Writing Personal Statements
Let Me Introduce Myself
Whether a personal statement is being submitted for consideration of admission or consideration in a scholarship process, the 1-2 page letter is often the closest that a student will get to being interviewed by the institution or scholarship granting entity.
Where I’ve Been and Where I am Going
A personal statement is an ideal place to share about how your personal and academic background through high school has shaped you as a person and how you see yourself as being an ideal candidate for admissions or scholarship consideration.
You should also share how your past has shaped where you would like to go next. Share both your short term and long term goals. You may share a specific academic major and career that you have set your trajectory for. Or, like many students, you may have to be a little more general if you have yet to decide on your specific academic major and associated career paths.
Be Excited
Sharing positivity associated with your future goals helps to emphasize your own positive self-concept.
Be Real
Some personal statements may ask you to share more both about your individual strengths, as well as providing a realistic self-appraisal of how you work to overcome challenges.
Involvement and Leadership
In what ways have you been involved in your classroom, in your school, or in your community? In what ways have you grown to take on leadership within those areas?
Community Service
You may decide to focus on sharing how you have volunteered or worked to serve others. You may share these experiences when applying for admission, when applying for a scholarship that is focused on community service or to share how this community service aligns with your academic and professional goals of continuing to help others.
Extenuating Circumstances
While not easy, some students may share details about their lives or events that may have had an impact on their life.
Ask for Help or Review from Others
In sharing extenuating circumstances or just in general, it is recommended that you consider engaging a trusted counselor, educator, or mentor that may be aware of your personal story and that can provide feedback on your personal statement. English teachers may help you correct spelling or grammatical errors prior to them being seen by those considering you for admission or for a scholarship.