The personal statement is one of the most important—and potentially challenging—parts of a graduate school application, a crucial opportunity to convey goals, values, and motivations not captured in transcripts or resumes. It’s where applicants to the Boston College Woods College of Advancing Studies Online Master of Health Administration (MHA) can demonstrate their commitment to healthcare administration and highlight relevant skills and experiences.
The Online MHA is designed for individuals who are passionate about improving healthcare systems, committed to ethical leadership, and interested in shaping policy and operations across the health ecosystem. In selecting incoming students, the admissions team emphasizes authenticity, clarity, and alignment with the program’s mission over polished perfection.
This article offers guidance on how to effectively utilize the personal statement to connect your experiences and aspirations with the program’s values.
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Why the Personal Statement Matters
The personal statement is a required component of the Boston College MHA application. At 1,000 to 1,500 words, the essay provides you with the space to differentiate yourself from the applicant pool.
More than a summary of past achievements, the personal statement should demonstrate how your experiences and aspirations align with the program’s emphasis on ethical leadership and social justice. The goal in writing should be to help the admissions committee assess your potential to make meaningful contributions to the healthcare field and the MHA learning community. You may also use the statement to provide additional context for any aspects of your application that may require clarification, such as an undergraduate GPA below 3.0.
What Boston College Looks For
In evaluating personal statements, the Boston College MHA admissions committee seeks evidence of both professional readiness and academic preparation. A strong essay will demonstrate a clear sense of purpose, with defined career goals that align with the program’s focus on ethical leadership and systemic change in healthcare.
Applicants are encouraged to show how their values and aspirations reflect Boston College’s Jesuit mission, particularly in areas of equity, justice, inclusion, and leadership for the common good. Specificity strengthens a statement; highlight particular courses of interest, faculty you hope to learn from, or aspects of the curriculum that align with your goals. This level of detail signals intentionality and helps illustrate why the MHA program is the right next step.
Tips for Writing a Strong Statement
A strong personal statement begins with a clear and compelling story—whether it’s the moment that sparked your interest in healthcare or a defining experience that shaped your career path. Starting with a personal narrative helps ground your application in authenticity and gives the admissions committee insight into what drives you.
Effective statements also demonstrate an understanding of the challenges facing today’s healthcare systems and articulate how you hope to contribute to meaningful change. Connect your goals to Boston College’s Jesuit values that stress preparing ethical leaders committed to equity, justice, compassion, and service to others. To show readiness for graduate study, reference academic or professional experiences that have prepared you for the rigor of the MHA program, e.g., leading a project. Throughout, be specific and intentional. Clarity and purpose are key.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Be mindful of several common pitfalls when writing your personal statement. One of the most frequent is submitting a generic essay that could apply to any program. Other missteps include not adhering to the 1,000–1,500-word guideline or failing to follow formatting instructions.
Additionally, while it’s important to highlight past achievements, the essay should go beyond listing accomplishments to explain how those experiences shape future goals. Finally, failing to engage with the program’s mission—particularly its emphasis on ethical leadership, equity, and service—can result in a statement that feels incomplete. A thoughtful, focused essay that addresses both personal motivation and alignment with Boston College’s values will stand out.
Your Next Step
The personal statement is more than a requirement; it’s a chance to present your voice, values, and aspirations as a future healthcare leader. It allows you to show how your experiences and goals align with Boston College’s mission and the MHA program’s focus on ethical, equity-driven leadership.
Start drafting early to give yourself time to reflect and revise. If you have questions about what to include or how to approach your statement, connect with an enrollment advisor for guidance. Thoughtful preparation can help ensure your statement reflects both your potential and your purpose.