thesis statements about private school

Demystifying Personal Statements for Private School Admissions: Expert Tips and Strategies

Table Of Contents:

• What is a personal statement, and why is it important for private school admissions?

• The role of personal statements in the admissions process

• Overview of the private school admissions process

• What admissions committees are looking for in personal statements

• Common mistakes to avoid in personal statements

• Tips for crafting a memorable and effective personal statement

• How to provide constructive feedback and support without taking over the writing process

• Brainstorming ideas and identifying your strengths

• Choosing a theme and structuring your personal statement

• Outlining and drafting your personal statement

• Introduction and thesis statement

• Body paragraphs that showcase your strengths and experiences

• Conclusion and reflection on your personal growth and future goals

• Common questions and concerns from parents and students

Chapter 1: Introduction to Personal Statements

• What is a personal statement, and why is it important for private school admissions? A personal statement is a written narrative that offers a glimpse into an individual’s personality, experiences, and aspirations. This document is a crucial part of the private school application process, as it allows the admissions committee to assess a candidate’s potential to excel in and contribute to the school’s academic and social environment. Typically required for high school admissions, personal statements are generally no longer than one or two pages in length.

The Independent School Entrance Examination (ISEE) website states that personal statements enable applicants to “emphasize their strengths, accomplishments, and objectives in a succinct and persuasive manner.” By offering a more profound insight into a candidate’s character and motivation, personal statements can distinguish applicants from others with comparable academic records and test scores.

Personal statements hold significant weight in private school admissions since they allow admissions committees to learn about applicants beyond their academic achievements. Besides evaluating an applicant’s academic performance, admissions committees also seek students who are passionate, inquisitive, and actively engaged in their communities. Personal statements can showcase these attributes and present a more holistic perspective of an applicant’s potential to contribute to the school’s community.

Moreover, personal statements can be used to assess a candidate’s writing skills, creativity, and ability to communicate effectively. These skills are vital for success in a demanding academic setting and are highly valued by private schools.

In the private school admissions process, personal statements play a pivotal role. They grant admissions committees a more comprehensive understanding of a candidate’s character, values, and objectives. Personal statements are employed to gauge an applicant’s compatibility with the school’s culture and community and to ascertain whether they are a suitable match for the school’s academic and extracurricular programs.

The National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) emphasizes that personal statements are an invaluable resource for admissions committees to evaluate an applicant’s intellectual curiosity, creativity, and passion for learning. They can aid admissions committees in identifying students who are likely to make meaningful contributions to the school’s community, both academically and socially.

Personal statements also serve to evaluate a candidate’s writing abilities and capacity for effective communication. Private schools typically emphasize written communication and critical thinking skills, and personal statements offer a means for admissions committees to assess a candidate’s proficiency in these areas.

Additionally, personal statements are utilized to assess an applicant’s motivation for attending the school and their comprehension of the school’s mission and values. Private schools often possess a distinct educational philosophy and approach to learning, and personal statements can assist admissions committees in recognizing students who align with the school’s culture and values.

Personal statements are often examined alongside other application materials, such as transcripts, test scores, and letters of recommendation. Admissions committees review all of these materials holistically when making admissions decisions. Personal statements can differentiate an applicant from other candidates with similar academic credentials and demonstrate the applicant’s potential to contribute to the school’s community.

The private school admissions process can be intricate and competitive, with variations between schools. Nevertheless, most private schools follow some general steps in their admissions process. Here is an overview of the private school admissions process:

• Research: Parents and students should investigate the schools they are interested in, focusing on their academic programs, extracurricular activities, and admissions requirements. Many schools host open houses or tours that prospective families can attend to gain a better understanding of the school’s culture and community.
• Application: Once families have identified the schools they want to apply to, they generally need to submit an application that includes essential information about the student, such as their academic history, test scores, and extracurricular activities. Some schools also require additional materials, such as personal statements, essays, or letters of recommendation.
• Testing: Numerous private schools mandate that applicants take standardized tests, such as the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE), the Secondary School Admissions Test (SSAT), or the High School Placement Test (HSPT). These tests evaluate a candidate’s academic abilities and potential to succeed in a challenging academic environment.
• Interviews: Many private schools require applicants to participate in an interview with a member of the admissions team. Interviews offer an opportunity for candidates to display their personality, communication skills, and compatibility with the school’s culture and community.
• Admissions Decision: After reviewing all application materials, test scores, and interview feedback, the admissions committee will reach a decision about whether to accept or reject the applicant. Some schools also maintain waitlists, where candidates may be placed if there are insufficient spots available in the incoming class.

By understanding each step of the private school admissions process, parents and students can better prepare themselves for a successful application experience. It is crucial to dedicate ample time and effort to each component, including the personal statement, to increase the likelihood of gaining admission to the desired private school.

Chapter 2: Understanding the Admissions Committee’s Perspective

Admissions committees for private schools are looking for personal statements that provide insight into an applicant’s personality, character, values, and goals. Here are some key qualities and characteristics that admissions committees seek in personal statements:

• Authenticity: Admissions committees want applicants’ personal statements to be authentic and reflective of their true character and values. Genuine, honest, and self-aware statements resonate with the committees.
• Fit with the school’s mission and values: Private schools have unique missions, values, and educational philosophies, and admissions committees search for applicants who fit these ideals. Personal statements should demonstrate an understanding of the school’s culture and community and show a willingness to contribute to and thrive within that environment.
• Intellectual curiosity: Admissions committees seek students who are intellectually curious and passionate about learning. Personal statements should demonstrate a love of learning and a willingness to take intellectual risks and pursue academic interests outside of the classroom.
• Creativity: Private schools often value creativity and innovation, and admissions committees look for personal statements that showcase a creative approach to problem-solving, critical thinking, and self-expression.
• Communication skills: Personal statements offer applicants a chance to demonstrate their writing skills and ability to communicate effectively. Admissions committees expect personal statements to be well-written, articulate, and display a mastery of language and grammar.
• Leadership potential: Admissions committees search for students with the potential to be leaders within the school community and beyond. Personal statements should demonstrate leadership skills such as initiative, teamwork, and responsibility.
• Diversity and inclusion: Private schools often value diversity and inclusion and seek students with diverse experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives. Admissions committees expect personal statements to demonstrate a commitment to these values and an understanding of the importance of diversity and inclusion in a school community.

When writing personal statements for private school admissions, applicants should avoid several common mistakes. Here are some of the most important mistakes to watch out for:

• Lack of specificity: Admissions committees expect personal statements to be specific and demonstrate a clear understanding of the applicant’s goals and interests. Avoid writing a generic statement that could apply to any student.
• Focusing on accomplishments rather than personal qualities: Although highlighting accomplishments and achievements is important, personal statements should primarily concentrate on the personal qualities, values, and experiences that make an applicant unique.
• Using clichés and platitudes: Steer clear of overused phrases and clichés that do not add anything unique or meaningful to the personal statement.
• Neglecting to proofread: Personal statements should be meticulously proofread and edited for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. Careless mistakes can leave a negative impression on admissions committees.
• Not following instructions: Carefully read and follow the instructions for the personal statement provided by the school. Failure to follow instructions can reflect poorly on the applicant’s attention to detail and ability to follow directions.
• Being too self-promotional: While highlighting personal strengths and accomplishments is important, avoid being excessively self-promotional or arrogant in the personal statement. Admissions committees seek applicants who are confident but also humble and self-aware.
• Neglecting to showcase personality: Personal statements should be personal, so it is crucial to showcase personality and individuality in the writing. Avoid writing in a robotic or overly formal style that doesn’t reflect the applicant’s personality.

When crafting a personal statement for private school admissions, applicants should aim to create a memorable and effective piece of writing that showcases their unique strengths and qualities. Here are some tips to keep in mind when writing a personal statement:

• Start early and take your time: Crafting a strong personal statement requires time and effort. Begin early and give yourself ample time to brainstorm, write, and revise.
• Be authentic and genuine: Admissions committees seek authentic and genuine applicants who are willing to share their personal experiences and perspectives. Refrain from trying to be someone you’re not or writing what you think the committee wants to hear.
• Tell a story: A personal statement should go beyond a list of accomplishments or attributes. Instead, it should narrate a story that highlights the applicant’s unique experiences, values, and qualities.
• Use vivid and descriptive language: Employ descriptive language to bring your story to life and engage the reader. Avoid clichés and opt for specific and unique words that create a vivid picture.
• Focus on a few key themes: A personal statement should have a clear emphasis on a few key themes or experiences that showcase the applicant’s strengths and qualities. Avoid attempting to cover too much ground or including an excessive number of ideas.
• Be concise: Personal statements should be concise and to the point. Steer clear of rambling or including unnecessary details that don’t contribute to the overall narrative.
• Show, don’t tell: Rather than simply telling the admissions committee about your qualities and strengths, use specific examples and experiences to demonstrate these attributes in action.
• Revise and proofread: After drafting your personal statement, ensure you revise and proofread carefully. Check for grammar and spelling errors, and make certain your writing flows smoothly and logically.
• Seek feedback: Obtaining feedback from others can help you refine your personal statement and make it even more robust. Consider asking teachers, mentors, or family members for feedback on your writing.

Crafting a memorable and effective personal statement demands time, effort, and attention to detail. By being authentic, narrating a compelling story, using vivid language, concentrating on key themes, and seeking feedback, applicants can create a personal statement that showcases their unique strengths and qualities, thereby increasing their chances of gaining acceptance to their desired schools.

Chapter 3: Preparing to Write Your and your child’s Personal Statement

• How to provide constructive feedback and support without taking over the writing process When assisting their children with personal statement essays for private school admissions, parents may face the challenge of striking the right balance between providing support and guidance without taking over the writing process. Here are some strategies parents can employ to offer constructive feedback and support for their child’s personal statement essay:

• Set clear expectations: From the beginning, parents should establish clear expectations with their child regarding their role in the process. It’s crucial to communicate that the essay is the child’s responsibility, and parents are there to provide support and guidance.
• Start with brainstorming: To help their child get started, parents can facilitate brainstorming sessions to generate ideas and organize thoughts. Encourage your child to reflect on their personal experiences and their educational aspirations.
• Provide feedback on structure and clarity: Parents can offer valuable feedback on the structure and clarity of their child’s essay, including assistance with organizing ideas, ensuring logical flow, and providing feedback on grammar and syntax.
• Encourage self-reflection: A compelling personal statement essay should showcase the student’s unique experiences and perspectives. Encourage your child to contemplate their personal growth, challenges faced, and future goals.
• Avoid being overly critical: Parents should refrain from being excessively critical of their child’s writing. While constructive feedback is helpful, it’s equally important to provide positive reinforcement and encouragement.
• Respect your child’s voice: Ultimately, the personal statement essay should reflect your child’s voice and perspective. Parents should be cautious not to dominate the writing process or impose their own ideas and opinions.

By implementing these strategies, parents can offer constructive feedback and support for their child’s personal statement essay without taking over the writing process. This approach can help their child develop writing skills, showcase unique experiences and perspectives, and increase their chances of acceptance into top-choice private schools .

 Before composing a personal statement for private school admissions, it’s essential to dedicate time to brainstorm ideas and identify unique strengths and qualities. Here are some tips to help you begin:

• Reflect on your experiences: Start by contemplating your past experiences and considering what has shaped you into who you are today. Reflect on any challenges faced, accomplishments achieved, or experiences that have been particularly significant.
• Identify your values: Determine the values that are most important to you, guiding your actions and decisions. Values could include honesty, integrity, empathy, or perseverance.
• Consider your goals: Contemplate your long-term personal and academic goals and aspirations. What do you hope to achieve in the future, and how do your current strengths and experiences align with these goals?
• Ask others for feedback: Consider seeking feedback from teachers, mentors, or family members regarding your strengths and qualities. They may offer insights into your unique talents and abilities that you haven’t yet recognized.
• Make a list: After brainstorming and reflecting on your experiences, create a list of your strengths and qualities. These could include leadership skills, creativity, analytical thinking, or a strong work ethic.
• Prioritize your strengths: After listing your strengths, prioritize them based on their relevance to the school or program you’re applying to. Focus on emphasizing the strengths most relevant to the admissions committee’s priorities.
• Consider how to showcase your strengths: Finally, think about how you can display your strengths and qualities in your personal statement. Consider telling a story or providing specific examples that demonstrate your strengths in action.

Brainstorming ideas and identifying unique strengths and qualities is a vital first step in crafting a successful personal statement for private school admissions. By reflecting on experiences, identifying values and goals, soliciting feedback, and listing strengths, you can create a powerful narrative that showcases your unique talents and abilities, increasing your chances of gaining acceptance to your desired schools.

Creating a memorable and effective personal statement is a critical step in the private school admissions process. After identifying your unique strengths and brainstorming ideas, the next step is to select a theme and structure your statement in a compelling manner.

A key element of a successful personal statement is having a central theme or message. This theme should be relevant to the school or program you’re applying to and should showcase your unique qualities and accomplishments. Consider how your experiences, strengths, and goals connect and think about what distinguishes you from other applicants. Once you have a clear understanding of your theme, you can develop a hook that grabs the reader’s attention and encourages them to read more.

Using a narrative structure is another effective way to organize your personal statement. A strong narrative should have a clear beginning, middle, and end, and should emphasize your growth and development over time. Consider how your experiences have shaped you as a person and how they have prepared you for future success. By telling an engaging story that highlights your strengths and accomplishments, you can leave a lasting impression on the admissions committee.

Another crucial aspect of crafting a successful personal statement is being concise and specific. Rather than employing vague or generic statements, focus on providing concrete evidence of your skills and achievements. This means using specific details and examples that illustrate your strengths and accomplishments. Additionally, use active voice, which makes your writing more engaging and impactful.

In conclusion, selecting a theme and structuring your personal statement in a compelling manner is crucial for success in the private school admissions process. By developing a clear theme, using a narrative structure, being concise and specific, and employing active voice, you can create a powerful statement that showcases your strengths and sets you apart from other applicants. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can craft a memorable and effective personal statement that will help you achieve your academic and personal goals.

After identifying your theme and brainstorming ideas, the next step in crafting a memorable and effective personal statement is outlining and drafting your statement. This process involves creating a roadmap for your statement and organizing your ideas in a structured format.

The first step in outlining your personal statement is to create a rough outline or skeleton for your statement. This outline should include the main points or ideas you want to cover in your statement and the order in which you want to present them. You should also include any specific examples or anecdotes you want to use to support your ideas.

Once you have created an outline, you can begin drafting your statement. Remember that your first draft does not need to be perfect – the purpose of this stage is to get your ideas down on paper and begin refining your statement.

When drafting your personal statement, focus on several key elements, including:

• Introduction: Your introduction should be engaging and attention-grabbing, clearly establishing your theme or message.
• Body: The body of your statement should be structured around your main points or ideas and should include specific examples and anecdotes to support your arguments.
• Conclusion: Your conclusion should summarize your main points and reiterate your theme or message while also leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

In addition to these elements, pay attention to the tone and style of your writing. Aim to be concise and specific while also being descriptive and engaging. Use active voice and avoid cliches or generic language.

After drafting your personal statement, revise and edit your work. This process involves refining your writing, tightening your structure, and ensuring your message is clear and effective. Have someone else read over your statement to provide feedback and suggestions for improvement.

Chapter 4: Elements of a Successful Personal Statement

 The introduction and thesis statement serve as vital components of any academic essay, including a personal statement for private school admissions. The introduction forms the reader’s first impression of your essay, so it should be engaging, concise, and informative. Conversely, the thesis statement represents the central argument or point that you will substantiate in your essay, requiring clarity, specificity, and evidence throughout the essay.

Begin the introduction with a captivating hook that grabs the reader’s attention, encouraging them to continue reading. This could be an intriguing quote, a personal anecdote, or a thought-provoking statistic. Following the hook, offer background information on the topic and establish the context for your essay.

An effective strategy for writing an introduction is to use the “inverted triangle” method, which entails starting with a broad statement or idea and progressively narrowing down to your specific thesis statement. This approach can generate momentum and maintain reader engagement throughout your essay.

The thesis statement, usually situated at the end of the introduction, is the essay’s most critical sentence. It should unambiguously state your main argument or point and provide a roadmap for the essay. A robust thesis statement should be specific and debatable while being supported by evidence throughout the essay.

When crafting your thesis statement, remember to consider the specific requirements and expectations of the admissions committee. Tailor your statement to the particular school and program you are applying to, emphasizing your unique strengths and qualifications.

In conclusion, the introduction and thesis statement are crucial components of any effective personal statement for private school admissions. By using a hook to grab the reader’s attention, providing background information, and narrowing down to a specific thesis statement, you can create an engaging and informative introduction. Furthermore, by crafting a clear, specific, and evidence-based thesis statement, you can lay the foundation for a successful and persuasive essay that highlights your strengths and distinguishes you from other applicants.

The body paragraphs of your personal statement allow you to elaborate on your strengths and experiences. These paragraphs should present evidence supporting your thesis statement and demonstrate why you are a strong candidate for the school or program you are applying to.

One effective way to structure your body paragraphs is to employ the STAR method, which stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. This approach enables you to provide specific examples that clearly and concisely exhibit your skills, experiences, and achievements.

Begin each body paragraph by describing the situation or task you encountered. This could involve a problem you needed to solve, a challenge you overcame, or a project you tackled. Next, outline the specific actions you took to address the situation or complete the task, highlighting your strengths and skills and demonstrating your thoughtful and strategic approach.

Conclude each body paragraph by discussing the results or outcomes of your actions, such as a successful project completion, a positive impact on the organization or community, or a lesson learned from the experience. Focusing on the results allows you to illustrate the value you offer and the potential impact you could have in the future.

Remember that your personal statement should concentrate on your strengths and experiences, rather than a laundry list of accomplishments or activities. Emphasize the experiences most relevant to the school or program you are applying to, demonstrating how they have prepared you for future academic and career success.

 The conclusion of your personal statement offers an opportunity to reflect on your personal growth and future objectives. This section allows you to synthesize the experiences and strengths discussed in the body paragraphs, illustrating how they have shaped your aspirations.

One effective way to structure your conclusion is to contemplate how your experiences have prepared you for future success. Discuss specific skills or qualities you have developed, such as leadership, problem-solving, or collaboration.

You can also emphasize how your experiences have influenced your academic and career goals, and demonstrate how these goals align with the school or program you are applying to.

Avoid merely summarizing your personal statement in the conclusion. Instead, focus on synthesizing the themes and ideas presented throughout the essay, and show how they have culminated in your current aspirations and objectives.

In addition to reflecting on your personal growth and future goals, consider including a sentence or two about your potential contributions to the school or program you are applying to. This demonstrates that you have researched the institution and are genuinely interested in becoming an active participant within the community.

Lastly, you may want to conclude your personal statement with a memorable quote or personal anecdote that encapsulates the themes and ideas you have presented. This can leave a lasting impression on the admissions committee and make your personal statement more memorable.

By following these guidelines and focusing on your strengths, experiences, personal growth, and future goals, you can create a compelling personal statement that sets you apart from other applicants. This will increase your chances of gaining admission to the private school or program of your choice and help you embark on the next phase of your academic journey.

Chapter 5: Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Statements

As parents and students work on crafting a personal statement, they may have many questions and concerns. Here are some of the most common ones:

• How long should a personal statement be? Most schools require a personal statement between 500 and 700 words, but it is essential to check the specific requirements of each school to which the student is applying. Students should aim to be concise, clear, and make every word count.
• Should a student use the first or third person in a personal statement? While there is no hard and fast rule about whether to use the first or third person in a personal statement, using the first person, “I,” can create a more personal, engaging, and authentic tone.
• What should a student do if they cannot think of a topic for their personal statement? If a student is struggling to think of a topic, they should start by making a list of their strengths, experiences, and achievements. From there, they can consider how those strengths and experiences relate to their academic and personal goals, which can help them identify a central theme for their personal statement.
• How personal should a personal statement be? A personal statement should strike a balance between being personal and professional. It should give admissions officers insight into the student’s character, values, and goals without being too intimate or oversharing.
• Should a student mention specific schools in their personal statement? No, students should avoid mentioning specific schools in their personal statement. Instead, they should focus on their academic and personal goals and how their chosen school or program can help them achieve those goals.
• Can a parent help with the personal statement? While parents can provide guidance and support, it is essential to remember that the personal statement should reflect the student’s voice and experiences. Parents should avoid taking over the writing process and let their child take the lead.
• How important is the personal statement in the admissions process? The personal statement is a crucial component of the admissions process, as it provides admissions officers with insight into the student’s character, values, and goals. A well-crafted personal statement can set a student apart from other applicants and significantly impact their chances of admission.
• Should a student focus on their academic or personal achievements in their personal statement? Ideally, a student should focus on both their academic and personal achievements in their personal statement. They should showcase how their achievements have shaped them into the person they are today and how they plan to use those experiences to achieve their academic and personal goals.
• Should I use humor or a more serious tone in my personal statement? The tone of your personal statement should match your personality and the content of your essay. If you are a naturally humorous person and have a compelling story to tell that includes humor, it may be appropriate to include it in your essay. However, if your experiences and strengths are better expressed through a serious or more reflective tone, that may be more effective.
• Can I use quotes or anecdotes in my personal statement? Using quotes or anecdotes can be a powerful way to convey your message and showcase your personality. However, it is important to ensure that the quote or anecdote is relevant and supports the overall theme of your essay. Avoid using quotes or anecdotes as a way to fill space or as a crutch for weak writing.

By addressing these frequently asked questions, parents and students can gain a better understanding of what to expect when crafting a personal statement and learn how to make it stand out in the admissions process. This knowledge will enable them to create a compelling essay that highlights their strengths, experiences, and goals, ultimately increasing their chances of admission.

Subscribe For More

Receive the latest private school admission news and promotional information straight to your inbox.  

More Related Resources

Navigating the Private School Application Timeline: Admissions Decisions Unveiled

The Significance of Entrance Exam Scores in Private School Admissions

Insider’s Guide to Private School Admissions: From Interview Preparation to Evaluation

Navigating the Private School Admissions Interview: What to Expect

Decoding Admissions: Early Decision, Early Action, and Regular Decision Explained

Academic Performance in Private vs Public Schools

New application cycle promotion:.

Choose from our elite one-on-one or group tutoring packages for ISEE, SSAT, or HSPT preparation, and receive 5 complimentary hours of instruction from our renowned educational experts, a remarkable value of up to $1,100. 

Elevate your child’s potential in the private school admissions process. Secure success now!

Public vs. Private Education Research Paper

• To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
• As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
• As a template for you assignment

Introduction

Public vs. private education, why college education is necessary, works cited.

Public schools are usually preferred to private schools due to the many advantages it has. College education is important due to the fact that a degree holder stands a better chance in getting good employment and therefore a brighter future. This paper compares public and private education systems and argues out the importance of graduating from college.

Public education is the complex legal structure that involves communities in the building and running of schools. It is also the place where the freedom of parents to educate their children as they would see best fit is strictly condemned (Blumenfeld 22). The government has formulated several rules and regulations which ensure that parents take their children to either public or private schools which meet their standards.

Private schools are those that offer home instruction by the parents or other educationists. Although the private schools practice some form of freedom in the education system, they practice this within a certain limit which has been established by law.

This is in the best interest of the students since it ensures that they receive quality education from private institutions. The way education is established depends largely on the laws that have been set concerning it.

Education is not only a building or the team of professionals but is a process where the youth are modeled into adults (Blumenfeld 22). Today many young adults who have gone through education have emerged as being poor in almost all fields of education including arithmetic and vocabularies; they fall under the influence of peer pressure and get involved in drugs and sexual perversions at school.

Their morals, character and behavior are influenced by the strong dose of medicine administered to them by psychologists. Such graduates therefore find it difficult in to make it in their adult life due to the limited knowledge and skills which they posses.

There have been confusions when it comes to deciding on which methods to employ to ensure that children’s chances of learning are increased. Many reformers support the idea of children going to private or schools based on religion rather than public schools.

Many researchers have shown that quality of education varies with the type or category of the school. Public schools are believed to be inferior as compared to private or religious ones. Though at some instances private schools showed dominance in raw scores, that advantage was shuttered when research was done to take into account aspects of race and gender (Blixen 20).

The National Education Association tried to support the arguments that public schools were doing okay but the math and reading scores showed otherwise (Blixen 20). This arguments become baseless and the only thing that becomes important to note is that regardless of the kind of school the students went, there was a particular group that showed their prowess and another that failed miserably!

There are many differences between private and public schools. One of the differences is that public schools need to be functional for at least 180 days so as to satisfy the compulsory attendance laws provided by the state.

Public schools also differ from the private schools in that they are for free and the state does not condone the taking of tuition fees or other forms of fees from the residents. Most private schools, however, require some amount of fee to be paid by the residents to acquire the materials and other supplies within the institution.

Teachers who provide public education are required to be holders of college degrees and possess a license from the state while this is not necessary for private school teachers. Public schools are required to accept all resident students who apply for admission and should not be discriminated either on race, sex or religion.

Private schools however are selective in choosing their students. In public education, the state constitution guarantees free education may not be disciplined in such a way as to remove that right without the consent of the law. Private schools, on the other hand, are not subjected to these requirements and may eliminate anyone who fails to comply with rules.

Students from public schools are required to meet the graduation requirements provided by the state while the graduation requirements for private education are determined by each school. In public schools, each course offered had a certain standard that must be met before the student receives credit. In private schools, however, curriculums vary with the particular school and are established by their own standards.

There are various factors that have been suggested as being the hindrance to success of students in the institutions beyond the secondary level. Among the factors is the satisfaction with the college experience and achievement motivation. These factors have been said to be the cause in the reduction in numbers of the students and their performance.

It has also been noted that the students that were persistent had more motivation than those that were not and were generally associated with college life and activities. The reduction in numbers of the students that complete their degrees has been a topic of concern and has got the attention of the researchers, some of whom have found out that 40 percent and 50 percent of higher education students did not complete their degrees (Donohue and Wong 188).

In trying to explain the cases of the reduction of well performing students and the subsequent reduction of numbers of students that complete their degrees, the two factors-motivation and satisfaction with college-had to be put into perspective as they relate to the so called nontraditional students.

The non-traditional students basically constituted the students that were of age twenty five and greater. According to some research, the numbers of these nontraditional students were ever on the increasing and had almost equaled that of the traditional students. Due to the fact that these students have had different life experiences, their motivation and reason for education also differs in the same manner, as a result, their life experiences play a critical role in their college life.

Their learning experiences dictate the kind of environment they create so as to meet their educational aspirations (BCPS 4). The attitudes and perceptions which these students have about college education (either positive or negative) play a critical role in motivating them to complete their education (Donohue and Wong 188). Students’ satisfaction is known to be a necessity for their continued motivation and therefore predicts success rates in academics.

Some time back, college was not guaranteed as the next step after high school and therefore those that graduate from college now may be the first in their families to have graduated (Berentson 2). It is now emerging that college is necessary for the high school graduates. By the year 2007, there had been an increase of the number of students that graduated from high school and attended college.

This was at least a 20 percent increase from the year 1973 (Berentson 3). There have emerged education talks all around to advocate for higher education. These talks try to instill knowledge of the fact that in order to secure a successful future, one needed to be a college graduate.

The only problem with the increasing awareness for the need for higher education and the subsequent increase in the number of college candidates, is that it created a society that consisted of well educated people who did not deserve the degrading blue-collar jobs that they were offered.

There also were concerns that some students actually studied for courses that were useless for the society and simply could not be applied. In the fields of science and mathematics, it is essential to have a degree but in the other majors, there is hardly any need for a degree. Majors that include liberal arts such as languages, philosophy and history usually don’t come with the skill to handle real-life situations.

Some may however argue that the liberal arts provide for and upholds skills in creativity and mechanisms of solving problems. The languages also promotes ones ability to express ones self and improves the writing and reading ability. This, in the long run increases the chances of the individual to be hired.

It is difficult to determine whether the college graduate with the papers that prove that he actually graduated or that person that has hands-on-experience and skills but lacks a graduate degree, is likely to be hired. The only reason the graduate may pass the interview is due to the assumption that he might be of help to the company and yet it is sad to know that there are actually incompetent graduates out there.

This fact leads to the question that is it really worth it to have college education. Many other options are available and do not necessarily require one to have a four year term in college that is expensive. Such options as joining the military or starting a business do equally successfully without education. It is also possible to start low in a company and with experience, soar to greater heights.

It is arguable that with a college degree one could make more money since there is an added advantage and comes in the forms of intelligence and integrity, just to mention a few. It is however important to note that a society is not only made of managers and CEOs.

A society must contain even the simplest of persons such as the toilet cleaners, construction workers, electricians, mechanics and the likes. Otherwise what would happen if the above mentioned persons did not exist in a society? It would be chaotic and cumbersome.

Success may be defined by the happiness that comes about after a certain job and not necessarily the amount of money derived. Most people, however, choose money due to the fact that it is measurable unlike happiness which is not.

Whoever has not thought of a world without liberal arts has not thought of a world that is without history and without philosophy. No arts mean no novels to read and basically a boring world.

It has been concluded that the parents’ choice of the number of children she should bare is dependent to the kind of education she will offer her children. The number of children that the parents have will dictate the amount of resources that they would employ in their education (Croix and Doepke 1).

Educated women who have higher income prefer to invest on quality education of a small number of children as opposed to the less educated women with less capital and would rather have many children but invest little on each of them.

With public schooling, there is no difference in the number of children that parents could have. If the difference in capital of the two groups of women is high, this translates to higher levels of education in the public sector than in the private. Public education removes the difference that exists between the skilled and the unskilled people (Croix and Doepke 1).

In the public education sector, it is not the parents that dictate the level of education of their children but it is the government that imposes tax to all adults and uses it to finance the common education level of the children. Parents are therefore not allowed to supplement the public education with private education.

Under the public regime basically all children receive the same education since it is independent of the economic status of the parents or the number of children in a household (Clark 570).

It can also be concluded that public schooling can have an implication on the number of children parents can have and their choice of education. In this sense, parents tend to increase the number of children they get once education is provided for with no pay.

On the other hand, parents with less than average income dwell more on the child’s quantity and quality and therefore tend to get many children who each receives little education. Those students that manage to graduate from college stand a greater chance of getting decent jobs and securing a better future.

BCPS. Public vs. Private Education . 2010. Web.

Berentson, Sarah. OPINION: Is higher education worthwhile? 2010. Web.

Blixen, Careen. Public vs. Private Schools. New York Times. 2006: 20A. Print.

Blumenfeld, Samuel. Is public education necessary? Arizona: Old Greenwich, 1985.

Clark, Burton. The “Cooling-Out” Function in Higher Education. American Journal of Sociology. 1960, 65(6), 569-576.

Croix, David and Doepke, Matthias. Public versus Private Education when Differential Fertility Matters. New York: Sage, 2003.

Donohue, Tambra and Wong, Eugene. Achievement Motivation and College Satisfaction in Traditional and Nontraditional Students. Journal Article Excerpt. 1977, p.188-200.

• The Value of a High School Diploma
• Major in Success: Make College Easier, Fire up Your Dreams, and Get a Great Job
• Non-Traditional Families and Child Behaviorism Affects
• Non-Traditional Advertising in the Modern World
• Nontraditional Healthcare Practices Across Different Cultures
• Northeast State University
• Math Just Isn’t Adding Up for College Students: Critique of a News
• Issues Affecting the Transition of First-Year Students Into University Culture About Motivation and Learning
• Homeschooling Factors in America
• Which is more important at university: acquiring skills or getting grades?
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2019, March 22). Public vs. Private Education. https://ivypanda.com/essays/public-vs-private-education/

"Public vs. Private Education." IvyPanda , 22 Mar. 2019, ivypanda.com/essays/public-vs-private-education/.

IvyPanda . (2019) 'Public vs. Private Education'. 22 March.

IvyPanda . 2019. "Public vs. Private Education." March 22, 2019. https://ivypanda.com/essays/public-vs-private-education/.

1. IvyPanda . "Public vs. Private Education." March 22, 2019. https://ivypanda.com/essays/public-vs-private-education/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Public vs. Private Education." March 22, 2019. https://ivypanda.com/essays/public-vs-private-education/.

Purdue Online Writing Lab Purdue OWL® College of Liberal Arts

Developing Strong Thesis Statements

Welcome to the Purdue OWL

This page is brought to you by the OWL at Purdue University. When printing this page, you must include the entire legal notice.

Copyright ©1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use.

The thesis statement or main claim must be debatable

An argumentative or persuasive piece of writing must begin with a debatable thesis or claim. In other words, the thesis must be something that people could reasonably have differing opinions on. If your thesis is something that is generally agreed upon or accepted as fact then there is no reason to try to persuade people.

Example of a non-debatable thesis statement:

This thesis statement is not debatable. First, the word pollution implies that something is bad or negative in some way. Furthermore, all studies agree that pollution is a problem; they simply disagree on the impact it will have or the scope of the problem. No one could reasonably argue that pollution is unambiguously good.

Example of a debatable thesis statement:

This is an example of a debatable thesis because reasonable people could disagree with it. Some people might think that this is how we should spend the nation's money. Others might feel that we should be spending more money on education. Still others could argue that corporations, not the government, should be paying to limit pollution.

Another example of a debatable thesis statement:

In this example there is also room for disagreement between rational individuals. Some citizens might think focusing on recycling programs rather than private automobiles is the most effective strategy.

The thesis needs to be narrow

Although the scope of your paper might seem overwhelming at the start, generally the narrower the thesis the more effective your argument will be. Your thesis or claim must be supported by evidence. The broader your claim is, the more evidence you will need to convince readers that your position is right.

Example of a thesis that is too broad:

There are several reasons this statement is too broad to argue. First, what is included in the category "drugs"? Is the author talking about illegal drug use, recreational drug use (which might include alcohol and cigarettes), or all uses of medication in general? Second, in what ways are drugs detrimental? Is drug use causing deaths (and is the author equating deaths from overdoses and deaths from drug related violence)? Is drug use changing the moral climate or causing the economy to decline? Finally, what does the author mean by "society"? Is the author referring only to America or to the global population? Does the author make any distinction between the effects on children and adults? There are just too many questions that the claim leaves open. The author could not cover all of the topics listed above, yet the generality of the claim leaves all of these possibilities open to debate.

Example of a narrow or focused thesis:

In this example the topic of drugs has been narrowed down to illegal drugs and the detriment has been narrowed down to gang violence. This is a much more manageable topic.

We could narrow each debatable thesis from the previous examples in the following way:

Narrowed debatable thesis 1:

This thesis narrows the scope of the argument by specifying not just the amount of money used but also how the money could actually help to control pollution.

Narrowed debatable thesis 2:

This thesis narrows the scope of the argument by specifying not just what the focus of a national anti-pollution campaign should be but also why this is the appropriate focus.

Qualifiers such as " typically ," " generally ," " usually ," or " on average " also help to limit the scope of your claim by allowing for the almost inevitable exception to the rule.

Types of claims

Claims typically fall into one of four categories. Thinking about how you want to approach your topic, or, in other words, what type of claim you want to make, is one way to focus your thesis on one particular aspect of your broader topic.

Claims of fact or definition: These claims argue about what the definition of something is or whether something is a settled fact. Example:

Claims of cause and effect: These claims argue that one person, thing, or event caused another thing or event to occur. Example:

Claims about value: These are claims made of what something is worth, whether we value it or not, how we would rate or categorize something. Example:

Claims about solutions or policies: These are claims that argue for or against a certain solution or policy approach to a problem. Example:

Which type of claim is right for your argument? Which type of thesis or claim you use for your argument will depend on your position and knowledge of the topic, your audience, and the context of your paper. You might want to think about where you imagine your audience to be on this topic and pinpoint where you think the biggest difference in viewpoints might be. Even if you start with one type of claim you probably will be using several within the paper. Regardless of the type of claim you choose to utilize it is key to identify the controversy or debate you are addressing and to define your position early on in the paper.

Top 10 Best Saint Petersburg Private Schools (2024)

Frequently asked questions.

• Search schools by zip
• Compare schools side-by-side
• Blue Ribbon (68)
• All-girls (11)
• All-boys (20)
• Montessori (191)
• Daycare / Preschools (1,589)
• Summer School Programs (475)
• Special Education (291)
• Alternative (166)
• ADD/ADHD Support (374)
• Online Schools (19)
• Religiously Affiliated (1,575)
• School Membership Associations (1,580)
• Schools with famous alumni (28)
• Open houses in Florida (19)
• Private school jobs in Florida (5)
• Public schools in Pinellas County, FL
• Boarding schools in Florida
• Tuition by state
• Acceptance rate by state

More Articles

Have a language expert improve your writing

Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.

• Knowledge Base
• Dissertation
• What Is a Thesis? | Ultimate Guide & Examples

What Is a Thesis? | Ultimate Guide & Examples

Published on September 14, 2022 by Tegan George . Revised on April 16, 2024.

A thesis is a type of research paper based on your original research. It is usually submitted as the final step of a master’s program or a capstone to a bachelor’s degree.

Writing a thesis can be a daunting experience. Other than a dissertation , it is one of the longest pieces of writing students typically complete. It relies on your ability to conduct research from start to finish: choosing a relevant topic , crafting a proposal , designing your research , collecting data , developing a robust analysis, drawing strong conclusions , and writing concisely .

Thesis template

You can also download our full thesis template in the format of your choice below. Our template includes a ready-made table of contents , as well as guidance for what each chapter should include. It’s easy to make it your own, and can help you get started.

Download Word template Download Google Docs template

Instantly correct all language mistakes in your text

Upload your document to correct all your mistakes in minutes

Table of contents

Thesis vs. thesis statement, how to structure a thesis, acknowledgements or preface, list of figures and tables, list of abbreviations, introduction, literature review, methodology, reference list, proofreading and editing, defending your thesis, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about theses.

You may have heard the word thesis as a standalone term or as a component of academic writing called a thesis statement . Keep in mind that these are two very different things.

• A thesis statement is a very common component of an essay, particularly in the humanities. It usually comprises 1 or 2 sentences in the introduction of your essay , and should clearly and concisely summarize the central points of your academic essay .
• A thesis is a long-form piece of academic writing, often taking more than a full semester to complete. It is generally a degree requirement for Master’s programs, and is also sometimes required to complete a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts colleges.
• In the US, a dissertation is generally written as a final step toward obtaining a PhD.
• In other countries (particularly the UK), a dissertation is generally written at the bachelor’s or master’s level.

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

The final structure of your thesis depends on a variety of components, such as:

• Your discipline
• Your theoretical approach

Humanities theses are often structured more like a longer-form essay . Just like in an essay, you build an argument to support a central thesis.

In both hard and social sciences, theses typically include an introduction , literature review , methodology section ,  results section , discussion section , and conclusion section . These are each presented in their own dedicated section or chapter. In some cases, you might want to add an appendix .

Thesis examples

We’ve compiled a short list of thesis examples to help you get started.

• Example thesis #1:   “Abolition, Africans, and Abstraction: the Influence of the ‘Noble Savage’ on British and French Antislavery Thought, 1787-1807” by Suchait Kahlon.
• Example thesis #2: “’A Starving Man Helping Another Starving Man’: UNRRA, India, and the Genesis of Global Relief, 1943-1947″ by Julian Saint Reiman.

The very first page of your thesis contains all necessary identifying information, including:

• Your full title
• Your full name
• Your department
• Your institution and degree program
• Your submission date.

Sometimes the title page also includes your student ID, the name of your supervisor, or the university’s logo. Check out your university’s guidelines if you’re not sure.

Read more about title pages

The acknowledgements section is usually optional. Its main point is to allow you to thank everyone who helped you in your thesis journey, such as supervisors, friends, or family. You can also choose to write a preface , but it’s typically one or the other, not both.

Read more about acknowledgements Read more about prefaces

Receive feedback on language, structure, and formatting

Professional editors proofread and edit your paper by focusing on:

• Academic style
• Vague sentences
• Style consistency

See an example

An abstract is a short summary of your thesis. Usually a maximum of 300 words long, it’s should include brief descriptions of your research objectives , methods, results, and conclusions. Though it may seem short, it introduces your work to your audience, serving as a first impression of your thesis.

Read more about abstracts

A table of contents lists all of your sections, plus their corresponding page numbers and subheadings if you have them. This helps your reader seamlessly navigate your document.

Your table of contents should include all the major parts of your thesis. In particular, don’t forget the the appendices. If you used heading styles, it’s easy to generate an automatic table Microsoft Word.

Read more about tables of contents

While not mandatory, if you used a lot of tables and/or figures, it’s nice to include a list of them to help guide your reader. It’s also easy to generate one of these in Word: just use the “Insert Caption” feature.

Read more about lists of figures and tables

If you have used a lot of industry- or field-specific abbreviations in your thesis, you should include them in an alphabetized list of abbreviations . This way, your readers can easily look up any meanings they aren’t familiar with.

Read more about lists of abbreviations

Relatedly, if you find yourself using a lot of very specialized or field-specific terms that may not be familiar to your reader, consider including a glossary . Alphabetize the terms you want to include with a brief definition.

Read more about glossaries

An introduction sets up the topic, purpose, and relevance of your thesis, as well as expectations for your reader. This should:

• Ground your research topic , sharing any background information your reader may need
• Define the scope of your work
• Introduce any existing research on your topic, situating your work within a broader problem or debate
• State your research question(s)
• Outline (briefly) how the remainder of your work will proceed

In other words, your introduction should clearly and concisely show your reader the “what, why, and how” of your research.

Read more about introductions

A literature review helps you gain a robust understanding of any extant academic work on your topic, encompassing:

• Selecting relevant sources
• Determining the credibility of your sources
• Critically evaluating each of your sources
• Drawing connections between sources, including any themes, patterns, conflicts, or gaps

A literature review is not merely a summary of existing work. Rather, your literature review should ultimately lead to a clear justification for your own research, perhaps via:

• Addressing a gap in the literature
• Building on existing knowledge to draw new conclusions
• Exploring a new theoretical or methodological approach
• Introducing a new solution to an unresolved problem
• Definitively advocating for one side of a theoretical debate

Read more about literature reviews

Theoretical framework

Your literature review can often form the basis for your theoretical framework, but these are not the same thing. A theoretical framework defines and analyzes the concepts and theories that your research hinges on.

Read more about theoretical frameworks

Your methodology chapter shows your reader how you conducted your research. It should be written clearly and methodically, easily allowing your reader to critically assess the credibility of your argument. Furthermore, your methods section should convince your reader that your method was the best way to answer your research question.

A methodology section should generally include:

• Your overall approach ( quantitative vs. qualitative )
• Your research methods (e.g., a longitudinal study )
• Your data collection methods (e.g., interviews or a controlled experiment
• Any tools or materials you used (e.g., computer software)
• The data analysis methods you chose (e.g., statistical analysis , discourse analysis )
• A strong, but not defensive justification of your methods

Read more about methodology sections

Your results section should highlight what your methodology discovered. These two sections work in tandem, but shouldn’t repeat each other. While your results section can include hypotheses or themes, don’t include any speculation or new arguments here.

Your results section should:

• State each (relevant) result with any (relevant) descriptive statistics (e.g., mean , standard deviation ) and inferential statistics (e.g., test statistics , p values )
• Explain how each result relates to the research question
• Determine whether the hypothesis was supported

Additional data (like raw numbers or interview transcripts ) can be included as an appendix . You can include tables and figures, but only if they help the reader better understand your results.

Read more about results sections

Your discussion section is where you can interpret your results in detail. Did they meet your expectations? How well do they fit within the framework that you built? You can refer back to any relevant source material to situate your results within your field, but leave most of that analysis in your literature review.

For any unexpected results, offer explanations or alternative interpretations of your data.

Read more about discussion sections

Your thesis conclusion should concisely answer your main research question. It should leave your reader with an ultra-clear understanding of your central argument, and emphasize what your research specifically has contributed to your field.

Why does your research matter? What recommendations for future research do you have? Lastly, wrap up your work with any concluding remarks.

Read more about conclusions

In order to avoid plagiarism , don’t forget to include a full reference list at the end of your thesis, citing the sources that you used. Choose one citation style and follow it consistently throughout your thesis, taking note of the formatting requirements of each style.

Which style you choose is often set by your department or your field, but common styles include MLA , Chicago , and APA.

Create APA citations Create MLA citations

In order to stay clear and concise, your thesis should include the most essential information needed to answer your research question. However, chances are you have many contributing documents, like interview transcripts or survey questions . These can be added as appendices , to save space in the main body.

Read more about appendices

Once you’re done writing, the next part of your editing process begins. Leave plenty of time for proofreading and editing prior to submission. Nothing looks worse than grammar mistakes or sloppy spelling errors!

Consider using a professional thesis editing service or grammar checker to make sure your final project is perfect.

Once you’ve submitted your final product, it’s common practice to have a thesis defense, an oral component of your finished work. This is scheduled by your advisor or committee, and usually entails a presentation and Q&A session.

After your defense , your committee will meet to determine if you deserve any departmental honors or accolades. However, keep in mind that defenses are usually just a formality. If there are any serious issues with your work, these should be resolved with your advisor way before a defense.

If you want to know more about AI for academic writing, AI tools, or research bias, make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

Research bias

• Survivorship bias
• Self-serving bias
• Availability heuristic
• Halo effect
• Hindsight bias
• Deep learning
• Generative AI
• Machine learning
• Reinforcement learning
• Supervised vs. unsupervised learning

 (AI) Tools

• Grammar Checker
• Paraphrasing Tool
• Text Summarizer
• AI Detector
• Plagiarism Checker
• Citation Generator

The conclusion of your thesis or dissertation shouldn’t take up more than 5–7% of your overall word count.

If you only used a few abbreviations in your thesis or dissertation , you don’t necessarily need to include a list of abbreviations .

If your abbreviations are numerous, or if you think they won’t be known to your audience, it’s never a bad idea to add one. They can also improve readability, minimizing confusion about abbreviations unfamiliar to your reader.

When you mention different chapters within your text, it’s considered best to use Roman numerals for most citation styles. However, the most important thing here is to remain consistent whenever using numbers in your dissertation .

A thesis or dissertation outline is one of the most critical first steps in your writing process. It helps you to lay out and organize your ideas and can provide you with a roadmap for deciding what kind of research you’d like to undertake.

Generally, an outline contains information on the different sections included in your thesis or dissertation , such as:

• Your anticipated title
• Your abstract
• Your chapters (sometimes subdivided into further topics like literature review , research methods , avenues for future research, etc.)

A thesis is typically written by students finishing up a bachelor’s or Master’s degree. Some educational institutions, particularly in the liberal arts, have mandatory theses, but they are often not mandatory to graduate from bachelor’s degrees. It is more common for a thesis to be a graduation requirement from a Master’s degree.

Even if not mandatory, you may want to consider writing a thesis if you:

• Plan to attend graduate school soon
• Have a particular topic you’d like to study more in-depth
• Are considering a career in research
• Would like a capstone experience to tie up your academic experience

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

George, T. (2024, April 16). What Is a Thesis? | Ultimate Guide & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved August 29, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/dissertation/thesis/

Is this article helpful?

Tegan George

Other students also liked, dissertation & thesis outline | example & free templates, writing strong research questions | criteria & examples, 10 research question examples to guide your research project, get unlimited documents corrected.

✔ Free APA citation check included ✔ Unlimited document corrections ✔ Specialized in correcting academic texts

Thesis: Vasectomy: Goals, Practices, and Effects

Editor's note:

Cole Nichols defended his Barrett Honors College thesis entitled, "Vasectomy: Goals, Practices, and Effects" in Spring 2023 in front of committee members Jane Maienschein and Dina Ziganshina.  https://keep.lib.asu.edu/items/184626

Vasectomy is one of few widely available methods of contraception for people with male reproductive systems aside from condoms, abstinence, and the withdrawal method, and it is the only one of those options that can be permanent (Amory 2016). The procedure’s prominence has led me to investigate the history of vasectomy and particularly the evolution in vasectomy technique over time. Since its introduction in the late nineteenth century, the procedure has had a variety of impacts on many people across the world. In this research project, I have sought to analyze what the technical evolution of vasectomy reveals about the changing priorities of the medical systems that use it. In particular, I point to ways the eugenics movement’s attempts to control individual reproduction have led to both vasectomy’s efficacy and its restrictiveness.

How to cite

Articles rights and graphics.

Copyright Arizona Board of Regents Licensed as Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0)  

Last modified

Share this page.

• Quick Facts
• Sights & Attractions
• Tsarskoe Selo
• Oranienbaum
• Foreign St. Petersburg
• Restaurants & Bars
• Accommodation Guide
• St. Petersburg Hotels
• Serviced Apartments
• Bed and Breakfasts
• Private & Group Transfers
• Airport Transfers
• Concierge Service
• Russian Visa Guide
• Request Visa Support
• Walking Tours
• River Entertainment
• Public Transportation
• Travel Cards
• Essential Shopping Selection
• Business Directory
• Photo Gallery
• Video Gallery
• 360° Panoramas
• Moscow Hotels
• Moscow.Info
• Famous Buildings
• Universities, Academies and Educational Buildings

Academy of Arts Building

On the suggestion of Count Ivan Shuvalov, Empress Elizabeth issued an imperial decree for the foundation in St. Petersburg of an "academy of the three most noble arts" (painting, sculpture, and architecture) in 1757. The Academy was originally housed in Shuvalov's mansion on Sadovaya Ulitsa, but Catherine the Great decided that the institution deserved its own building, and a site was chosen next to the Neva River on Vasilevskiy Island.

The main architect for the project was Jean-Baptiste Vallin de la Mothe, whom Shuvalov invited from France to become the first professor of architecture at the Academy. De la Mothe was helped by Yury Felten and Alexander Kokorinov, who would become the first Russian professor to teach at the Academy.

Catherine herself laid the foundation stone of the building in 1765, and also insisted that at the centre of the building there should be a circular courtyard matching the dimensions of the dome of St. Paul's Cathedral in Rome. One of the earliest neoclassical buildings in St. Petersburg, the Academy was only completed in 1788. As well as its elegant facades, the building boasts some superbly decorated interiors, particularly the entrance hall, the main staircase, the Raphael Hall and the Titian Hall.

In 1832, two Egyptian sphinxes dating from the reign of Amenhotep III (about 3,500 years ago) where brought to the Academy from France. A granite quay was built in front of the Academy by Konstantin Ton to become their permanent home and they are among the most famous statues in St. Petersburg.

In its 250-year history, the Academy of Arts has trained such renowned artists as Karl Bryullov, Valentin Serov, and Ilya Repin, as well as the architect Leonty Benois and the Ukrainian nationalist poet and painter Taras Shevchenko.

Today, the official name of the institution occupying the building is the I. E. Repin St. Petersburg State Academic Institute of Painting, Architecture and Sculpture, still considered to be among Russia's finest art colleges. The building has also long been home to the Museum of the Academy of Arts which displays works by many of the Academy's most illustrious alumni.

Accommodation near the Academy of Arts Building

Solo sokos hotel vasilievskiy, modern 4-star hotel under finnish management on historic vasilevskiy island, trezzini palace hotel, deluxe all-suites boutique hotel next to the neva river on vasilevskiy island, trezzini art hotel, highly-rated small hotel close to the metro on vasilevskiy island, friendly and welcoming backpacker hostel with a prime location for sightseeing, nevsky 3 guest house, affordable accommodation steps from palace square and the hermitage, apartments on reki moyki emb., attractively fitted apartments to let five minutes from the hermitage, dining near the academy of arts building, russian kitsch, restaurant known for its colorful interiors, serves reasonable russian cuisine, restoran (restaurant), russian haute cuisine and beautiful design at a great location for sightseers, grad petrov, home-brewed beer and affordable german food with great views across the neva.

We can help you make the right choice from hundreds of St. Petersburg hotels and hostels.

Live like a local in self-catering apartments at convenient locations in St. Petersburg.

Comprehensive solutions for those who relocate to St. Petersburg to live, work or study.

Maximize your time in St. Petersburg with tours expertly tailored to your interests.

Get around in comfort with a chauffeured car or van to suit your budget and requirements.

Book a comfortable, well-maintained bus or a van with professional driver for your group.

Navigate St. Petersburg’s dining scene and find restaurants to remember.

Need tickets for the Mariinsky, the Hermitage, a football game or any event? We can help.

Get our help and advice choosing services and options to plan a prefect train journey.

Let our meeting and events experts help you organize a superb event in St. Petersburg.

We can find you a suitable interpreter for your negotiations, research or other needs.

Get translations for all purposes from recommended professional translators.