how to write a personal statement for midwifery

• Personal statement advice: Midwifery

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How to write a personal statement for midwifery

Some of the key ingredients you need to try and demonstrate include:

• why you want to become a midwife
• your insight and awareness of the role of a midwife and the work they do
• evidence that you've got the necessary skills like communication, time management, teamwork, organisation and empathy — and why you think they are appropriate to the role
• an understanding of diversity and a capacity for being non-judgmental — you'll be dealing with people from the whole spectrum of society

Remember that midwives enable, support, and empower women — it's not just about babies. As an admissions tutor at Anglia Ruskin University described it: 'Can you evidence strong motivation based on a realistic understanding of the nature of midwifery?'.

With so many applicants chasing every place, the best personal statements will demonstrate what the University of York calls 'a real insight and current awareness that goes beyond the obvious aspects of the role or how it's conveyed on television'.

In fact, more than one university has told us, 'if you write about “One Born Every Minute”, you'll be rejected'. They're not joking either.

More midwifery personal statement dos and don'ts

• Be natural: you're likely to be interviewed for a midwifery place, so make sure your personality shines through in your statement — and you can back up claims you've made with evidence.
• Avoid being too generic: as the University of Nottingham puts it, 'we need more information than "I like caring for babies".'
• Evidence everything: don't just list the things you've done without explaining why they're relevant.
• Talk about what you would bring to the profession: not what the profession would do for you.
• Show awareness of maternity care issues: the University of Cumbria asks applicants to 'demonstrate that they have thought carefully about the influences on women's health and the nature of midwifery in the UK in the 21st century'.
• Ensure your spelling and grammar is spot on: many universities won't consider any applications containing errors.

How to make a positive impression in your personal statement

Standing out as a midwifery applicant requires thorough preparation and research.

As University of York's web page explains, you will then need to articulate your thoughts and opinions in a clear and concise way in your personal statement and convey something about who you are as a person, 'as this makes your statement unique and hopefully makes you stand out'.

You can also research which birth centres and labour wards you may like to do your placements on if you're accepted onto a course.

Do you need midwifery-related work experience?

Use your statement to reflect on any experience you've had of shadowing, working with, or just talking to a midwife about the role.

Reflecting on other kinds of care experience may also be relevant, especially in such settings as an antenatal or breastfeeding group, or any insights you've gained into current practice from midwifery journals, books, websites or open days.

Think about what transferable skills you have that would apply to midwifery situations. These could be demonstrated in lots of ways — whether it's the diplomacy you've needed as a customer service assistant, the empathy you've shown through volunteering, the teamwork that got you through your Duke of Edinburgh Award expedition, or the way you've balanced the demands of being a parent yourself.

Insights from midwifery students

Make sure your enthusiasm for the subject and vocation is backed up with an understanding of the demands of the course too.

We spoke to some inspirational midwifery students from Bournemouth University who told us what it's really like:

• And as a male student said, 'It's not babies I like, it's the being there for someone who needs my help’.
• 'The biggest shock is the workload.'
• 'Delivering babies is about 1% of what we do.'
• 'Communication skills are crucial – you must be able to listen.'
• 'Time management is vital, as there's so much to juggle.'
• 'Before you apply, you must do your research.'
• 'It's a baptism of fire, but we love it!'

NHS Constitution

For all degree courses that involve training within an NHS setting, there is likely to be some emphasis on values based selection, and how applicants' own values and behaviours align with the seven core values of the NHS Constitution .

Familiarise yourself with this while writing your personal statement.

Check out our guide on what to include in your personal statement , which covers how you should approach it, how to structure it, and more.

Check out all our personal statement advice and use our personal statement tool to get more specific midwifery tips while you're in the drafting process.

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Midwifery Personal Statement

Perfect your Midwifery personal statement following this example from a UCL applicant. Use it as a guide to writing your personal statement for the Midwifery course . See below the personal statement example for Midwifery .

Midwifery Personal Statement Example

As a future midwife, I am passionate about providing compassionate care to mothers and their families during one of the most pivotal moments in their lives. I am excited about the opportunity to study midwifery at UCL University and contribute to the field through research and clinical practice.

I have always been drawn to the medical field, and I have been working as a labour and delivery assistant for the past three years. This experience has solidified my desire to become a midwife and has taught me the importance of communication, empathy, and clinical competence.

I have a strong background in science, having completed my undergraduate degree in biology with a focus on women’s health. I am also currently pursuing my Master of Science in midwifery, which has provided me with a strong foundation in the theory and practice of midwifery care.

I am confident that studying at UCL University will provide me with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to become a successful midwife. I am eager to join the vibrant midwifery community at UCL and contribute to the field through my research and clinical practice. I am committed to providing high-quality care to mothers and their families, and I am dedicated to lifelong learning and professional development. Thank you for considering my application.

In addition to my academic and professional experience, I am also a member of the Midwives Association of North America, where I have had the opportunity to attend conferences, network with other midwives, and stay up-to-date on the latest research and best practices in the field. I am also a volunteer at a local pregnancy resource centre, where I assist pregnant women and new mothers with information and support.

I am excited about the prospect of studying at UCL University and becoming part of the rich history and tradition of midwifery at the institution. I am committed to working hard and achieving my goals, and I believe that studying at UCL will provide me with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to become a successful midwife. Thank you for considering my application.

Over the course of my school career, I have always been recognized for my hard work and dedication. Both independently and in a group, I am able to perform at a high level. Having the ability to work independently and as part of a team is important for midwives. As a result, he has been given important leadership roles, such as house captain and prefect. Moreover, public speaking has helped me to improve my communication skills so that I can clearly convey my ideas and thoughts to people of all ages and backgrounds.

Midwifery Personal Statement Tips

When writing your midwifery personal statement , include the following:

• What inspired you to choose Midwifery
• Why do you wish to work as Midwifery
• What you know about midwifery
• Qualities and abilities that will make you a great midwife
• Working with babies is a plus, add experience if have it
• Demonstrate your knowledge of midwifery
• The degree, modules, and dissertation topic you chose were relevant.
• Skills, hobbies, and achievements relevant to the midwifery course

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An Effective Guide to Writing Midwifery Personal Statements

Table of Contents

Midwifery personal statements are a vital part of the application process for those pursuing midwifery degrees. They allow the admission staff to get to know you as an individual and can be used to demonstrate your commitment to the profession. Like any other piece of writing, you must take care when crafting your statement if you want it to stand out from the crowd.

In this article, we have listed a few valuable tips for writing an effective midwifery personal statement, along with examples to use as inspiration.

What Is a Midwifery Personal Statement?

A midwifery personal statement is a written document that explains an individual’s motivations, qualifications , and experience for pursuing a career in midwifery. Prospective students often use it to apply for entrance into Midwifery education programs. The personal statement allows educators to understand the applicant as more than just grades and test scores. It provides insight into their qualities, aspirations, and dedication to a Midwife practice.

Why Is a Midwifery Personal Statement Important?

Midwifery personal statement is not just about explaining what you’ve accomplished in your field of work. It is about demonstrating the skills and attributes necessary for someone to be qualified to competently and responsibly help with the process of childbirth.

A well-written personal statement will demonstrate your understanding of the human body and your capacity for empathy.

Tips to Write Midwifery Personal Statements

The following tips will help you write good midwifery personal statements and better convey your qualities and qualifications.

• Start with an introduction that captures the reader’s attention and highlights why you are interested in becoming a midwife.
• Give specific examples of your experience working with pregnant women and newborns, whether through volunteering, work, or personal experiences.
• Explain what qualities make you a good fit for the role of midwife, such as being patient, compassionate, and proactive.
• Discuss any academic achievements related to pregnancy care or childbirth education that you have attained thus far in your studies/career.
• Reiterate why you want to pursue a career as a midwife and how this opportunity will allow you to reach your long-term goals.

What to Avoid When Writing a Midwifery Personal Statement?

Things to avoid when writing a midwifery personal statement:

• Don’t make excuses for your lack of experience.
• Avoid listing reasons why you want to be a midwife without providing concrete examples to support your claims.
• Don’t present yourself as someone perfect – no one is! Be honest and open about your flaws and weaknesses, but highlight how you have worked to overcome them.
• Avoid writing anything negative about previous employers or educators, even if they were less than stellar. Focus on the positive lessons you learned from them instead.

Personal Statement Midwifery Examples

Below are some midwifery personal statement examples to assist you in writing one on your own:

Like many other midwives, I was drawn to the profession after experiencing a positive birth myself. As soon as my son was born, I knew that I wanted to help other women have similarly empowering experiences. My journey into motherhood revealed just how important it is for pregnant women and their families to have access to quality care. They need someone who understands their needs and can support them throughout the process. Midwifery is all about providing individualized care — something that’s extremely important during childbirth.

I am passionate about helping mothers bring new life into this world in a safe and healthy way. And while training as a midwife will be challenging, I know it will also be incredibly rewarding. Through hands-on experience and theoretical learning, I hope to gain the knowledge and skills needed to deliver babies. I also want to ensure that every woman feels confident in her ability to give birth naturally if she chooses. To me, being a midwife isn’t just a job. It’s an opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives by supporting them through one of the most special moments of their lives.

Born and raised in a small town near the Mexican border, I was always interested in helping others. My fascination with birth began when I was a young girl; watching my cousins give birth at home fascinated me. Witnessing the strength and power of a woman giving birth left a lasting impression on me that has stuck with me throughout my life. As time passed, I continued to explore my interest in childbirth by taking classes on natural childbirth and becoming certified as a doula.

During my undergraduate studies at The University of Arizona, I had the opportunity to have clinical experience working alongside midwives at our local hospital. I assisted women during their births and provided support post-birth both in the clinic setting and within people’s homes. This invaluable experience solidified my desire to become a midwife myself one day soon!

The most rewarding part of this journey has been witnessing firsthand how pregnancy and birthing can empower women. No matter what walk of life they come from or how difficult their journey may be. Every woman who chooses to bring new life into this world is heroic in her own unique way. And it is an honor to help them through this profound process. It could be accompanying them through labor physically or simply being there emotionally to support them every step along the way.

A personal statement provides insight into the applicant’s character and motivation to attend the midwifery program. A key aspect of completing your personal statement is to make it concise. This article provides effective tips and examples to help you write a strong midwifery personal statement. Although an impactful personal statement is not easy to write, it is worth the effort. Stay focused.

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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Bournemouth University

Student Blog

Top tips on how to write a personal statement for midwifery.

To celebrate International Midwives Day on 5 May, current student Jess, shares some tips on how to write a personal statement if your applying for BSc (Hons) Midwifery.

Writing about yourself in general is hard enough but when you only have 4,000 characters to make a great first impression, mention all your transferable skills, talk about your experience, why you want to be a midwife and somehow make it exciting to read is one tall order!

Writing my personal statement I knew already how competitive it is when applying for a place on a midwifery programme. Limiting my chances by only applying to 2 university’s made the process even scarier! I started drafting my personal statement as early as I could, having been through the process before I had a personal statement to work from BUT i am so glad I scrapped the whole thing and started over. The best thing I did was get hold of a book for writing personal statements for midwifery. I made every mistake going when writing my personal statement at 17 and that truly was from a lack of research and understanding of the role of a midwife and not for lack of passion.

Here’s my top tips for writing a personal statement!

1) Start as early as you can! Even if you just start with a bullet pointed list of everything you want to put into your statement… it’s a start.

2) Draft, Draft and Re-Draft! Make the most of support from tutors or other professionals who offer to read your statement. It’s so important to make sure your sentence structure, spelling and grammar are up to scratch.

3) Read it out loud. It helps so much to read it through and you will pick up on so many more typing issues and mistakes by reading it out loud.

4) When you do start writing make sure you type it in a word document or keep a hard copy rather than typing straight into UCAS as this makes it easier for spell check and checking the word limit.

5) If your a few characters over make sure you check the end of your sentences and paragraphs as I didn’t realise that I always put extra spaces on the end which does take up characters and line space!

Now for midwifery specific tips!

1) Don’t talk about babies! The role of a midwife is about supporting women, and that should be the focus of your statement.

2) Research the skills and qualities of a midwife and try to talk about how you have those skills. Try to follow the format of what is the skill? show evidence of you having it ( talk about experience) and then why that skill is important in midwifery practice.

3) BUZZ WORDS! the 6 C’s of care are a great place to start and if you don’t know what they are go and read up about them! Also consider the importance of non-judgemental care especially in the context of the diversity of women and families that you may encounter through midwifery care.

4) The NMC’s code of conduct is a great resource and I would definitely make sure you’ve read it at some point before interviews.

5) Find something about midwifery that gets you excited and talk about it, get that passion across. Look up current ‘hot topics’ if your ensure.

6) Bring that reader in with that very first sentence! I would make use of your buzz words or show something about your understanding of the role of a midwife in that very first sentence!

7) Don’t worry if you can’t summarise why you want to be a midwife! Its not about the why its about how you’ve got to this point now, what have you done to prove that this is the career for you!

8) Remember your applying for a degree and not a job as a midwife just yet, so try and make some acknowledgement to being able to cope with the academic side of the course and your ability to manage your time especially as the midwifery course is 50% study and 50% placement.

9) Make sure you finish that personal statement with a really powerful ending. That will be the very last thing they read and if they haven’t made their mind up by that point that could be what sways it!

10) Make sure that it truly represents you and DON’T LIE! your personal statement will be the only thing they have about you when it comes to interview so they will talk about it with you if you can’t expand on what you’ve said or you seem to not know much about that 6 year placement you did in Antarctica setting up a midwifery unit for Eskimo’s they will realise it was probably a lie!

Just be yourself and if you haven’t got experience or struggle to get it that’s fine! So many transferable skills can come from other jobs. Retail work is about working with people, communicating with customers. Having patience when dealing with frustrated customers. Its all transferable skills so talk about it!

I hope these tips help anyone writing their statement and good luck on your journey to becoming student midwives!

Jess Correia, Midwifery student.

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BSc (Hons) Midwifery

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Midwifery Personal Statement | Advice & Template

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Found your dream midwifery role, but stuck on what to write in your personal statement? Here is our expert advice on what to include and how to present your skills and experience to create an excellent first impression and get invited to interview.

Personal statements give you the chance to showcase what you’re all about and where your talents lie. We recommend using this personal profile to promote your strengths, achievements and key skills. Use this 100-150 words to provide examples of how you match the job specifications, and show your desire for this midwifery vacancy.

What should you include in your midwifery personal statement?

Education and training

Provide a brief overview of your previous education and midwifery training (School/University/Higher Education Courses)

Why you are applying for the role?

Demonstrate your knowledge of the position to show awareness of what the role demands. What can you bring to this role? You need to show real passion and enthusiasm for why you want the job.

Activity: Where have you gained midwifery experience?

Provide details of your previous midwifery experience including the name of the hospital and the duration of your experience.

Skills: What have you done?

Examples could include:

• Teaching women how to have a healthy pregnancy journey, including promoting the right diet, the correct medications to take and what exercise they should undertake.
• Communicating effectively with other midwives and medical team and providing regular updates on the status of patients.
• Identifying and explaining risks clearly.
• Using my initiative, acting quickly and identifying whether the patients need a caesarean section.
• Providing support to patients and their relatives, before, during and after the birth to aid the patient’s recovery.
• Maintaining a calm and positive disposition with excellent communication skills.
• Emotional and mental strength.

Evidence: Give examples of your work experience

From conducting one-to-one meetings I have learnt how to communicate confidently with patients and educate pregnant patients on diet, which medications to take and what vitamins they need most and exercises to do to deliver a healthy newborn. I have delivered a number of babies safely and provided aftercare for the mother. I am also experienced in communicating with the medical team and other midwives as well as providing support during caesarean sections.

Midwifery Personal Statement Template

Kind, professional and highly trained midwife with excellent communication skills. I am committed to providing the best quality care and support for mothers and families throughout their pregnancies. 10 years' experience and a first class honours midwifery degree from University of Manchester. I work well under pressure and thrive in a team environment. My positive and friendly disposition means that I get on with all different types of people and put patients at ease which I think is key for this role. I am very knowledgeable about all aspects of pregnancy and am confident communicating this knowledge to patients. My previous experience working at the maternity ward at Barnet Hospital has taught me the importance of acting quickly and calmly. With my skills and experience, I am confident that I would be an asset to your team.

If you are seeking further useful information, then read our expert guide on how to write a personal statement .

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• Midwifery personal statements

Midwifery Personal Statement

My enthusiasm to venture into a challenging yet rewarding career began from an early exposure to midwifery. Observing my mother closely, eight years ago, through her antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal period gave me an insight into what this field entails and enabled me to truly embrace the vital responsibilities of a midwife. To be a midwife; to be able to support women and their families through the most vulnerable point in their lives, to be a part of a mother-to-be’s journey with the most rewarding outcome of a newborn infant and educating women on sexual health is, in my opinion, one of the most heartwarming experiences a job can offer. I firmly have faith in my abilities to pursue this career. 

A matter that is of vital importance to me is the rate of deaths of women from a Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic background during labour, and is something I wish to tackle when I become qualified. Recent reports (from MBRRACE-UK 11, ‘Saving Lives, Improving Mothers’ Care’) mortality rates between women from Black and Asian aggregated ethnic groups and White women. Because of this, I believe that it should be a priority to eradicate the inequalities faced by ethnic minorities faced in health and social care settings. I recognised the difficulties of this career path, however I am motivated to support the NHS through the recent challenges they are facing and I hope to contribute to the change. 

From December 2018 to January 2019 I had the privilege of visiting my home country, Uganda where I was lucky to have the opportunity to visit the less developed areas of Jinja and Kamapla, in particular the maternity clinics. I was inspired by the level of care being provided despite the very limited resources (such as access to epidural) allowing me to appreciate how privileged many people are in developed countries in regard to healthcare services. I was also able to gain awareness of new cultures and perspectives which makes me want to contribute to the change in developing countries once I qualify as a midwife. 

Furthermore, volunteering with the Imperial College Hospital Hammersmith has enabled me to learn, advance and broaden my skills in person-centred care. I have been able to meet many patients from a variety of different backgrounds and now I have the chance to befriend individuals during a lonely and isolated period and to support and social interactions during a period of uncertainty. I am most proud of how well I have been taught to execute the 6 C's when caring for patients.  

Through my ongoing volunteering with Age UK Camden to provide one-to-one attention to elderly clients who may suffer from a range of mental health complications, dementia or are feeling isolated has enabled me to gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact on older people’s lives. My own job at Waitrose has additionally aided my personal development as it has given me space to expand my communication skills, listening abilities and have allowed me to learn to speak with clarity in my voice, knowing how to change and adapt my tone to suit different individuals to make them feel comfortable. I also have learnt one-to-one conversational support which is a key

skill in the midwifery field as difficult times are likely to occur and a calm and reassuring manner will be vital.  

In my free time, I am an enthusiastic reader as I have an incredibly vivid imagination which contributes to my passion. Most importantly, I am a feminist and have a strong determination to advocate for all women to have equal rights and opportunities to fight against oppression. I stay up to date with the news about women across the world who are struggling and hidden behind the patriarchal society (in particular countries such as Iran, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan). 

I am highly motivated by the prospects of developing knowledge, in person experience and skills through my higher education courses. I am excited the best I can be, in order to advocate for both the mother and baby.  

Word count: 4190/4000

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Midwifery personal statement example 1.

At the age of 5 I recall being intrigued by my mother's pregnancy. The day my little brother was born I was amazed that he came from my mothers womb. I never forgot that wonderment.

16 years later I was able to experience another pregnancy (from an adults perspective) and was able to see all the different stages, even the birth. This so far has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. This made me aware that the role of a midwife involves more than just delivering babies.

Within the 3 years of studying health and social care, in 6th form, I was required to complete 2 work experience placements in a social care setting. I chose a nursery and an elderly persons home. This involved caring for people who were generations apart but the fundamentals were the same.

My communication and team functioning skills were strengthened as they were constantly being used for me to work effectively. These skills will be essential to work effectively as midwife, as I will have to work in a team with other health care professional and independently to provide the best care for patients.

Whilst studying I took up part time employment in retail. Having to attend work, 6th form and complete a number of assignments proved to be tricky but dramatically helped improve my organisational skill.

In 2003 I left my family, home and friends to travel to the USA to take part in the Camp America scheme. I had never travelled abroad on my own before but I willingly took on the challenge. I lived at a girls only summer camp for 3 months.

My time there involved, working in a team with women from all over the world as well as having to supervise girls aged 11-16 and organise their daily activities. Whilst there my patience, tolerance and communication skills were enhanced as I had to make myself understood through language barriers to girls younger than myself.

Being with the girls constantly, friendships were forged but I always had to retain some distance to maintain the position of team leader so knowing how and when to up hold boundaries was learnt and practised. This too can be used in midwifery, as relationships will be forged but professionalism must always be maintained. I understand that the teenage pregnancy rate is high in areas such as Lewisham, Lambeth and Southwark and with the experience of working in Camp America and being young myself, I believe I would be extremely well placed as a teenage parent midwife, once I am accepted on and pass this course.

Previously I studied Foundation Degree in Theatre Design and Practice. Requirements of course meant I had to travel to unfamiliar areas and become a member of established teams. This I did successfully. I also studied a level 1 peer mentoring. This will help me when I become a qualified midwife, as I will be expected to become a mentor to those studying in any hospital I will be employed at. Whilst taking the above courses I grew in knowledge, learnt more about myself, improved on existing skills and gained new ones.

Research I've done and actually witnessing the role of a midwife, I know I am capable and eager to meeting this challenge. As well as the knowledge that will be gained from attending this course, the qualities and characteristics I've strengthened and developed so far, will go along way toward what is needed to be a successful. Midwifery is challenging and demanding, as patients look to you to provide them with support, guidance and education, as well as assistance during labour and birth. You have to be dependable and responsible as you are being entrusted with the welfare of patients and their unborn child. My career choice is midwifery. As well, as the qualities listed above I am also trustworthy, dedicated and approachable and would make a good midwife.

Profile info

This personal statement was written by Lania for application in 2008.

Lania's Comments

im not sure if this how a personal statement should be, some feed back would be great.

Related Personal Statements

This personal statement is.

Wed, 09/07/2008 - 14:01

This personal statement is quite short and was expecting it to be longer. was this personal statement successful and was the lady accepted into a university course sudying midwifery?

i would also like to know if

Sun, 28/09/2008 - 21:33

i would also like to know if this person was accepted onto the course, i am hoping to study midwifery next year, and in the process of writing my statement. i also know ther are only 15 places available on the course.

"Since I was 1 years old I

Tue, 30/09/2008 - 11:31

"Since I was 1 years old I have been intrigued in the way that babies were released"

I think that if you were to write this in your personal statment, then you would be taking a large risk of not being accepted.

The grammar and sentence structure is off key. If you insisted on writing along these lines you should at least correct yourself English wise: "Since I WERE 1 YEAR old I have been intrigued in the way that babies were released" also the word released wouldnt be very techincal for someone applying for a Midwifery course now would it.

On course like this the more technical jargon you use the better!!!- Shows understanding!

This isn't a bad statement

Mon, 06/10/2008 - 18:35

This isn't a bad statement but if you really want to study midwifery, its got to be better unfortunately!

I applied for midwifery last year, i got 10 UCAS points over what they were asking for and my personal statement was supposedly very impressive according to a midwife I interviewed at a local hospital. HOWEVER, midwifery is sooo competitive and my advice to you all wanting to be midwives is step your game up and write something thats going to really make you stand out and be aware of the interviews! they really do grill you so be prepared for it and just be sure that this is really what you want because i was on a shortlist of 700 people and still wasnt successful, it's pretty tough but good luck everyone!

Please note

Wed, 01/04/2009 - 16:10

We are a group of university lecturers recruiting student midwives and are aware that this statement is being used on application forms.

Please ensure your personal statement is written in your own words. Anyone submitting a plagiarised statement will NOT BE CONSIDERED.

This statement's rather

Wed, 02/12/2009 - 16:57

This statement's rather waffly,, and seems a bit far fetched and too much use of big words that aren't understood 2 this individual.

dont be stupid you cant tell

Wed, 27/01/2010 - 12:06

dont be stupid you cant tell someone to write they have been interested in babies and midwifery since they where 1 years old You cannot function or remember things from at the age of one so stupid

Wed, 28/04/2010 - 12:18

Rite Luds- I reli liked it and soooooooooooooooooo wanna b a midwif an all. AS IF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I DONT QUITE UNDERSTAND WHY

Fri, 15/10/2010 - 12:35

I DONT QUITE UNDERSTAND WHY EVERYONE IS HAVING A DIG AS THIS GIRL, SHE ONLY WANTED SOME ADVICE ON HER PERSONAL STATEMENT. I MYSELF IM INTERESTED IN BECOMING A MIDWIFE AND TOTALLY UNDERSTAND HOW HARD IT IS TO TRY AND WRITE A PERSONAL STATEMENT. I HOPE HALF OF THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE COMMENTED ON THIS ARE NOT MIDWIFES AS FROM PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WE NEED MORE MIDWIFES THAT ARE APPROACHABLE AND NOT THINK THEY ARE BETTER THAN OTHERS! i do think it was a good atemped but do agree maybe try organising it a bit more.

Im quite shocked by some of

Thu, 28/07/2011 - 16:26

Im quite shocked by some of the comments ive read here.It is my greatest wish to become a midwife, and in a couple of years time when im able to apply for a university place i can only hope that i will be the sort of person who is able to leave an honest but helpfull comment.That if i should need advice there will be the support and understanding of those who know how hard starting out in this proffession is.Sometimes people are just looking for a simple compliment,a bit of confidence to say your doing okay!critisum is so easy to dish out,yet so hard to take. I wish each and everyone the best of luck.

Wed, 24/07/2013 - 07:18

Fantastic article. Really Cool.

i am currently in year 13

Thu, 12/09/2013 - 08:34

i am currently in year 13 writing my own personal statement, from all the feedback i have been given on mine i would personally say that this would be acceptable, but it could be a little more detailed, e.g. add skills, hobbies etc. not all just about experience, the university wants to know what skills you have in order to be successful at university, hope ive helped.

Add new comment

• How to End a Personal Statement With Impact

Your statement-ending paragraph is your last chance to make an impact, but it's essential to make sure that you summarise your main points and explain why you're qualified and willing to participate in the program with a strong ending. A compelling, realistic conclusion can give your application that extra oomph and show the admissions committee that you're the right choice. Just like writers on deadline, you might trip up on your statement's ending line. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Repeating information already covered without adding new insight
• Introducing new ideas or topics that should have been discussed in the body
• Using clichés or overly sentimental language that doesn't add value
• Ending abruptly without a clear summary of your points
• Overstating your achievements or future aspirations

How to End a Personal Statement Correctly

Ending your personal statement firmly is crucial. If you’re ever struggling with concluding your paper, a personal statement writing service can help. If you're determined to master conclusion writing, though, here's a simple, straightforward guide to crafting a compelling conclusion.

1. Reflect on Your Opening. Go back to your introduction . A good ending will often have an echo of the opening, which sits rather like a bookend to your statement. Don’t repeat your statements word-for-word, but perhaps offer a recap of the theme you developed or the little anecdote on which you started.

2. Summarise Key Points. Most guides for how to write a conclusion for a personal statement suggest that, at a minimum, students should briefly summarise the major themes they’ve discussed. Don’t simply recite facts; instead, create a sense of closure, revealing to the reader how your experiences and goals interrelate logically, culminating in your desire to join the program.

3. Connect to Your Future. Tie your story back to the opportunity at hand. Explain how the program will be important in helping you to reach your career or academic goals. Illustrate your plans to achieve these goals and make it clear that this program is included in your plan.

4. End with a Strong Closing Sentence. When concluding a personal statement, finish with a sentence that packs a punch. Show where you are headed next. It may be your word choice, your vow of commitment to the topic, or your powerful statement of passion and readiness to work in your chosen field. In any event, make it consistent with the tone and emphasis of your essay, and make it say what you need it to say about you.

5. Keep It Simple and Authentic. Resist the urge to drown readers in big words or have grandiose claims. The conclusion should sound sincere and genuine. Don’t make it too fancy or out of reach. Every sentence should add to the main point. Nothing should wander off.

Examples of Good and Bad Personal Statement Conclusions

Finishing up your personal statement can be a make-or-break moment in your application. It's your opportunity to stand out. That is why finding a good personal statement conclusion example can be helpful. Alternatively, you can consult an online writing service for some extra tips. Below, we'll look at five examples of some good and bad ways to conclude a personal statement.

It’s A Wrap!

As you finish your personal statement, remember that the conclusion should help tie up your argument. Our tips on how to write a personal statement will come in handy. Having read this article, you should know how to conclude a personal statement easily. Use the tips we’ve shared to craft an ending that shows off your suitability for the program. Make sure that your closing remarks remain genuine and clear-headed. This will give the admission committee a confident and positive impression of you and a sense that they know what you want to achieve.

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Writing a Personal Statement

Preparing to Write

Brainstorming, don't forget, sample prompts.

A personal statement is a narrative essay that connects your background, experiences, and goals to the mission, requirements, and desired outcomes of the specific opportunity you are seeking. It is a critical component in the selection process, whether the essay is for a competitive internship, a graduate fellowship, or admittance to a graduate school program. It gives the selection committee the best opportunity to get to know you, how you think and make decisions, ways in which past experiences have been significant or formative, and how you envision your future. Personal statements can be varied in form; some are given a specific prompt, while others are less structured. However, in general a personal statement should answer the following questions:

• Who are you?
• What are your goals?
• How does this specific program/opportunity help you achieve your goals?
• What is in the future?

A personal statement is not:

• A variation of your college admissions essay
• An academic/research paper
• A narrative version of your resume
• A creative writing piece (it can be creative, though)
• An essay about somebody else

Keep in mind that your statement is only a portion of the application and should be written with this in mind. Your entire application package will include some, possibly all, of the materials listed below. You will want to consider what these pieces of the application communicate about you. Your personal statement should aim to tie everything together and fill in or address any gaps. There will likely be some overlap but be sure not to be too repetitive.

• Personal Statement(s)
• Transcripts
• Letters of recommendations
• Sample of written work
• Research proposal

For a quick overview of personal statements, you might begin by watching this "5 Minute Fellowships" video!

If you are writing your first personal statement or working to improve upon an existing personal statement, the video below is a helpful, in-depth resource.

A large portion of your work towards completing a personal statement begins well before your first draft or even an outline. It is incredibly important to be sure you understand all of the rules and regulations around the statement. Things to consider before you begin writing:

• How many prompts? And what are they? It is important to know the basics so you can get your ideas in order. Some programs will require a general statement of interest and a focused supplementary or secondary statement closely aligned with the institution's goals.
• Are there formatting guidelines? Single or double spaced, margins, fonts, text sizes, etc. Our general guideline is to keep it simple.
• How do I submit my statement(s)? If uploading a document we highly suggest using a PDF as it will minimize the chances of accidental changes to formatting. Some programs may event ask you to copy and paste into a text box.
• When do I have to submit my statement(s)? Most are due at the time of application but some programs, especially medical schools, will ask for secondary statements a few months after you apply. In these instances be sure to complete them within two weeks, any longer is an indication that you aren't that interested in the institution.

Below is a second 5 Minute Fellowships video that can help you get started!

Before you start writing, take some time to reflect on your experiences and motivations as they relate to the programs to which you are applying. This will offer you a chance to organize your thoughts which will make the writing process much easier. Below are a list of questions to help you get started:

• What individuals, experiences or events have shaped your interest in this particular field?
• What has influenced your decision to apply to graduate school?
• How does this field align with your interests, strengths, and values?
• What distinguishes you from other applicants?
• What would you bring to this program/profession?
• What has prepared you for graduate study in this field? Consider your classes at Wellesley, research and work experience, including internships, summer jobs and volunteer work.
• Why are you interested in this particular institution or degree program?
• How is this program distinct from others?
• What do you hope to gain?
• What is motivating you to seek an advanced degree now?
• Where do you see yourself headed and how will this degree program help you get there?

For those applying to Medical School, if you need a committee letter for your application and are using the Medical Professions Advisory Committee you have already done a lot of heavy lifting through the 2017-2018 Applicant Information Form . Even if you aren't using MPAC the applicant information form is a great place to start.

Another great place to start is through talking out your ideas. You have a number of options both on and off campus, such as: Career Education advisors and mentors ( you can set up an appointment here ), major advisor, family, friends. If you are applying to a graduate program it is especially important to talk with a faculty member in the field. Remember to take good notes so you can refer to them later.

When you begin writing keep in mind that your essay is one of many in the application pool. This is not to say you should exaggerate your experiences to “stand out” but that you should focus on clear, concise writing. Also keep in mind that the readers are considering you not just as a potential student but a future colleague. Be sure to show them examples and experiences which demonstrate you are ready to begin their program.

It is important to remember that your personal statement will take time and energy to complete, so plan accordingly. Every application and statement should be seen as different from one another, even if they are all the same type of program. Each institution may teach you the same material but their delivery or focus will be slightly different.

In addition, remember:

• Be yourself: You aren’t good at being someone else
• Tragedy is not a requirement, reflection and depth are
• Research the institution or organization
• Proofread, proofread, proofread
• How to have your personal statement reviewed

The prompts below are from actual applications to a several types of programs. As you will notice many of them are VERY general in nature. This is why it is so important to do your research and reflect on your motivations. Although the prompts are similar in nature the resulting statements would be very different depending on the discipline and type of program, as well as your particular background and reasons for wanting to pursue this graduate degree.

• This statement should illustrate your academic background and experiences and explain why you would excel in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (UMass Amherst - M.S. in Civil Engineering).
• Describe your academic and career objectives and how the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies can help you achieve them. Include other considerations that explain why you seek admissions to the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies and your interests in the environmental field (Yale - Master of Environmental Management).  
• Please discuss your academic interests and goals. Include your current professional and research interests, as well as your long-range professional objectives. Please be as specific as possible about how your objectives can be met at Clark and do not exceed 800 words (Clark University - M.A. in International Development and Social Change).
• Write a 500- to 700-word statement that describes your work or research. Discuss how you came to focus on the medium, body of work, or academic area you wish to pursue at the graduate level. Also discuss future directions or goals for your work, and describe how the Master of Fine Arts in Studio (Printmedia) is particularly suited to your professional goals (School of the Art Institute of Chicago - MFA in Studio, Printmaking).
• Your statement should explain why you want to study economics at the graduate level. The statement is particularly important if there is something unusual about your background and preparation that you would like us to know about you (University of Texas at Austin - Ph.D in Economics).
• Your personal goal statement is an important part of the review process for our faculty members as they consider your application. They want to know about your background, work experience, plans for graduate study and professional career, qualifications that make you a strong candidate for the program, and any other relevant information (Indiana University Bloomington - M.S.Ed. in Secondary Education).
• Your autobiographical essay/personal statement is a narrative that outlines significant experiences in your life, including childhood experiences, study and work, your strengths and aspirations in the field of architecture, and why you want to come to the University of Oregon (University of Oregon - Master of Architecture).
• Personal history and diversity statement, in which you describe how your personal background informs your decision to pursue a graduate degree. You may refer to any educational, familial, cultural, economic or social experiences, challenges, community service, outreach activities, residency and citizenship, first-generation college status, or opportunities relevant to your academic journey; how your life experiences contribute to the social, intellectual or cultural diversity within a campus community and your chosen field; or how you might serve educationally underrepresented and underserved segments of society with your graduate education (U.C. Davis - M.A. in Linguistics).
• A Personal Statement specifying your past experiences, reasons for applying, and your areas of interest. It should explain your intellectual and personal goals, why you are interested in pursuing an interdisciplinary degree rather than a more traditional disciplinary one, and how this degree fits into your intellectual and personal future (Rutgers University - Ph.D in Women’s and Gender Studies).
• Your application requires a written statement to uploaded into your application and is a critical component of your application for admission. This is your opportunity to tell us what excites you about the field of library and information science, and what problems you want to help solve in this field. Please also tell us how your prior experiences have prepared you for this next step toward your career goals and how this program will help you achieve them (University of North Carolina Chapel Hill - Master of Science in Library Science).
• After watching the video, please describe what strengths and preferences as a learner you have that will facilitate your success in this innovative curriculum. What challenges in our curriculum do you anticipate and what strategies might you use to address these challenges? (MGH Institute of Health Professions PT - They recently redesigned their curriculum)
• Your personal goal statement should briefly describe how you view the future of the field, what your goals are to be part of that future, and what brought you to pursue an advanced education degree in your chosen field. You may include any other information that you feel might be useful. (Northeastern PT)
• Personal Statement: In 500 words or less, describe a meaningful educational experience that affected your professional goals and growth and explain how it impacted you. The educational experience does not need to be related to this degree. Focus on the educational experience and not why you think you would be a good professional in this field. (Simmons PT)
• Personal Statement (500 word minimum): State your reasons for seeking admission to this program at this institution. Include your professional goals, why you want to pursue a career in this field and how admission to this program will assist you in accomplishing those goals. (Regis College Nursing)
• “Use the space provided to explain why you want to go to this type of program.” (AMCAS)
• Address the following three questions(Though there is no set limit, most statements are 1–2 pages, single-spaced.): What are your reasons for pursuing this degree? Why do you wish to pursue your degree at this institution? How do you intend to leverage your degree in a career of this field? (Boston University MPH)
• Please submit a personal statement/statement of purpose of no more than 500 words for the department/degree of choice. Professional degree essays require a clear understanding of the _______ field and how you hope to work within the field. Be sure to proofread your personal statement carefully for spelling and grammar. In your statement, be sure to address the following: what interests you in the field of _____ what interests you in a specific degree program and department at this institution and what interests you in a particular certificate (if applicable). Please also describe how you hope to use your ________ training to help you achieve your career goals. (Columbia PhD in Public Health - Epidemiology)
• Because each Home Program requires significant original research activities in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree, we are interested in obtaining as much information as possible about your previous research experiences. Those who already have such experience are in a better position to know whether they are truly interested in performing ______ research as part of a graduate program. Please include specific information about your research experience in your Statement of Purpose. You may also use the Statement to amplify your comments about your choice of Home Program(s), and how your past experiences and current interests are related to your choice. Personal Statements should not exceed two pages in length (single spaced). Make sure to set your computer to Western European or other English-language setting. We cannot guarantee the ability to access your statement if it is submitted in other fonts. (Stanford Biosciences PhD)
• Your statement of purpose should describe succinctly your reasons for applying to the Department of ____ at ___ University. It would be helpful to include what you have done to prepare for this degree program. Please describe your research interests, past research experience, future career plans and other details of your background and interests that will allow us to evaluate your ability to thrive in our program. If you have interests that align with a specific faculty member, you may state this in your application. Your statement of purpose should not exceed two pages in length (single spaced). (Stanford Bioengineering PhD)
• Statement of purpose (Up to one page or 1,000 words): Rather than a research proposal, you should provide a statement of purpose. Your statement should be written in English and explain your motivation for applying for the course at this institution and your relevant experience and education. Please provide an indication of the area of your proposed research and supervisor(s) in your statement. This will be assessed for the coherence of the statement; evidence of motivation for and understanding of the proposed area of study; the ability to present a reasoned case in English; and commitment to the subject. (Oxford Inorganic Chemistry - DPhil)

Related resources

How to Use ChatGPT for Writing a Personal Statement

For the past two years since AI tools like ChatGPT became available, concerns have arisen about their potential to be unethical, make students less capable, and facilitate cheating.

However, universities are now recognizing that AI tools can be beneficial when used properly. It’s important to use AI ethically to enhance efficiency and overcome barriers to reaching your full potential.

According to Elliot Newstead , Head of UK Student Recruitment and Outreach at the University of Leicester, AI tools like ChatGPT can be beneficial for students applying to university if used correctly.

In the following section, we’ll explore how to use ChatGPT ethically to assist with writing your personal statement.

Using ChatGPT for Brainstorming

The first way to use ChatGPT is for brainstorming ideas.

When writing a personal statement, you need to create a document that showcases why you are a good fit for a particular degree. It’s essentially a CV for university admissions, highlighting your interests, passion, credentials, and future goals related to the degree.

Start by brainstorming career ideas.

For example, if you’re applying for a psychology degree but are unsure about future career paths, ask ChatGPT:

“ What are some career paths that I can pursue with a degree in Psychology?”

ChatGPT can provide various options such as clinical psychologist, counseling psychologist, health psychologist, school psychologist, social worker and researcher. You can then choose a couple of these paths to focus on in your personal statement.

Another useful feature is to generate a list of key achievements or skills needed for your chosen degree.

For example, if you’re applying for a business management program, ask ChatGPT:

“ List my key achievements and experiences relevant to a business administration program. “

It might suggest skills like leadership, project management, and strategic planning. You could then consider gaining relevant experience, like starting a podcast, to strengthen your application.

Gather Information

An essential part of your personal statement is discussing the subject in depth. Include information that interests you and is relevant, showing your passion and willingness to learn.

For example, if you’re applying for a degree in neuroscience or psychology and have a strong interest in dementia research, you might want to mention a new method, finding, or drug that has caught your attention.

You can use a platform called R Discovery, which has a tool called Ask R Discovery . It searches through the literature and provides you with relevant research findings.

You can ask a question like:

“ What is a recent research finding in dementia research?”

The AI tool will generate a summary and provide literature for further exploration. This can be a great topic to include in your personal statement to demonstrate your genuine interest in the subject to the admissions tutor.

Structuring Your Statement

The next way to use ChatGPT is to structure and generate an outline for your personal statement.

For instance, ask it:

“Create an outline for a personal statement for a computer science degree.”

Include details about your background and experience for a more tailored outline.

Typically, a personal statement should start with a compelling hook, followed by your academic background, achievements, relevant coursework, practical experience, skills, career goals, and a strong conclusion.

You can copy this outline into your document and start writing. This method saves time while ensuring your statement remains original and ethically written.

Writing the Content

ChatGPT can also assist with writing the content of your personal statement.

For example, you might ask it:

“Explain in the first person how my internship at a tech company prepared me for a computer science degree.”

It can help draft strong paragraphs by relating your experience to the course you’re applying for, discussing practical applications, teamwork, and professional development.

Refining and Editing

Once you have a draft, use ChatGPT for refining and editing. For example, you can ask ChatGPT to paraphrase a sentence or simplify a paragraph. It can also help with critical discussion points, such as presenting challenges or opposing arguments related to your experiences.

ChatGPT can also assist with adding recent research references or discovering relevant literature to include in your statement. This can be particularly useful if you want to demonstrate a deeper understanding of your field.

I hope you find this information useful. If so, feel free to share it on your social media and let me know in the comments.

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Social Security Matters

What you can do to protect your personal information.

August 21, 2024 • By Dawn Bystry, Associate Commissioner, Office of Strategic and Digital Communications

Last Updated: August 21, 2024

With various reports of data breaches involving Social Security numbers in the media, we’d like to remind you about the importance of protecting your personal information. Someone illegally using your Social Security number (SSN) and possibly assuming your identity can cause many problems.

What to do if you suspect your Social Security number has been stolen  

Identity thieves can use your SSN and other personal information to apply for loans and credit cards and open cellphone and utility accounts in your name. If you believe your information has been stolen and you may be a victim of identity theft, you can:

• Visit IdentityTheft.gov to make a report and get a recovery plan. IdentityTheft.gov is a one-stop resource managed by the Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s consumer protection agency. Or you can call 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338).
• File a police report and keep a copy for your records in case problems arise in the future.
• File an online report with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov . Its mission is to receive, develop, and refer cybercrime complaints to law enforcement and regulatory agencies.
• Equifax at 1-800-525-6285.
• Experian at 1-888-397-3742.
• TransUnion at 1-800-680-7289.
• Regularly check your credit report for anything unusual. Free credit reports are available online at AnnualCreditReport.com .
• Contact the IRS to prevent someone else from using your Social Security number to file a tax return to receive your refund. Visit Identity Theft Central or call 1-800-908-4490.

To learn more, read our blog , Protect Yourself from Identity Thieves , and our Identity Theft and Your Social Security Number publication.

What else can you do to protect yourself

Create or sign in to your personal my Social Security account to check for any suspicious activity. If you have not yet applied for benefits:

• You should not find any benefit payment amounts, and you should be able to access your Social Security Statement and view future benefit estimates.
• Review your Statement to verify the accuracy of the earnings posted to your record to make sure no one else is using your Social Security number to work.

If you receive benefits, you can add blocks to your personal my Social Security account:

• The eServices block prevents anyone, including you, from viewing or changing your personal information online.
• The Direct Deposit Fraud Prevention block prevents anyone, including you, from enrolling in direct deposit or changing your address or direct deposit information through  my Social Security or a financial institution (via auto-enrollment).

You’ll need to contact us to make changes or remove the blocks.

Other ways to safeguard your information

• Don’t carry your Social Security card with you. Keep it at home in a safe place. Be careful about who you give your number to.
• Change your passwords regularly and use a unique password for each account to prevent hackers from accessing multiple accounts if one password is stolen.
• Add an extra layer of security to your online accounts by using multi-factor authentication, which is a sign-in process that requires a password plus additional information.
• Be wary of scammers pretending to be Social Security employees. If you get a suspicious call, text, or email about a problem with your Social Security number or account, ignore it, hang up, and don’t respond! To report the scam and to learn more, visit Protect Yourself From Scams .

You’ll find more tips at our Fraud Prevention and Reporting page.

Please share this important information with your friends and family and post it on social media.

Did you find this Information helpful?

Tags: data privacy , fraud , scams , Social Security card

About the Author

Dawn Bystry, Associate Commissioner, Office of Strategic and Digital Communications

Deputy Associate Commissioner, Office of Strategic and Digital Communications

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Guard your card: protect what’s important to you, social security’s top 5 data privacy resources, 10 ways to protect your personal information, social security’s top 5 scam awareness articles.

August 25, 2024 8:25PM

From this Aug 21, 2024 article by Dawn Bystry, under What else can you do to protect yourself She states: If you receive benefits, you can add blocks to your personal my Social Security account: The eServices block prevents anyone, including you, from viewing or changing your personal information online. The Direct Deposit Fraud Prevention block prevents anyone, including you, from enrolling in direct deposit or changing your address or direct deposit information through my Social Security or a financial institution (via auto-enrollment).

Which sounds good, but no amount of searching reveals how I can place these blocks on my account!

It does state:

So presumably I’ll need to call the SSA 800 number or visit the local SSA office?

August 27, 2024 9:26PM

Hartsville South Carolina and Lamar South Carolina and Florence South Carolina and Darlington South Carolina and United States and Child Tax Credit Monthly check CTC and 2,000 and 3,000 age15 and age13 and 4th stimulus check and 1,700.00 and SSA and SSDI and SSI and 1,400.00 and P-EBT K-12 and 391.00 and 🇺🇸 🙄

August 24, 2024 2:23PM

Like so many others, your process is useless. My PI has been exposed and sold to Dark Web 4 times in the last 2 years. You allow sale of our data as if we were slaves to be bartered?

August 24, 2024 7:41AM

The social security office or US Social Security Administration at location 1871 Rockaway Pkwy, Brooklyn, NY 11236 and phone number 1- 800 772-1213 or 1-866-667-7342 want me to do illegal prostitution with them for my ssi money is why they gave me the worker the Asian worker to ask about my payee money that I need another instead of giving it to me the sole owner. I don’t need a representative

August 25, 2024 1:19AM

this is one of my links that can help that is connect with us or external websites

https://youtu.be/JW3oKZUzC5M?si=HqugNe95x-rmiqpc

August 27, 2024 9:27PM

South carolina and United States and SSA and SSDI and SSI and 1,400.00 and 4th stimulus check and 1,700.00

August 23, 2024 12:12PM

Why is the onus on ‘We the People’ to fix government mishaps? Private companies should NEVER have been allowed to store ANY critical private data in the first place! This is a complete failure. What are YOU doing to course correct? /We/ didn’t /get/ our data stolen, /YOU/ failed to provide /protection/ from thieving. What is being done about it?

August 22, 2024 11:14AM

Good Morning, My question is Is there a way I can add a pin or password to my number or maybe put a freeze on my SS number????

August 22, 2024 5:40PM

I like this question.

August 26, 2024 6:43AM

You can lock and unlock your social security number by creating an account at https://myeverify.uscis.gov/

Make sure the first thing you do is check to make sure that website actually has https on it as well as the little lock at the top and the word .gov to show it is an actual government website.

Once you create the account you can go there to proceed to lock your social security number. This will prevent anyone, including you to get a job with any employer that uses electronic background verification and will also prevent anyone from applying for benefits in your name. Keep in mind that if you go to get another job or apply for benefits you will need to temporarily unlock your social security number to apply.

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I-131F, Application for Parole in Place for Certain Noncitizen Spouses and Stepchildren of U.S. Citizens

ALERT: On Aug. 26, 2024, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, in Texas v. Department of Homeland Security,  Case Number 24-cv-306 administratively stayed DHS from granting parole in place under Keeping Families Together for 14 days.

To comply with the district court’s administrative stay, USCIS will:

• Not grant any pending parole in place requests under Keeping Families Together.
• Continue to accept filings of Form I-131F, Application for Parole in Place for Certain Noncitizen Spouses and Stepchildren of U.S. Citizens.
• Continue to schedule biometric appointments and capture biometrics at Application Support Centers (ASCs).

The district court’s administrative stay order does not affect any applications that were approved before the administrative stay order was issued at 6:46 p.m. Eastern Time on Aug. 26, 2024.

Use this form to request a discretionary grant of parole in place under  Keeping Families Together .

What This Form Can Help You Do

• Keeping Families Together

Frequently Asked Questions About Keeping Families Together

Form Details

Form I-131F must be filed online.

File Online

You can find the filing fee for Form I-131F by visiting our  Fee Schedule  page. There is no fee waiver available for Form I-131F.

Starting Aug. 19, 2024, you may file Form I-131F, Application for Parole in Place for Certain Noncitizen Spouses and Stepchildren of U.S. Citizens, online with the applicable filing fee. There is no fee waiver available for Form I-131F.

Each requestor, including noncitizen stepchildren, must file a separate Form I-131F requesting parole in place, and each requestor must have their own USCIS online account. A parent or legal guardian may create an online account for their minor child if the purpose is to submit a form on behalf of the minor. If a parent or legal guardian is not available, a primary caregiver or legal assistance provider may also help a child create their own USCIS online account. Information on creating a USCIS online account is available on the  How to Create a USCIS Online Account page.

• Frequently Asked Questions About the Keeping Families Together Process
• Form I-131F Filing Guide (PDF, 8.95 MB)

Filing Online

• How to Create a USCIS Online Account
• Tips for Filing Forms Online
• Online Filing for Attorneys and Accredited Representatives

The specter of China has edged into US election rhetoric − for Republicans much more than Democrats

Professor of Media and Communication Studies, University of Maryland, Baltimore County

Disclosure statement

Fan Yang does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

University of Maryland, Baltimore County provides funding as a member of The Conversation US.

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Speaking at the Republican National Convention in July 2024, Donald Trump invoked China 14 times . In the course of a 92-minute address, the former president recycled his widely criticized term “ China virus ” for the COVID-19 pandemic, said China was stealing auto jobs, and touted how his administration had China beat on a variety of fronts.

China also made it into the major addresses at the 2024 Democratic National Convention. On the first night, President Joe Biden said that on coming into office, “the conventional wisdom was that China would inevitably surpass the United States.”

“No one is saying that now,” he added.

Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris echoed this sentiment on the final night, claiming that if elected she would ensure that “America, not China, wins the competition for the 21st century.”

As an expert on how China is represented in U.S. media culture and politics , I believe the fact that China is edging into the election rhetoric is of little surprise – nor is the imbalance in emphasis given to the country by the Democratic and Republican tickets, respectively.

A tried and tested election ploy

Since Biden’s exit from the presidential race , the Democratic candidates have seemingly limited their references to China on the campaign trail, in contrast with their Republican counterparts.

Trump and his Republican allies have long mobilized the use of China to position themselves as anti-Communist and to burnish their “America first” credentials. For Trump, especially, it is a tried and tested electoral ploy. In the run-up to the 2016 election, Trump invoked China so frequently that The Huffington Post produced a mashup video of the candidate repeating “China” 234 times.

This has continued into the current election cycle.

Aside from the frequent mentions in the speeches by Trump and others, the 2024 GOP platform emphasizes “Secure Strategic Independence from China” as a key commitment, through limiting trade and investment as well as “countering China” to “return Peace through Strength.” In contrast, other perceived adversaries such as Russia and Iran received no mention in the official Republican platform.

Meanwhile, Project 2025 – the conservative Heritage Foundation’s policy plan often associated with Trump, although his campaign denies the connection – mentions China no fewer than 483 times in a 922-page document. The project’s official website even highlights the goal to “take on China” on the “About” page.

Neither ‘dragon slayer’ nor ‘panda hugger’

It was not, therefore, surprising that Trump-supporting elements of the U.S. media pounced on news that Tim Walz, the governor of Minnesota chosen to be Harris’ running mate, has previously taught in China and traveled there an estimated 30 times since 1989, including on his honeymoon .

Although Walz has said he is “ neither a ‘dragon slayer’ nor a ‘panda hugger’ ” when it came to China, conservative commentators painted Walz as a “Marxist” who would make Communist China “very happy.” Fox News host Jesse Watters even called for Walz to undergo an FBI background check due to his China links.

On Aug. 16, the House Oversight and Accountability Committee chair, Republican James Comer, opened an investigation into Walz’s “longstanding connections” to China.

The Great Walz of China? Hardly

The ties that some Republicans find suspicious include Walz’s running Educational Travel Adventures with his wife, Gwen Walz, from 1994 to 2003. The company they founded helped students from small-town America travel to China to learn about the country’s history and culture . Walz also served on the human rights-monitoring Congressional-Executive Commission on China during his time as a House representative.

While consistently critical of the Chinese government , Walz has also recognized that the relationship between the U.S. and China does not have to be an adversarial one, and there can be “ many areas of cooperation .”

Despite his extensive China-related experiences, the Democratic vice presidential nominee has yet to mention China during major campaign speeches – China didn’t make it into his party convention address , unlike the speeches of Harris, Trump and Walz’s rival for vice president, JD Vance .

Walz’s apparent reluctance to highlight his knowledge about China also contrasts with the action of a previous Republican presidential hopeful, Jon Huntsman, who served as an ambassador to China and is fluent in Chinese. During his campaign in 2011, arguably a different time in U.S.-China relations, Huntsman repeatedly demonstrated his ability to speak Chinese and was often praised for doing so .

Harris’ great leap forward, not back

One reason behind the difference in emphasis on China between the two presidential tickets is, I believe, the different framing of the election. To the Democrats, the upcoming vote is about movement – they are projecting the choice between going backward or going forward. Taglines such as Harris’ “ we’re not going back ” position the United States and its people as marching toward a future of unity, promise and opportunity that, in their view, leaves behind the chaos, division and repression of the past.

In this framing, the role of China as a threat is anchored primarily in the area of high-tech competition; Harris’ mentions of China in her convention speech were in regard to the future on space and artificial intelligence .

By contrast, the Republican campaign is premised more on protecting an imagined Americanism from foreign forces, which is why you hear more from Trump and Vance on the much dramatized “ invasion” of immigrants illegally crossing the borders and “bringing” drugs and crime.

The same logic, I would argue, informs the GOP’s frequent invocation of China as a geopolitical and economic threat.

After all, Trump has long attributed a great number of actions to the Chinese government, from calling it a creator of the “ Wuhan virus ” to blaming it for producing the “ hoax ” of climate change. In his convention speech, Vance linked China directly to the illegal cross-border drug trade . At a rally in Michigan on Aug. 27, he also accused Harris of using tax dollars to pay “the Chinese Communist Party to build factories on American soil,” omitting the fact that the Republican-led legislature had developed the program.

This characterization of China fits what I called the “racialization” of the Chinese state in my book “ Disorienting Politics .” The rhetoric depicts China as a powerful agent that carries out nefarious acts that can only hurt America.

‘Make it all about China’

Over the past two decades, parts of the American media have conflated China’s Communist Party rule with fascism and totalitarianism.

That rhetoric in the U.S. over the “Chinese virus” during the pandemic triggered a spike in reported anti-Asian racist attacks, showing that manufactured fear of a distant place like China can also sow hatred toward people perceived to have come from that place.

In this sense, Walz’s reluctance to invoke China perhaps corresponds to a refusal to oversimplify the complex society of China. “The best way to study about people is to hear them tell what it is like where they live,” said the former social studies teacher back in 1991 , while discussing a U.S.-China pen-pal program with a local newspaper.

As the election season unfolds, the specter of China is likely to return even as more urgent geopolitical conflicts continue to dominate the headlines.

After all, even one of Walz’s former students – a self-described “dormant Republican” attempting to defend Walz against Republican attacks on his character – still advised the Trump campaign to focus on policy and “ make it about China .”

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• US elections
• Kamala Harris
• US election 2024
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