What To Write Your Personal Statement About: A Guide to Crafting Your Best Essay
Choosing what to write your personal statement about is arguably the most daunting part of the entire college application process. It’s a single essay, often around 650 words, that needs to encapsulate who you are, what you’re passionate about, and why you’re a good fit for the schools you’re applying to. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this crucial step and write a personal statement that truly shines.
Understanding the Purpose of the Personal Statement
Before you even think about ideas, it’s crucial to understand the core purpose of the personal statement. Admissions committees read thousands of applications, and they’re looking for something that sets you apart. They want to see beyond your GPA and test scores; they want to get a glimpse of your personality, your character, and your potential. The personal statement is your chance to show them who you are. It allows you to present a side of yourself that doesn’t come across in the rest of your application.
Brainstorming: Uncovering Your Potential Essay Topics
The first step is brainstorming. Don’t limit yourself at this stage. Jot down everything that comes to mind, even if it seems insignificant at first. Think about:
Exploring Significant Life Experiences
Consider pivotal moments in your life. These don’t necessarily have to be grand achievements; they can be everyday experiences that shaped your perspective. Think about:
- Overcoming Challenges: Did you face adversity, and how did you respond? Did you learn resilience, perseverance, or empathy?
- Moments of Growth: When did you experience a significant shift in your understanding of yourself or the world?
- Transformative Relationships: Who has influenced you, and how? How have these relationships molded you?
- Significant Achievements: What are you proud of, and what did you learn from those experiences?
Identifying Your Passions and Interests
What do you genuinely care about? What consumes your time and energy outside of school? These passions can make for compelling personal statements. Explore topics such as:
- Hobbies and Extracurricular Activities: What activities do you enjoy, and what skills or values have you gained from them?
- Intellectual Curiosity: What subjects or ideas fascinate you? What do you enjoy learning about?
- Creative Pursuits: Do you write, draw, play music, or engage in other creative activities? How does this shape your identity?
Reflecting on Your Values and Beliefs
Your personal statement is an opportunity to showcase your values. Consider:
- What principles do you live by?
- What do you believe in?
- What are your views on important social or ethical issues?
Narrowing Down Your Choices: Finding the Right Fit
Once you have a list of potential topics, it’s time to narrow down your choices. Not every idea is a good fit for a personal statement. Consider the following:
Assessing the Significance of the Experience
Choose an experience that had a meaningful impact on you. The stronger the impact, the more compelling your essay will be.
Demonstrating Personal Growth
Focus on experiences that showcase your growth, learning, and development. The essay should reveal how you’ve changed or what you’ve learned.
Highlighting Your Strengths and Qualities
Select an experience that allows you to highlight your strengths, such as leadership, teamwork, resilience, or creativity.
Ensuring Authenticity and Specificity
Write about something that is truly authentic to you. Avoid trying to be someone you’re not. Be specific and provide concrete details. Vague generalizations are a recipe for a mediocre essay.
Structuring Your Personal Statement: Building a Compelling Narrative
The structure of your personal statement is as important as the content. A well-structured essay will keep the reader engaged and make your points clear.
The Hook: Grabbing the Reader’s Attention
Start with a compelling hook. This could be an anecdote, a thought-provoking question, or a vivid description that grabs the reader’s attention from the outset.
The Body: Developing Your Narrative
The body of your essay should develop your chosen topic in a clear and organized manner.
- Provide Context: Set the scene and provide background information.
- Describe the Experience: Use vivid language and specific details to bring your experience to life.
- Explain Your Actions and Thoughts: What did you do? What were you thinking?
- Explore the Impact: How did this experience affect you? What did you learn?
- Connect to Your Future: How has this experience prepared you for college and beyond?
The Conclusion: Leaving a Lasting Impression
The conclusion should summarize your main points and leave a lasting impression on the reader. Reiterate your key insights and connect them to your future goals.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Personal Statement Writing
There are several common mistakes to avoid when writing your personal statement. Being aware of these can significantly improve your essay.
Don’t Simply Retell Your Resume
The personal statement is not just a list of your achievements. It’s about the why behind those achievements and what they mean to you.
Avoid Clichés and Generic Statements
Stay away from overused phrases and generic statements that lack originality. Be specific and authentic to your experiences.
Don’t Try to Be Someone You’re Not
Be genuine and write in your own voice. Trying to be someone else will be apparent to the reader.
Proofread and Edit Meticulously
Proofreading is essential. Errors in grammar and spelling can undermine your credibility. Ask trusted friends, family, or teachers to review your essay for clarity and accuracy.
Show, Don’t Tell: Using Vivid Language and Details
One of the most effective techniques for writing a compelling personal statement is to show, don’t tell. Instead of stating facts, use vivid language and specific details to bring your experience to life.
Use Descriptive Language
Use strong verbs, descriptive adjectives, and sensory details to paint a picture for the reader.
Provide Concrete Examples
Instead of saying you are a good leader, provide specific examples of your leadership skills in action.
Focus on the “So What?”
Always consider the “so what?” question. Why is this experience important? What did you learn from it? How has it shaped you?
FAQs About Writing Your Personal Statement
Here are some additional frequently asked questions to help you with your personal statement.
What if I don’t have any “big” accomplishments?
Not having a major achievement is perfectly fine. Focus on experiences that have shaped you, regardless of their perceived significance. The impact on you is what matters.
Is it okay to write about a negative experience?
Yes, it can be very effective, especially if you demonstrate how you overcame the challenge and grew from the experience. Show how you learned from it.
How much should I reveal about myself?
Be authentic and honest, but also be mindful of what you share. The personal statement is not a confessional. Focus on experiences that demonstrate your character and potential.
Can I get help with my personal statement?
Absolutely! Seek feedback from trusted teachers, counselors, and family members. They can help you refine your writing and make your essay even stronger. Just ensure the final product reflects your voice.
What if I’m not sure what I want to study?
That’s okay! Your personal statement doesn’t have to be directly related to your intended major. Focus on demonstrating your character, values, and potential. Colleges understand that many students are unsure about their career paths.
Polishing Your Essay: Revision and Feedback
Once you’ve written a draft, the real work begins: revision.
Seek Feedback from Trusted Sources
Get feedback from teachers, counselors, and friends. Be open to suggestions and be willing to revise your essay based on their input.
Revise, Revise, Revise
Don’t be afraid to make multiple revisions. Each revision should make your essay stronger and more compelling.
Edit for Clarity and Conciseness
Ensure your essay is clear, concise, and easy to read. Remove any unnecessary words or phrases.
Conclusion: Crafting Your Unique Story
Choosing what to write your personal statement about is a significant decision, but with careful consideration, brainstorming, and strategic planning, you can craft an essay that truly reflects who you are. Remember to focus on experiences that reveal your character, values, and potential. By following these guidelines and dedicating yourself to the writing and revision process, you can create a personal statement that stands out and helps you achieve your college application goals. Your personal statement is your story; make it count.