Sorry to be so negative but if you can't write a personal statement (which is what 1500 words) how do you think you are goign to write a PhD (75,000 words)?
I wouldn't have thought it was the length that was an issue but more how you go about writing it and the sort of details required. I'm in the same field as the OP and I've got to admit I'm terrible at writing things like covering letters and personal statements (particularly personal statements). I'm enthusiastic about my subject, I know what it is I want to go on to do, why I want to study for a PhD, and the reason for why I'm applying for a particular project but yet I struggle.
I think it has a lot to do with how phoney a personal statement can appear, even if the statements are true but also because they seem pointless to me. My CV shows what I've been up to, my academic transcript represents how good my marks are, my references indicate whether I am capable and responsible, and my covering letter explains why I've chosen that particular supervisor and their project, but yet they still require a personal statement.
Saying that I can't refuse to write a personal statement, but I think people struggle because of what I've mentioned...Now I'm thinking my personal statement might be too short (300 words). :$
Anyway good luck with your PhD applications Masafee!
Ok here's some advice then.
You need to go through your cv and experience and look at it as though you knew nothing about you and think what things jump out then you need to address them. Yes you need to highlight your key skills, attributes reasons why you want to do the PhD etc but you also need to answer any anomalies - for example 6 years ago I gave up a very highly paid job as an accountant to return to studying so in my personal statement I explained why. I also in my recent part-time PhD application covered the question of how a 44 year old woman with 2 children and a full time job was going to fit the PhD in as well by making reference to the fact that my MA was done part time while working full time. That way anyone looking at the statement can see that I have thought through the difficulties.
I think you need to give examples of the attributes etc - it isn't enough to say you are hard working, a team player, committed etc since no one is going to put I am not a team player I am lazy etc. So you need to make it stand out. Is this an application for a self funded PhD or are you competing against others for a funded one - if you are self funding then I suspect the requirements are less onerous than for a funded one where you are not just showing you can do the PhD but also that you are the best person out of all the other people who have applied.
I also think it is worth having an introducion and a conclusion where you highlight the key message and then sum up at the end.
Good Luck
Masters Degrees
Search For Masters DegreesPostgraduateForum Is a trading name of FindAUniversity Ltd
FindAUniversity Ltd, 77 Sidney St, Sheffield, S1 4RG, UK. Tel +44 (0) 114 268 4940 Fax: +44 (0) 114 268 5766