Writing Effective Research Interest and Personal Statements

Undergraduate Research Interest Statements

Purpose
  • Showcase your curiosity, motivation, and readiness to engage in research.
  • Explain how your academic path and career goals align with a specific research area, lab, or mentor.
Suggested Structure
  1. Introduction
    • State your major, academic interests, and why research matters to you.
  2. Academic Background
    • Highlight relevant coursework, class projects, or experiences that sparked your interest.
  3. Research Goals
    • Explain what topics you want to explore and why.
  4. Highlight your Connection to Lab/Faculty
    • Name specific faculty or projects that align with your interests.
  5. Conclusion
    • Reaffirm your interest and summarize what you hope to learn or contribute.
 What to Include
  • Your Why: Why you’re excited about doing research.
  • Background experiences (lab work, coursework, summer programs, etc.)
  • Skills you bring (wet lab, dry lab, technical, analytical, collaborative)
  • What kind of research questions you’d like to explore, aim to align it with the professor or lab’s research goals and interests.
  • Your motivation for this particular lab, field, or professor.
 Style and Tone
  • Keep it clear, focused, and authentic.
  • Keep it concise. One page maximum.
  • Show enthusiasm. Use an engaged, curious tone with specific examples.
  • Avoid vague clichés. Be personal and reflective.
Editing Tips
  • Ask a mentor or professor to review.
  • Shake it up: Revise in a different setting to refresh your perspective.
  • Tailor for each opportunity individually; show you’ve done your homework.

PhD Personal Statements

Understanding the PhD Personal Statement
  • It is used to explain why you’re suitable for doctoral study and why this department/program fits you.
  • The document is often paired with a research proposal (proposal = project; personal statement = fit + motivation).
Considerations
  • Tailor your statement like a job application, make sure to direct it to the department.
  • Network. Contact potential supervisors ahead of time.
  • Research the university: Use university materials (criteria, person specs) to guide your content.
Suggested Structure
  1. Introduction
    • Your Why: Why you want to pursue a PhD.
  2. Body Paragraphs
    • Highlight relevant experience and research background.
    • Why this department/program/team the right fit for you.
  3. Conclusion
    • Reiterate why you’re a strong candidate.
What to Include
  • Academic journey: experience and research preparation.
  • Provide your why: Why this topic, this university, and this supervisor.
  • Share top and aligning specific strengths, achievements, and influences.
  • Clearly communicate your career goals and how this PhD supports them.
  • Address any CV gaps or unique circumstances.
  • Tailor to potential funders, when applying for a fellowship.
Style Tips
  • Keep the tone clear, concise and academic.
  • Make sure your thought process is clear and methodical.
  • Aim for one page, unless otherwise instructed.
  • Make every sentence count.
  • Use evidence; show, don’t tell.
 Editing Advice
  • Golden Rule: Spend 20 minutes editing per hour of writing.
  • Change it up a little: Edit in a new environment to gain clarity.
  • Keep it interesting: Avoid repeating your CV. Make sure to complement it instead.
Final Thoughts
  • Build a strong CV first as admissions often read your cv before your statement.
  • Start early (as much as a year ahead, especially if applying for funding).
  • Reach out to supervisors to discuss how your interests align with their research.

You’ve got this!