Gather information pertaining to key items you will want to include in your Ph.D. personal statement. Auburn University Career Development Services suggests reviewing your transcripts, resume or CV, and graduate school applications prior to writing. Brainstorm past successes and experiences that you want to communicate to the selection committee. Princeton University Career Services places an emphasis on research accomplishments and ability since research is so much of what doctoral study is about.
Mention the name of the program and degree you are seeking in the first paragraph. Auburn University career experts stress personalizing statements for each Ph.D. program you are applying to. Open with a personal experience that makes a direct connection with the particular school's program. Stanford University's advice is to mention particular faculty members you feel are a good fit for your research interests and ambitions.
Answer the questions the program you are applying to wants answered in the next few paragraphs. Auburn University advisers stress reviewing the pieces of information each program requests in the Ph.D. personal statement. Use examples that directly support the answers you give to each question. For instance, if you are asked about your ability to conduct independent research, reply with concrete examples of work you undertook (and the results) as an undergraduate or master's student. Stanford University experts urge you to take note of word limits in the personal statement instructions and stick to them.
Conclude by tying together what you have written. According to Auburn University's guidelines for writing sound Ph.D. personal statements, you should close by illustrating how a Ph.D. in (the name of the program you are applying to) will help you achieve a long-term goal, such as conducting research for the federal government or securing a tenure-track position at a top research university.