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Unweighted GPA: 3.7
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What to write about in a personal statement?

Hey guys, I'm working on my college applications and need some advice on what to write about in my personal statement. I'm not sure what colleges want to see. Can anyone provide some guidance on what topics colleges find appealing in personal statements?

a year ago

Hey! Choosing a topic for your personal statement can be challenging since colleges want to learn more about you as a person, beyond your academic achievements. To make your personal statement stand out, focus on developing a unique and personal topic that highlights your character, growth, and experiences.

Here are a few suggestions to help you brainstorm:

1. Identify a meaningful or transformative moment in your life that shaped you into who you are today. For example, it could be a conversation with a family member, a volunteer experience, or an event at school that changed your perspective.

2. Reflect on your interests and passions outside of school. How have you pursued these interests, and how have they contributed to your personal growth? For example, you could discuss how learning a musical instrument has helped you develop discipline and perseverance.

3. Think about any challenges or obstacles you have faced, and how you've grown from those experiences. This could be related to family, personal, or academic situations.

4. Consider your background and identity – cultural, ethnic, socio-economic, or otherwise – and how it has influenced your worldview and goals.

Try to avoid cliche topics like sports victories, moving to a new place, or being an immigrant, unless you can add a unique spin or make it extremely personal. To make your essay engaging, tell a specific story instead of writing a broad, vague narrative. And remember, your personal statement should be genuine, well-written, and convey your unique voice.

Make sure to show, not just tell, by using vivid examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points. This not only makes your essay more engaging but also allows the admissions officers to see more clearly who you are, what motivates you, and what you can contribute to their campus community.

Lastly, ensure your personal statement has a clear structure, with an engaging introduction, coherent body paragraphs, and a strong conclusion that ties together your main ideas and leaves a lasting impression. Good luck with your personal statement and college applications!

For more information click here: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-come-up-with-an-idea-for-a-personal-statement/

a year ago

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