Transcript Wk6 (Personal Statement)

Apply Yourself!
Week Six
The Personal Statement
1
We Will Learn…
 what a personal statement is.
 why it is necessary.
 tips for writing a great essay.
 where to find resources.
 what a personal statement looks like by
reading some sample essays.
2
What Is a Personal
Statement?
 An essay (usually a narrative) that
allows the potential school to know you
personally
 Usually between 250-500 words
 Applications usually use a generic
prompt or topic.
 Some applications give several
prompts and allow you to choose.
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Why Is It Necessary?
 It allows you to stand out.
 It allows you to show your creativity.
 It proves you can write.
 It gives the school a first impression.
4
Tips For Writing a Great
Essay
 Don’t procrastinate! Essays take time!
 Keep it personal. Your essay should not be
so general you can put another name on it
and have it make sense.
 Keep it narrow. Have ONE main point and
follow through.
 Skip generalizations and cliches.
 Make sure they can get a picture of who you
are from the essay.
5
Tips For Writing a Great
Essay
 Don’t write what you think they want to
read. Be yourself!
 Don’t just list your accomplishments.
Write about the bigger lessons.
 Stay under or close to the word count.
 Proofread! Read it several times and
have others read it too.
 Keep the reader interested.
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Where Can I Find Resources?
 Libraries: There are many books just about
writing personal statements.
 Internet: You can find sample essays online
to give you some ideas (Remember your
integrity. Admissions staff can Google just as
easily as you can.)
 Teachers: All teachers have been through the
process and can offer advice.
 College Students: Current students can offer
advice and ideas.
 Your Peers: Ask your peers for advice.
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Sample Essays
 Let’s read the sample essay handout.
 What does this writer do well?
 What could this writer do better?
 Does this person paint a good picture
of himself?
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References
 www.collegeboard.org
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Questions??
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