Writing a Personal Statement for a College Application

Hi there, I'm working on my college applications and was hoping for some guidance to nail my personal statement. Any advice on how to approach it? What are colleges really looking for in a personal statement? Thanks in advance!

Absolutely, I'd be pleased to provide some guidance! Colleges are generally looking for a personal statement that provides insight into who you are as an individual in a way that isn't obvious from the rest of your application. Here are some tips on how to approach it:

1. Identify Your Story: The first step is understanding what unique perspective you bring to the table. It might be an obstacle you’ve overcome, a goal you’ve worked hard towards, an activity or interest you're passionate about, or something that's been a big part of your identity. Don't worry about sounding impressive or unique on a national scale—it’s about your personal journey.

2. Focus on a Specific Event or Moment: A specific experience can act as a firm foundation for your essay. It can be a moment of conflict, discovery, or change. By zoning in on one theme, you can delve deeper into your narrative.

3. Show, Don’t Tell: Strong essays appeal to the readers’ senses and emotions through vivid word pictures. As an example, instead of stating outright that you're determined and hardworking, demonstrate it by providing examples of a project or goal that you accomplished.

4. Stay True to Yourself: The personal statement is about, well, you – your experiences, dreams, passions, and goals. Avoid clichés and convey your authentic voice, without striving to portray an image of what you think a college wants to see.

5. Reflect on Your Journey: Show self-reflection and introspection, as it tells a lot about your maturity and character growth. Expound on how an experience shaped you, what you learned from it, and how it contributes to the person you are or who you want to become.

Just remember to revise, revise, revise! Nothing is written perfectly the first time, and some strong feedback can really help take your personal statement to the next level.

One last note - avoid some of the common essay topics, unless you have a unique perspective on them. These include stories about sports victories or injuries, moving to a new school, being an immigrant, or the challenges faced in a hard class. If you do decide to write about one of these topics, ensure it is incredibly personal or unique.

And remember, there's no perfect formula for a personal statement, everyone's story is different! Good luck in your writing process!