned about in physics and chemistry, but the motivations and perceptions of my fellow students, and the subtle social dynamics that I observed inside and outside the classroom. I wanted to learn how our identities, beliefs, and behaviours are shaped through our interactions with others, so I decided to major in Social Psychology. My undergraduate studies deepened my understanding of, and fascination with, the interplay between an individual mind and its social context.During my studies, I acquired a solid foundation of knowledge about concepts like social influence and group dynamics, but I also took classes on various topics not strictly related to my major. I was particularly interested in how other fields intersect with psychology—the classes I took on media studies, biology, and literature all enhanced my understanding of psychological concepts by providing different lenses through which to look at the issues involved.

Strategy 2: Own your challenges and obstacles

If your path to graduate school hasn’t been easy or straightforward, you can turn this into a strength, and structure your personal statement as a story of overcoming obstacles.

• Is your social, cultural or economic background underrepresented in the field? Show how your experiences will contribute a unique perspective.
• Do you have gaps in your resume or lower-than-ideal grades? Explain the challenges you faced and how you dealt with them.

Don’t focus too heavily on negatives, but use them to highlight your positive qualities. Resilience, resourcefulness and perseverance make you a promising graduate school candidate.

Growing up working class, urban decay becomes depressingly familiar. The sight of a row of abandoned houses does not surprise me, but it continues to bother me. Since high school, I have been determined to pursue a career in urban planning. While people of my background experience the consequences of urban planning decisions first-hand, we are underrepresented in the field itself. Ironically, given my motivation, my economic background has made my studies challenging. I was fortunate enough to be awarded a scholarship for my undergraduate studies, but after graduation I took jobs in unrelated fields to help support my parents. In the three years since, I have not lost my ambition. Now I am keen to resume my studies, and I believe I can bring an invaluable perspective to the table: that of the people most impacted by the decisions of urban planners.

Strategy 3: Demonstrate your knowledge of the field

Especially if you’re applying for a PhD or another research-focused program, it’s a good idea to show your familiarity with the subject and the department. Your personal statement can focus on the area you want to specialize in and reflect on why it matters to you.

• Reflect on the topics or themes that you’ve focused on in your studies. What draws you to them?
• Discuss any academic achievements, influential teachers, or other highlights of your education.
• Talk about the questions you’d like to explore in your research and why you think they’re important.

The personal statement isn’t a research proposal , so don’t go overboard on detail—but it’s a great opportunity to show your enthusiasm for the field and your capacity for original thinking.

In applying for this research program, my intention is to build on the multidisciplinary approach I have taken in my studies so far, combining knowledge from disparate fields of study to better understand psychological concepts and issues. The Media Psychology program stands out to me as the perfect environment for this kind of research, given its researchers’ openness to collaboration across diverse fields. I am impressed by the department’s innovative interdisciplinary projects that focus on the shifting landscape of media and technology, and I hope that my own work can follow a similarly trailblazing approach. More specifically, I want to develop my understanding of the intersection of psychology and media studies, and explore how media psychology theories and methods might be applied to neurodivergent minds. I am interested not only in media psychology but also in psychological disorders, and how the two interact. This is something I touched on during my undergraduate studies and that I’m excited to delve into further.

Strategy 4: Discuss your professional ambitions

Especially if you’re applying for a more professionally-oriented program (such as an MBA), it’s a good idea to focus on concrete goals and how the program will help you achieve them.

• If your career is just getting started, show how your character is suited to the field, and explain how graduate school will help you develop your talents.
• If you have already worked in the profession, show what you’ve achieved so far, and explain how the program will allow you to take the next step.
• If you are planning a career change, explain what has driven this decision and how your existing experience will help you succeed.

Don’t just state the position you want to achieve. You should demonstrate that you’ve put plenty of thought into your career plans and show why you’re well-suited to this profession.

One thing that fascinated me about the field during my undergraduate studies was the sheer number of different elements whose interactions constitute a person’s experience of an urban environment. Any number of factors could transform the scene I described at the beginning: What if there were no bus route? Better community outreach in the neighborhood? Worse law enforcement? More or fewer jobs available in the area? Some of these factors are out of the hands of an urban planner, but without taking them all into consideration, the planner has an incomplete picture of their task. Through further study I hope to develop my understanding of how these disparate elements combine and interact to create the urban environment. I am interested in the social, psychological and political effects our surroundings have on our lives. My studies will allow me to work on projects directly affecting the kinds of working-class urban communities I know well. I believe I can bring my own experiences, as well as my education, to bear upon the problem of improving infrastructure and quality of life in these communities.

Tips for the main body

• Don’t rehash your resume by trying to summarize everything you’ve done so far; the personal statement isn’t about listing your academic or professional experience, but about reflecting, evaluating, and relating it to broader themes.
• Do make your statements into stories: Instead of saying you’re hard-working and self-motivated, write about your internship where you took the initiative to start a new project. Instead of saying you’ve always loved reading, reflect on a novel or poem that changed your perspective.

Your conclusion should bring the focus back to the program and what you hope to get out of it, whether that’s developing practical skills, exploring intellectual questions, or both.

Emphasize the fit with your specific interests, showing why this program would be the best way to achieve your aims.

Strategy 1: What do you want to know?

If you’re applying for a more academic or research-focused program, end on a note of curiosity: what do you hope to learn, and why do you think this is the best place to learn it?

If there are specific classes or faculty members that you’re excited to learn from, this is the place to express your enthusiasm.

Strategy 2: What do you want to do?

If you’re applying for a program that focuses more on professional training, your conclusion can look to your career aspirations: what role do you want to play in society, and why is this program the best choice to help you get there?

Tips for the conclusion

• Don’t summarize what you’ve already said. You have limited space in a personal statement, so use it wisely!
• Do think bigger than yourself: try to express how your individual aspirations relate to your local community, your academic field, or society more broadly. It’s not just about what you’ll get out of graduate school, but about what you’ll be able to give back.

You’ll be expected to do a lot of writing in graduate school, so make a good first impression: leave yourself plenty of time to revise and polish the text.

Your style doesn’t have to be as formal as other kinds of academic writing, but it should be clear, direct and coherent. Make sure that each paragraph flows smoothly from the last, using topic sentences and transitions to create clear connections between each part.

Don’t be afraid to rewrite and restructure as much as necessary. Since you have a lot of freedom in the structure of a personal statement, you can experiment and move information around to see what works best.

Finally, it’s essential to carefully proofread your personal statement and fix any language errors. Before you submit your application, consider investing in professional personal statement editing . For $150, you have the peace of mind that your personal statement is grammatically correct, strong in term of your arguments, and free of awkward mistakes.

A statement of purpose is usually more formal, focusing on your academic or professional goals. It shouldn’t include anything that isn’t directly relevant to the application.

A personal statement can often be more creative. It might tell a story that isn’t directly related to the application, but that shows something about your personality, values, and motivations.

However, both types of document have the same overall goal: to demonstrate your potential as a graduate student and s how why you’re a great match for the program.

The typical length of a personal statement for graduate school applications is between 500 and 1,000 words.

Different programs have different requirements, so always check if there’s a minimum or maximum length and stick to the guidelines. If there is no recommended word count, aim for no more than 1-2 pages.

If you’re applying to multiple graduate school programs, you should tailor your personal statement to each application.

Some applications provide a prompt or question. In this case, you might have to write a new personal statement from scratch: the most important task is to respond to what you have been asked.

If there’s no prompt or guidelines, you can re-use the same idea for your personal statement – but change the details wherever relevant, making sure to emphasize why you’re applying to this specific program.

If the application also includes other essays, such as a statement of purpose , you might have to revise your personal statement to avoid repeating the same information.

If you want to know more about college essays , academic writing , and AI tools , make sure to check out some of our other language articles with explanations, examples, and quizzes.

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Personal Statement - MSc Professional Accounting

• Sample personal statement

28 July, 2022

Personal statement - msc professional accounting share.

• 12 May, 2013

I am intending to pursue the MSc Professional Accounting programme at the University of East London because I believe my accounting skills will blossom in this programme as it is a place where I will be challenged and where I can develop my Professional Accounting knowledge. In this course, I will learn to apply the theory of practice and be able to know the latest thinking, practice and techniques in the profession. Successful completion of the program will help me qualify to join the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants through an accelerated route designed specifically for MBA and accounting graduates. Ultimately, I believe the course will help me qualify as a professional accountant.

I have done extensive research on the course and am satisfied with the modules, syllabus and learning outcomes offered in these fields, which will enable me to form an idea about different areas of modern Professional Accounting. Throughout the course, it will provide practical work opportunities to test my knowledge and allow me to demonstrate my practical understanding of accounting policy. This course includes face-to-face learning tutorials, workshops, lecture classes, and seminars. This course is designed to understand the theoretical concepts, principles and strategies of accounting and finance by striking a balance between theory and practice. It will help to gain investigative and analytical skills, the ability to critically evaluate data and concepts, and the confidence and skills to communicate effectively face-to-face. Since I want to work in Professional Accounting, I aim to gain complete knowledge from the modules of this course. The core modules include are Strategic Business Leader, Strategic Business Reporting, Advanced Taxation, Advanced Auditing and Assurance, Mental Wealth and Applied Research, Applied Business Project. In addition to this, the University offers different assessment methods in my chosen programme which will contribute to my development and enhance my employability skills. As of the moment, I am interested in learning all the related skills and knowledge from this course. In particular, I am happy to be able to apply for the course properly as it encourages me to pursue a long career. After completing my chosen course, I would like to go on to establish my career as a Financial Analyst or Managerial Accountant in a reputed organisation. I believe this course will be the right choice for my career plans and objectives.

I completed my Intermediate and Secondary education from the business studies group respectively at the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education, Sylhet, Bangladesh. I studied Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting in 2022 from Moulvibazar Govt. College, Moulvibazar, Bangladesh. At this moment, I realize that I needed a higher degree from abroad to improve my knowledge and skills. I would like to pursue an MSc Professional Accounting course that would benefit me professionally. As I want to explore my career in accounting positions, this course will give me an upper hand to understand any professional accounting contexts and situations. Moreover, I will learn how to work independently and collaboratively with a large number of colleagues with different experiences. Meeting the customers’ needs and giving them a high-quality service will be my first priority. In addition, I am dedicated and self-motivated to learn new skills. So, I am confident that my professional goal makes me a suitable candidate for the course.

It was difficult to pick a specialization from the various options available to me, but I finally decided to build a career in the professional accounting sector. My confidence would increase if I received a lot of abilities from my higher education. I'll be able to set goals that are more expansive. The course focuses on making me highly employable and preparing me for a career that helps me take my career to the next level. Making my nation's accounting sector one of the best would undoubtedly be a long-term aim. In addition to the accountancy profession, I will have the opportunity to establish my skills in other fields such as management consulting or research. For professionals, I believe this course will be the right choice for those looking for a successful career.

I'm determined to complete this course in the UK because I firmly believe that there are high standards for applicants with these degrees and that UK education is built on the proper professionals. I like the UK culture because they teach to be realistic. However, the study environment in my country follows the theoretical system of education which is quite different and no soft skills are acquired. UK universities have a worldwide reputation and rank among the best on the planet. In recent years, Bangladeshi companies have been hiring graduates with degrees from abroad because they believe that these graduates are capable of playing a key role in changing business attitudes. In particular, I am happy to apply for the course properly because it encourages me to pursue a long career. A recent survey of International Graduation Results in 2019 produced by iGraduate by Universities UK International shows that 82% of international graduates say their UK degree is valuable for financial investment and a similar number of graduates say they are satisfied or delighted with their careers. About 83% think a UK degree has helped them get a job. Since the course is an opportunity to study in the UK, I would like to take this opportunity to further enrich my knowledge and skills which will help me in my future career. These aspects have driven my ambition to get a degree from a UK institution. So, I believe it will be helpful for my professional career.

My choice is University of East London because it accepts international students so warmly. To support students the University have invested heavily in their facilities to shape the physical and intellectual environment of learning. The course learning outcomes are also the reason why I choose this university where they said they do focus on both book- based and practical-based knowledge. Additionally, University of East London is committed to helping international students get the knowledge, creativity, and mental acuity needed to succeed in a world that is continuously changing and a competitive job market. According to the working-age population, 91% of UEL graduates and postgraduates are in employment (DLHE 2017) compared with 70 per cent of non-graduates. In addition, the university offers modern and secure on-campus accommodation which will add extra convenience and experience for international students. In addition, the university has a good reputation for teaching, research and business partnerships. Moreover, The University works hard to ensure that all students reach their full potential. I will look no further if I get this opportunity to study at the University of East London.

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• Personal Statements
• Accounting Personal Statement

Accounting Personal Statement Example

Sample statement.

For all the grand plans played out on the world economic stage, it is the quality of the accounting at individual companies that really makes the difference between success and failure, profit and loss. Often forgotten, rarely credited, I believe that accounts are at the heart of any business and I want to learn how to make a difference, by studying best practice and the advanced techniques required to make accounts as efficient and effective as possible.

Human behaviour fascinates me almost as much as numbers do, and I think that both are important aspects of accounting. I have had two work placements during my A-level studies and I have saved money for both companies, not by being smarter than their accounts team, but by suggesting changes in behaviour. All too often, companies buy from the same supplier that they always have, despite the fact that there are cheaper sources. It is human nature to stick with the comfortable and familiar.

To support this approach, I have combined my A-levels in maths and business studies with A-level psychology. This way I am able to not only understand the numbers in a set of accounts, but also some of the reasons behind them.

I am interested in a career in accounting since it not only matches my interests, skills and abilities, but also offers a solid career path. Whether the figures are good or bad, impressive or disastrous, there will always be a need for an accountant to process and present them. In fact, as times continue to be tough for business, I believe that the skilled accountant will become ever more in demand.

Another key skill of a successful accountant is the ability to communicate well and build good relationships with people, and I believe that my volunteer work with our local youth group has helped me to develop this. In this role I not only work with young people aged ten to fifteen, but also liaise with their parents, teachers, and where necessary, social workers, to solve problems, enhance opportunities and generally help these young people to gain confidence and self belief. I believe these skills are directly relevant to the workplace, where I will need to keep many different stakeholders onside during changes such as financial cuts or restructuring.

Outside of my academic studies, I am a keen film buff, and have worked hard lobbying my local multiplex cinema to show a more varied selection of films beyond the mainstream blockbusters. I was delighted earlier this year, when they responded to my campaign by showing the Future Shorts collection of short films. I made sure that I rallied as many of my friends and family as possible to attend to make the event a success.

While there are many opportunities to start young in the accounting industry, and learn on the job gaining qualifications along the way, I think that studying the subject to degree level is a more focused, and ultimately more rewarding path. I have ambitions to one day be a financial director of a major company and I believe that this course is a significant step in achieving that dream.

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Accounting and finance personal statement example 1.

It was when I earned my first pound at the age of ten washing my mother's car that I became interested in the power of money.

Over time it became clear to me that the people who understand the monetary and banking system are capable of understanding the decisions made by governments and the future of society. I want to be one of those people.

To broaden my knowledge of different areas of finance, I have read a number of different books on the subject - from "How the City of London Works" to "Rich Dad Poor Dad". I am also a regular reader of the Economist magazine.

I believe that reading such books and magazines has given me insight into topics not covered at school, for example how Japanese management in Chinese factories caused unrest among the workforce due to the Chinese workers' dislike of the Japanese management style, and how this affected the share price of companies such as Honda.

Reading about such things has made me realise how the subject of Finance and the economy affects everybody's lives, and has strengthened my desire to further study the subject.

The A-level subjects I am studying give me a firm foundation for studying Finance at University. Business Studies at A-level has greatly improved my analytical and writing skills.

I have particularly enjoyed the part of the course which concerns how a firm selects financial strategies and how managers choose which aspect of a firm needs the most investment.

German has improved my communication skills and self-confidence and has also made me more appreciative and open to other cultures.

Alongside the logical method of thinking that I have developed from Mathematics at A-level, I believe that I am well prepared to take on a degree course in Finance at University.

My part-time job as a receptionist at a sports and leisure club has given me some insight into the demands of working life. Having worked there since May, I now feel I am an able employee and because of the nature of the job. I have learned how to communicate with colleagues, my employer and of course, customers.

I often have to work alone so I have learned to use my own initiative and how to be independent - skills which are of paramount importance if I want to work in the financial industry.

Since the age of eleven, a hobby and a major interest of mine is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This year I won the Welsh Open under 18 absolute division and in 2010 I won a silver medal in the under 18 lightweight division in the European Championships.

My previous successes include being the team captain for the Indonesian National Children's team, where we won the Pan Asian team Championships, beating The Philippines in the final. Balancing my academic life with the rigours of playing a sport at such a level has been very challenging at times.

The weeks and months leading up to a major competition are usually pretty stressful, but, as I have now been through the experience many times, I have learned how to deal with immense pressure - and how to enjoy the success which comes afterwards!

In addition to this, I have learned about commitment and dedication as well as honour and how to handle a major loss, and also how to remain humble in victory. The things I have learned from Jiu-Jitsu will help me throughout my life; not only during University, but during my career and long afterwards.

I am taking a gap year so I can earn some money in order to travel and to pay for some of the costs of university. I intend to keep my job as a receptionist and also to take on some teaching at the sports and leisure club and, when I have enough money, I am planning to travel around Europe and South America.

I believe this experience will be worthwhile as I will come to university with greater maturity after experiencing other cultures.

A possible career option is to do something involved in banking or investments - I certainly hope I will never have to wash another car again!

Profile info

This personal statement was written by oioi for application in 2013.

oioi's university choices University of Bristol Brunel University Cardiff University City University The University of Manchester

Green : offer made Red : no offer made

Related Personal Statements

Grades and offers.

Fri, 14/09/2012 - 11:34

What grades did you get at AS and what were your offers?

Sat, 15/09/2012 - 19:19

what were your prediction grades????? please

My predicted grades were AAB

Tue, 25/09/2012 - 01:12

what are ur predicted grade??

Thu, 01/11/2012 - 23:41

Fri, 16/08/2013 - 19:58

What did you achieve in AS ?

I love this PS, i love your

Wed, 04/09/2013 - 10:28

I love this PS, i love your first sentence, i want to use it

what grades did you achieve

what grades did you achieve in AS please? :)

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Personal statement example accounting and finance (with a placement year) personal statement*.

Submitted by Sharlyn

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Accounting and Finance (with a Placement Year) Personal Statement*

Since speaking with a Careers Advisor and my mentor from PricewaterhouseCoopers, I have developed a strong interest in the world of Finance . To broaden my knowledge of Accountancy and Finance, I attended a conference held by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. From attending this conference I had learnt that in summary, Accounting and Finance is like a puzzle. It involves solving problems to real-life situations - this, in my opinion, is what makes Accounting and Finance exciting. In addition to the numerical and analytical aspects of Accounting and Finance, it is the broadness and flexibility of Accounting and Finance that has further sparked my interest in wanting to study this course. Given my passion for travelling and experiencing new things, I aspire to acquire a role within Finance which will allow me to work in different fields across the globe.

Studying A Levels has enabled me to develop analytical, qualitative, quantitative and essay writing skills. Philosophy enables me to think critically when assessing the theories of historic philosophers. Economics involves drawing and analysing graphs, making calculations such as the price elasticity of demand and drawing conclusions from the results. Politics has furthered my ability to analyse and evaluate political institutions, processes and ideologies.

Moreover, as Economics and Politics are broad, current subjects, this requires me to keep up to date with current world affairs; I regularly read the BBC news and The Economist magazine. This not only enhances my commercial awareness but also puts me at the advantage of being able to apply and incorporate recent issues into my essays and thus enhance the quality of my written work. For example, in one of my economics essays, I discussed how Brexit has impacted the economy in terms of exchange rates, business uncertainty and trade. Each of these subjects has enabled me to develop a valuable and transferable skill set in preparation for university.

By attending insight days at Architas and Nomura investment banks, and a business conference at Barclay's headquarters where I participated in networking activities to get to know other employers and learn about the company itself, my networking skills have improved. Furthermore, during my work experience at PricewaterhouseCoopers where I worked in the Tax Department, I was able to shadow professionals and visit other departments. I also had the opportunity to help a colleague conduct research for her project and create an accounts rota on excel spreadsheet; thereby advancing my research and IT skills.

During the summer holidays, I undertook a week's internship with APAX Partners working under the Consumer Department. I was required to work in a team of four to conduct research for a project based on the relationship between retail and e-commerce industry. Part of the research involved analysing reports, conducting international telephone interviews and creating questionnaires. Consequently, my research and teamwork skills have improved. Overall, these experiences have given me an insight into the world of Finance and has thus reinforced my desire to study Accounting and Finance.

Volunteering as a Shop assistant at Royal Trinity Hospice charity requires me to interact with customers, maintain the appearance of the shop, process cash and card transactions. This experience has heightened my time management and organisational skills as I have managed to maintain a balance of college work, volunteering, Japanese club, Netball club and my social life.

As demonstrated by my academics, work experiences and extra-curricular activities, I believe I have the determination and commitment to succeed at university. I feel that studying Accounting and Finance will provide me with a steady career path into the financial world. Experiencing the independent lifestyle university has to offer is also something I very much look forward to.

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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!