Writing a personal statement can feel like the most open-ended and intimidating part of your application. But it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re applying to the Master in Management (MiM) or one of ESCP’s Specialised Masters (MSc), your personal statement should be concise, personal and purposeful.
We asked members of the ESCP admissions team what really matters. Their advice? Focus on where you’re going, not just where you’ve been.
“A good personal statement isn’t your life story. It’s a one-page narrative that connects who you are to who you want to become,” shares Francesca Cattoni, Senior Advisor Recruiting & Admissions Manager at ESCP Business School in Turin.
What is the personal statement for?
Your CV tells us where you’ve been. Your personal statement tells us why you’re applying, what you want to achieve, and how ESCP fits in. It helps us understand:
- Your academic or professional goals
- Your motivation for applying to this specific programme
- What makes you a good fit, beyond what’s already in your CV
This is your chance to show your voice, your ambition, and your future direction.
4 things your personal statement should include
1. Your “why”
Why this programme? Why now? Why ESCP? Be honest and specific. Avoid generic phrases like “to pursue my passion for business”. Instead, share a meaningful reason that reflects your journey.
2. Your future goals
Even if you don’t have a fixed career path, show that you’ve thought about your direction. Whether you’re interested in finance, digital marketing, luxury, sustainability, F&B, entrepreneurship, or something else, explain how the programme will support your next step.
3. Relevant experience or insight
Pick one or two experiences—academic, professional or personal—that shaped your decision. Focus on why they mattered, not just what you did. Did a particular course, challenge or internship change your perspective?
4. Why ESCP
Admissions teams want to see you’ve done your homework. Mention a specific feature of the programme (e.g. courses, international tracks, practical focus) or the school’s values that resonate with your goals.
3 common mistakes to avoid
Even strong candidates can fall into these traps. Keep your statement focused and original by avoiding:
- Rewriting your CV
Don’t list your internships or academic achievements again. Use this space to add context and show what drives you. - Being too vague or clichéd
Phrases like “since I was a child” or “I’ve always wanted…” don’t convey genuine motivation. Instead, use concrete examples that shaped your interests. - Submitting a generic or AI-generated text
Tools like ChatGPT can help draft ideas, but your statement must be personal and tailored to ESCP. If we can replace “ESCP” with any other school name, it’s not specific enough.
Need help using AI wisely? Read: Write smarter, not harder: using AI for your ESCP Master’s application
How ESCP evaluates your personal statement
Your personal statement is reviewed as part of a holistic admissions process. While academic records and test scores matter, the statement plays a key role in showing your fit, focus, and motivation—especially if your profile is similar to others.
What ESCP looks for:
- Clarity: Are your goals and motivations well-articulated?
- Consistency: Does your statement align with the rest of your application (CV, interview, academic history)?
- Relevance: Have you connected your background and ambitions to the strengths of the programme?
- Authenticity: Does your voice come through, or does it sound overly polished or generic?
Especially for applicants with limited work experience, a well-written statement can make the difference between a good application and a great one.
For more on how to strengthen your application:
- Best Practices for a ESCP Master’s Programme Application
- International Experience: Your Secret Weapon for Masters’s Admissions
- ESCP Turin Campus Admissions Guide
- Discover all the application steps, download the PDF here
- ESCP Logic Test download the full PDF guide here
A strong personal statement is focused, personal and forward-looking. It doesn’t need to say everything—just the right things. Use it to show us the leader, thinker, and changemaker behind the application.