Hey everyone, I'm a high school junior starting to think about my personal statement for college applications. I know it's a crucial part of the process, but I'm honestly a bit lost on how to get going.
Do you have any tips on beginning the writing process? Like, should I brainstorm a list of ideas first or just start writing whatever comes to mind? Also, how do you make your personality come through without sounding like you're trying too hard? Any advice is appreciated!
Great question! It's perfectly normal to feel a bit overwhelmed when starting your personal statement, as it's a significant part of your college application. Here are a few strategies to consider:
1. Reflect on Your Experiences and Interests: Think about experiences, interests, or people that have shaped you and your worldview. It could be a memorable trip, an influential relationship, a meaningful extracurricular activity, or even something seemingly ordinary that you have a unique perspective on. This helps you brainstorm and identify unique elements about you that you could highlight in your essay.
2. Start With a Hook: Consider beginning your essay with an engaging sentence or anecdote that will draw your readers in. This is often a vivid moment from the experience you chose that encapsulates the main theme of your essay. Remember, admissions officers read numerous essays, so grabbing their attention from the beginning is crucial.
3. Draft an Outline: From your brainstorming, draft an outline that includes your main points, anecdotes, and reflections. This will serve as your roadmap and makes the actual writing process more streamlined since you know what you want to say and how you want to say it.
4. Show, Don't Tell: To make your personality shine through, use vivid details, personal reflections, and active voice. Show your character through actions, choices, and outcomes in your story rather than just detailing a list of traits. Also, ensure that your voice remains authentic throughout. Trying too hard to sound intellectual or using excessive fancy language can often sound inauthentic.
5. Revise and Edit: Beginning with a rough draft, then revising and editing over weeks, if not months, can help you refine your essay. Don't worry about getting it perfect in the first few drafts. The deleting, rearranging, and refining is a crucial part of the process.
6. Seek Feedback: Have other people read your essay—teachers, parents, or friends can provide valuable feedback. They can highlight unclear or awkward sections and share what they find most memorable.
Remember, the goal is to let the admissions officers know who you are beyond grades and standardized test scores. Good luck with your writing process!
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