The personal statement may be one of the best parts of a college application. It’s your opportunity to share your story and communicate your aspirations.
And let colleges see who you are beyond your grades and test scores. We think writing a personal statement can feel like a daunting task but, at the same time, it can be a fun way to advocate for yourself.
What Is a Personal Statement?
A personal statement is an essay that colleges use to get to know you better. It allows them to learn about your experiences, interests, and motivations.
This is not just about listing achievements, it’s about demonstrating your personality and your fit as a student at the college. Colleges want to know when you do what you talk about, what you care about and how have you become a better person.
A powerful personal statement gives your application a unique voice and it allows the admissions officers to relate to your journey.
Choosing a Topic for Your Statement
The very first step to a personal statement is what to write about. Consider the life experiences that shaped you and the goals that guide you. Your topic doesn’t have to be about something big accomplishment it can be something simple that shows your character.
Some write about challenges they’ve overcome, some about a passion, a hobby, or a moment that inspired them. Whatever you decide, be sure it feels personal and meaningful to you.
Understanding Your Audience
Be aware that admissions officers are the ones reading your statement. These are people who want to know you for you. Write as truthfully and authentically as you can.
Avoid trying to garner their respect or awe by using big words or hyperbole. Instead, be true to yourself and write with honesty about your experiences and aspirations.
How to Structure Your Statement
In that regard, a strong personal statement has a clear structure that maintains the reader’s interest. Begin with an attention-grabbing opening that gives a feel for your story.
These should cover the middle paragraphs so give your experiences more depth here, what you learned from them, and how they influenced you. Conclude with what summarizes all and makes an impact.
Consider your statement a journey. You are taking the reader through your story, so treat it as such and have it flow from one idea to the next.
Crafting a Strong Opening
The introduction is the capture, it’s the first chance the reader has to see your writing, so make it shine. You are going to start with something catchy, a statement of fact about you, a question, or a scene describing a moment in your life. Hope that this makes the reader want to scroll down.
Don’t begin with a cliché, or a grand statement, like “Since I was a child, I have always wanted to go to college.” Look for a fresh perspective, however you can, that will create an expectation for your story.
Using Specific Examples
There are many strong ways to create memorability in your statement but one of the strongest is to provide specific examples. Rather than saying, “I’m a hard worker,” demonstrate it with a story.
Those seem to be experiences upon which you could reflect the most whether it was a difficult project you worked on or preparing for a competition for which you practiced countless hours.
Details will bring your Story to life, allowing a Reader to visualize your experience. They also make your essay sound much more personal and less standardized.
The Process of Reflecting on Your Experiences
A good personal statement isn’t only about what happened it’s about what you learned and how you changed. In the aftermath of your experiences, think about how these experiences have affected you and your aims.
So if you’re writing about volunteering at an animal shelter, tell how it taught you compassion and inspired you to study veterinary science. Reflection demonstrates maturity and self-awareness, qualities that colleges are looking for in applicants.
Staying Focused on Your Goals
Your personal needs to tie in your experience to what you want to achieve. Describe why you love the field of study you are interested in and how the college you’re applying to has the resources to help you achieve your goals.
When mentioning what interests you about the college, mention specific things such as programs, faculty members, or anything else that would interest you.
It assists admissions officers in recognizing that you’ve done the homework and are truly interested in the way the school you’re applying to for admission.
Maintaining Your Voice
The content of your statement should reflect you. Do not attempt to use language that doesn’t come naturally. Use a voice that sounds like you and the way you talk. If you have a sense of humor, put it on display.
If you’re a thoughtful person, then ensure your essay comes across as contemplative and genuine. Your voice makes your essay yours, so trust it and let it guide your writing.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
A couple of pitfalls to watch for when writing your statement. One is attempting too much. Rather than trying to cover all of your achievements, pick one or two meaningful experiences and dive deeply into them.
Another wrong thing is to use vague language. Write specific and plain, so the reader may know what you say. Steer clear of truth like “I want to make the world a better place” unless you can support them with concrete examples.
And finally, remember to proofread. Take the time to edit your essay carefully, as spelling and grammar mistakes can detract from your message.
Getting Feedback
Get your statement reviewed by someone you trust, like a teacher, counselor, or family member, before you submit it. Ask them for frank feedback on whether your essay is clear or repetitive.
While it’s valuable to consider feedback, be sure that the final version of your essay reflects your voice and your story. This is your statement, so it should sound like you.
Writing the Conclusion
Your conclusion is your opportunity to make a final impact. Encapsulate the main ideas of the essay, complete with a final sentence that summarizes your goals or ambitions. A good ending ties things up and leaves the reader with some food for thought.
The Power of Revision
It takes time to craft an excellent personal statement. You won’t get it right the first time. The first drafts will help you structure your ideas and the subsequent drafts will enhance how you build your content.
Consider the flow of your essay and if it communicates what you are trying to say. Each round of revision gets you closer to your essay, your voice, and your story.
Conclusion
A personal statement is not just an essay it’s a glimpse into your story. It’s what you get to share that makes you an individual, to consider your experiences, and describe why you are excited about what lay ahead.
With honesty, clarity, and focus, you can write a personal statement that will stand out against those of your competitors and one that I can walk away with a better understanding of you; the real you.
Take your time, follow your voice, and let your story out. Your statement gives you the chance to demonstrate that you’re prepared to embark on the next phase of your journey.
