WRITING A STRONG PERSONAL STATEMENT

What are the essays for? Show your thought process and planning Reflect your ability to follow instructions Establish writing skills Get beyond the transcript Differentiate candidates Create a personal connection Can substitute as an interview last point: most important

Draft the Essay Know your audience. Address each question. Make sure all examples are relevant. Expand, but don’t repeat your resume. Be concise! Check grammar and spelling. Did you accomplish the goal of your essay?

Tips and Tricks Be honest Don’t be humble Sell yourself Don’t answer the question directly Discuss your heritage Mention your connection to the university* Conclude your essay

Be More Reflective Do you have an example from working on projects in the workplace, classroom, or community? What has been your experience working with coworkers or classmates? Do your examples demonstrate maturity, responsibility and focus? How are you intellectually curious about the world and other cultures? Can you relate these examples back to the theme and purpose of your essay.

Common Errors Draft an original essay for each application! Accidentally addressing the wrong school Forgetting the essay prompt Too much information – relevancy is key! Stay within the limit! Punctuation, grammar, etc. – proofread!

Bad Example I am very good in academically because i had great and good teachers to teach me in the junior and senior high and i hope it will be more if i get admission to the school and i will use that knowledge i have to add to yours ...Thank you Why is it bad??

Good Example During a visit to the SOS (Save Our Soul) orphanage village, witnessing the hardship of children there, I, with my two friends was instilled into a burning desire of contributing to their wellbeing. 2 weeks after talking to the president about our intention, our SOS Teaching Project was officially launched, aiming to improve those children's education. However, things did not start off as expected because most of them were mentally slow and constantly restive. Our first lessons, therefore revolved around moral principles and the significance of a good educational background. Then, we had to work on an alternative curriculum, for which we divided students into groups for individual attention, because the standard one was unsuitable. The children, fortunately, became understanding towards our efforts and tried to work harder at school. Why is it good?

Good Example During the first 3 months,Language barrier makes things tough. I cound't understand teacher well so sometime when teacher gives us homework verbally in the class i missed it. I remember well that one time my Government teacher got mad at me for not doing my homework. I was embarrassed and i don't know how to explain that i didn't catch the homework. I cried in my bed that night and called my mother and said i wanted to back home badly. My mother told me grow up is hard and first of all i need to learn to be strong when diffuculty comes. What are your thoughts?

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