Writing the Personal Statement

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Writing the Personal Statement
2
Outline

• Purpose of the Personal Statement
• What the Personal Statement is not
• What characteristics does the selection committee
  look for
• Appropriate topics
• Personal Statement Advice
• Final Comments

3
Purpose of the Personal Statement

• Allows the applicant to explain unusual
  circumstances and provide additional insight into
  your character.
• Helps the committee learn more about you by
  providing examples of interests, achievements, or
  challenges.
• Provides you an opportunity to distinguish
  yourself.

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What the Personal Statement is NOT

• A sample of writing skills, although appropriate
  grammar usage and spelling are expected.
• An exhaustive listing of activities, honors,
  awards.
• An autobiographical account of exaggerated
  problems or circumstances.

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What characteristics the selection committee
looks for

• Thoughtful, incisive reflection some sense of
  who you are
• Personal qualities including leadership,
  tenacity, and commitment
• Sustained community service
• Demonstrated informal leadership students who
  make things happen
• Demonstrated commitment to academic success

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Topics for Applicants

• Family experiences or personal circumstances that
  reflect character growth or development
• Highlight personal achievements through work,
  school or community
• Explain any obstacles you have encountered and
  how your leadership and/or perseverance made a
  difference
• Address the interruption to your college
  education

7
Personal Statement Advice

• Write in your own voice, speaking honestly about
  yourself
• Provide support for your statements by supplying
  specific details
• Avoid slang and cliches

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More Advice

• Be careful with your humor. And avoid being cute!
• Do not manufacture hardship or whine
• Be positive about yourself

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And More Advice

• Determine your structure and make an outline
• Be aware of sentence length and paragraph
  structure
• Be certain you use smooth transitions
• After writing the 1st draft, let it sit. Then
  read it aloud to a friend. Ask for critique.

10
Final Comments

• There is NO such thing as a single perfect
  personal statement. There is only the personal
  statement that is right for YOU. So do not be
  afraid to write three or four essays and then
  choose from what you have written.