By
Aria Falcone, JIF ‘17
Oh
Common Application, you truly are...something. Although you do provide an
organized way to manage many applications, I have spent numerous hours feeling
as if I am about to tear my hair out. But, dear Common App, I am more than the
information I have filled out. How can I demonstrate to my colleges who I truly
am?
Do
not fear, the Personal Statement is here! To show your quirks, your story, and
your personality! The only limitation? Do it in 650 words or less…
If
the thought of writing a Common Application Personal Statement seems daunting
to you, you have come to the right place. This post will give you tips and
tricks for writing a rockin’ essay that will knock the socks off of any
admissions officer.
- Choose your
prompt. Before you can start writing,
you need to choose one of seven prompts. Each of the prompts open the door
to virtually any essay. You should choose one that interests you most, one
that you feel gives you the best opportunity to show who you are. Remember,
there is no “right” choice for this. You want to choose the one that
allows you to be yourself!
- Choose your
topic. This should be something that
has happened and/or influenced you throughout high school. Stories from
when you were younger don’t really have a place in this essay, unless they
are anecdotal or have shaped the person you are today. Choosing a topic
may seem daunting, but keep in mind that you do not have to share your
entire life’s story. Tips for brainstorming: Make a list of all of
the interesting/significant things that have happened throughout all of
high school. Go through and highlight your favorite events. Then choose
the one that you think will give the most insight into your character.
- Gather your
thoughts. Ask yourself the
following questions: How has my topic shaped who I am today? How have I
gained insight into the world around me through my topic? Has my topic
sparked questions/interests/new realizations? It might help to record your
voice and talk about your topic, instead of putting anything on paper
right away.
- Write! The Personal Statement is what the title reveals: personal.
Your essay should reflect your personality and your writing style. If
you’re funny, throw a few jokes in there. One thing to remember: this
is not a five-paragraph essay with a thesis and three topic sentences.
Although it may be helpful to structure your essay with your answer to the
prompt as sort of a “thesis,” this is not the traditional essay you are
used to writing in school. It is meant to showcase who you are. As
you write your first draft, don’t expect it to be perfect. Just write, and
let the words flow out of you! We’ll worry about polishing it later. For
now, though, just say what you want to say!
- Revise. Read through your essay a few times, and ask yourself
the following questions. Let’s start simple: Am I within the word limit?
Did I answer the prompt? Now for some more important questions: Am I happy
with what I am writing about? Am I showcasing who I am through this essay?
Does it sound like me? Finally, these: Does my writing make sense? Can
someone else follow the storyline? After evaluating your essay, go through
and make these fixes.
- Revise again. Identify spelling and grammar issues and fix accordingly.
- Show it to
someone you trust. It always
helps to have a teacher or mentor look over your essay and give their
opinion. Although this may make you nervous, this person is only there to
help you. You will be able to gain their perspective on your essay, and
take any suggestions that they give.
- Final step. Identify someone who knows you very well, whether this
is a parent, relative, mentor, clergy, best friend, etc. Give them a copy
of your essay, and let them read it. Ask them if it sounds like you.
If the answer is yes, then you are ready to submit. If the answer is no,
then ask them for their advice on how to personalize it more.
The
most important thing to keep in mind before, during, and after you write is
this: the Personal Statement is a reflection
of who you are as an individual. If you accomplish this, then you are
successful.
Oh,
dearest Common App, you cause some people stress and anxiety, but, reader, you
are no longer on that list. You have demonstrated who you are, and the right
college for you will see that, and know that you are the right fits for each
other. You will end up where you are meant to be, guaranteed.
Sources:
Joyce Ivy College Admissions Symposium ‘17, former and
current literature teachers, helpful college admissions officers, and personal
experience.
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