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Personal Statement Writing

Personal Statement Format

Correct Personal Statement Format For Students - A Practical Guide With Examples

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Do you need help formatting your personal statement? Many students face challenges when structuring their statement of purpose or the application essay.

It's common for individuals to feel unsure about how to outline their admissions essays or personal statements. Questions like, "How do I organize it?, What tone should I use?, Am I including the right information?" can be really stressful and confusing, adding more pressure to an already nerve-wracking application process.

But don't worry! This blog is here to help. We'll make it easy for you to understand personal statement formatting, so you can create a well-organized and impressive one.

So, let’s begin!

• 1. What Is The Correct Personal Statement Format?
• 2. How To Format A Personal Statement From Scratch
• 3. Personal Statement Format Examples
• 4. Submission Of Your Personal Statement: Different Formats

What Is The Correct Personal Statement Format?

Like other academic papers, personal statements should also be formatted and structured according to a standard set of guidelines. In this way, you can make sure all the information in your personal statement is in an organized manner and uncluttered.

Usually, the necessary instructions for laying out your application are provided by the institutions where you are applying. Different kinds of educational organizations and businesses can have varying requirements, so it's important to be mindful of their expectations, rules, and regulations.

However, here are the basic guidelines that you can follow if you don’t know how to format a personal statement firsthand.

• Word Limit: Follow the college's guidelines for your statement length. If no limit is provided, aim for 500–800 words, with 500–600 being ideal in most cases.
• Page Limit: Adhere to any specified page limit, typically 1–2 pages. Ensure the content fits neatly within the given space, considering font size and spacing.
• Spacing: Personal statements are generally single-spaced, which keeps the content concise. For improved readability, use 1.5 or double-spacing (generally recommended) when permitted.
• Margins: Set margins to 1-inch on all sides to avoid making the text appear too congested.
• Font Style: Use professional fonts like Times New Roman, Arial, or Georgia . Avoid casual fonts like Comic Sans, as they can appear unprofessional.
• Font Size: Stick to a standard size, such as 11 or 12 points, for consistency and ease of reading.
• Font Color: Black is the standard color for a clean and polished appearance.
• Bold & Italics: Use bold merely for headings or key points, and italics to emphasize specific words or phrases. Avoid excessive formatting to maintain ease of understanding and a clear message.
• Header: Headers aren’t typically required for personal statements. If guidelines suggest one, include your name and page numbers for better organization.
• Online Submission: Be aware that formatting may change when submitting online. Review your statement in the submission system to make certain it appears correctly.
• Attached Documents: PDF format is preferred for attachments, as it preserves formatting. Word documents may appear differently on other systems.
• Text Boxes: For online applications, follow formatting rules for text boxes and preview the final appearance to make sure it looks professional.

A standard formatting convention should be used to make your personal statement easy to read and understand. Keep in mind that review committees go through hundreds of personal statements daily, so it is important to make sure your statement of purpose stands out.

Here is a personal statement format sample template you can use to write a top-notch personal statement:

How To Format A Personal Statement From Scratch

The requirements for writing a personal statement may vary, but generally, such a statement includes certain significant information in the following format.

Step 1: Determine Word Limit & Line-Spacing

Knowing the word count is of the utmost importance. Keep in mind that your statement aligns with the specified range, which is typically around 500-650 words.

Also, implement double-spacing within paragraphs, adding an extra line of space between each paragraph. This technique creates a visually clear and structured layout for easy reading.

Step 2: Select Font Style & Size

Consistency in font style is important for readability. Choose a widely accepted and easily readable font like Times New Roman or Arial.

Maintain a font size of 12 points throughout your personal statement. This standard size aids in presenting a professional appearance and facilitates smooth reading.

Step 3: Include Header For Organization - H3 To keep your document organized, consider including the title and page number in the header of each page.

This simple addition aids in document management and ensures easy navigation, particularly if your personal statement extends across multiple pages.

Step 4: Structure The Content

Your personal statement's structure plays a pivotal role in its impact. Here's a breakdown of how to organize your narrative effectively:

• Introduction - Begin with an opening paragraph that clearly states the purpose of your application. Engage the reader with an attention-grabbing introductory statement and specify the program or position you're applying for.
• Body Paragraphs - Detail your academic background, relevant experiences, and accomplishments. Showcase your skills and attributes as a strong candidate, and write about any extracurricular activities you took part in high school.

Explain why the program or position you're applying for interests you, and how it aligns with your ambitions. Smoothly shift from your experiences to your target objectives, setting the stage for discussing your academic and career aspirations. 

• Conclusion - Express heartfelt thanks for looking over your application and end with a captivating statement or closing remark.

Step 5: Finalize Your Personal Statement - H3 Double-check that your personal statement is signed off with your full name. If submitting a printed copy, include your electronic signature for authenticity. Proofread your document for clarity, coherence, and accuracy before submission.

Remember, each organization may have its own set of rules, so always carefully review and follow their specific guidelines for the final touches on your personal statement.

Personal Statement Format Examples

If you are looking for helpful personal statement format examples, you are in the right place. 

Going through samples is one of the best practices to get an idea of how to write a perfect statement of purpose. That’s why we have provided you with some good personal statement format examples to help you know what specific details should be included.

Personal Statement Format For Grad School

Personal Statement Format For University

Personal Statement Format Law School

Personal Statement Format For College

Personal Statement Format For Masters

Personal Statement Format For Job

Personal Statement Format For Scholarship

MBA Personal Statement Format

Medical School Personal Statement Format

Residency Personal Statement Format

Check out more flawlessly formatted personal statement examples to learn more!

Submission Of Your Personal Statement: Different Formats

When submitting a personal statement, the format you choose depends on the requirements of the institution or organization you are applying to. 

Here are the common formats in which you can submit your personal statement:

• Text-based Format (Plain Text)
• Microsoft Word Document (.doc/.docx)
• PDF Document (.pdf)
• Google Docs
• Printed Hard Copy

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the three parts of a personal statement.

A personal statement typically focuses on three key aspects:

• Your Passion: Explain why you are interested in the subject and what drives your enthusiasm to pursue it.
• Your Preparation: Highlight the skills, experiences, or knowledge you already have related to the subject.
• Your Interests Beyond Academics: Share what you do outside of studying to showcase your personality and well-roundedness.

Is a personal statement in MLA format?

No, a personal statement typically does not follow MLA format. Unlike academic essays, personal statements prioritize clarity and professionalism over strict formatting styles. Focus on using standard fonts, a readable font size (11 or 12 points), 1-inch margins, and appropriate spacing. Always check specific guidelines provided by the institution or application portal to ensure proper formatting.

What is the correct APA personal statement format?

Personal statements in APA format follow specific guidelines to maintain a professional appearance:

• Font and Size: Use a readable font like Times New Roman, 12-point size.
• Spacing: Double-space the entire document for easy readability.
• Margins: Set 1-inch margins on all sides.
• Header: Include a page header with a short title and page number on the top right.
• Title Page: Use a separate title page with your name, title of the statement, and institution (if required).
• Alignment: Align the text to the left with a ragged right edge.

Check specific instructions, as not all personal statements require strict adherence to APA formatting.

What are the 4 major qualities of a great personal statement example?

A personal statement is your opportunity to showcase who you are and what makes you stand out. Key qualities include:

• Values: Reflect on your core principles and what motivates you academically and personally.
• Vulnerability: Share genuine experiences or challenges that shaped your growth and character.
• Insight: Demonstrate self-awareness and provide thoughtful reflections on your journey and aspirations.
• Craft: Present your story with clear, concise, and engaging writing that leaves a lasting impression.

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Personal Statement

Personal Statement Format

Personal Statement Format | Step-by-Step Guide With Examples

Published on: Apr 13, 2021

Last updated on: Oct 26, 2024

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A personal statement is often required of applicants to jobs, internships, and graduate programs. It can be challenging because you need to answer some questions about yourself in this document while still keeping it interesting!

Your statement should be more than just a list of skills and accomplishments. Here you have the perfect opportunity to write about your career goals, what makes you unique from other candidates.

These statements are always different and dependent on the institution you're writing for. But all types of statements require a specific format as in other academic papers, so make sure to follow these guidelines carefully!

This statement is a core component of the application essay process. In this blog, we will discuss how to write a personal statement in the correct format. So, let's get this started.

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What is a Proper Personal Statement Format?

You should always follow formatting and structure guidelines when writing your personal statement. By following the proper format, you can ensure all the information is organized correctly for easy reading!

Make sure you format your statement in both interesting and engaging ways. Here is a basic format that should help you get started:

• The perfect length for a statement is 500 words. So, be sure to finish your paper within 495 - 505.
• Keep your paragraphs single-spaced and aligned with an extra line of space from the next.
• Times New Roman is a great font choice for every paper.
• Make sure the font size is 12 pt.
• Mention your name and page number in the header of each page.

How do you format a personal statement heading?

A personal statement heading should include the name of your document, your name, and for which school or department.

These statements should be formatted in a standard, reader-friendly style. Carefully consider the type of formatting that will make your statement appealing to review.

As admission committees go through thousands of these documents each year, it is important to make sure that you stand out from other applicants.

How to Format a Personal Statement?

Many students ask,  'What is the format of a personal statement?' How should I write my personal statement?

The requirements for writing on different personal statement prompts vary, but generally, it includes specific information in the format.

Introduction

It often begins with an opening statement designed to grab the reader's attention. In this opening paragraph, you can highlight your skills and experiences so they can connect directly to the program you're applying for.

If you are applying for a degree or a position, make sure to include the program name and your title.

Body Paragraphs

In these paragraphs, you need to answer any specific questions about your qualifications, long-term goals, and compatibility with the program.

Should a personal statement have paragraphs?

Yes, your statement is a series of well-written paragraphs that connect together in an elegant and logical way.

Each body paragraph should start with a topic sentence to inform the readers of what that paragraph will be focusing on. Also, provide examples from your experience and make sure these are relevant to the argument.

In conclusion, summarize all the points discussed in your body paragraphs. Also, restate your interest in that specific program or position you're applying for.

Highlight how this degree or position will help you achieve your long-term goals.

Personal Statement Format Examples

Do you want to know more about the perfect personal statement format? Check our helpful examples. Going through them will give you a great idea of how to outline your personal statement.

It is important to know the specific details that should be included in your statement. You want it to match who you really are and what makes YOU unique, right? We've provided some good examples of perfect statements below:

It is important to avoid plagiarism, but you should feel free to use the following examples as inspiration for your own statement.

Personal Statement Format for College

A statement for college is written to show admission officers who you are and why your talents deserve a place at their college.

In college personal statements, you must discuss your high school major accomplishments. With the help of this example, you can format your own statement for college.

The following example includes all sorts of ways to ensure that it is personalized and interesting enough, so colleges want YOU!

Personal Statement Format Graduate School

This statement is a chance to share more about who you are. It should not be simply an introspection but also provide insight into your plans and goals.

Do you want to know the best way to create an engaging and creative graduate school personal statement? Check out this example! This will help ensure that all of your information has been properly formatted.

Personal Statement Format for Masters

This statement is an opportunity to express your unique qualities in a way that will make you stand out from other applicants.

You might be wondering why students study the courses they do. They have reasons for wanting to take that specific course. Look at this Master's example to know how they mention those specific reasons.

Personal Statement Format for University

A personal statement is the most important document. It will help you convince the admission committee why you are a deserving candidate to study at their university.

These examples will help you write your own statement in an engaging and informative way.

MBA Personal Statement Format

It's time to take the next step in your career! Get an edge over other applicants by writing the perfect MBA personal statement.

It's not too late to get into the MBA program you've always wanted. This easy personal statement format template will surely help you write one.

Personal Statement Law School Format

This statement is your chance to reflect upon life and show law admission committees who you really are. So, it must be well-written and formatted correctly.

A perfect law school personal statement can be drafted using the following format:

Nursing School Personal Statement Format

The nursing personal statement is an integral part of your application process. It's an opportunity to show off your personality and address any questions that admission committees could have.

The following example will inspire you and ensure that your statement is on the right track.

Personal Statement Format Medical School

Personal statements for medical school are an opportunity to tell your story and explain why you want to be a doctor.

Your medical school personal statement should be creative, interesting, and engaging. The following example is a great way to stimulate your creativity.

Personal Statement Format for Job

What makes you stand out from the others? That's what your statement should be all about. It is an opportunity for self-expression and highlighting what makes you special, so use this space wisely!

Writing a statement for your job application can feel overwhelming, but don't worry! This is one of the short personal statement examples that will guide you through the process.

When you start writing a personal statement, always refer back to the guidelines and examples provided above.

When you are ready to write your statement, remember that it should be professional and follow all the formatting guidelines. After you've done writing, read your personal statement several times to ensure it is error-free.

This statement is a tricky thing to write for a lot of reasons. Sometimes mistakes are just too hard to overlook, and in the end, you lose everything that matters most - your chance at getting into college or university.

Wasting your time on your statement is a huge mistake. However, if you make the wrong choice, it's game over for scholarship opportunities.

Many people miss an opportunity by not doing enough to make their school application form perfect. But there's always a way, and that includes hiring professional writers who can write custom statements for you!

The right professional writer can help you craft a statement that will make it easy for you to get into any college or university of your choice. A statement written by professionals flows smoothly and is impressive throughout.

If that's a tough task for you, get the best college essay help online at CollegeEssay.org to increase your chances of enrolling in your dream college/university. Bring to the table all of your important information and let our expert personal essay writing service take care of it.

You can also try out our AI essay writer and make a great first impression!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a personal statement.

A personal statement should not be more than 4,000 characters, so you'll need to stay within this limit when writing one. 

Does a personal statement need a title?

There is no need to add titles when submitting your personal statement. Avoid mentioning things that the college wants you to say. Be honest and genuine about yourself! 

Should I leave spaces between paragraphs in my personal statement?

Yes, you should leave spaces between paragraphs to avoid cramped-looking text. 

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Home » University Of Washington » Do Personal Statements Need A Title?

Do Personal Statements Need A Title?

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Should a personal statement have a title? No title is necessary for a statement of purpose . Graduate school applications expect an applicant to submit one and the document itself should speak itself for its contents.

Should a personal statement have a heading?

THE HEADING FOR YOUR STATEMENT In the absence of any guidelines provided by the graduate school, your heading should include the name of the document you are submitting (e.g., “Personal Statement”), the school and department for whom you are writing it (e.g., “Ohio University College of Education”), and your name.

What should the title of my personal essay be?

Also, they make your text look ordered and clear. The title must bear the theme of the text: choose a title that summarizes the essay . Capitalize all words with certain exceptions: Capitalize the first letter of every word in the title, but do not capitalize pronouns, articles, prepositions, and conjunctions.

How do you format a personal statement title?

In that case, italicize the title of the book (but not the rest of the title of your paper.) margins, and you must use Times New Roman, 12 point size . No other fonts are acceptable. The Heading, which is used in MLA formatting, will not be needed for this document.

What is required for a personal statement?

Your personal statement should include a brief overview of who you are, your strengths and any work experience and/or education you’ve got . Be sure to include skills you’ve gained, such as time management, customer service, teamwork, computer skills etc.

How do you write a personal statement outline?

Address your strengths, experiences and accomplishments . It is important to be specific by using examples from your experiences to support your statements. Do not make assumptions, use clichés or state the obvious. Conclude the statement by summarizing everything that was previously addressed.

Should a personal statement be single spaced?

Personal Statements are typically 1.5 or double spaced and adhere to regular one inch margin space. Use a font that is common and easy to read (Calibri, Times New Roman, etc.).

Should an essay have a title?

Titles create the first impression of an essay: • It is important that your title creates interest and draws readers into your essay . try to title your essay before you have it written. At first, you may want to use a tentative title which will likely change as you revise your drafts.

What is an example of a title?

The definition of a title is the name of a person’s job, the name of a creative work or a word used before someone’s name to indicate his or her status. “Vice President of Marketing ” is an example of a title. The Wizard of Oz is an example of a movie title. “Mr.” and “Mrs.” and “Dr.” are all examples of titles.

How do you start a personal statement example?

Previous years’ top five included:

• ‘From a young age…’
• ‘For as long as I can remember…
• ‘I am applying for this course because…’
• ‘I have always been interested in…’
• ‘Throughout my life I have always enjoyed…’

Should my law school personal statement have a title?

Don’t give your essay a title . Use one-inch margins all around. Double-space your essay. Left-align or justify your essay.

How do you end a personal statement for a masters?

Like the rest of your Masters personal statement, keep the ending simple. Be succinct and make it clear why you’ll be an asset to the university and end on a positive note, with a statement about why the institution would be lucky to have you as a student.

How long should your personal statement be?

Dr Adrian Bell, Admissions Tutor, Engineering, UMIST Page 2 2 Your Personal Statement should be between 350 and 500 words in length and contain a number of paragraphs that link together in a logical, well-written style.

What should not be included in your personal statement?

11 Things NOT to Put in Your Personal Statement

• NEGATIVITY.
• NOT MENTIONING YOUR SKILLS & ACHEIVEMENTS.
• EXAGGERATION & OUTRIGHT LIES.
• POOR SPELLING AND GRAMMAR.
• NOT GETTING FEEDBACK.
• STATING THE OBVIOUS.
• TALKING ABOUT YOUR CHILDHOOD.
• THE WORD PASSION.

What should a 500 word personal statement include?

Writing a 500-word personal statement is your chance to highlight your greatest skills, explain why you would want the job or study there, why you are the ideal candidate for the job, and also how you differ from those other applicants .

How many words is 47 lines?

500 words Regardless, the ‘word’ limit is 47 lines of text, or 4000 characters. This equates to (roughly) 500 words .

Should a personal statement have a thesis?

These essays are sometimes written in response to very specific questions; sometimes, they’re written in response to a generic prompt. In both cases, the good personal statement carefully balances its author’s history and aspirations. Unlike much academic writing, personal statements are not necessarily thesis-driven .

How do you write an amazing personal statement?

What makes a good personal statement?

• Explain the reason for your choice and how it fits in with your aspirations for the future.
• Give examples of any related academic or work experience.
• Show you know what the course will involve and mention any special subjects you’re interested in.

How do I make my personal statement flow?

For your essay to have a natural flow, use tense from your current perspective . Things that happened in the past should be in past tense (“During my shadowing experience, I went…”), and current experiences can be in present tense (“I continue to work as an EMT…”).

Should college essays have a title?

You don’t need a title for your college admissions essay, but you can include one if you think it adds something important .

Should my common app essay have a title?

A title is not required for the Common App essay , but you are, of course, more than welcome to include one if you’d like.

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, advice on formatting my personal statement.

I'm currently working on my personal statement, and I'm a bit stuck on how to properly format it. I've read different things about whether it should be single or double-spaced, if headers are necessary, and what the ideal font size should be.

I really want my essay to look polished and professional while keeping in mind any formatting rules that could make a difference. Also, if anyone has tips on structuring the content itself, that'd be super helpful. If anyone has been through this and can share their experience, I'd really appreciate it!

When you're setting the format for your personal statement, the main goal is readability. Here's a common approach to ensure your essay is legible and neatly presented:

- Font and Size : Stick to a standard, easily readable font like Times New Roman, Arial, or Georgia and keep the size around 12-point. This will ensure that your essay is easy on the eyes of the admission officer.

- Spacing : Personal statements are typically single-spaced. Double-spacing might make it look too elongated and consume more pages. Single-spacing helps keep the content concise and together.

- Margins and Headers : You typically don't need headers for a personal statement. As for margins, sticking to a standard 1-inch margin all around is a safe bet.

- Length : Restrict your essay length as per the college's specifications. If there is no word limit mentioned, try to keep it around 500-650 words.

As for the structure of the content, it'll help to think of your personal statement as a story – a linear progression that builds from one point to the next. Here's a simple structure you can follow:

1. Introduction : Grab the reader's attention. Write an engaging opener that establishes what you will be discussing.

2. Main Body : Here's where you delve into your experiences, ideas, or challenges. It's a good idea to structure your points chronologically or around themes, depending on what suits your story best.

3. Conclusion : Wrap up your points and bring closure to your narrative. Express your future aspirations and how the college can help achieve them.

A critical tip for your content: make it personal and unique. The personal statement is your opportunity to communicate your individuality, passions, experiences and how these have shaped you. Try to avoid cliche topics.

Good luck with your personal statement! Writing it can be a challenging, yet cathartic process. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to revise and seek feedback from teachers, peers, or mentors.

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Writing the Personal Statement

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The personal statement, your opportunity to sell yourself in the application process, generally falls into one of two categories:

1. The general, comprehensive personal statement:

This allows you maximum freedom in terms of what you write and is the type of statement often prepared for standard medical or law school application forms.

2. The response to very specific questions:

Often, business and graduate school applications ask specific questions, and your statement should respond specifically to the question being asked. Some business school applications favor multiple essays, typically asking for responses to three or more questions.

Questions to ask yourself before you write:

• What's special, unique, distinctive, and/or impressive about you or your life story?
• What details of your life (personal or family problems, history, people or events that have shaped you or influenced your goals) might help the committee better understand you or help set you apart from other applicants?
• When did you become interested in this field and what have you learned about it (and about yourself) that has further stimulated your interest and reinforced your conviction that you are well suited to this field? What insights have you gained?
• How have you learned about this field—through classes, readings, seminars, work or other experiences, or conversations with people already in the field?
• If you have worked a lot during your college years, what have you learned (leadership or managerial skills, for example), and how has that work contributed to your growth?
• What are your career goals?
• Are there any gaps or discrepancies in your academic record that you should explain (great grades but mediocre LSAT or GRE scores, for example, or a distinct upward pattern to your GPA if it was only average in the beginning)?
• Have you had to overcome any unusual obstacles or hardships (for example, economic, familial, or physical) in your life?
• What personal characteristics (for example, integrity, compassion, and/or persistence) do you possess that would improve your prospects for success in the field or profession? Is there a way to demonstrate or document that you have these characteristics?
• What skills (for example, leadership, communicative, analytical) do you possess?
• Why might you be a stronger candidate for graduate school—and more successful and effective in the profession or field than other applicants?
• What are the most compelling reasons you can give for the admissions committee to be interested in you?

General advice

Answer the questions that are asked

• If you are applying to several schools, you may find questions in each application that are somewhat similar.
• Don't be tempted to use the same statement for all applications. It is important to answer each question being asked, and if slightly different answers are needed, you should write separate statements. In every case, be sure your answer fits the question being asked.

Tell a story

• Think in terms of showing or demonstrating through concrete experience. One of the worst things you can do is to bore the admissions committee. If your statement is fresh, lively, and different, you'll be putting yourself ahead of the pack. If you distinguish yourself through your story, you will make yourself memorable.

Be specific

• Don't, for example, state that you would make an excellent doctor unless you can back it up with specific reasons. Your desire to become a lawyer, engineer, or whatever should be logical, the result of specific experience that is described in your statement. Your application should emerge as the logical conclusion to your story.

Find an angle

• If you're like most people, your life story lacks drama, so figuring out a way to make it interesting becomes the big challenge. Finding an angle or a "hook" is vital.

Concentrate on your opening paragraph

• The lead or opening paragraph is generally the most important. It is here that you grab the reader's attention or lose it. This paragraph becomes the framework for the rest of the statement.

Tell what you know

• The middle section of your essay might detail your interest and experience in your particular field, as well as some of your knowledge of the field. Too many people graduate with little or no knowledge of the nuts and bolts of the profession or field they hope to enter. Be as specific as you can in relating what you know about the field and use the language professionals use in conveying this information. Refer to experiences (work, research, etc.), classes, conversations with people in the field, books you've read, seminars you've attended, or any other source of specific information about the career you want and why you're suited to it. Since you will have to select what you include in your statement, the choices you make are often an indication of your judgment.

Don't include some subjects

• There are certain things best left out of personal statements. For example, references to experiences or accomplishments in high school or earlier are generally not a good idea. Don't mention potentially controversial subjects (for example, controversial religious or political issues).

Do some research, if needed

• If a school wants to know why you're applying to it rather than another school, do some research to find out what sets your choice apart from other universities or programs. If the school setting would provide an important geographical or cultural change for you, this might be a factor to mention.

Write well and correctly

• Be meticulous. Type and proofread your essay very carefully. Many admissions officers say that good written skills and command of correct use of language are important to them as they read these statements. Express yourself clearly and concisely. Adhere to stated word limits.

Avoid clichés

• A medical school applicant who writes that he is good at science and wants to help other people is not exactly expressing an original thought. Stay away from often-repeated or tired statements.

For more information on writing a personal statement, see the personal statement vidcast .

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Law School Personal Statement Header Format: What Should Be in Yours

Categories: Law School Personal Statement , Personal Statement Advice , Personal Statement Formatting

Much of the application process now takes place online. Some schools have you submit your personal statement in a web form directly, which would negate the need for a header. However, when required to upload a Word file of your personal statement or send a paper copy with your application documents, be sure to include a proper header.

To Insert a Header in Word

Click on the Insert tab.

Select the Header drop-down menu.

Once selected, scroll down to the bottom and click on Edit Header.

Click the Right-Align button to right-justify your header text. Now you are ready to type in your header information, which we will discuss below.

Also note that you may want to insert your page number first before entering any other information. Inserting a page number using the Insert Tab will hide any current information in your header. We discuss how to insert a page number later on in this blog article.

The following are a few general guidelines for what you should have in your law school personal statement header.

Leave Out a Title

A title for your personal statement is unnecessary, as it is not a short story you would write for an English literature class. It is your personal story crafted specifically for law school, which happens to be in a narrative style. For this reason, refrain from including a pithy title even though it might feel so right.

Include Your Full Proper Name

Your personal statement should contain your full legal name in the top-right-hand corner of each page. We suggest using the Last Name, First Name format, as it can make candidate identification easier when being reviewed by Law School Admission Committee Members.

Cut or Copy this so that you can reinsert it once you have added page numbers to your header.

Include Page Numbers

Typically, personal statements are limited to two pages. Some schools will allow for longer personal statements. As long as an application document is more than one page, page numbers should be used. Put your page number to the right of your name. Your entire header should be right-aligned. Because we read right-to-left and stapled documents are stapled in the upper left corner, we suggest right-aligned headers for easy visibility. If you have a long name or prefer your page numbers to appear somewhere else, you can place your page identifier in the center of your document footer.

To Insert Page Numbers in Word

Select the Page Number drop-down menu. Click Top of Page. This should display various page number formats and alignments. As we previously mentioned, you may want to do this first before adding your name or any other information to your header as doing so will clear out this information anyway.

Click on the right-aligned Plain Number 3 option.

This should insert a page number on all pages of your document using your standard document font. Typically, Times New Roman font should be used for writing your personal statement. Change your header and page number font to Times New Roman if they are not already. You can paste your full name as described in the previous section back into your header at this point. Leave a space between the page number and your name.

Include Your LSAC Account Number

Use the line below your name in your header to include your LSAC number.

You will most likely submit your document through the LSAC website . As mentioned here: http://www.lsac.org/jd/apply/lsac-account-number.asp , the LSAC prefers that your LSAC account number appear on all documents and correspondence with them and in your application. Many schools like to see applicants’ LSAC numbers on documents for easy candidate identification as well.

Identify the Document Type

You may be submitting several essays, a resume or CV, along with other documents in your application. We suggest indicating the type of document (Personal Statement) in your header under your LSAC number if you have room.

If running short on room in your document, this part of the header can be eliminated to save space for more important story content.

For information on overall personal statement formatting, see our Guide to Law School Personal Statement Formatting . Also, be sure to check with each school’s respective website and application instructions on the LSAC’s Credential Assembly Service for specific details on document formatting requirements. The LSAC website should be the most up-to-date resource for each school’s application instructions. If there happens to be a discrepancy between the application instructions on the school’s website and www.lsac.org , contact the school’s admissions department to clarify before submitting your application.

Gradvocates Law School Personal Statement Editing

We make sure you have a proper header when we analyze and thoroughly review your personal statement document. Click here for more information on our law school personal statement editing service , and check out the rest of our blog for helpful tips and interesting stories.

If you need assistance with making any of your other law school application documents the best they can be, check out our law school application document editing service or contact us if the document you need help with is not listed on our website.

We hope this article was helpful. Please share your comments with us below.

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• 6 Tips for Writing an Epic Law School Personal Statement
• Law School Personal Statement Formatting: What You Need To Know
• Avoiding the Unauthorized Practice of Law in Your Personal Statement

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