Applying to a graduate program in public policy, health administration, data science, or sustainability? Your personal statement is your chance to show who you are, why you’re passionate about public service, and how you’re prepared to lead in the field—and why you belong at Cornell.

This guide shares five advanced tips for writing a standout personal statement, drawn from insights at the Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy and tailored for driven, impact-oriented applicants like you.

Whether you’re applying to the Master of Public Administration (MPA), Cornell Sloan Master of Health Administration (MHA), Master of Science in Data Science for Public Policy (MS-DSPP), or Master of Science in Environmental and Sustainability Policy (MS-ESP), these strategies will help you craft a compelling and authentic narrative.

1) Clearly Articulate Why You’re Pursuing This Degree

Your personal statement should answer a key question: Why now, and why this program?

• What moment or experience inspired your interest in public service?
• Why is graduate school the logical next step?
• How does this specific program, its curriculum, faculty, or values align with your goals?

Avoid generic statements. Reference faculty, concentrations, or unique opportunities that genuinely resonate with your goals.

“When it comes to graduate school admissions, your personal statement is your opportunity to truly stand out. Not only does it showcase the quality of your writing, but it also allows you to clearly articulate your purpose and your commitment to a career in public service.”
— Thomas O’Toole, Executive Director of Public Affairs Programming at Cornell

2) Make It Deeply Personal and Purpose-Driven

Whether your path led you to public policy, healthcare leadership, environmental change, or data-driven impact, your essay should reflect the values, convictions, and experiences that have shaped your desire to serve.

• Share a personal story that led you here.
• Discuss a challenge you’ve faced and how it informs your mission today.
• Connect your background to your passion for driving systemic change in your chosen area.

Think about what you care deeply about. What keeps you motivated? Let those answers shine. through

3) Highlight Your Long-Term Impact Goals

Admissions committees want to understand your vision for the future. Be clear about where you’re headed.

• What sector or policy area do you want to work in, and why?
• What real-world problems are you passionate about solving?
• How will this degree program help you scale your impact?

Whether your focus is sustainability, health equity, public-sector innovation, or data-informed decision-making, anchor your aspirations in a real-world context.

4) Showcase Relevant Professional and Volunteer Experience

Your experience adds depth to your statement and demonstrates your commitment.

• Share leadership roles, service projects, or work experience that align with your field.
• Highlight transferable skills: leadership, analysis, collaboration, and ethical decision-making.
• Reflect on what these experiences taught you and how they’ll inform your time in graduate school.

Focus less on listing roles and more on reflecting on how they’ve prepared you for this next step.

5) Polish for Clarity, Precision, and Passion

Public health, policy, and data science are writing-intensive fields. Your personal statement should reflect that.

• Proofread multiple times to catch grammar, tone, and clarity issues.
• Ask a mentor or colleague to review for feedback.
• Don’t just edit for correctness—revise for voice, flow, and authenticity.

Your essay should read like a thoughtful, confident narrative, not a resumé in paragraph form.

Ready to Apply to a Cornell Public Policy Graduate Program?

The Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy prepares students to lead across sectors with cutting-edge policy skills and a global perspective. Here’s how to apply:

Application Checklist

1. Complete Cornell’s Online Graduate Application. For technical issues, contact the Graduate School at 607-255-4884.
2. Submit unofficial transcripts from all colleges/universities attended. Do not send official transcripts to your specific degree program. If admitted, you’ll be required to submit official transcripts directly to the Graduate School.
3. Submit a current résumé and two letters of recommendation (academic or professional).
4. Applicants for whom English is a second language will need to meet minimum scores on either the TOEFL or IELTS exams:

• • TOEFL minimums: Writing 20, Listening 15, Reading 20, Speaking 22
  • IELTS: Overall score of 7.0 or higher

1. Submit your Statement of Purpose
2. Once the checklist is complete, you will receive an email with instructions to participate in a virtual interview to complete the application process.
   
   

Further Explore Our Graduate Degree Programs:

Master of Public Administration (MPA):

Develop broad-based leadership for roles in government, nonprofits, international organizations, and the private sector with our Ivy League MPA.

Request More Information About the MPA

Master of Health Administration (MHA):

Lead at the intersection of business and health care in one of the nation’s most respected health management programs.

Request More Information About the Sloan MHA

MS in Environmental and Sustainability Policy (ESP):

Turn your passion for the planet into measurable policy change in just 12 months.

Request More Information About the MS-ESP

MS in Data Science for Public Policy (DSPP):

Master technical and ethical data skills to inform smarter, more just policy in a fast-moving digital world.

Request More Information About the MS-DSPP