3 answers
Samira
Student
Kayseri, Kayseri Province, Turkey
1
Question
Asked
895 views
How to write a compelling personal statement?
I have been struggeling to writting my story to align with the officer's values. I specifically need guidance on how to structure my thoughts in a unique and effective way.
Login to comment
3 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1785
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
You have a unique background, interests and personality. This is your chance to tell your story (or at least part of it). The best way to tell your story is to write a personal, thoughtful essay about something that has meaning for you. Be honest and genuine, and your unique qualities will shine through. Admissions officers have to read an unbelievable number of college essays, most of which are forgettable. Many students try to sound smart rather than sounding like themselves. Others write about a subject that they don't care about, but that they think will impress admissions officers. You don't need to have started your own business or have spent the summer hiking the Appalachian Trail. Colleges are simply looking for thoughtful, motivated students who will add something to the first-year Freshmen's.
1️⃣ It goes without saying that your essay needs to be written by you. Believe it or not, the voice of a teenager is very different from a parent’s, and we’ve gotten pretty good at spotting the differences.
2️⃣ Choose a topic that’s right for YOU – something about which you’re passionate. If you’re not interested in what you’re writing about, chances are no one will be interested in reading it. The best ideas for topics come when you least expect them...write them down as soon as you are inspired, and keep a running list on your phone.
3️⃣ Share something that’s unique to your experience, or information that we’re unlikely to learn about you elsewhere in your application. Most important is for you to be real and be yourself; unless you want to be a theatre major, it is way too hard to try to be what you think we want you to be. (And, truly, we just want you to be you.)
4️⃣ Be a good storyteller. Use a strong opener – catch our attention right from the start. Poignant moments in time, with a little bit of reflection, often make great essays.
5️⃣ Show rather than tell. Use anecdotes, examples, and descriptions. Make it your best, most engaging writing. Trim the fat. (And resist the urge to use the thesaurus!)
6️⃣ Revise often and early, proofread carefully, read it aloud, and don’t be afraid to start over. It is ok to have someone else look over the essay to help you catch things you missed, but don’t over-edit and make it sound like a research paper.
1️⃣ It goes without saying that your essay needs to be written by you. Believe it or not, the voice of a teenager is very different from a parent’s, and we’ve gotten pretty good at spotting the differences.
2️⃣ Choose a topic that’s right for YOU – something about which you’re passionate. If you’re not interested in what you’re writing about, chances are no one will be interested in reading it. The best ideas for topics come when you least expect them...write them down as soon as you are inspired, and keep a running list on your phone.
3️⃣ Share something that’s unique to your experience, or information that we’re unlikely to learn about you elsewhere in your application. Most important is for you to be real and be yourself; unless you want to be a theatre major, it is way too hard to try to be what you think we want you to be. (And, truly, we just want you to be you.)
4️⃣ Be a good storyteller. Use a strong opener – catch our attention right from the start. Poignant moments in time, with a little bit of reflection, often make great essays.
5️⃣ Show rather than tell. Use anecdotes, examples, and descriptions. Make it your best, most engaging writing. Trim the fat. (And resist the urge to use the thesaurus!)
6️⃣ Revise often and early, proofread carefully, read it aloud, and don’t be afraid to start over. It is ok to have someone else look over the essay to help you catch things you missed, but don’t over-edit and make it sound like a research paper.
Bright Komor
Nurse
261
Answers
Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Updated
Bright’s Answer
This should do.
Here’s a summarized guide to writing a compelling personal statement:
Start with a Hook: Begin with an attention-grabbing story, experience, or idea that reflects your personality or passion.
Showcase Growth: Highlight challenges, achievements, or turning points that shaped your goals and character.
Align with Values: Research the college’s mission or values and weave them into your narrative.
Structure Clearly:
Introduction: Hook and your main theme.
Body: Key experiences that demonstrate skills, resilience, and goals.
Conclusion: Tie your story together, showing how the college fits into your plans.
Be Authentic: Use your own voice, avoid clichés, and let your personality shine.
Here’s a summarized guide to writing a compelling personal statement:
Start with a Hook: Begin with an attention-grabbing story, experience, or idea that reflects your personality or passion.
Showcase Growth: Highlight challenges, achievements, or turning points that shaped your goals and character.
Align with Values: Research the college’s mission or values and weave them into your narrative.
Structure Clearly:
Introduction: Hook and your main theme.
Body: Key experiences that demonstrate skills, resilience, and goals.
Conclusion: Tie your story together, showing how the college fits into your plans.
Be Authentic: Use your own voice, avoid clichés, and let your personality shine.
Sneha Deb
Tech Consultant
52
Answers
Edison, New Jersey
Updated
Sneha’s Answer
Hey Samira! Here are some tidbits to writing a compelling personal statement:
Grabbing Introduction: Start with an engaging opening that introduces who you are and your main motivation for applying.
Showcase Experiences: Use specific examples to highlight relevant skills and achievements, reflecting on how they shape your goals.
Align with Opportunity: Tailor your statement to the values and goals of the program or role, demonstrating your fit and enthusiasm.
Demonstrate Authenticity: Be genuine and highlight both technical and soft skills, like leadership and adaptability.
Revise and Perfect: Seek feedback, proofread for errors, and ensure clarity, ending with a confident closing that reaffirms your intent.
Grabbing Introduction: Start with an engaging opening that introduces who you are and your main motivation for applying.
Showcase Experiences: Use specific examples to highlight relevant skills and achievements, reflecting on how they shape your goals.
Align with Opportunity: Tailor your statement to the values and goals of the program or role, demonstrating your fit and enthusiasm.
Demonstrate Authenticity: Be genuine and highlight both technical and soft skills, like leadership and adaptability.
Revise and Perfect: Seek feedback, proofread for errors, and ensure clarity, ending with a confident closing that reaffirms your intent.