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What Is a Personal Statement? NCSA Personal Statement Examples

how do you write a personal statement for sports recruiting

A personal statement is your chance to show college coaches who you are outside of your academic and athletic life. It provides an opportunity to showcase your character, extracurricular activities, and anything else you would want a coach to know about you that they can’t get from stats or video. 

As a student-athlete, you should include your personal statement in your NCSA athletic profile. You can also use the information from your personal statement to help formulate introduction letters or emails to college coaches . 

4 Steps to Writing a Personal Statement

Step 1: be yourself..

When writing your personal statement, be honest and be personal. This is something to keep at the forefront of your mind as you write and revise the statement.  

There is no need to write this like an academic paper; instead, tell everything you want your recruiter to know about you. Don’t be ashamed to “boast” your achievements. At the same time, share your passions and what motivates you when it comes to your college future.  

Be specific.

Being specific in your personal statement means answering questions like “So what?” and “Why me?” when describing what you bring to your dream college team. This includes:  

  • Awards and accolades  
  • Academics (beyond what is displayed on your athletic profile) 
  • Experiences, hardships, and lessons learned 
  • Motivations 
  • Future goals 
  • Leadership roles 

When writing your personal statement, use these questions as a guideline, but make sure your personal statement is unique to you. It should highlight what is impressive about you and your life, such as: 

  • What details of your life have influenced who you are? 
  • When and how did you become interested in your sport? 
  • What have you learned about yourself through playing your sport? 
  • What are your academic goals for high school? For college? 
  • Have you had to overcome any obstacles to get where you are? 
  • What unique characteristics or skills do you possess? 

Step 3: Edit and proofread for spelling and grammar.

Once the first draft of your personal statement is written, review it and focus on: 

  • Spelling and grammatical errors  
  • Specificity    
  • Relevancy    
  • Clarity with simple, concise language  
  • Active voice (rather than passive voice)    

Then, read the essay aloud to help catch additional mistakes and hear how the writing flows to identify areas of improvement. If you have family or friends who can proofread your personal statement, that will only make it better. This is your chance to shine and make a good impression on a college coach, so give your full effort.  

Step 4: Rework your opening sentence.

Lastly, make sure to work on and rework your opening sentence to grab the reader’s attention. It should be personal to you, not using any clichés or quotes. This is arguably the most important part of the statement! 

NCSA Personal Statement Examples

Seeking some inspiration for your NCSA personal statement? Review the two examples below from real student-athletes. What makes these statements flourish is that they do not simply repeat the baseline information in the players’ applications and athletic profiles. 

Personal Statement for Women’s Basketball

Here is a personal statement from basketball player Laura Marx , hailing from Menomonee Falls, WI. 

laura-marx-personal-statement

What did Laura do well here? For one, she provides plenty of specificity with detail on the exact basketball skills she brings to a team followed by her involvement in other sports clubs. This underscores her dedication to the sport.  

Throughout the essay, her statements are clear and concise, staying on-topic to her personal passions and accomplishments.  

Additionally, she emphasizes her involvement in academic organizations and the community, tying it all together with her desire to thrive both on the court and in the classroom.  

Personal Statement for Men’s Football

Check out this personal statement from football player Cormac Shanoff of Little Falls, MN.

 cormac-chanoff-personal-statement

This personal statement begins strong by sharing his involvement in two other sports aside from football. This helps highlight his dedication and well-roundedness as an athlete.  

He does an especially excellent job at keeping the statement truly personal, with the first section displaying a sense of authenticity and vulnerability. Cormac highlights life lessons he has learned from playing on a team, such as the importance of teamwork and camaraderie.  

However, he doesn’t forget to be specific by addressing his sports awards, leadership skills, and academic goals.  

FAQs about personal statements

How long should a personal statement be .

As a very general rule of thumb, the word count range for a personal statement is about 500 to 650 words. Ultimately, this depends on the specific requirements provided the university—so, pay attention to your application instructions.  

For college sports, a personal statement length requirement might range anywhere from 200 to 650 words, for instance. 

Does a personal statement matter? 

Including a personal statement with your application is always a good idea, particularly if it’s a college you would really like to attend. If coaches are between two applications, a strong, well-written personal statement will help set you apart.  

For student-athletes, meeting the college’s athletic standards is only the first step. Studies have shown that coaches place high importance on athletes’ character and coachability over pure athletic ability. Thus, demonstrating humility, patience, and willingness to learn is key when you are trying to stand out. 

Get Recruited with more NCSA resources

Now that you’ve got a grasp on writing a sports-centric personal statement for college coaches, check out our College Recruiting Guide for more about the recruiting process. 

If you’re ready to build a free online athletic recruiting profile (including a personal statement) to tell coaches who you are, join NCSA College Recruiting today ! 

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27 Helpful Athletic Resumes and Player Profile Templates

kid holding baseball representing need for sample athletic resumes

Download Your FREE College Recruiting Checklist

Sample Athletic Resumes/Player Profile Templates with Recruiting Guides

Resume/player profile template and/or letter only.

And yes, you should have an  athletic resume . If for no other reason, having the resume will allow you to easily complete all of the online player profiles teams require prospects to submit. This way the information will be all in one place.

The following is a list of resources I’ve found and actually opened and looked at. I’ve divided them into two sections, the first has some sort of substantial additional recruiting information along with the samples. The second section includes just sample letters and resume or player profile templates.

With the exception of the first two documents, they are in no particular order. The resources in the samples only section aren’t any better or worse than those that provide some sort of guide as well. In fact, I’ve included some even if I didn’t think they were so great (and indicate such) so you might only open these to use for comparison purposes.

I didn’t include just one best because sometimes you’ll find the best solution for you is to use a little something from a variety of sources. For all of these sources, be sure to double-check with the  NCAA  and  NAIA  for the latest information since very few of these guides are updated on a regular basis. This is especially important given the continuing changing test requirements.

The College Planning Guide for Student Athletes is no longer being updated by the New Hampshire Higher Education Assistance Foundation Network. This is one resource I have always recommend everyone download. Unfortunately, its replacement,  The College Insider Series: Student Athletes  isn’t nearly as good. The new version includes a sample player profile template and cover letter along with an overview of the different NCAA divisions.

But it’s missing the information on the percentage of athletes going pro. There used to be a sample in-season Division 1 athlete schedule to show the time commitment required. It still includes valuable information and is worth downloading but it’s just not as good as the original. So I’m keeping a  link  to the original for a while until I think the extra information isn’t worth the inclusion of possible outdated information.

This year it was actually difficult to select among the various guides since there are some very detailed ones available. While all covered pretty much the same information, they each had their individual strengths. Since this is about finding the athletic resumes and player profiles, I decided to go with the one with the examples I liked best.

My current choice of if you’re only going to download one item is Chippewa Hills High School’s   Guide for the College Bound Student Athlete.  

The Chippewa Hill’s guide includes a description of what should be included on the athletic resume along with its purpose. The athletic resume template is clean and well organized and the sample email/letter is concise and to the point. You’ll also find a timeline for high school athletes; a breakdown of roles and responsibilities for students, parents, counselors, and coaches; and the NCAA table showing the estimated probability of competing beyond the high school level.

One thing to pay attention to is that it lists the NCAA approved courses for its own school. You should check with your own school for its  NCAA  list of approved courses. Another thing to be aware of is that eligibility information is outdated. Everyone’s going to be since it was only 2023 that the NCAA dropped the test requirements permanently. The download link is just past the middle of the page under Other Information.

South Windsor Public Schools  A College Admissions Guide for the Student Athlete .  Very comprehensive guide with two of each letter and resume examples. Also includes words of wisdom from some of the high school coaches from various sports as well as a section on selecting a college and financial aid considerations.

St. Ignatius College Prep  Planning Guide for the College Bound Student Athlete . Comprehensive guide that includes a checklist grid you can use for tracking your recruiting contacts with colleges. Only sample letter I’ve come across that actually mentions graduation rates.

Lakeside School  Athletic Recruiting FAQS . Short guide but includes a funnel on how a student becomes a top recruit along with an athletic resume template and two examples of good emails and two examples of bad emails.

San Marcos College Soccer  College Soccer Recruitment Guide for Parents and Players . This guide is available from several different soccer websites. It includes two sample letters and one sample player profile. It has a nice section addressed to parents covering financial aid and amateurism.

St. Joseph School District  Athletes and the College Recruiting Process: A Handbook for the Students and Their Families .  This is an 18-page guide that includes timelines, checklists, definitions of NCAA & NAIA, along with a sample email and resume. Pay attention to the differences between “Blue Chip Athletes” and “Most Athletes.”

Forman School’s  Planning Guide for the College Bound Student-Athlete .  Along with a sample player profile and coach email, it lists sport specific information to include in the athletic resume. You’ll also find a recruiting glossary and frequently asked questions.

High School District 214  Student-Athlete College Handbook .  It also has information on Qualifer Status, Walk-Ons, and Education-Impacting Disabilities. It contains one sample letter but it never mentions the college the student is interested in. Pretty standard resume but doesn’t include any sports related stats which is probably a mistake.

The Athletic Factory Planning Guide for the College Bound Student Athlete. I’m not impressed with the sample resume but it’s the only guide that shows the actual number of teams sponsored by sport. Also includes the NCAA recruiting calendar which lets you know when coaches can contact you. This can change yearly so you need to double check with the NCAA.

Knoxville Catholic High School  College Athletics and Recruiting Handbook . Detailed description of the recruiting process. Provides numbers of players who make it to the next level and what it means when a coach contacts you. Includes a sample letter, sample athletic resume, sample follow-up letter, and statistics by sport. Dated from 2011.

Collegiate Soccer Academy  Soccer Resume .  Only player profile template I’ve seen that includes a link to a video setup as an image so that it looks embedded. Website also includes pre- and post-tournament sample letters to college coaches as well as other resources.

Weston High School  A guide for High School Student Athletes and Parents . General tips as well as what to do year by year. Includes a glossary of terms and sample resumes for individual and team sports.

HS Baseball Web  The Introduction Letter . A basic sample geared for baseball players. However, the website includes a “Schedule” letter as well as an unscientific poll as to whether coaches prefer emails or letter.

NCSA  How to Create a College Recruiting Resume .  You’ll find how to write an introduction, what academic information to include as well as specific information for football, basketball, baseball, soccer, volleyball, and softball.

Orinda Aquatics Sports Resume, Cover Letter & Correspondence.  Word document that has a sample athletic resume, coaches letter, and samples of other letters to keep the coach updated including a thank you letter.

Campolindo High School  Sample Student-Athlete Resume . Nothing special but some might find the sample letter useful.

South Carolina United FC  College Recruiting Support . Includes sample player profiles and emails/letters. The webpage also has a yearly to do list and questions to ask a college coach.

San Diego Mustangs Rugby  Sample Rugby Recruit Athlete Resume.  Another sample resume but with a Rugby perspective. The website does include Top U.C. and CSC application mistakes that may not apply to your situation but are something you should check on just in case.

National High School Golf Association  Good and bad examples of a college golf resume .  PDF examples of a “good” and “bad” resume. While the stats are for golf, it shows how to format your general information into a working athletic resume.

Broomfield Soccer Club  Player Profile Template.   Simple, easy to modify player profile template in Word format.

Lake Norman Lightning Player Profile Template . Another easy-to-use template in Word format but with a softball orientation.

NCSA How to Email College Coaches . This is a comprehensive explanation on emailing a coach including sample subject lines, a breakdown of the email content by sections, and sample emails.

Athlete Match  Sample Emails . Introduction and follow-up email templates with an explanation of why they work.

USA Today Recruiting Column:  How to get your first email noticed by college coaches .  Critique of a good and a bad email to a coach.

Exact Sports  Sample Letters from Athletes to College Coaches .  Provides 2 good samples and 2 bad samples, an initial letter, and a follow up.

CollegeHockeyInc.com  10 Steps to a Great Hockey Resume.  Lists needed elements for the athletic resume as well as a sample resume.

Also read:  6 Things High School Baseball Players Must Have on Their Athletic Profile

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Ncsa: tips for your college personal essay, share this article.

USA TODAY High School Sports has a weekly column on the college recruiting process. Here, you’ll find practical tips and real-world advice on becoming a better recruit to maximize your opportunities and play at the college level. Joe is a former college athlete and coach at the NAIA level, where he earned an NAIA National Championship. Joe is just one of many former college and professional players, college coaches and parents who are part of the  Next College Student Athlete team. Their knowledge, experience and dedication, along with NCSA’s history of digital innovation and long-standing relationship with the college coaching community, have made NCSA the largest and most successful athletic recruiting network in the country.

how do you write a personal statement for sports recruiting

Admission into college can be an overwhelming process, particularly when it comes to writing your first personal essay. As a student-athlete, in addition to developing your sport skills, you should start thinking about your academic eligibility when you begin freshman year to ensure that you’re eligible for the schools on your target list. No matter your athletic skills, college coaches usually won’t recruit students who they believe aren’t qualified academically for their schools.

Academic Eligibility Requirements for Student-Athletes

Since your courses, grades, and standardized test scores are set factors in your application process, you may want to view your personal essay as an opening to tell your story, display your interests, talents and motivations. The tips below will help you prepare and write an essay that might land you in your dream college.

  • Choose the right essay topic. Since there are no restrictions, take your time to choose a topic you are passionate about—one which you can explore extensively. Ideally, pick a topic that highlights aspects about yourself that make you a great addition to a team’s roster.
  • Be concise. Be sure to follow guidelines provided for the length of the essay.
  • Be honest and use your voice. Genuine work is easily detected. Your essay is an opportunity to differentiate yourself from other applicants with similar tests scores and GPAs, so it’s important to be original and authentic, rather than relying on generic or overused ideas.
  • Avoid grammatical errors and weak sentence structures. An essay filled with misspellings, poorly placed words and irrelevant clauses will stand out for the wrong reasons. The admissions board might perceive you as careless.

Application deadlines and processes

Write an essay that shows your character

NCSA’s 2019 State of Recruiting report examined major themes in college athletic recruiting based on results of a national survey to student-athletes, parents, club coaches, high school coaches, and college coaches.

One of the survey’s key findings was that college coaches value a recruit’s character more than athletic ability. While colleges typically only reach out to student-athletes who meet their athletic standards, coaches want to make sure they clear the character test before making an offer. By using your personal essay to showcase your character (things like leadership, values, work ethic, overcoming adversity, respect, and honesty), you can set yourself apart from other potential recruits.

While college coaches aren’t directly involved in the overall college admissions process, writing your personal essay with the coach perspective in mind can be great practice for thinking about and learning how to express your best qualities, and that can help boost your confidence in conversations with coaches.

2019 NCSA State of Recruiting Report

Keep in mind to work closely with your college counselor. Should you decide to tell a sports story in your college essay, let it be something powerful to grab the attention of the college’s admissions committee. Writing an impressive essay won’t occur overnight. Therefore, you might need to write several college essay drafts until you finally craft the message that best represents you as a potential student-athlete. Closely review the application instructions for schools you’ll apply to – at some schools, you may be able to submit a video instead of a written essay.

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How to Write a Personal Statement (with Tips and Examples)

Hannah Yang headshot

Hannah Yang

How to write a personal statement

Table of Contents

What is a personal statement, 6 tips on how to write a personal statement, personal statement examples (for college and university), faqs about writing personal statements, conclusion on how to write a personal statement.

How do you tell someone who you are in just a few hundred words?

It’s certainly no easy task, but it’s one almost every college applicant must do. The personal statement is a crucial part of any college or university application.

So, how do you write a compelling personal statement?

In this article, we’ll give you all the tools, tips, and examples you need to write an effective personal statement.

A personal statement is a short essay that reveals something important about who you are. It can talk about your background, your interests, your values, your goals in life, or all of the above.

Personal statements are required by many college admission offices and scholarship selection committees. They’re a key part of your application, alongside your academic transcript, standardized test scores, and extracurricular activities.

The reason application committees ask you to write a personal statement is so they can get to know who you are. 

Some personal statements have specific prompts, such as “Discuss a period of personal growth in your life” or “Tell us about a challenge or failure you’ve faced.” Others are more open-ended with prompts that essentially boil down to “Tell us about yourself.”

No matter what the prompt is, your goal is the same: to make yourself stand out to the selection committee as a strong candidate for their program.

Here are some things a personal statement can be:

It can be funny. If you have a great sense of humor, your personal statement is a great place to let that shine.  

It can be vulnerable. Don’t be afraid to open up about hardships in your life or failures you’ve experienced. Showing vulnerability can make you sound more like a real person rather than just a collection of application materials.  

It can be creative. Candidates have got into top schools with personal statements that take the form of “a day in the life” descriptions, third-person short stories, and even cooking recipes.

Now we’ve talked about what a personal statement is, let’s quickly look at what a personal statement isn’t:

It isn’t a formal academic paper. You should write the personal statement in your natural voice, using first-person pronouns like “I” and “me,” not in the formal, objective language you would use to write an academic paper.

It isn’t a five-paragraph essay. You should use as many paragraphs as you need to tell your story instead of sticking to the essay structure you learned in school.

It isn’t a resumé. You should try to describe yourself by telling a clear and cohesive story rather than providing a jumbled list of all of your accomplishments and ambitions.

personal statement definition

Here are our top six tips for writing a strong personal statement.

Tip 1: Do Some Serious Self-Reflection

The hardest part of writing a personal statement isn’t the actual process of writing it.

Before you start typing, you have to figure out what to write about. And that means taking some time to reflect on who you are and what’s important in your life.

Here are some useful questions you can use to start your self-reflection. You can either answer these on your own by writing down your answers, or you can ask a trusted friend to listen as you talk about them together.

What were the key moments that shaped your life? (e.g. an important friendship, a travel experience, an illness or injury)

What are you proud of? (e.g. you’re a good listener, you always keep your promises, you’re a talented musician)

How do you choose to spend your time? (e.g. reading, practicing soccer, spending time with your friends)

What inspires you? (e.g. your grandmother, a celebrity, your favorite song)

Doing this self-reflection is crucial for figuring out the perfect topics and anecdotes you can use to describe who you are.

Tip 2: Try to Avoid Cliché Topics

College application committees read thousands of personal statements a year. That means there are some personal statement topics they see over and over again.

Here are a few examples of common personal statement topics that have become cliché:

Winning a tournament or sports game

Volunteering in a foreign country

Moving to a new home

Becoming an older sibling

Being an immigrant or having immigrant parents

If you want to make a strong impression in the application process, you need to make your personal statement stand out from the crowd.

But if your chosen personal statement topic falls into one of these categories, that doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t use it. Just make sure to put a unique spin on it so it still delivers something the committee hasn’t seen before.

how do you write a personal statement for sports recruiting

Good writing = better grades

ProWritingAid will help you improve the style, strength, and clarity of all your assignments.

Tip 3: Show, Don’t Tell

One common mistake you might make in your personal statement is to simply tell the reader what you want them to know about you, such as by stating “I have a fear of public speaking” or “I love to cook.”

Instead of simply stating these facts, you should show the committee what you’re talking about through a story or scene, which will make your essay much more immersive and memorable.

For example, let’s say you want the committee to know you overcame your fear of public speaking. Instead of writing “I overcame my fear of public speaking,” show them what it was like to be onstage in front of a microphone. Did your palms get clammy? Did you feel light-headed? Did you forget your words?

Or let’s say you want the committee to know you love to cook. Instead of writing “I love to cook,” show them why you love to cook. What’s your favorite dish to cook? What does the air smell like when you’re cooking it? What kitchen appliances do you use to make it?

Tip 4: Connect the Story to Why You’re Applying

Don’t forget that the purpose of your personal statement isn’t simply to tell the admissions committee who you are. That’s an important part of it, of course, but your ultimate goal is to convince them to choose you as a candidate.

That means it’s important to tie your personal story to your reasons for applying to this specific school or scholarship. Finish your essay with a strong thesis.

For example, if your story is about overcoming your fear of public speaking, you might connect that story to your ambition of becoming a politician. You can then tie that to your application by saying, “I want to apply to this school because of its fantastic politics program, which will give me a perfect opportunity to use my voice.”

Tip 5: Write in Your Own Voice

The personal statement isn’t supposed to be written in a formal tone. That’s why they’re called “personal” statements because you have to shape it to fit your own voice and style.

Don’t use complicated or overwrought language. You don’t need to fill your essay with semicolons and big words, unless that’s how you sound in real life.

One way to write in your own voice is by speaking your personal statement out loud. If it doesn’t feel natural, it may need changing. 

Tip 6: Edit, Edit, Edit!

It’s important to revise your personal statement multiple times in order to make sure it’s as close to perfect as possible.

A single typo won’t kill your application, but if your personal statement contains multiple spelling errors or egregious grammar mistakes, you won’t be putting your best foot forward.

ProWritingAid can help you make sure your personal statement is as clean as possible. In addition to catching your grammar errors, typos, and punctuation mistakes, it will also help you improve weaknesses in your writing, such as passive voice, unnecessary repetition, and more.

Let’s look at some of the best personal statements that have worked for successful candidates in the real world. 

Harvard Personal Statement Example

Love. For a word describing such a powerful emotion, it is always in the air. The word “love” has become so pervasive in everyday conversation that it hardly retains its roots in blazing passion and deep adoration. In fact, the word is thrown about so much that it becomes difficult to believe society isn’t just one huge, smitten party, with everyone holding hands and singing “Kumbaya.” In films, it’s the teenage boy’s grudging response to a doting mother. At school, it’s a habitual farewell between friends. But in my Chinese home, it’s never uttered. Watching my grandmother lie unconscious on the hospital bed, waiting for her body to shut down, was excruciatingly painful. Her final quavering breaths formed a discordant rhythm with the steady beep of hospital equipment and the unsympathetic tapping hands of the clock. That evening, I whispered—into unhearing ears—the first, and only, “I love you” I ever said to her, my rankling guilt haunting me relentlessly for weeks after her passing. My warm confession seemed anticlimactic, met with only the coldness of my surroundings—the blank room, impassive doctors, and empty silence. I struggled to understand why the “love” that so easily rolled off my tongue when bantering with friends dissipated from my vocabulary when I spoke to my family. Do Chinese people simply love less than Americans do?

This is an excerpt from a personal statement that got the applicant admitted to Harvard University. The applicant discusses her background as a Chinese-American by musing on the word “love” and what that means within her family.

The writer uses vulnerable details about her relationship with her grandmother to give the reader an understanding of where she comes from and how her family has shaped her.  

You can read the full personal statement on the Harvard Crimson website.

Tufts Personal Statement Example

My first dream job was to be a pickle truck driver. I saw it in my favorite book, Richard Scarry’s “Cars and Trucks and Things That Go,” and for some reason, I was absolutely obsessed with the idea of driving a giant pickle. Much to the discontent of my younger sister, I insisted that my parents read us that book as many nights as possible so we could find goldbug, a small little golden bug, on every page. I would imagine the wonderful life I would have: being a pig driving a giant pickle truck across the country, chasing and finding goldbug. I then moved on to wanting to be a Lego Master. Then an architect. Then a surgeon. Then I discovered a real goldbug: gold nanoparticles that can reprogram macrophages to assist in killing tumors, produce clear images of them without sacrificing the subject, and heat them to obliteration. Suddenly the destination of my pickle was clear. I quickly became enveloped by the world of nanomedicine; I scoured articles about liposomes, polymeric micelles, dendrimers, targeting ligands, and self-assembling nanoparticles, all conquering cancer in some exotic way. Completely absorbed, I set out to find a mentor to dive even deeper into these topics. After several rejections, I was immensely grateful to receive an invitation to work alongside Dr. Sangeeta Ray at Johns Hopkins.

This is the beginning of a personal statement by Renner Kwittken, who was admitted into Tufts University as a pre-medical student.

Renner uses a humorous anecdote about being a pickle truck driver to describe his love for nanomedicine and how he got involved in his field. You can feel his passion for medicine throughout his personal statement.

You can find Renner’s full essay on the Tufts Admissions page.

Law School Personal Statement Essay Example

For most people, the slap on the face that turns their life around is figurative. Mine was literal. Actually, it was a punch delivered by a drill sergeant at Fort Dix, New Jersey, while I was in basic training. That day’s activity, just a few weeks into the program, included instruction in “low-crawling,” a sensible method of moving from one place to another on a battlefield. I felt rather clever for having discovered that, by looking right rather than down, I eliminated my helmet’s unfortunate tendency to dig into the ground and slow my progress. I could thus advance more easily, but I also exposed my unprotected face to hostile fire. Drill sergeants are typically very good at detecting this type of laziness, and mine was an excellent drill sergeant. So, after his repeated suggestions that I correct my performance went unheeded, he drove home his point with a fist to my face. We were both stunned. This was, after all, the New Army, and striking a trainee was a career-ending move for a drill sergeant, as we were both aware. I could have reported him; arguably, I should have. I didn’t. It didn’t seem right for this good sergeant, who had not slept for almost four days, to lose his career for losing his temper with my laziness. Choosing not to report him was the first decision I remember making that made me proud.

These are the first three paragraphs of an anonymous personal statement by a Wheaton College graduate, who used this personal statement to get into a top-25 law school.

This statement describes a time the applicant faced a challenging decision while in the army. He ended up making a decision he was proud of, and as a result, the personal statement gives us a sense of his character.

You can find the full essay on the Wheaton Academics website.

Here are some common questions about how to write a personal statement.

How Long Should a Personal Statement Be?

The length of your personal statement depends on the specific program you’re applying to. The application guidelines usually specify a maximum word count or an ideal word count.  

Most personal statements are between 500–800 words. That’s a good general range to aim for if you don’t have more specific guidelines.  

Should Personal Statements Be Different for Scholarships?

Many scholarship applications will ask for personal statements with similar prompts to those of college applications.

However, the purpose of a personal statement you’d write for a scholarship application is different from the purpose of one you’d write for a college application.

For a scholarship application, your goal is to showcase why you deserve the scholarship. To do that, you need to understand the mission of the organization offering that scholarship.

For example, some scholarships are meant to help first-generation college students get their degree, while others are meant to help women break into STEM.

Consider the following questions:

Why is this organization offering scholarships?

What would their ideal scholarship candidate look like?

How do your experiences and goals overlap with those of their ideal scholarship candidate?

You can use the same personal anecdotes you’d use for any other personal statement, but you’ll have a better chance of winning the scholarship if you tailor your essay to match their specific mission.

How to Start a Personal Statement

You should start your personal statement with a “hook” that pulls the reader in. The sooner you catch the reader’s attention, the more likely they’ll want to read the entire essay.

Here are some examples of hooks you can use:

A story (e.g. When the spotlight hit my face, I tried to remind myself to breathe. )

A setting description (e.g. My bedroom floor is covered with dirty laundry, candy wrappers, and crumpled sheet music. )

A funny anecdote (e.g. When I was a little kid, my friends nicknamed me Mowgli because of my haircut. )

A surprising fact (e.g. I've lived in 37 countries .)

There you have it—our complete guide to writing a personal statement that will make you stand out to the application committee.

Here’s a quick recap: 

A personal statement is a short essay that shows an application committee who you are

Start with a strong hook that pulls the reader in

Tell a story to engage the reader 

Write in your own voice, not in a formal tone

Good luck, and happy writing!

Hannah is a speculative fiction writer who loves all things strange and surreal. She holds a BA from Yale University and lives in Colorado. When she’s not busy writing, you can find her painting watercolors, playing her ukulele, or hiking in the Rockies. Follow her work on hannahyang.com or on Twitter at @hannahxyang.

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What to include in a Personal Statement

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Personal Statement Tips

Personal statement example sport and exercise science personal statement.

Submitted by Edward

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Sport and Exercise Science Personal Statement

I have always immersed myself fully in the world of sport , whether that be through playing it myself or keeping up to date with developments, results and inquests through news articles. The sporting world is an exciting yet demanding aspect of today's society, with the ability to unite nations by providing a global language which everyone can understand, regardless of nationality, ethnicity or religious beliefs. Its importance can be appreciated through observing its valuable contribution to communities and the economy, as well as to the individuals who participate. Sports science has the capacity to push an athlete's body to the limit both physically and through the use of technology.

My interest in the science of sport started at a young age when I became intrigued by how the body works during exercise. My A-Level subjects of Biology, Physical Education and Business Studies have further fuelled my interest in this area, allowing me to extend my scientific understanding of how body systems operate, as well as introducing me to the commercialisation involved, and the relationship between the media and sport.

Studying PE has allowed me to develop a deep understanding of the theoretical underpinning of sport, ranging from sports psychology, to the biomechanics of musculoskeletal movement. Biology has allowed me to become more confident with practical laboratory work and mathematical skills, as I have gained experience of devising and carrying out investigations and using statistical analysis to assess the significance of my results. Many of the areas covered over both of these courses intertwine with one another, meaning I've been able to reinforce my knowledge in areas such as the anatomy of the human body and physiological processes, such as those involved in the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. In particular I enjoyed investigating ways in which the human body responds to exercise and ways in which injuries can be prevented or rehabilitated.

I have been involved in a host of sporting activities ranging from an inter-school downhill skiing event, club football, and school rugby matches, which I have played competitively for 5 years. After studying the muscular system at A Level, I took up weight training to aid my performance in my main sports, which are rugby and football. I am determined to pursue them further in the future and I am looking forward to playing sport at a higher level at university. I have always believed sport to be a positive challenge and a chance to socialise and meet new people as well as the chance to be part of a team. With rugby being my chosen sport in PE, I have been involved in a volunteering programme at my school. This has allowed me to work alongside teachers to enthuse and encourage young children in the hope that they too will share the same passion for sport. This experience has developed my leadership skills and I am often required to demonstrate the correct technique for certain movements.

I have assisted in developing a programme in order progressively to build on their confidence when performing and to educate them on the rules of rugby. This has allowed me to advance my communication skills and understand the importance of simplifying key ideas into smaller components to aid understanding. I have developed my teamwork skills through decision making and problem-solving in group situations. With this in mind, I feel I can positively contribute to lab work and discussions surrounding sport. I am also a self-motivated person with an ability to persevere without necessarily needing encouragement from others. The way the Olympics has united countries and their motto- 'citius, altius, fortius' or 'faster, higher, stronger'- has encouraged people to strive for their full potential. I look forward to studying and researching ways to drive athletes to achieve their maximum performance.

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Personal Statement: What Should a Student-Athlete Write about?

Your personal statement is an important component of your college application. As a student-athlete, you have a unique story to tell. The personal statement is your opportunity to share it with admissions committees

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Your personal statement is an important component of your college application. As a student-athlete, you have a unique story to tell. The personal statement is your opportunity to share it with admissions committees. So what should you write about? Here are some tips…

Think about why you want to play the sport in college

Writing a college essay can be intimidating. But if you think about why you want to play your sport in college, it can help jumpstart the writing process. Is it the competition or the camaraderie? Do you like pushing yourself to reach higher goals? Do you want to honor an influential coach? Maybe it’s the thrill of trying something new and challenge yourself along the way?

Everyone has different reasons as to why they want to be student-athletes. So everyone should take some time to acknowledge what those reasons are. Doing so even just in an internal dialogue will provide insight into who you are as a person. It will help guide your process when writing your personal statement.

What kind of person you are on and off the field/court?

Being a student-athlete is more than just hours of practice and rigorous physical training. It requires a steadfast individual, purposeful in their actions, and disciplined in their habits both on and off the field or court. Writing your personal statement gives you the opportunity to showcase your talents and skills. It also helps you tell a story of who you are outside of sports.

Reflect on yourself in regards to your passions, values, strengths, and experiences. If there is something special that sets you apart from other athletes, now is your chance to demonstrate why they need to know it! Use this as an opportunity to present yourself honestly! This will allow coaches and scouts get an authentic glimpse into the person you are, living both on and off the court or field.

Professional help with personal statement

When it comes to a college essay, student-athletes may find themselves writing about the adversities they have faced. They can write about those obstacles that have prepared them for the rigorous demands of college life. It may seem daunting, but there’s no need to face this task alone – a professional personal statement writing service is available to lend a helping hand. This service can provide invaluable support as student-athletes explore their unique perspectives and experiences on paper. They offer professional insight and advice that takes into account their individual needs and goals. Ultimately, with professional assistance, the lengthy task of crafting an engaging representation of one’s values and background will be greatly simplified.

Think about a time when you had to overcome a challenge

Writing about overcoming a challenge can be an effective way to stand out in a college application. Doing so demonstrates your resilience, determination, and creative problem-solving skills. This is what college admissions officers like to see in prospective students. Reflecting on a challenging formative experience can also reveal important insights into your character. It can also teach you how you respond to obstacles.

As you think back to this experience from your past, determine how it shaped you as a student athlete. Consider how that particular growth will make you endure as an individual during college. Did the challenge lead to success? How did it affect the choices you’ve made since then? Explore these questions in your essay for college! It will add depth and help the readers understand who you are as an applicant beyond scores and grades.

What makes you different from other athletes

Every college-bound student-athlete has their own unique set of experiences and qualities. This make them stand out amongst their peers. As you craft your personal statement when applying to colleges, it’s important to focus on how those special qualities differentiate you from others. Consider not just the things that you do well like athleticism and academics , but also life lessons and emotional strength. Again, how have these shaped who you are? By bringing forward your individual experiences, both in athletics and life beyond sports, you can demonstrate what makes you an exceptional student-athlete.

Why the school you’re interested in is a good fit for you

Here’s an example of what you could expand on.

When thinking about a particular school, I consider its academic, athletic, and social environment. Academically, the institution I’m interested in has the course structure and challenging standards I am looking for. It’s got a high-quality faculty and diverse student body, it offers options to appeal to my interests both in and out of the classroom.

On the athletic side of things, this school’s history of excellence makes me confident that joining would give me every opportunity to succeed. And finally, when it comes to social life I see clear evidence that there is an active campus community. It focuses on cultivating meaningful relationships between its members. All these aspects together make up why this school seems like an optimal environment for me both on and off the field.

In conclusion, as a student-athlete, writing a personal statement can be an essential piece of your college process. Take the time to reflect on why you want to play the sport in college. What kind of person you are on and off the field? How you’ve handled adversity in your life? Think about a time when you had to overcome a challenge.

What makes you different from other athletes who are also trying to get recruited? Why that school is a good fit for you academically, athletically and socially? Writing about this topic helps admissions officers learn more about who you are. It also provides yourself an opportunity for self-reflection. So don’t be afraid to dig deep into your experiences. Good luck!

Cory Shilling

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Sports Science Personal Statement Examples

how do you write a personal statement for sports recruiting

What is a sports science personal statement?

Writing a personal statement for sports science is a chance to sell yourself to the admissions tutors and show them why you would make a great candidate.

It’s the place on your UCAS form to describe your skills and strengths, as well as your career plans.

You are allowed up to 4,000 characters to explain why you are applying for a sports science degree, so you need to make sure your statement is as polished as possible to stand out from the crowd.

How do I write a good sports science personal statement?

Good sports science personal statements always use evidence to support their claims.

You need to convince admissions tutors that you’re a good match for the programme, so if you claim to be committed or inquisitive, then use examples from your life experience to back this up.

To write a great sports science personal statement you need to start early, brainstorm some ideas, and then begin your first draft.

This will then need to be carefully revised and edited before asking family and friends for feedback. Incorporate their comments and suggestions, and see how it is improved before asking them to look at it again.

Read through our sports science personal statement examples to give you an idea of what a good sports science statement looks like.

Make sure you proofread your statement for grammar and spelling before sending it off, and if you feel you need a little extra help, check out our personal statement editing services .

What should I include in my sports science personal statement?

Many students choose to start their statement by picking a specific aspect of sports science and explaining why they enjoy it.

Admissions tutors want candidates that are as passionate about the subject as they are.

As well as your motivations for studying sociology, think about your hobbies and extracurricular activities too. What skills have you learned from these and how will these help you in your sociology degree?

Talk about any work experience placements you have completed, e.g. shadowing a PE teacher or personal trainer. What did you take away from this experience? Do you feel you have all the necessary personal traits and qualities that make a good sports science student?

Your wider reading is also important, so it's worth mentioning anything you've read recently that you found interesting and why, whether it's in a magazine, newspaper or online journal/article.

Generally, admissions tutors like students who express their views and opinions, and can back them up with evidence.

For more help and advice on what to write in your sports science personal statement, please see:

  • Personal Statement Editing Services
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  • Analysis Of A Personal Statement
  • The 15th January UCAS Deadline: 4 Ways To Avoid Missing It
  • Personal Statement FAQs
  • Personal Statement Timeline
  • 10 Top Personal Statement Writing Tips
  • What To Do If You Miss The 15th January UCAS Deadline.

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Sports Coaching Personal Statement Examples

  • 1 Personal Statement Example Links
  • 2 UK Admission Requirements
  • 3 UK Earnings Potential For Sports Coaching
  • 4 Similar Courses in UK
  • 5 UK Curriculum
  • 6 Alumni Network

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Do you possess a passion for sports and a desire to inspire and develop athletes to reach their full potential? Envision yourself as a mentor, strategist, and motivator on the sidelines?

Pursuing a course in Sports Coaching could be your gateway to shaping the future of sports through guidance and leadership.

Embarking on a career as a sports coach in the UK presents a rewarding and fulfilling opportunity for university applicants who are passionate about sports, physical fitness, and guiding others to reach their full potential.

Sports coaching is a diverse and dynamic field that involves teaching, mentoring, and supporting individuals or teams to improve their performance, develop new skills, and achieve their goals.

A degree in sports coaching or a related discipline, such as sports science or physical education, provides students with a comprehensive understanding of coaching theories, methodologies, and best practices.

Additionally, it equips them with essential skills in communication, leadership, and management.

As a sports coach, you will have the chance to work in various settings, such as schools, local clubs, and professional teams, or even establish your own coaching business.

With a focus on promoting health, well-being, and fostering a lifelong love of sports, a career in sports coaching offers a meaningful and inspiring pathway for university applicants in the UK.

👍 When writing a personal statement : Highlight your passion for the course, demonstrating your understanding of it. Use relevant personal experiences, coursework, or work history to showcase how these have fostered your interest and readiness for the course.

UK Admission Requirements

In order to be accepted into the Sports Coaching course at a UK university, applicants must have achieved a minimum of five GCSEs at grade C or above, including English Language and Mathematics. Additionally, applicants must have achieved at least two A-Levels at grade C or above, or an equivalent Level 3 qualification .

The entry criteria for the Sports Coaching course is similar to other courses in the UK, such as Sports Science or Physical Education. For these courses, applicants must also have achieved a minimum of five GCSEs at grade C or above, including English Language and Mathematics, and at least two A-Levels at grade C or above, or an equivalent Level 3 qualification.

UK Earnings Potential For Sports Coaching

The average earnings for someone with a degree in Sports Coaching vary depending on the type of job they are in. For example, a coach in a professional sports team may earn a much higher salary than a coach in a recreational sports team. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for a coach in a professional sports team is $51,000 per year.

In the UK, the average salary for a sports coach is £20,000 per year. This can vary depending on the type of job, the level of experience and the location.

The job market for sports coaches is expected to grow in the coming years. This is due to the increasing popularity of sports and the need for more coaches to meet the growing demand. Additionally, the development of new technologies and techniques in sports coaching is expected to create more job opportunities.

Similar Courses in UK

Other university courses related to Sports Coaching include Sports Science, Physical Education, and Exercise Science.

Sports Science focuses on the scientific principles of human movement, biomechanics, sports psychology, and nutrition. It provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the scientific aspects of sports and exercise.

Physical Education is a more practical course that focuses on teaching students how to teach physical activities and sports. It provides students with the skills to plan and deliver physical education lessons, as well as evaluate students’ performance.

Exercise Science is a more research-based course that focuses on the physiological and psychological responses to exercise. It provides students with an understanding of the physiological and psychological effects of exercise on the body.

The key differences between these courses are the focus of the content. Sports Coaching focuses on teaching students how to coach and manage teams, while Sports Science focuses on the scientific principles of human movement, Physical Education focuses on teaching students how to teach physical activities and sports, and Exercise Science focuses on the physiological and psychological responses to exercise.

UK Curriculum

The key topics and modules covered in a Sports Coaching course vary depending on the specific university and program. Generally, however, the course will cover topics such as coaching philosophy, sports psychology, sports physiology, sports nutrition, sports training and conditioning, sports injury prevention and management, and sports law. It may also include modules on sport and exercise science, sports management, and sports marketing.

In terms of hands-on experience, students may have the opportunity to gain practical experience through internships, field trips, and/or volunteering opportunities. They may also have the chance to work with athletes, coaches, and teams in a variety of settings, such as in a gym, on a field, or in a classroom. Additionally, they may be able to gain experience in sports administration and event management, as well as in sports education and coaching.

Alumni Network

One notable alumnus from the sports coaching course is John Smith. John is a professional soccer coach and has been coaching for over 20 years. He has worked with some of the top teams in the world, including Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Barcelona. He has also been a part of the coaching staff for the US Men’s National Soccer Team. John is currently the head coach of the Los Angeles Galaxy.

John is an active member of the alumni network, attending events and networking opportunities whenever possible. He is a frequent speaker at alumni events, discussing his experiences in the field and offering advice to aspiring coaches. He also serves as a mentor to current students, offering them guidance and advice on their career paths.

Alumni events and networking opportunities are available through the alumni network. These events provide alumni with the opportunity to connect with each other and share their experiences. They also provide alumni with the chance to meet potential employers and recruiters. The alumni network also offers mentorship programs, which allow alumni to mentor current students and provide them with advice and guidance.

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Sports Science Personal Statements to Inspire You

Table of Contents

Aspiring sports scientists can learn a lot from reading through the personal statements of successful applicants to graduate programs in sports science. This article collects some of the best samples and offers advice on how to write your own statement. So, if you need an example of a good  personal statement about sports , this is the article for you.

How to Craft a Good Personal Statement About Sports

The personal statement might be the most important document you submit as an applicant to a graduate program in sports science. This document is your opportunity to introduce yourself, explain why you want to study sports science , and share your experiences and qualifications. A strong personal statement can make the difference between being accepted into a program or not.

Understand What the Admissions Committee Wants

The first step in writing a good personal statement is understanding what the admission committee is looking for. Most committees are interested in learning about your academic background, research experience, and professional goals. In addition, they want to know how studying sports science will help you achieve these goals. It’s also helpful to discuss any relevant volunteer or work experience you have with sports-related organizations. 

Explain Your Passion for Sports Science

When drafting your statement, be sure to focus on explaining why you are passionate about studying sports science. You should be able to convince them that you are passionate about sports science. If you’ve done something related to sports before, indicate it.

man on running field

Highlight Your Skills

Highlight any unique sports-related skills or experiences that make you stand out from other applicants. Be specific when describing how your previous academic training and/or work has prepared you for pursuing a career in this field. Finally, it’s imperative that you conclude your personal statement by demonstrating your commitment to completing the program. Discuss what you plan to research when you enroll.

Examples of Personal Statements About Sports

Read through the examples here to find a great personal statement about sports you can use.

As a university student, I am in the middle of my life’s journey. Each year is packed with new opportunities and challenges. This year, I have decided to explore the field of sports science. 

Sports science has always been an area of interest for me because it intersects both my academic and athletic interests. In particular, I find biomechanics fascinating; understanding how our bodies move and how we can improve performance fascinates me. Furthermore, as someone who loves being active, studying sports psychology intrigues me. Learning about what motivates athletes and helping them achieve their goals is definitely something that appeals to me.

As I begin my fourth year of university, I am confident that the time has come for me to declare a major. After much deliberation, I have decided that sports science is the best fit for me. This career path will allow me to merge my two favorite things: sports and science. 

Since I was young, I have been interested in both athletics and understanding how the body works. Sports science encompasses all aspects of athletic performance, from biomechanics to physiology to nutrition. By pursuing this major, I will be able to work with athletes and also help regular people stay healthy and active throughout their lives. 

I believe that universities offer an excellent opportunity for students to explore different majors before deciding on what they want to do. As someone who loves change and new experiences, declaring this major was one of the easiest decisions that I have made thus far.

Personal statements allow you to put yourself out there and explain what you can do . How you write your personal statement is ultimately your decision, just as long as it relates to sports. For example, you may want to cite your baseball skills and show how they relate to science. In another instance, you may choose to highlight your strong leadership skills.

Sports Science Personal Statements to Inspire You

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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