What is a Personal Statement?
Essentially, it’s a written essay that showcases your personality, achievements, and goals. When you’re applying to college, it’s your chance to tell your story beyond grades and test scores. Think of it as your personal pitch where you get to highlight what makes you unique and why you should be chosen for whatever you are applying for.
Why is it Important?
Put yourself in the shoes of a college admissions officer. You have to read through dozens of essays and applications. It’s difficult to know each student applying - you’re evaluating thousands of numbers on a piece of paper. A personal statement is a chance for you to get to know an applicant. They aren’t just text on a page anymore-they’re a person whose background you can read about: a person whose thoughts, motivations, and story you can hear about and comprehend.
As an applicant, it’s your opportunity to make a memorable impression. Unlike your resume or transcript, which are standard quantifications of your achievements, a personal statement allows you to share your story, experiences, and ambitions in your own words. It’s a way to show your character and how your past has prepared you for future success.
How to Write a Successful Personal Statement
Before you actually start writing, you should keep these key points in mind:
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Know Your Audience: Tailor your statement to the specific program or job you’re applying for. Each one may have different criteria or values, so customize your statement accordingly.
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Be Authentic: Be genuine about who you are. Don’t try to fit a mold you think others want to see. Authenticity shines through and makes a stronger impact.
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Show, Don’t Just Tell: Use specific examples to illustrate your points. Instead of saying you’re a great leader, describe a situation where you demonstrated leadership.
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Stay Focused: Stick to the main theme or message of your statement. Avoid going off on tangents or including unrelated details.
The next step is brainstorming. Students who have a plan are more likely to write a better statement. Consider these questions:
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What are my major accomplishments?
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What challenges have I overcome?
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What are my future goals and how do they align with the program/job?
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What qualities or skills make me stand out?
Jot down ideas and try to find themes or patterns in your reflections. This will give you a solid foundation to build your statement.
After you brainstorm and have an idea of what to write, start drafting an outline. It should have these parts:
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Introduction: Start with a compelling opening that grabs attention and introduces your main theme.
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Body: Divide this section into a few paragraphs where you delve into your experiences, skills, and achievements. Make sure each paragraph connects back to your main theme.
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Conclusion: Wrap it up by summarizing your key points and reinforcing why you’re a great fit for the program or job.
The next step is writing the first draft. Don't worry about spelling, grammar, or any of the nitty-gritty stuff. This step is about getting your thoughts down on a page. Just remember to just be yourself, and let your personality shine through.
Once your first draft is done, the next thing to do is reviewing and revising. Here's an example of a good schedule for reviewing and revising:
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Take a Break: Step away from your statement for a day or two. Coming back with fresh eyes can help you spot errors and make improvements.
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Read Aloud: Reading your statement aloud can help you catch awkward phrases and ensure it flows smoothly.
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Get Feedback: Share your draft with teachers, mentors, or friends. They can provide valuable insights and suggestions for improvement.
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Edit for Clarity and Conciseness: Trim any unnecessary details and make sure every sentence serves a purpose. Clear and concise writing is more impactful.
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Check for Grammar and Spelling: Finally, proofread your statement to catch any grammatical errors or typos.
Once you're done reviewing and revising, you can have other people give you feedback. This might help you identify problems or issues that you haven't thought about. Ask for help from your mentors, friends, teachers, counselors, parents, etc. Use constructive feedback and improve your essay. Good luck on your journey!