Writing a Personal Statement

What is a Personal Statement your introduction A picture of you An invitation to get to know you An indication of your priorities Your story

The do’s of the statement: What’s important? The do’s of the statement: write from the heart Choose some main points Show don’t tell Sell yourself Be authentic, accurate and honest Be human

The Do Not’s of the statement: be flowery in your writing Don’t refer to me and I too many times Don’t make this a resume Avoid references to past traumas Remember this is not a confessional!

What to Include…. Anecdotes of life-changing moments moments that have clarified what you want to do

Let’s Get to Work…. Make sure to spend some time brainstorming and organizing your thoughts.

Getting Started…. Make a time line of your life. What three or five or ten events would someone have to know to understand you? How are they connected to one another?

Questions to think about: 1. what has been the most interesting, intriguing, and exciting part f your life? Why? What did you learn about it? 2 Describe a person who has shaped your beliefs or values? 3. What do you enjoy doing? 4. Where or how do you seem to waste the most time?

More Questions….. Which famous person (dead or alive) do you most identify with? Why? In five years, where do you see yourself? What do you see yourself doing? What ideas, books, theories, or movements have made a profound impact on you? Why? (be honest)

Now what????? Once you have decided on a focus for your paper, done some brainstorming and narrowed you ideas… You need to get started.

How to get started….. Your hook… The introduction DO NOT start with “I” or “ME” or “MY” Make sure you have an excellent hook. Using a quote or anecdote is a good beginning. Don’t forget this is the framework for you paper. Stay focused Don’t get too “wordy”

The body of your introduction… Make sure to follow your plan. Detail interests and knowledge. Use strong transitions Use a conversational tone Avoid clichés Keep it organized!

The Conclusion….. This is the end of your statement, restate your points and themes but do so positively. DO NOT just summarize! Be positive, this is the last impression the reader will have!

Don’t forget to edit! Make to proofread for typos and misspelled words. Make sure it is neat and easy to read Make sure it is interesting! Have someone else read it!

Editing Questions: Try to answer each of these questions while proofreading. Did my opening paragraph capture my reader’s attention? Is my personal statement interesting? Is it well written? Is the statement positive and upbeat? Is it an good reflection of me? Does it answer the key questions? Is it an honest and forthright presentation of me? Is it appropriate? Is it free of errors?

Formatting your statement… Use a font that is easily read Plan to write 2-3 pages Write in the first person read the directions carefully!

Your Assignment!!!! You will need to write your own personal statement. You are using this personal statement on your application to the university of your dreams!