A personal statement supports your application to study at a university or college.
It’s a chance for you to articulate why you’d like to study a particular course or subject, and what skills and experience you possess that show your passion for your chosen field.
Follow this article for a much more accurate guideline on “How To Write Personal Statement For College”.
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WHAT IS A PERSONAL STATEMENT
In college admissions, a personal statement is an essay that you write to demonstrate to the college admissions committee who you are and why you should be admitted to their institution.
It’s important to note that, in contrast to the phrase “college essay,” this term is also used to refer to application essays for graduate school.
Typically referred to as a personal statement or statement of purpose, an admissions essay or other written statement made by an applicant, most often a prospective student applying to some college, university, or graduate school is termed an admissions essay or application essay.
In the admissions process for universities and colleges, the application essay is a standard component.
Some applications may demand the completion of one or more essays, although others may consider essays to be optional or extra.
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HOW DO YOU START A PERSONAL STATEMENT FOR COLLEGE?
A risk of attempting to come up with a brilliant introductory line is that you may end up overthinking it and going overboard with your ideas.
As one admissions tutor put it: ‘Be succinct and attract the readers in, but don’t use a gimmick to get their attention.
This is something that admissions tutors frequently mention. In particular, they stressed the importance of candidates engaging the reader with meaningful perspectives or ideas, rather than by using showy language.
- Don’t waste your time attempting to come up with a catchy start; it’s typically a huge turn-off for potential readers.
- The most important factor is that you are interested in the course. Begin by explaining why you chose it.
- The most effective personal statements come straight to the topic as soon as possible
- To begin, write a succinct sentence that expresses the reason you are interested in studying the field for which you are applying and that demonstrates your enthusiasm for it.
- Direct your attention to the entrance. What makes you so enthusiastic about taking this course?
- Write down whatever comes to mind.
- From the very beginning, be specific.
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WHAT SHOULD A COLLEGE PERSONAL STATEMENT INCLUDE
Please keep in mind that you can only submit one personal statement per course application – and that it must be the same for each course. As a result, avoid referring to any specific universities or colleges by name.
If you’ve chosen subjects that are comparable, talk about the subject in general and avoid mentioning specific courses by their titles.
You can write on common themes, such as problem solving or creativity, if you’ve picked a diverse range of subjects.
The following are some suggestions to get you started:
- Examine course descriptions and note the traits, abilities, and experience that are required — and then go to work! It is possible to use these to assist you in deciding what to write about.
- Write a motivational statement for the reader to understand why you are applying – include your goals as well as what you are interested in about the subject, the course provider, and higher education in general.
- Make a list of the things that distinguish you as a good candidate – this could include relevant experience, talents, or successes you’ve achieved through education, job, or other activities.
- Include any groups or societies that you are a member of, whether they are sporty, creative, or musical in nature.
- Specify any relevant career experience or volunteer work you’ve done, such as vInspired Awards and other similar programs.
Step Together, or Project Trust, as the case may be. Because of the limits placed on our lives at the moment, performing this task in person may be difficult.
Don’t be concerned, universities and colleges are aware of this and will take it into consideration — read our advise to learn about a variety of different opportunities to obtain valuable experience.
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WHAT SHOULD NOT BE INCLUDED IN A COLLEGE PERSONAL STATEMENT?
More information on what you should and should not write about in your college admissions essay can be found in the following sections.
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Never bring up your academic and extracurricular achievements again and again.
Your schoolwork and extracurricular activities are already reflected in your transcript, award lists, and list of activities.
Essays add a new layer of complexity to your college application. Who do you want to be as a classmate? As a roommate, perhaps?
As the organizer of campus activity, what are your responsibilities?
Never write about a “subject.” Always write about yourself.
Students frequently arrive at courses having a “subject” in mind that they believe they should write about, as if they were writing an analytical essay in English class.
As an alternative, you should look for specific instances in which your character is revealed in action.
Never begin a sentence with a prelude.
This is a personal essay on my commitment to environmental preservation. ” Boring! You only have one chance to capture the reader’s attention, so hook them with action right from the start of your story.
Set the setting, or get directly into dialogue, so that people understand that you are not the only one involved in the story.
Never conclude a story with a “happily ever after” ending.
“It was on that day that I realized how vital it is to be courteous to everyone.” In a fit of rage, you stabbed author in the heart with stupor.
Your reader is a sharp cookie. You are not required to tell them what you learned if you have demonstrated your understanding.
Never, ever pontificate on anything.
Never tell other people what they should think or how they should feel. Don’t try to argue your case.
Don’t try to prove yourself or make someone else incorrect. It’s excellent to be involved in activist activity, but instead of using your essay as a platform to make your point, demonstrate that you are actually performing the work.
Never allow yourself to become absorbed in your thoughts.
The worst essays are those in which the pupils are completely absorbed by their own thoughts.
The worst example is all of the big, world-changing things that come to mind while you’re doing yoga. Instead, write about what you did the next day, if possible.
Never be afraid to speak up.
If you want to be taken seriously as a college applicant, your college essays should expose the real you, the complicated you, the one who makes mistakes, not the goody-two-shoes you believe you should be.
Colleges admit genuine people, not flawless people, since they are more realistic.
Never, ever provide too much information.
However, you must be cautious because your essay is the first thing that colleges learn about you.
There are no stories that are off limits, but they should be told in a style that draws people into your experience rather than one that shocks or scares them away.
Never expose your essay to too many people at the same time.
Share with caution. Students frequently reveal their essays to professors, counselors, parents, and other family members and friends.
The opinions of each individual on what you “should” write vary, and before you realize it, you’ve lost sight of the main point of the essay.
Never go overboard with editing your essay.
After showing their essay to everyone, students edit it again and again to make each reader happy — and before you know it, their story has been ground down and their voice has vanished.
Don’t forget to use your own distinct voice. Don’t make the mistake of sounding like everyone else.
HOW TO WRITE A PERSONAL STATEMENT FOR COLLEGE?
The majority of the college application process is fairly straightforward. Among the information you’ll provide is information about your classes and grades, standardized test scores, and a variety of other achievements and honors.
On much of the application, your accomplishments must speak for themselves.
The personal statement is different though, and it’s your chance to let your voice be heard.
1. Consider this a creative writing homework of some sort.
Many students find writing personal statements challenging since they have never had to undertake this style of writing before.
High school students are accustomed to writing academic reports or analytical articles, but they are not accustomed to crafting creative narrative pieces.
The purpose of creative writing is to have fun with it while still sharing a meaningful story with the audience.
Choose a topic that interests you so that you will look forward to writing your paper. It is not required to be intellectually or visually attractive in any way.
Because you already have your transcript and test results to demonstrate your academic abilities, the purpose of the personal statement is to allow you the opportunity to express yourself creatively.
Admissions officers will have a more engaging essay and reading experience as a result of these changes.
You are under no obligation to write in the typical five-paragraph format with an obvious thesis statement while you are writing. Your tale should have a central message, but it does not need to be presented directly; rather, it should emerge naturally through the story’s events.
In addition, your writing should appear to be spontaneous. While it will be more polished than a casual discussion with your best buddy, it should not come across as stuffy or manufactured when it is spoken out loud by you.
This delicate balance can be difficult to achieve, but a tone that would feel comfortable when speaking with an acclaimed instructor or a long-time mentor is usually a suitable fit in most situations.
2. Show, don’t tell is the Golden Rule
One of the most common mistakes students do is to just state everything that happened, rather than genuinely bringing the reader to the exact time it happened and developing a story about what happened.
“I was pleased and felt empowered when I completed my first half marathon,” says the author, in a dry tone.
In this case, the writing truly describes what happened and how the writer felt at that moment: “As I rounded the final curve before crossing the finish line, my pulse beat faster with excitement.”
My burning legs and gasping lungs were drowned out by the adrenaline rush. I was determined to complete my first half marathon! As someone who could barely run a mile a year ago, this was virtually unimaginable to me.
Consider imagining yourself in the situation you wish to write about if you find yourself starting to write your essay like a report and having difficulty going beyond “telling.” What emotions and bodily sensations did you experience?
What was it about this particular moment that was significant? I’m curious as to what you saw or heard. What were your thoughts on the matter?
Read some memoirs or personal essays for inspiration, such as The New York Times Modern Love Column, for example. Another option is to listen to podcasts that feature personal storytelling, such as The Moth.
In order for their stories to be interesting, what are these authors and storytellers doing? In the event that you did not enjoy a particular narrative, what was it about the story that you did not enjoy?
Investigating real-life stories might assist you in identifying strategies that you personally find appealing.
3. Make use of dialogue.
Incorporating dialogue into your work is an excellent method to keep it interesting. It could be better to write something like “My brothers teased me,” rather than what they actually said. It is more effective to read something like this:
“Where’s the fire, Princess Clara?” they sneered, pointing to the sky. “Are you having some difficulties?” I was nudged and fired by the ends of the chewed branches and a few simple scrapes of wood against the rock, which ignited an inferno of a crimson and roaring fire.
My face continued to burn for a long time after I had left the fire pit. The smell of salmon and embarrassment permeated the camp.
Including conversation can help to break up long paragraphs of text and to infuse your story with a sense of urgency and action. Having said that, don’t go overboard with it.
To write effectively, it’s crucial to find the right balance between relying on dialogue too much and using it as a tool only when absolutely necessary.
Unless, of course, it is your aim to do so and you want to demonstrate your screenwriting abilities!, you don’t want your essay to read like a script for a movie.
CONCLUSION
Keep in mind that your personal statement is your opportunity to persuade an institution of why you should be offered a spot.
As a result, if you make it compelling, there is a lot greater likelihood that they will listen.
FAQs
Your personal statement should share something about who you are, something that can’t be found in your resume or transcript.
‘The best personal statements get to the point quickly. ‘ ‘Start with a short sentence that captures the reason why you are interested in studying the area you are applying for and that communicates your enthusiasm for it.
“As soon as you can! Give yourself time to write it properly. Your first draft alone could take you a whole day to write.” Amy Smith, Nottingham Trent University. “Set yourself a schedule. It will take longer than you think to write your personal statement and it is important that you allow time to review your work several times.” Louise Carr, the University of Liverpool.
“Don’t forget about the obvious! Why do you want to study your chosen course? Hopefully it’s something you know the answer to and have taken a lot of time to think about so make sure you include it.” Emma Powell, Edge Hotel School. “Enthusiasm, motivation and focus about the subject you’re applying to. Mention extra- curricular activities, transferable skills and include what your future career plans are after your degree.” Maxine Charlton, the University of York. “Unis aren’t looking for a dictionary definition of a subject. They know what their degrees are about; they want to know what you understand and enjoy about the subject.” Louise Carr, University of Liverpool. “The best personal statements effectively link examples of the student’s extra-curricular activities with the university’s entry requirements.” Amy Smith, Nottingham Trent University.
“Put your notes in order according to what the course you’re interested in is looking for. If you have any skills and experience relevant to the entry requirements, make sure you say so at the start of your personal statement.” Amy Smith, Nottingham Trent University. “First impressions aren’t everything – yes, a lot of personal statements start in the same way. However, don’t put so much prominence on writing a witty first line – having a good overall personal statement will make a much better impression.” Emma Powell, Edge Hotel School.
REFERENCES
- https://www.ucas.com/connect/blogs/personal-statements-quick-fire-questions-answered
- https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/applying-university/writing-personal-statement/how-write-personal-statement
- https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/student-advice/applying-to-uni/tips-for-writing-your-personal-statement
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