Writing the Personal Statement Frustrating or Satisfying? Create an accurate portrait!

Admissions readers are looking for 2 things: HOW the essay provides evidence of your achievements that isn’t reflected in other parts of your application HOW and WHY the events you describe have shaped your attitude, focus, and intellectual vitality WRITE FROM THE HEART!

A good essay is... Thoughtful and honest Strives for depth, not breadth Follows the conventions of good writing Conforms to the guidelines Answers the question Contains a catchy introduction that will keep the reader interested

A good essay is... Transforms blemishes into positives Demonstrates your knowledge of the major/ college Exudes confidence—you will be successful no matter what!

Essay structure (typical 2 page essay) An introductory paragraph that provides your essay’s controlling theme 2-4 body paragraphs that develop your theme through examples and detailed experiences and build upon each other. The final body paragraph will contain your most poignant information A conclusion that widens the lens and wraps up your essay without summarizing or repeating

The Introduction Establish the tone Set the scene Define its theme Hook your reader through interest with details and quotes

Drafting, Revising, Rewriting Make sure: 1.Does the theme indicate a conceptual progression of ideas! 2.The paragraph’s topic sentence Focuses your theme 3.Does each example illustrate you main idea 4.Depth—not breadth?

Style Tips Check word accuracy: do not choose obscure words Does every word mean what you think it means Be yourself! Avoid empty words and phrases like: “basically, really, goals and dreams” Use active verbs Avoid predictable phrases: “I learned to work with others, etc”

Style Tips Avoid clichés, proverbs, or other over-used phrases from literary sources Use a normal, point font to type your essay Make sure you proofread for grammar and spelling Be Yourself! (Essays have become increasingly suspect, i.e. the essay “coach”