SWC 9: Writing Personal Statements for College Admissions

Dynamic PDF: SWC 9: Writing Personal Statements for College Admissions
 
What is a personal statement?
A personal statement is a way to introduce yourself to a college admissions committee. It helps the admissions personnel get a better idea of an individual’s qualifications, goals, values, and fit for the program.
 
Is there more than one type of personal statement? Yes.
Open-ended prompts:
  • These allow applicants to decide the direction(s) they want to take.
  • Prompts may include broad questions like:
    • Why do you want to attend this university?
    • What are your goals?
    • What is something you value and why?
  • Prompts may also remain general while providing slightly more structure:
    • “Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.”[1]
    • “The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?”[2]
Specific prompts:
  • These allow applicants to respond to a specific topic, issue, or question such as:
    • What is a book you love? How has it impacted you? In what way(s) do you identify with the text/characters?
    • What extracurricular activity has had a significant impact on your life?
    • Is there a particular moment in your life that has made you who you are today? What was the moment, and how/why did it impact you?
What is the process for writing a personal statement?
  • Brainstorming:
    • Take your time and evaluate multiple writing options/paths
    • Remember the purpose: to portray yourself accurately, to highlight your strengths, and to explain why you are an ideal candidate
    • Keep the personal statement parameters in mind including word count (You want to choose a topic that you can fully cover.)
    • Keep the audience in mind and consider how you will build ethos (your credibility)
    • Consult our brainstorming handout: COM 4: Brainstorming
  • Outlining:
    • After selecting a primary topic, form a preliminary thesis statement to guide your personal statement
    • Next, decide your subtopics that support the thesis
    • Organize these sub