Wondering how to write your personal statement for Sciences Po? How long should it be? And what it should cover?
You won’t get to see the essay prompt or required word count until you actually start an application.
Well, unless you’re reading this post!
International undergraduate admissions personal statement prompt for Sciences Po:
"Please introduce yourself. Describe the reasons that led you to apply to Sciences Po’s Bachelor’s Degree program. Explain how and why the educational environment at Sciences Po will help you achieve your professional and personal ambitions. You may also want to articulate how you foresee your engagement in campus life beyond the walls of the classroom. Please be specific and do not exceed 1,000 words."
International graduate admissions personal statement prompt:
"Your personal statement is where you can distinguish yourself from other candidates. What motivates you to take this course at Sciences Po? Mention how your interest developed, what you have done to pursue it and what your longer term goals are."
Once you have a rough draft, ask me to review your work.
In both cases, you are limited to only 1000 words. You cannot go beyond 1000 words as there is an actual word counter within the application.
Stumped on responding to these prompts? Check out:
Sciences Po: 4 Tips for Writing Your Motivation Letter
Language requirements for your personal statement
“The statement must be written in the language of instruction of the programme.
If you are applying for a dual degree programme, please write at least one paragraph in one of the other languages of the programme (i.e. English, German, Russian). If you are applying for more than one programme, please explain each choice in a separate statement."
If you are applying to any program at PSIA, you will need to write your personal statement in English. As a student at PSIA, 70% of your classes will be offered in English and only 30% will be offered in French. Therefore, it is easy to do the degree entirely in English. However, it is not possible to do it entirely in French. Thus, English is the “language of instruction” and you must write you personal statement in English.
Other Writing Requirements
In addition to your personal statement, you will also have to submit a copy of your CV.
"You must include a CV in French or English, according to the language of the programme for which you apply, except for the dual degree programmes for which all required documents must be submitted in English."
Making a good CV is a challenge that tests both your language skills (grammar and the like) and formatting abilities. You’re not applying to become a graphic designer, so there’s no need to use fancy visual icons. Nevertheless, consistent formatting and clear logic are key.
Use the Five-Point Resume Check before sending off your CV or resume.
And if you’d like, you can get my help editing your CV to make sure that everything looks alright.
Hi, I was wondering what the motivational letter should look like for exchange students? I am working on my application for a one semester undergraduate exchange! Thank you
Hi Nicole!
Check out my blog post here: http://mwallacepro.com/us-college-personal-statement/
I think that blog post, along with a careful reading of any prompt you are given for your application, should answer your question pretty well.
Best of luck!
Maija
Hey! Your blogs has been really helpful. I am applying for a masters in economics both double degree and a normal one. However, I have one sop structured for the course can I use the introduction and other relevant experience in both the sops? Because both the courses are a master in economics so questions like : what made me take up economics major at undergrad or what my future goals are or what experiences I have had that will help me with my studies at sciences po are almost the same. Will it look bad on my application to have repeated the same things in both sops? Although I do plan to change other things like why a dual degree and why sciences po etc.
Hi Aditi,
Yes! You can absolutely reuse the same information. Why wouldn’t you? There is no reason to torture yourself and try to write two completely difference essays. As you’ve noted, just be sure to update the parts that change.
Best,
Maija