100 Quotes to Kickstart Your Personal Statement (with examples)
by Talha Omer, M.Eng., Cornell Grad
In personal statement tips & advice.
Starting your personal statement for university admissions can be a daunting task. It’s the first thing the admissions committee will read about you, and it needs to capture your unique voice, experiences, and aspirations in just a few words. So, where do you begin?
One effective way to start is with a powerful quote that reflects your values, interests, or goals.
A great quote can set the tone for your essay, grab the reader’s attention, and showcase your personality and potential. In this blog post, I’ll explore quotes that you can draw from. I’ll also provide a couple of examples where successful candidates used quotes to begin their personal statements.
To make the process of selecting the perfect quote for your personal statement even easier, I’ve organized the list into categories that are common themes in personal statements. Whether you’re seeking to showcase your resilience, or creativity, I’ve got you covered with a range of quotes that can help you stand out from the crowd.
In this Article
- Inspirational Quotes for personal statement
Leadership Quotes for personal statement
Personal growth quotes for personal statement, academic quotes for personal statement, professional quotes for personal statement, cultural quotes for personal statement, creative quotes for personal statement, perseverance quotes for personal statement, inspirational quotes for personal statement .
Inspirational quotes can be a great way to show your motivation, resilience, and determination. They can also help you communicate your values and beliefs and demonstrate your commitment to achieving your goals.
- “Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” – Theodore Roosevelt
- “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill
- “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs
- “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” – Wayne Gretzky
- “I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.” – Jimmy Dean
- “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” – Maya Angelou
- “The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt
- “If you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything.” – Malcolm X
- “It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” – Confucius
- “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” – C.S. Lewis
Here is an example opening paragraph of a personal statement where the candidate used an inspirational quote to begin:
As a lifelong learner and problem-solver, I’ve always been drawn to the field of artificial intelligence. But it wasn’t until I read a quote by Alan Turing that I truly appreciated the transformative potential of this field: ‘We can only see a short distance ahead, but we can see plenty there that needs to be done.’ These words resonated with me deeply, and I realized that the possibilities of artificial intelligence are limited only by our imaginations and our willingness to take risks. Throughout my academic and professional journey, I’ve sought out opportunities to push the boundaries of what’s possible, from pursuing advanced degrees in computer science to working on cutting-edge research projects. Through these experiences, I’ve learned the importance of collaboration, innovation, and perseverance in tackling the toughest challenges facing our world today. And as I look forward to contributing to the field of artificial intelligence, I’m inspired by the limitless potential of this technology and committed to using it to make a positive impact on society.
Leadership quotes can help you showcase your ability to lead and inspire others, and your commitment to making a positive impact in your community. They can also demonstrate your understanding of the importance of teamwork, communication, and collaboration, which are essential skills in many fields of study and careers.
- “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” – John C. Maxwell
- “Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.” – John F. Kennedy
- “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller
- “The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things.” – Ronald Reagan
- “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” – John Quincy Adams
- “Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.” – Warren Bennis
- “Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things.” – Peter Drucker
- “The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not a bully; be humble, but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant; have humor, but without folly.” – Jim Rohn
- “The art of leadership is saying no, not saying yes. It is very easy to say yes.” – Tony Blair
- “The function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers.” – Ralph Nader
Here is an example opening paragraph of a personal statement where the candidate used a leadership quote to begin:
As an aspiring business leader, I am always striving to develop the qualities and characteristics that will enable me to make a positive impact in my chosen field. To me, leadership is not just about achieving success, but also about helping others to reach their full potential. That’s why I find inspiration in the words of former U.S. President John Quincy Adams, who once said, ‘If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.’ This quote captures the essence of what I believe it means to be a leader – to inspire, to guide, and to empower others to achieve their goals. I am committed to embodying these qualities as I pursue my education and career in business, with the goal of making a meaningful difference in the lives of those around me.
Personal growth is a lifelong process of learning, self-discovery, and personal development, and it’s an important aspect of personal and academic success. Using a personal growth quote in your personal statement can demonstrate your commitment to self-improvement, your willingness to learn and grow, and your ability to overcome challenges and setbacks.
- “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” – Nelson Mandela
- “Aim for the moon. If you miss, you may hit a star.” – W. Clement Stone
- “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” – Thomas A. Edison
- “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” – Dr. Seuss
- “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” – Mark Twain
- “Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.” – Thomas A. Edison
- “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
- “It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.” – Epictetus
These quotes can be particularly relevant for students who have excelled academically, or who are interested in pursuing a career in academia or research. Academic quotes can be used to demonstrate your knowledge, and intellectual curiosity, as well as your ability to think critically and engage with complex ideas. They can also show your dedication to your field of study and your commitment to academic excellence.
- “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
- “The aim of education is the knowledge, not of facts, but of values.” – William S. Burroughs
- “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” – W.B. Yeats
- “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” – Malcolm X
- “The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.” – Socrates
- “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela
- “The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.” – B.B. King
- “Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.” – John Dewey
- “Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
- “Education is the movement from darkness to light.” – Allan Bloom
These quotes can be used to demonstrate your understanding and passion for your chosen field, as well as your commitment to excellence and professionalism. They can also be used to highlight specific skills or achievements that you have acquired in your professional pursuits, such as teamwork, problem-solving, or leadership.
- “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” – Confucius
- “Success in business requires training and discipline and hard work. But if you’re not frightened by these things, the opportunities are just as great today as they ever were.” – David Rockefeller
- “A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination, and hard work.” – Colin Powell
- “Opportunities don’t happen. You create them.” – Chris Grosser
- “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” – Peter Drucker
- “The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
These quotes can help you showcase your appreciation and understanding of cultural diversity, your willingness to learn from different perspectives, and your interest in contributing to the global community. They can also be used to highlight any experiences or achievements that you have had in cultural immersion, cross-cultural communication, or intercultural exchange.
- “No culture can live if it attempts to be exclusive.” – Mahatma Gandhi
- “Culture is the widening of the mind and of the spirit.” – Jawaharlal Nehru
- “Culture makes people understand each other better. And if they understand each other better in their soul, it is easier to overcome the economic and political barriers.” – Paulo Coelho
- “Language is the road map of a culture. It tells you where its people come from and where they are going.” – Rita Mae Brown
- “Culture is not a luxury, but a necessity for every society.” – Pearl S. Buck
- “Culture is the arts elevated to a set of beliefs.” – Thomas Wolfe
- “Culture is the sum total of all the things that make a society distinctive.” – Clifford Geertz
- “The beauty of culture is that it evolves through time and generations, shaping our values and beliefs.” – Chinua Achebe
- “The richness of our culture reflects the diversity of our people.” – Unknown
- “Culture is the window reflecting the soul of a nation.” – Wang Meng
They can also be used if you want to showcase your ability to think outside the box or to approach problems in a creative and innovative way, regardless of your field of study.
- “Creativity is seeing what everyone else has seen, and thinking what no one else has thought.” – Albert Einstein
- “The creative adult is the child who survived.” – Ursula K. Le Guin
- “The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.” – Sylvia Plath
- “Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life’s coming attractions.” – Albert Einstein
- “Creativity takes courage.” – Henri Matisse
- “To be creative means to be in love with life.” – Osho
- “The creative process is a process of surrender, not control.” – Julia Cameron
- “The chief enemy of creativity is ‘good’ sense.” – Pablo Picasso
- “Creativity is a wild mind and a disciplined eye.” – Dorothy Parker
- “Creativity is contagious. Pass it on.” – Albert Einstein
Perseverance is a universal quality that is admired by all, and demonstrating a strong work ethic and determination to overcome challenges can be valuable in any academic or professional setting. Whether you have overcome personal obstacles or worked hard to achieve academic or professional success, using a perseverance quote can be a powerful way to convey your resilience and determination to admissions committees.
- “Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.” – Thomas Edison
- “I have failed again and again throughout my life. That’s why I am a success.” – Michael Jordan
- “Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after the other.” – Walter Elliot
- “I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can’t accept not trying.” – Michael Jordan
- “When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hold on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.” – Harriet Beecher Stowe
- “Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle.” – Christian D. Larson
- “Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” – Thomas Edison
- “Fall seven times, stand up eight.” – Japanese Proverb
- “The only thing that stands between you and your dream is the story you keep telling yourself that you can’t achieve it.” – Jordan Belfort
- “Perseverance is the hard work you do after you get tired of doing the hard work you already did.” – Newt Gingrich
- I hope these quotes provide some inspiration and ideas for your personal statement! Remember, choose quotes that speak to you personally and help showcase your unique strengths and qualities to the admissions committee.
Selecting the right quote to begin your personal statement can be a powerful tool to help you stand out in the admissions process. By choosing a quote that resonates with you and reflects your unique qualities and aspirations, you can set the tone for your personal statement and make a memorable first impression on the admissions team.
Whether you choose a quote about perseverance, leadership, or anything else, make sure it authentically represents who you are and what you hope to achieve. With these inspiring quotes as your guide, you’ll be one step closer to crafting a personal statement that showcases your strengths, character, and potential.
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Professionals
Why Quotes Should Be Avoided in a Personal Statement
Written by David Lombardino | Updated February 23, 2024
How Do I Stand out?
One of the greatest challenges—and for many the single greatest challenge—in applying for medical residency is deciding what to write in the personal statement. How do I stand out? What can I write to catch the program director’s attention?
These are questions that plague every one of the 45,000 applicants for medical residency across the U.S. and Canada every year, and they are ones that both U.S. and Canadian medical graduates and international medical graduates (IMGs) have to answer.
The Greatest Obstacle to Writing a Personal Statement
I have been editing, proofreading and critiquing personal statements for medical residency since 2008. It started as a favor I would do for friends and acquaintances, and has grown to overseeing, as editor in chief, the 1,000+ personal statements DLA Editors & Proofers reviews annually.
From what I have seen, the greatest obstacle preventing candidates from knowing what to write in their personal statements is not actually understanding what a personal statement is.
What Exactly Is a “Personal Statement”?
To understand what a personal statement is—and therefore to avoid the common pitfalls in writing one—it is necessary to consider first what the words “personal” and “statement” mean.
Let us start with the word “statement,” since it is the noun and therefore the foundation of the term.
According to Webster's Third New International Dictionary , a “statement” is “a report or narrative (as of facts, events, or opinions),” an “account” or “recital.” A “narrative,” or “narration,” is “the act or process of telling the particulars of an act, occurrence, or course of events.”
For candidates applying for medical residency, both the “act” and “occurrence” is the process of applying for medical residency, and the “course of events” is the path that has led to the candidate's now applying for medical residency.
When we add the definition of “personal” to this description, we get an even clearer picture.
“Personal” means “of or relating to a particular person.” It is “not public or general.” The “particular person,” of course, is the candidate preparing for medical residency.
Applying this meaning to that of “statement,” we can see that the “path” that is to be described by the “personal statement” should be the one of the applicant, and no one else.
The Challenge of Being “Personal” in a “Personal Statement”
Of the two components of the “personal statement,” by far the one that most applicants struggle with is the “personal” aspect.
Our clients are smart, driven individuals who excel at gathering, analyzing and prioritizing information to find possible solutions to a problem. The process is one in which they have been well trained, as the foundation for taking an effective patient history to arrive at the most likely differential diagnosis.
The greatest difficulty they have when needing to write their personal statements is not in their ability to approach a problem logically, but in being able even to know how to approach the problem of what to write, which for many defies logic.
This is particularly true for applicants raised outside the U.S. or Canada in cultures in which they were taught never to focus on themselves or to divulge any personal details, no matter how trivial.
Why Candidates Use Quotes in Their Personal Statements
No matter whether the candidates are U.S. or Canadian medical graduates or IMGs—and therefore for various reasons—they tend just the same to want to use quotes in their personal statements, with the quotes they want to use tending to fall into one of three categories.
The first and most common is a quote from someone famous. Examples of this are quoting Mohammed, Nelson Mandela or Thomas Jefferson.
The second is a quote from what a professor, attending or public speaker said in front of a class or group.
The third is a quote from a close friend, family member or otherwise particularly influential individual that has had a profound effect on the candidate.
In most cases, the quote is used in the introduction, and in most of these the candidate uses it in the first sentence. The reason for this is quite simple: the candidate is stuck on how to start, they do not have enough confidence in their own words, they believe such a device will attract the attention of an otherwise disinterested program director, or all of the above.
Why Using a Quote in a Personal Statement Is Almost Always a Mistake
What many candidates do not realize is that quoting someone else—particularly in the introduction and especially in the first sentence—is almost always a mistake.
There are several reasons for this.
Most commonly—as in the first two types of quotes described above—the quote has had no direct influence in shaping the candidate’s personal or professional path.
For a quote from Mohamed, Mandela or any other person to be effective, it must be crucial to the point in the narrative at which it occurs.
If it occurs in the first sentence, for example, it must be that the quote, above all the other candidate’s influences, has been foundational in their path. This is rarely likely, except in the case in which the candidate first heard the quote at a very young age and replayed it over and over again in their mind every—or almost every—day since.
Such quotes are more likely to have come from a parent or close family member or family friend than from a famous person.
When the quote occurs somewhere in the introduction after the first sentence, or elsewhere in the personal statement, it must similarly have had a profound effect on the candidate's individual path, or it must be otherwise crucial to the narrative.
In the first case it would be from someone particularly influential in the candidate’s life. This could be from a close family member or from some other individual close to the candidate. It could be from a professor or attending if it represents a key moment in the candidate's development.
What I mean by “gimmick” is something that someone writes as a crutch in place of what should actually be written.
In most cases the candidate does not realize that what they have written will come across as a gimmick, or they—at least before using our services—are at a loss with regard to what else to write.
When evaluating whether a quote is being used effectively, we come back to the key pillar of the personal statement, which is that it must be “personal.”
Too often, the quotes come across as either filler material or as a result of the candidate's, for whatever reason, not taking the effort simply to tell their own story.
What Candidates Should Write in Their Personal Statements Instead of a Quote
One problem we see is that there is a lot of misleading advice—and, even worse, examples—on how to write a personal statement that encourage the candidate to start with a famous quote. For almost every candidate, this is, by contrast, the worst place to start.
What is easy, though, is to ask one simple question to help decide whether starting with a quote is a good idea. This is: “Where did I get the idea for using this quote?”
If the answer is not that “it has had a profound effect on me since I heard it” or, in other words, that “there is no other way for me to tell my story without it,” then chances are it will not be successful to use it in the personal statement.
What a candidate should write instead is simply their own path in their own words.
Instead of trying to find a quote to use for the first sentence, the candidate should reflect on what exactly was the beginning of their path, and start with describing that.
One way to start could be: “As far back as I can remember, I have had a strong desire to help others” or “I will never forget the first time my uncle took me to visit the slums.”
Opening with a clear, direct statement like this from the candidate's own point of view will always be the most effective way to gain the attention of the program director, and to encourage them to read past the first sentence.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published January 30, 2017, and last updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness June 16, 2022.
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