How to Write a Personal Statement (Tips + Essay Examples)
A few hundred words to capture who you’ve become over the course of almost two decades?
Yup, makes sense why lots of students find the idea of writing a personal statement intimidating. Framed like the above, it could almost sound, I don’t know, unreasonable.
Whether you’re using the Common Application, the Coalition Application, or a school-specific application portal, it can be scary to try to come up with an essay topic that encompasses the complexity and vastness of who you are as a person … while also staying in the word count.
But this can also be a fun, meaningful experience (real talk: We wouldn’t be doing this if we didn’t think it was true). In fact, the process of brainstorming and writing about meaningful aspects of your life can be an incredible way to practice self-reflection and think more deeply about who you are, what you value, who you hope to be in the world, and what you actually want to get out of college.
So to help you move past the intimidating aspects and focus more on the fun and meaning, in this post, we’ll describe what differentiates the personal statement from other college essays and what function it serves in your college application. We’ll also share what qualities can help a personal statement stand out, how to find a stronger topic, how to set yourself up for an easier writing process, and even share some essay examples we loved.
Became closer with mother, somewhat healed relationship with father Once you're finished, read it through and check it all makes sense, flows well and of course has all the correct spelling, grammar and punctuation. Get someone else to read it over and preferably an education related professional, such as a teacher or tutor.How to write a personal statement: 10+ ways to a winning essay
Your personal statement is possibly the most important essay you'll ever write so with that in mind, here are 11 ways to get you on your way to a killer University application.
Start with a plan
Don't just jump right in else you'll only end up with a jumbled mess of ideas and thoughts that will never flow. Draw up a rough outline for your statement, which will generally start with an introduction about yourself.
Go on to detail your academic achievements, work experience and career prospects as well as your social activities, linking them all to your University course.
Support your claims with EVIDENCE
Personal statements are an easy place for people to claim all sorts without having to actually back it up. Avoid falling into the trap of making weak assertions by backing up what you say, whether it be from what qualifications you're studying, what work experience you've undergone, what your hobbies are or just what books you've read.
 which have free examples of Personal Statements for various subjects. Take some time to read them for some inspiration and ideas for your own.</p>
<h3>Avoid cliches</h3>
<p>Openings such as 'Ever since I was young' and 'For as long as I can remember' are used in literally hundreds of personal statements every year so try to avoid them, the same goes with certain words like 'passion'.</p>
<p>Phrases to definitely avoid are those that might sound impressive but just don't make sense: )
Make it interesting
While your personal statement should follow a good structure at the same time you don’t want it to come across as just another bland by-the-numbers piece of writing.
Whip out your thesaurus and vary your vocabulary - make sure you don't repeat yourself – just don’t do a Joey!
Make it PERSONAL
A statement full of facts and figures about qualifications and work experience could be from anyone so be sure to add some personality to your essay. Mention your extra curricular activities, hobbies and so on, but be sure to try and relate them either to the course you're applying for or your potential career.
But don't include everything
You shouldn't use your personal statement to write your autobiography: You won't have room, for a start! Keep it relevant to your course and application and even then you'll probably have to make some selective edits.
One good way to decide what goes in is to make a list of all that you consider relevant - from your qualifications, work experience, extra curricular activities and personal attributes - and prioritize them.
