Personal Statement

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Personal Statement
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The Basics

• What is it?
• A snapshot/summary of you
• Why is it important?
• Your scores are not the only thing that reflects
  who you are
• A chance to understand who you are, your goals
  and potential
• How important is it?
• Can help (or hurt) you tremendously!

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How is it organized?

• Length 1.5 - 2 pages (600 words)
• Format essay
• On the Common Application, five prompts to choose
  from
• Some students have a background or story that is
  so central to their identity that they believe
  their application would be incomplete without it.
  If this sounds like you, then please share your
  story.
• Recount an incident or time when you experienced
  failure. How did it affect you, and what lessons
  did you learn?
• Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or
  idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make
  the same decision again?
• Describe a place or environment where you are
  perfectly content. What do you do or experience
  there, and why is it meaningful to you?
• Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or
  informal, that marked your transition from
  childhood to adulthood within your culture,
  community, or family.

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Time to Shine!

• Figure out your strengths and highlight them!
• International students have a unique perspective
  that U.S./local students abroad do notemphasize
  it!
• Emphasize but dont lie schools want to get to
  know you!

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How?

• Start with a hook, an anecdote, an attention
  grabber
• Reflect upon it
• How did you process it?
• How did it influenced/changed you?
• Reveal something essential about yourself

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Touch it up!

• Write, edit, edit, edit, editedit
• A word on using editing services.
• Make sure they keep the essence of your essay
• Dont worry too much if you cannot afford fancy
  services IVCE is happy to help (first-come,
  first-serve basis)

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Some Thoughts

• Start the summer before you begin applying
• Write the essay completely before seeking advice
• Choose your themes and personal experiences
  carefully
• Personal essays should be personal but be
  careful to reveal what should help you get into
  college
• Be clear (details, details, details) do not
  assume
• Remember the reader may not know anything about
  the particulars of your life, family, culture

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PS vs. SOP

• Undergraduate Personal Statement
• Graduate Statement of Purpose
• Research topic
• Writing Sample
• Why are you a good fit for this school
• Why is this school a good fit for you
• Professors, facilities, resources, etc.