Personal Statement for Master's Program

ok, I am going back to school at the ripe old age of 47 and have to write a person statement for my master's application. I am kind of winging it and have a one-pager that I put together. But I realize now that there are books written on the subject and it is all a bit over the top. My work / person story is pretty good, but I am wondering if I need to go out and buy all the books and such to write this. Is there anyone who reads personal statements on MOL that could give me advice?

Have you tried googling the question? It helped me a lot when I wrote my Letter of Introduction (aka cover letter) when re-entering the workforce after being a SAHM. I found out what to include, keep points to focus on, what they were looking for, etc.

Just follow the classic 5 paragraph essay form. It's a winner for these sorts of responses, unless you are getting a degree in writing.

http://www.studygs.net/fiveparag.htm

Are you going to a competitive school to get into? I think that would make the difference into how much effort or angst you want to put into such statement.

Following! I still do not have my first draft...

Whatever you do, don't write your life history. I used to be admissions director for a Master's/PhD program and the personal statement is about you telling me why I should think you will do well in this program. So that's one para on why you want to go back to school and why this particular course is the right one for you. Then a couple of paras on what you can bring to the classroom and what particularly interests you and why. These paras would ideally show that you would be a good candidate for the course. Keep it short and sweet. Long statements only get a skim-read unless the particular department you are applying to has a huge program and a full-time admissions person (unlikely because these are academic decisions made by academics who teach, research and are involved in faculty governance while acting as admissions tutor). Your statement should make it clear 'who' you are academically and maybe where you are at in your life. There is no need for stuff like "Ever since I was five years old, I have been interested in 'y'. My granny took me to this and that place and that started my passion for...". Rather, that tells the admissions person that you can't focus on the essential.

Thanks @pol100gk!

This is great information. What is a good length, one page? The application has no specifics on what they are looking for, just that you can submit a personal statement.

Mine was requested to be no more than 250 words.

Agree with gerryl on this. If the school accepts 90% of its applicants, what you have done is likely sufficient. If it is competitive, use pol100gk's advice as you revise and tighten your essay. If the masters is related to your work experience, that will speak volumes to the admissions folks.

gerryl said:
Are you going to a competitive school to get into? I think that would make the difference into how much effort or angst you want to put into such statement.

krnl said:
Agree with gerryl on this. If the school accepts 90% of its applicants, what you have done is likely sufficient. If it is competitive, use pol100gk's advice as you revise and tighten your essay. If the masters is related to your work experience, that will speak volumes to the admissions folks.

gerryl said:
Are you going to a competitive school to get into? I think that would make the difference into how much effort or angst you want to put into such statement.

Yes, and in addition, many programs base decisions almost entirely on grades and GRE's, with the essay only having the barest influence in borderline situations; and there only to determine if the person can write a grammatical and literate essay.