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How To Write The Most Awesome Personal Statement Ever - College Edition
  • Aug 2022
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How To Write The Most Awesome Personal Statement Ever - College Edition

2nd August 2022

College and university applications have a very conventional and drab outline that every applicant must follow. The one thing that can make an application stand out is an exceptional personal statement. A personal statement reflects the student's opinions regarding the subject.

The student can describe their preferences and interests through the personal statement they write with their college applications. A personal statement is like a cover letter for a job application. A good one increases the chances of getting selected. 

 

BREAKDOWN OF A PERSONAL STATEMENT 

Writing a personal statement is a heavy task; it might guarantee applicants an upper hand at admissions. Nicely-written personal statements are tickets to an easy admission. Here is a breakdown of everything students should include in their statements to get noticed.

A STRONG INTRODUCTION

An introduction should contain the student's interests and what reflects their personality. It should have details regarding why the student is interested in the course and whether they have prior experience. A personal statement about one's personality encourages the reader to dig in more.

When writing a personal statement for a university, include why the program is interesting. The introduction should be a set of passions the student follows and how they align with the selected major. 

 

THE BODY

 The body of the personal statement should contain more about the student's skills, experiences, and interests. The student can write about personal details relevant to the course they are applying for. The following are a few things that can be included in the body of a personal statement.

  • Personal experience and achievements

The student can write about their awards, certificates, and dissertations, if any, related to the major they are applying for. 

  • Skills and talents

The personal statement can have any skills that are relevant to the course. Mention any skills that have been acquired through earlier courses. For example, if the student is applying for a linguistics degree, they can mention the number of languages they are fluent in. 

  •  Personal worth

The body of a personal statement should speak about how the student will be an asset to the university. The student can talk about the innovations they can bring to the college and how they can prove to be someone worth giving a chance.

  • Academic goals

The student should write about their goals regarding the degree. This should include how the university will help them with their plans. Any lucrative academic goal is bound to get the university's attention.

 

AN IMPRESSIVE CONCLUSION

A firm and impressive conclusion is essential to give a lasting effect. A conclusion should be a precise repetition of the whole personal statement. The student should be very clear about their goals and skills. An impressive conclusion to embed the particular personal statement in the eyes of the selecting community.

The final section of the personal statement should include the following pointers.

  • A broad view of academic goals

The conclusion can include the student's academic goals in a compact format. Write about how the university's course is relevant in preparing for a career. Students can also include 5-year or 10-year goals for a more comprehensive view.

  • A summary

Sum up the pointers of the personal statement in 3-4 sentences. This will help the selection committee have a bird's eye view of the critical points. 

  • A trip back to the introduction

Once the personal statement is written, end with a line or two discussing the interests. The statement can end on an enthusiastic note keeping the opportunity in mind.

  • EDITING THE FINAL DOCUMENT

The final document should always be proofread and edited. This will help reverse any minor mistakes. Any document with minor but noticeable mistakes can be a wrong impression. Things to keep in mind when editing the document are.

  • Grammar and spelling

  • Lucid phrasing

  • Passive voice

  • Relevant

  • Aptly specific

  • Easy language

  •  

To browse more about what a personal statement should consist of, follow the link below.

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/how-to-write-a-personal-statement

WRITING A PERSONAL STATEMENT ASSIGNMENT

A personal statement should be written in a certain way keeping a few essential pointers in mind. These statements work as deciding factors for students wanting admission. Even though personal statements should be unique, certain factors should be kept in mind.

These factors can be defined as the format of a personal statement. They can also be defined as non-bargainable parts of a personal statement. A few of these have been listed below.

1. FORMAT OF A PERSONAL STATEMENT

A personal statement is an official document the student is supposed to submit with their application; it should be written keeping in mind the basic format.

  • The personal statement should be single-spaced, and the standard spacing of the cover letter should be followed.

  • The personal statement should be written within 1000-1300 words spaced out between 5-7 paragraphs.

  • A standard cover letter font such as Cambria or Arial should be used.

  • Make sure to add the name and contact information at the top.

  • Enter the date between two blank lines.

  • Put in the Dean's information, a greeting, and the rest of the letter.

  • The personal statement should be followed along with the student's contact information.

2. ANSWERING THE CORRECT QUESTIONS

Most colleges require aspiring students to answer a particular set of questions in their personal statement. Paying attention to these questions is very important. The student should not get too caught up with describing their passion and positively remember to answer these questions. 

These questions may help the student narrow down their list of possibilities. Students can use them to write a precise and well-informed personal statement. 

3. PRACTICE WRITING FORMAL DOCUMENTS

Before writing the final, personal statement essay, the student is advised to practice a few drafts. The student can indulge in journaling or just mindless writing to brush up on their skills and write a lucid essay.

4. DO NOT FORGET TO RESEARCH ABOUT THE SCHOOL

The student should research the school they are to study in to understand their ideal type of student. They can look into the curriculum, the courses, and the way of teaching. Incorporating these into the personal statement straightforward will buck up its value.

Learn more about ideal personal statement essays.

 

TIPS FOR WRITING A STRONG PERSONAL STATEMENT ESSAY

The personal statements that stand out the most have a professional yet personal tone. A concept of what astonishing personal statements are like can help students create one of their own. The following are a few tips for writing a great personal statement.

a) Students should use their writing skills to make the essay appealing and original.

b) The applicant should use short, simple sentences to improve the essay's readability.

c) The student should make it a point to use a positive tone throughout the essay.

d) The use of active voice cannot be more stressed. Active verbs are vigorous and give a refreshing tone to the essay.

e) The essay should be as original and unique as possible to help it stand out.

f) The student can use a personal statement template to save time.

g) Add statements bound to attract the readers to the personal statement essay.

h) Include details about achievements and how they can be assets to the organization. Portray yourself as a lucrative option.

i) Connect the school's curriculum to the interests of the student. This will help the selectors make an easy choice.

For more personal statement tips and strategies, look into the following links.

 

STUDENT SUCCESS STATEMENT EXAMPLES

A great personal statement is judged by the qualities, values, and skills it demonstrates. The selection panel will juggle these and decide if a candidate is suitable for the university. A great personal statement should have insight, vulnerability, values, and craft qualities. Listed below are some of the unique and quirky things that may make a personal statement stand out.

  1. USE VIVID IMAGERY

An essay with textured language and animative imagery is easy to read and understand. These details make the essay fun and engaging. When writing the essays, pay attention to using all the five senses to make the piece lifelike.

  1. USE DIALOGUES

Dialogues are not necessarily a suitable method of essay writing. However, when personal statement writing comes to play, dialogues are essential to convey real-life incidents.

  1. USE AN ENGAGING BEGINNING

When writing a personal statement, try to use an engaging and fun first line. It should convey information about the author and his interests. Use narrative voice to hook up the readers from the beginning.

  1. USE MINUTE DETAILS

An essay does not have to be filled up with several useless materials. However, when writing about achievements and so, the applicant should introduce minute details to show off their sincerity towards the course they are choosing.

  1. ASK QUESTIONS 

The personal statement does not have to be a specific piece full of information about the self. When narrating incidents, the applicant is free to ask questions. This will give off the impression of someone eager to learn.

  1. USE JARGONS

The applicant is allowed to use subject-specific jargon to spruce up the essay. These words in the essays will show the applicant's knowledge of technical words. But, be sure not to overdo jargon in the essay.

  1. USE DATES AND TIME

The author is free to use dates and times in their essay to make it relatable and to give an account of real-life incidents. Chronologically organized incidents are pleasurable to read as well.

  1. INDULGE IN APT CONTEXT

When writing an essay that includes personal information and incidents, create a background for each incident. The reader is not well-versed with the applicant's life. Make sure to enlighten them. 

  1. BE FUNNY

Personal statements do not have to be too serious. The applicant can always incorporate a bit of fun into the otherwise formal piece of writing.

  1. PORTRAY POSITIVITY

Essays do not need to be negative and have adverse incidents at hand. Go through real emotions that are positive and resilient.

To know more about quirky advantages and their examples, visit the link.

 

PERSONAL STATEMENT ON EDUCATION

The college edition personal statement can be for a teaching job as well. In this case, the personal statement can be a cover letter for the job application. However, the format and implications for these personal statements are similar. Here are a few different pointers when writing a personal statement on education.

  1. MAKE SURE TO KEEP THE JUDGING PANEL IN MIND

For a personal education statement, the judging panel will probably be qualified professors with apt knowledge of the job. Adjust the keywords and achievements based on the nature of the job.

  1. BE PRECISE

As an applicant for a professor position, the personal statement essays are expected to be short and precise. Beating around the bush is not appreciated.

  1. POUR EXTRA CARE INTO THE EDITING.

Any minor mistake in an education personal statement essay is bound to put the applicant into black books. The essay has to be pristine and perfect. 

  1. KEEP THE ESSAY AUTHENTIC

The applicant should remember to be authentic and original about the essay. Any copied essay or template will not cut the mark. As an applicant for an education job, everything should be natural.

For a detailed explanation of the personal education essay follow the link.

For examples of personal education statements, click on the link. 

 

ADVICE FOR COLLEGE PERSONAL STATEMENT ESSAYS.

Aspiring college students can conflict with how to write their personal statements essays. Even after tons of tutorial blogs, underlying anxiety remains. Here are a few carefully constructed pointers to help aspirants ace the personal statement game.

  1. PRIORITISE IMPORTANT EVENTS

It is important not to cram too many achievements and creative ideas into the essay. The applicant should write only those relevant to the major they want. 

  1. INTRODUCE AN ANIMATIC WAY OF WRITING

The essay must be exciting rather than drab. The applicant should write the personal statement in a way that would show the essay and not tell it.

  1. USE DESCRIPTIONS THAT ARE SENSORY

The applicant can use adjectives to include sensory descriptions and make the essay more enticing. Synesthesia is an excellent way of introducing sensory descriptions.

  1. BE ATTENTIVE TOWARDS THE PARTS OF SPEECH

Adjectives and nouns make up a considerable part of any essay. Pick adjectives carefully without cramming them too much, and be careful not to use two adjectives consecutively. Use detailed specific nouns to make the essay precise.

  1. USE INTERESTING VERBS

The essay should have verbs that are lucid and easy to use. Verbal phrases can make up for the monotonous verbs.

  1. USE SIMILIES 

Similies or figurative language can act as quality enhancers for any essay. They make the essay fun to read and break the drab cycle. This will perk up the reader's imagination and make the essay memorable,

  1. SET DEADLINES.

Never write personal statement essays with a cramped up schedule. Always have time at hand to go through every detail and proofread every paragraph diligently. The best time to write the essay is during the summer break before college applications start.

Expert Advice-

- By Emily Johnson Expert Psychology writer at https://perfectessaywriting.com/ 

1) what makes a good personal statement and what makes a bad one. The bad news is that there's a very fine line. The good news is that we've compiled a list of common mistakes that students make when writing a personal statement. Now, you can learn from the mistakes of others so you don't have to learn them the hard way.

2) Ignoring the rules.

3) Ignoring the basic rules.

4) A statement of purpose is about what you want to do, while a personal statement is about who you are. Both statements essentially serve the same overarching purpose: to make the admissions committee think you are a good fit and will be successful in the program to which you’re applying.

5) a.) Your Writing Capability

b.) What Makes You Stand Out (Your Uniqueness)?

c.) What Will You Bring to the Community?

d.) Consistency with the Remaining Parts of the Application 

 

- By André Teixeira, Founder - Lusa Language School

Crafting a personal statement means that an applicant is showcasing themselves. That means that they are going to write about their achievements, relative experiences, and interests for the University Admission Committee's scrutiny. It is an applicant's first line of defense. Often times, students forget that personal statements should be Personal. There are many cases of student applicants writing in a general fashion, missing the idea that it should be subjective.

     One thing that often slips through an applicant's mind when making a personal statement is that their story should be like an exciting prologue of a book. It should capture the attention of the committee. Many applicants focus on listing their achievements and skills, making it look like a piece of a CV or Resume section. 

     Admission Committees will definitely look for any grammatical errors, so do proofreading before submission. One other thing they'll note is if your personal statement shows commitment and passion. Of course, these qualifications differ depending on the level of application you are making it for, whether you intend to send your personal statement for a post-grad program, a job, or undergraduate studies. 

     For undergraduates, you can state your reasons for wanting to enter a particular program, how you can be an asset to the program, and so on. For postgraduate, remember to mention any dissertation or papers you have done under your name. Also, you have to present pieces of evidence of your relevant skills. Lastly, for a job application, make it concise, containing your areas of expertise and your experiences.

here are three "big picture problems" that often plague personal statements: lack of specificity, not supporting skimming, and not telling a coherent story.

 

- By David Glasser, Notta

There are three "big picture problems" that often plague personal statements: lack of specificity, not supporting skimming, and not telling a coherent story.

My biggest problem in reading personal statements is lack of specificity. Too many personal statements end up looking exactly the same:

 

- By Will Fenton, Higher Education Consultant

1) What do students frequently overlook while composing their personal statement?

Students can often become fixated on their accomplishments when writing a personal statement. While it's great to know what you've done, many graduate programs, especially doctoral programs, want to know about what you bring to the table and plan to do while you're enrolled. I've always advised students that, unless there's a prompt or specific questions to answer, it's smart to organize the personal statement around these topics:
 

a) Why are you applying to the program?
b) What have you done that makes you a great candidate?
c) How will you benefit from the program?
d) How will the program benefit from having you as a student?
e) Why will you succeed in the program?
f) What will you do and/or accomplish once you've graduated?

2.What is one piece of underappreciated personal statement writing advice?
Try and have at least 3-4 different people read it and critique it. And also try reading it out loud, possibly even record yourself doing it, so you can go back and listen to it. If it doesn't "flow," if it's hard to follow along, go back and edit it so it's better. It's not a speech, but it should still flow well, from topic to topic. Also, make sure to double check the website and/or with the program on whether or not there are any requirements for the statement. Many schools will have a 2-3 page limit, or a 750-1000 word limit. If you go over that, they may just toss your statement in the rejection bin automatically. 


3. What do you think the most common error in personal statements is?
There are two things: first, when a student is writing for multiple schools and leaves the other school name (say Ohio State when applying to Penn State) in the statement. That's just sloppy. Second, when the applicant goes on and on about all they've accomplished but never articulates why they are interested in the specific program, or how it fits into their overall plan. Schools want to see that you're applying to them for a reason - the better you can articulate that, the better it will be received.

4. How does a graduate school personal statement differ from one for undergrad, a job, or other aspects of a graduate school application?
So it usually differs in a couple of ways - first, there's not usually a prompt or questions to answer, whereas undergrad will often give you a prompt(s) or questions to answer for the essay. Second, grad schools do tend to expect you to be able to articulate the specific reason(s) why you want to attend their program. Undergrad may be ok with articulating why you want to go to that school. For jobs, most don't require any kind of personal statement, and if you have something on your resume, it is liable to be no longer than a paragraph. No graduate program is going to let you apply with a paragraph of a personal statement.

5. When reviewing graduate school personal statements, what do most admissions committees look for?
I believe I've mentioned this already, but committees often want to see not just what you've accomplished, but that you've put real thought into why you're applying to that particular program and what it is you hope/plan to accomplish as a student at the school. In addition, they want to see that you've thought about how this helps you on your next steps after graduating from the program. It doesn't mean they'll hold you to them, but they want to see you've thought this out. 

For more tips, follow the link. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  1. Is a personal statement the same as a college essay?

Personal statements are very different from college essays. The latter are assignments meant to be submitted in college. A personal statement is an essay the student writes with the college applications.

  1. How long should a personal statement be?

A personal statement should be around 500-1000 words. It should be precise and should not contain needless information.

  1. What are colleges looking for in a personal statement?

Colleges look for personal statements that match their criteria for the course. Personal essays that are authentic and have a good set of skills and talents are eye-catching.

  1. What to include in a personal statement?

A personal statement should include the applicants' tastes, interests, achievements, skills, and talents regarding the particular major.

  1. How to start a personal statement for college?

A personal statement should always start with an introduction that highlights the applicant.

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