THE NARRATIVE

To engage your reader in a personal story and convey a thematic message Consider how you will show your personality to your readers. Any story is a good story if it reveals your character, your passions, and your dreams.

What's special, unique, distinctive, and/or impressive about you or your life story? Have you had to overcome any unusual obstacles or hardships (for example, economic, familial, or physical) in your life? What details of your life (personal or family problems, history, people or events) have shaped you or influenced your goals?

What sets you apart from others? What personal characteristics (for example. integrity. compassion. persistence) do you possess that would improve your prospects for success in the field or profession? Is there a way to demonstrate or document that you have these characteristics?

What career path interests you? What have you learned about it (and about yourself) that has further stimulated your interest and reinforced your conviction that you are well suited to this field? What insights have you gained? What skills (for example, leadership, communicative, analytical) do you possess? Are there any gaps or discrepancies in your academic record that you should explain. Why?

1 pivital event in your life 1 childhood memory 1 thing that means the world to you 1 challenge you have faced 1 thing you are passionate about

This is the most important part of your narrative Always make the introduction pop. You want to draw your reader in! Use the funnel approach in your introduction. Begin with an anecdote (use sensory details) and EXAMPLES

Tell a story: Use a story to illustrate the point that you really want to express. Stories are easier to remember than straight facts. This is what makes you memorable Give supporting details: If you mention in your personal statement that you will be a great doctor because you are hard working, then EXPLAIN why.

Don't, for example, state that you would make an excellent doctor unless you can back it up with specific reasons. Your desire to become a lawyer, engineer, or whatever should be logical, the result of specific experience that is described in your statement. Your application should emerge as the logical conclusion to your story.

Think in terms of showing or demonstrating through concrete experience. One of the worst things you can do is to bore the admissions committee. If your statement is fresh, lively, and different, you'll be putting yourself ahead of the pack. If you distinguish yourself through your story, you will make yourself memorable.

The Personal Statement

Do not include high school achievements (unless they are absolutely remarkable!) Do not touch on controversial or political topics DO NOT LIE!!! Avoid clichés

Select on example from the list you just created and relive the story: Bring your reader to that moment or time. Recreate the memory using sensory language You have 10 minutes to retell the story: Use vivid imagery Imagine being there

Example 1 Example 2 Example 3

Begin with your “hook” Tell your story End with how this story demonstrates who you are and how you approach life.

What are your career aspirations? When did you become interested in this field and what have you learned about it (and about yourself) that has further stimulated your interest and reinforced your conviction that you are well suited to this field? What insights have you gained? ?

How have you learned about this field—through classes, readings, seminars, work or other experiences, or conversations with people already in the field? What kind of Relevant work experience/shadowing/volunteer work do you have? What program or major will best suit your needs in college? Discuss why you will succeed in college. Try and revisit your initial story.

What personal characteristics (for example, integrity, compassion, and/or persistence) do you possess that would improve your prospects for success in the field or profession? Is there a way to demonstrate or document that you have these characteristics? Discuss any additional personal achievements that demonstrate or highlight your strengths Or Any positions of responsibility held Or Hobbies that disclose aspects of your personality

End on a brief not that shows you are looking forward to the experience. What are the most compelling reasons you can give for the admissions committee to be interested in you? Reconnect to your initial story. (Transition)smoothly

Reflect on an idea or experience that has been important to your intellectual development. How has this experience changed you? Write a note to your future roommate that reveals something about you or that will help your roommate-and us-know you better What matters to you and why?

Some students have a background or story that is so central to their identity that they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story. Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what lessons did you learn? Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again? Describe a place or environment where you are perfectly content. What do you do or experience there, and why is it meaningful to you? Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family