How to Write a Worthwhile Personal Statement for Your College Applications

You might have everything lined up and ready to send in with your college applications, (even your financing with https://www.elfi.com/, but there is one important factor you need to take into account before you send them off — how’s your personal statement looking?  

Admissions committees read thousands of essays a year. Some of these can blend together or bore them. What you want to do is stimulate their curiosity and redefine what is possible. Anyone can write about what makes them unique (ok, maybe not everyone), but only you can tell your story with refreshing honesty, wit, and vulnerability.  

Admissions at colleges can’t stress enough how much they want diverse and well-rounded students to study with them, and it’s up to you to sell your story in addition to all the hard work that you’ve done academically and in extracurriculars.  

Your personal statement is actually an important part of your application. Don’t just write any old essay. You’ll want to show what is special about you, that will make Admissions want to read it, and will make them more engaged with you as a person.  

Even if you’re not an essay writer, you can still write something that’s straight from the heart and mind. Just make sure that your eyes aren’t the only ones on it. If you’re looking to smash your personal statement, look no further than this list of tips.  

• What is your story?

Before you actually sit down to write your personal statement, think of what your story is actually about. What makes you unique enough that only you could write it? It helps to talk this through with others, whether they be a trusted teacher or counselor, a tutor, a family member, or even a friend. Getting ideas from those around you, about you, can actually be incredibly eye-opening.  

Once you’ve narrowed down what you want to write about, and why only you could write it, you’re on your way to writing a totally distinct personal statement. Don’t be afraid to write a couple of drafts if you have to, and always look for feedback. Having multiple eyes on the statement can help you immensely during the editing stages.  

• Think in-depth about the questions being asked.

Many personal statement topics might seem like stock topics, and in some ways, they are, but only so they can remain broad enough to cover a multitude of students’ experiences. Think about the question being asked and how you can approach it in a way that is fresh and exciting. What’s a take you have that they might not have seen before? Be sure to grab them with your first line.  

• Be yourself.

This is something you definitely need to address. What makes you special? Bring as much confidence as

you can in regards to your character, academic standing, and involvement with your community. Admissions want to see the fire within you show through onto the page.  

Don’t forget that you are allowed to talk yourself up. Sing your own praises!