Writing Tips
It is important to be specific, use examples and details to illustrate your points and make your essay engaging. Avoid making general statements and tell the reader what you mean through concrete examples. An active voice also makes your writing dynamic and engaging as it helps to convey a sense of action and urgency that can make your essay more compelling.
Omit unnecessary words or phrases and avoid repetition. Use strong and precise language to get your point across. Make sure your essay stays focused on the topic or prompt. It is easy to get distracted and write about unrelated topics, so remember to bring yourself back to the point of the essay.
Edit your essay carefully to ensure that it is free of errors and typos. Read it aloud to catch any awkward phrasing or errors. It can be helpful to have someone else read your essay and provide feedback. Be yourself and speak the truth. There is no telling when you will be quizzed in the interview. Be true to your experiences and let your personality shine through in your writing.
Obstacles and Challenges
If you have overcome challenges or faced adversity, use your essay to show how you have grown and learned from those experiences. Show the college or university that you are resilient and capable of success, even through adversity.
Remember, your college essay or personal statement is an opportunity to showcase your unique strengths, experiences, and personality. Take the time to plan, write, and revise your essay carefully, and you can create an essay that stands out to help you achieve your goals.
Here are some steps to help you get started:
- Understand the prompt: Make sure you understand the prompt or essay question before you start writing. Read it carefully and make sure you understand what the college or university is asking you to compose.
- Brainstorm: Before you start writing, take some time to brainstorm ideas and reflect on your experiences, interests, and values. Consider what makes you unique and what you can contribute to the college community. You can also think about challenges you have faced and how you have developed through this experience.
- Choose a topic: Based on your brainstorming, choose a topic that allows you to showcase your strengths and interests. It can be helpful to focus on a specific experience or story that illustrates your character and personality.
- Create an outline: Once you have a topic, create an outline to organize your thoughts and ensure that your essay has a clear structure. Your outline should include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
- Write the essay: With your outline as a guide, begin writing your essay. Be sure to use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points and make your essay more engaging. Avoid clichés and generic statements, and instead focus on what makes you unique.
- Show, don’t tell: Don’t just tell the college or university about your qualities, show them through specific examples and stories. Use vivid and descriptive language to paint a picture of who you are and what you can bring to the college community.
- Be authentic: Be honest and authentic in your essay. Avoid trying to be someone you are not or write what you think the college or university wants to hear. Be true to yourself and your experiences.
- Revise and edit: After you have written a draft, take some time to revise and edit your essay. Look for ways to improve your language and structure and ensure that your essay is clear and concise. It can also be helpful to get feedback from others, such as friends, family, or teachers.
- Proofread: Before you submit your essay, be sure to proofread it carefully to catch any errors or typos. You can also use online tools such as Grammarly or Hemingway to help you identify and correct mistakes.
There are no specific statistics available on personal statements, as they are unique and individualized to each applicant. However, personal statements are a critical component of the college application process, and they can have a significant impact on an applicant’s admissions decision.
Factors Influencing College Admissions
According to a 2020 survey by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), colleges and universities ranked the following factors as most important in the college admission decision:
- Grades in college prep courses (82%)
- Grades in all courses (50%)
- Admission test scores (45%)
- Strength of curriculum (41%)
- Application essay or writing sample (26%)
College essays or personal statements are an opportunity to showcase one’s personality, character, and strengths, and to demonstrate why a student would be a good fit for college or university. With careful planning and attention to detail, students can write an essay that will stand out and achieve their goals.
