Purpose. My main purpose is to convince my readers to award me whatever I am applying for. How can I achieve that? What are the “selling points” I need to focus on?

Audience. What does my audience value? How can I appeal to those values in my personal statement?

Rhetorical appeals. What story can I tell to demonstrate that I am a good fit (ethos and logos) for the program or scholarship I’m applying for? How can I use my personal statement to make readers “root for me” (pathos)?

Modes & media. Does the organization I’m applying to specify whether my personal statement should be print or digital?

Elements of the genre. Are there specific questions the organization wants me to address in my statement? How will I begin my statement in a way that will get my readers’ attention? How can I connect my story and qualifications to the values of the organization? How can I make sure I come across as a memorable person? Most importantly, how can I support my argument that I am a good fit for the program or deserving of the award?

Style. This needs to be my best writing. Who can I share my draft with to get critical feedback? How can I make sure that I’ve proofread carefully?

Design. Does my use of design elements including font, font size, and margins serve to make my statement look clean, professional, and serious?

Sources. What research do I need to do about the organization I’m applying to? I need to know about the people who work there and what their values are.