1. Writing a Personal Statement

2. Goal of a Personal Statement
Represent your goals & qualifications in the best light
Showcase your writing skills & voice
Provides interesting insight as to who you are, usually through a story

3. Topic REQUIRES that you show WHY you are qualified
General Topic
Anecdote/Personal Story
Use a story to showcase knowledge learned or skills gained which makes you a great choice for that specific school or program
Best kind of story is one that presents some sort of problem or conflict to overcome
DISTINGUISH yourself among thousands by telling a story
Topic REQUIRES that you show WHY you are qualified

4. That’s a lot of stuff to juggle… What form will this essay take
That’s a lot of stuff to juggle… What form will this essay take? Anything I’m already familiar with?

5. Hybrid Format Narrative Persuasive Tell a story about yourself
...while also…
Persuasive
Making a reasoned argument to an audience proving you’re qualified for college

6. Advice from Admission Reps.
Purdue OWL & Admission Reps
Summarize
What do they say you SHOULD DO?
What do they say you SHOULD NOT DO?

7. That’s a lot of different advice… How will this essay be organized?

8. Outline Organization Introduction Detailed Supporting Paragraphs
Uses a strong attention getter
Begins your personal story w/ the conflict
Connects story to your qualifications & school/program applying to
Detailed Supporting Paragraphs
Describes key details of your story as your evidence
Explains how the moments in the story showcase skills you possess
Should build to the most important part of the story and skill learned (like a story does to its climax)
Each paragraph should be specific and focused
Conclusion
Ties together your examples and qualifications
Reiterate your interest in the school
Might mention how this is part of a personal long-term goal
Should tie back to your attention getter

9. Sounds great, but… What does a completed personal statement actually look like?

10. Critiquing the Samples
What things do the samples do well/not so well?
Did they follow the admission reps.’ advice?
Were they unique/memorable in their approach?
Do they include information that would be found on their resume/transcript?
Do they explain why they would be an asset to the school/program?
Would you accept them based on this essay? Why or why not?

11. Sources
“Personal Statements and Application Letters.” Indiana University: Writing Tutorial Services. 21 August April <