A graduate school personal statement can formally introduce you to the graduate admissions committee. Writing a compelling personal statement can be a deciding factor that sets you apart from other graduate school applicants. Understanding the common elements and strategies of writing a personal statement can help you, 1. The Hook. A great way to begin a personal statement is to briefly tell the story of a time when you had some sort of poignant experience or pivotal moment that led you on the path to graduate school or a postdoc , regardless of the position you are applying for. If you're having trouble getting started, a good exercise is to think about it and think about it.