What is a goal statement?

A goal statement is a text intended to provide insight into the personal, career and educational goals of an applicant. The statement demonstrates the writing skills of the applicant and gives a glimpse of his personality.

The goal statement is also known as a personal statement, a statement of purpose, or an admissions essay. The goal statement should be formatted to have an introductory paragraph, a body and a concluding paragraph. Goal statements should reflect critical and analytical thinking. They should also demonstrate writing skills. A goal statement should be unique to the individual and specific enough that the reader understands what the applicant wishes to accomplish.