Ep. 9: Personal Statement Writing

Hi All!

I hope you’ve had a great week ☀️ 

Our high schoolers are drafting their personal statements for college applications so I figured this was a good time to share our pointers with you all~

Why is the Personal Statement Important?

Your college personal statement is your chance to shine and showcase your unique qualities, experiences, and aspirations. It's the ONLY part of your application where you have full control, offering admissions committees a glimpse into who you are beyond grades and test scores. A well-crafted personal statement is how you can set yourself apart from other applicants.

Getting Started: Brainstorming Ideas

1. Reflect on Your Journey: Think about your life experiences (why you started your ‘passion project’ when you were a freshman :), challenges you've overcome, and moments that have shaped you. What makes you unique? What are your passions, interests, and goals?

2. Identify Key Themes: Look for recurring themes or values that define you. Are you passionate about community service, a particular subject, or a hobby? These themes can form the foundation of your statement.

Writing Your Personal Statement

1. Start with a Strong Opening: Grab the reader's attention from the beginning. Share an anecdote, quote, or a personal story that relates to your theme.

2. Show, Don't Tell: Instead of listing your qualities, illustrate them through real-life examples and experiences. Paint a vivid picture of who you are.

3. Be Honest and Authentic: Your personal statement should reflect your genuine thoughts and feelings. Admissions officers value authenticity!

4. Address Challenges and Growth: If you've faced challenges or setbacks, don't shy away from discussing them. Admissions committees appreciate resilience and personal growth.

5. Stay Concise: Aim for clarity and brevity. Most colleges have word or character limits, so make every word count.

Editing and Proofreading

1. Revise, Revise, Revise: Writing is rewriting. Don't be afraid to edit and refine your statement multiple times. Seek feedback from teachers, counselors, and peers.

2. Check for Errors: Proofread carefully for grammar and spelling mistakes. Attention to detail matters.

Final Thoughts

Your college personal statement is an opportunity to tell your story, convey your passion, and demonstrate your potential as a student. It's a reflection of who you are and what you can bring to a college community!

Be yourself, tell your story, and let your unique voice shine through! Download a free copy of my guide:

Please share if you know any high schoolers on their way to college!

That’s all this week! Have an awesome start to the weekend and I hope you’re finding this weekly information useful🌻 

Deepak

Currently: reading | watching \ team messages

📚️: Outlive: by Peter Attia 🤯 

📽️: Building a Second Brain

🥷: Writing Wizard, Brendan, has space for 2 students needing personal statement support!