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Writing Your Personal Statement: A Guide for High School Students

Writing a personal statement for college applications can seem like a big task, but it’s actually one of the best opportunities you’ll get to show admissions committees who you are beyond your grades and test scores. This essay is your chance to tell your story, explain your passions, and demonstrate what makes you unique. Whether you’re excited to start or unsure where to begin, these tips will help you write a personal statement that stands out.
Alexandra Popusoi
  min read
·
  Nov 29, 2024

 

Why the Personal Statement Matters

Your personal statement is an important part of your college application because it gives you the chance to highlight what’s special about you. It’s a place where you can share your experiences, goals, and values in your own voice. College admissions officers read tons of applications, so a strong personal statement can help you make a memorable impression and show that you’re more than just your grades.

What to Write About

The best personal statements are personal, meaning they focus on your individual experiences and what matters to you. You don’t need to write about something dramatic or life-changing unless it truly reflects who you are. Here are a few ideas to get you thinking:

  • Your passions and interests: What excites you? Is there a subject, activity, or hobby you’re especially passionate about? Share why it’s important to you and how it’s shaped who you are.

  • Challenges you’ve overcome: Did you face a tough situation or obstacle that helped you grow? Writing about how you overcame a challenge shows resilience and self-awareness.

  • Your values and goals: What do you care about? What kind of impact do you want to make in the world? Colleges want to know what drives you and how you see your future.

  • A meaningful experience: Think about a moment or event that had a lasting effect on you. Maybe it was a volunteer project, a trip, or a conversation that changed your perspective.

How to Approach Writing

  1. Be Yourself: This is your chance to show who you are, so don’t try to write what you think the admissions committee wants to hear. Be honest, authentic, and true to your own voice.

  2. Tell a Story: A great way to make your personal statement stand out is by telling a story. Share an experience or moment that illustrates your point, whether it’s a challenge you faced or a moment of personal growth.

  3. Stay Focused: Personal statements usually have a word limit, so it’s important to keep your writing focused on your main message. Choose one or two key themes or experiences and stick to them.

  4. Show, Don’t Just Tell: Instead of simply saying, "I am hardworking," show it through examples. Maybe you spent countless hours preparing for a big project or worked a part-time job while balancing school. Specific examples help bring your story to life.

  5. Write with Purpose: Think about how your experiences have prepared you for college. What have you learned? How have you grown? Colleges want to know how you will contribute to their community and what you’ll bring to campus.

  6. Keep It Positive: Even if you’re writing about challenges or tough moments, focus on how you’ve grown or what you’ve learned from them. The goal is to show that you’re ready to take on the next step in your journey.

Final Touches

  • Revise and Edit: After writing your first draft, take time to revise and make improvements. Read through your essay to make sure it flows well and clearly communicates your main points.

  • Ask for Feedback: Once you’re happy with your essay, ask someone you trust—like a teacher, mentor, or parent—to read it. They can offer helpful feedback and catch any mistakes you might have missed.

  • Proofread: Make sure there are no typos or grammatical errors. A clean, polished personal statement shows that you’re serious about your application.

Just remember to let your own personality shine, and to dig deep into yourself. You got this!