PAIU’s admissions team reviews thousands of applications annually. What makes certain personal statements rise to the top? After analyzing successful submissions, we’ve identified the winning formula.
The 3-Part Framework
1. Hook With Purpose (First Paragraph)
- Weak: “I’ve always loved learning.”
- Strong: “When the 2023 Lagos tech strike halted my apprenticeship, I built an online learning collective that upskilled 47 workers remotely.”
2. Demonstrate Growth (Middle Section)
- Focus on:
- Skills gained from challenges (not just achievements)
- Why online learning fits your circumstances
3. Connect to PAIU (Final Paragraph)
- Mention specific:
- Faculty research you admire
- Program features like the Global Capstone Project
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Overly general goals (“I want to help people”)
❌ Repeating your resume verbatim
❌ Exceeding the 500-word limit
PAIU’s Secret Rubric
Admissions prioritizes:
- Clarity of vision (30%)
- Resilience demonstrated (25%)
- Program fit (25%)
- Writing quality (20%)
Free Resource
Use PAIU’s Personal Statement Analyzer AI tool (available to all applicants).
Ready to apply? Start drafting with our interactive template!
