What Are the Most Overused Phrases in Personal Statements (and What to Use Instead)?

Alright, let’s talk about personal statements. You know, that magical piece of writing that is supposed to capture your entire life, ambitions, and sparkling personality in 500 words. No pressure, right? If you’ve ever written one, you know how easy it is to fall into the trap of using the same tired phrases that everyone else is using. And trust me, admissions officers have seen them all.

If I had a nickel for every time someone wrote, "I have a passion for..." or "Ever since I was a child..." I’d probably be able to retire on a tropical island by now. But since I’m still here, let me share some of the most overused phrases I’ve seen (and used myself, because let’s be honest, we’ve all been guilty of this). More importantly, let’s talk about what you can write instead so your statement actually stands out.

"I Have a Passion for..."

Listen, I believe you. You wouldn’t be writing this statement if you weren’t at least somewhat interested in the field you’re applying to. But just saying you have a passion for something is about as convincing as someone saying they love coffee while drinking decaf.

Instead, show your passion. Talk about a specific moment when you realized you loved what you do.

Instead of: I have a passion for helping others.

Try: Volunteering at a local shelter taught me that small acts—like listening, sharing a meal, or simply being present—can change someone’s day. That experience cemented my desire to work in social services.

"Ever Since I Was a Child..."

Ah, the classic "Since I was five years old, I knew I wanted to be a doctor/lawyer/astronaut." Look, I get it. Some people really do know what they want to do from a young age. But unless you were actually conducting chemistry experiments in your kitchen at age six (which, by the way, sounds dangerous), this phrase is often just fluff.

Instead, pinpoint a specific event that solidified your interest. Maybe a high school biology project made you fall in love with research, or a family member’s illness made you realize you wanted to go into medicine. Those moments are way more compelling.

"I Am a Hardworking Individual Who Always Gives 110%"

Oh boy. The good old "110%" line. First of all, giving 110% is mathematically impossible unless you’re some kind of overachieving wizard. Second, everyone claims to be hardworking in a personal statement. You need to prove it.

Instead of: I am a hardworking and dedicated student.

Try: Balancing a full-time job with night classes taught me the value of time management. Juggling work, school, and personal projects forced me to develop discipline, which I know will serve me well in my future studies.

"I Want to Make a Difference"

Yes, I hope you want to make a difference. But the real question is: how? Saying you want to change the world without giving specifics is like saying you want to cook a gourmet meal without knowing what’s in your fridge. Be more concrete.

Instead of: I want to make a difference in my community.

Try: Through environmental policy work, I hope to shape legislation that reduces plastic pollution in urban areas. Combining data-driven research with public awareness campaigns can create lasting change.

"This Experience Changed My Life Forever"

Unless you survived a bear attack or discovered a new planet, most experiences don’t literally change your life forever. And that’s okay! The key is to avoid unnecessary exaggeration and focus on how the experience shaped you.

Instead of: Studying abroad changed my life forever.

Try: Living in a foreign country for six months reshaped the way I approach problem-solving. Adapting to a different culture taught me resilience, patience, and a newfound appreciation for mispronounced phrases.

Why Research Matters in Personal Statements

Now, here’s something a lot of applicants forget: scholarly research sources can actually strengthen your personal statement. You might think, "Wait, I’m just writing about myself. Why would I need research?" Well, if you’re applying to a specialized field, referencing relevant studies or industry trends can show that you’re not just interested in the subject—you’re engaged with it.

For example, if you’re applying to a psychology program and you mention how cognitive behavior therapy fascinates you, linking that interest to recent research makes you look even more serious about the field.

Statement Tips: What You Should Do Instead

Now that we’ve roasted some of the most overused phrases, what should you do instead? Here are some solid personal statement tips that will actually help:

• Be specific. Avoid vague statements. Tell stories, use examples, and let the reader see your experiences rather than just read about them.

• Write how you speak (but a polished version). Your personal statement should sound like you, not a generic template.

• Avoid clichés like the plague (see what I did there?). If it sounds like something you’ve read before, change it up.

• Show, don’t tell. Instead of saying you’re hardworking, give an example of a time when you had to push yourself.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, a personal statement is about you. It’s your chance to show your personality, experiences, and ambitions in a way that is engaging and memorable. Ditch the overused phrases and replace them with real stories, honest insights, and a bit of personality.

And if all else fails, just remember: if your personal statement reads like a generic fortune cookie, it might be time for a rewrite.