Write down some ideas to include in the personal statement. Find a good angle to focus on---this could be an inspiring experience that led to the application for graduate school, or a personal mission to do something in a certain field. Highlight a proud moment in academia or in a professional setting that can be included.
Research each graduate school thoroughly. Make sure that the personal statement discusses aspects of graduate school that the school actually teaches. Do not discuss a desire to study a subject that the program does not carry. Research aspects about the graduate program that make a good fit with the candidate and relate them to the personal statement's points.
Start the essay by discussing who the candidate is and the reason to enroll in the doctoral program. Expound on why the candidate personally feels a desire to be a part of the doctoral program. Write about a personal experience that impacted the candidate's academic and professional desires. Balance personality with academic goals. Reveal what the program means to the candidate.
Continue the essay by highlighting a specific experience and discuss why the specific doctoral program is a good fit for the candidate. Mention a facet or two about the program that makes it desirable and appropriate.
Make a final point that is professional but unique to the candidate. This should be succinct, meaningful and clear to the reader. It should also be memorable but end on an academic note.
Let others read the personal statement. According to Psych Web, have professors read over the personal statement before sending it. Ask for advice about the content and flow of the paper. Edit the statement thoroughly after it has been read and make sure the grammar and sentence structure are correct.