The Personal Statement

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The Most Important Essay You Have Ever Written.

Your Personal Narrative

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A personal statement for college/trade school admissions is a short essay where you tell a story about yourself, highlighting your experiences, qualities, and aspirations. It helps admissions officers understand who you are beyond grades and test scores, showcasing your unique personality and potential fit for their institution.

The Personal Statement

The personal statement is a crucial part of your college or trade school application, offering you a chance to showcase who you are. It usually comes in one of two forms:1. The general, comprehensive personal statement:This type gives you the most freedom regarding what you can write about. It's your chance to present a broad picture of your experiences, aspirations, and qualities.2. The response to specific questions:Many applications, especially for specialized programs, require you to answer targeted questions. Your statement should directly address each question, providing focused and detailed insights into how your experiences align with the program's requirements. Some applications might even ask for multiple essays, each responding to a different prompt.

Writing the Personal Statement

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Objectives

The rhetorical situation is the setting where writing happens. It involves the relationship between the writer, the audience, and the message. This includes why the writing is happening, where it's taking place, and what the audience expects. Knowing this helps the writer create messages that really connect with and influence the audience, making the writing more effective.

Understanding the rhetorical situation is crucial when crafting your personal statement. It involves recognizing your audience, the purpose of your writing, and the context. This awareness helps tailor your content to resonate with admissions committees, making your application impactful and relevant.

The Personal Statement

The reason behind the communication; what the writer hopes to achieve.

Context

The group or individuals who receive the message.

Audience

The person or entity crafting the message.

Writer

Components of the Rhetorical Situation

Purpose

Message

The circumstances or setting in which the communication takes place, including cultural, social, and historical factors.

The content and form of what is being communicated.

Question 1

A personal statement is your narrative canvas, showcasing your passions and aspirations, weaving experiences into a story of authenticity and purpose.

Knowing the audience influences the narrative's tone, style, and details. The writer's goal might be to entertain, inform, persuade, or inspire reflection, guiding the narrative's content and presentation. The context in which the narrative is written and read affects its interpretation. The core message often reflects personal insights, and the chosen medium impacts how the narrative is structured and perceived, creating a resonant and meaningful communication.

When writing a personal narrative, understanding the rhetorical situation is crucial as it tailors the narrative to effectively communicate with the intended audience and achieve the writer's purpose. The elements—writer, audience, purpose, context, message, and medium—shape the narrative. For instance, the writer uses their experiences to craft the story, considering the audience's potential interests.

Summary

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Introduction to the Personal Statement

What story do I need to tell?

Who am I?

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When you create your personal statement, think of it as your own unique story. You are sharing who you are as an individual, revealing your values, experiences, and aspirations to others. This is an opportunity to connect with your audience and leave a lasting impression.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Module 1

• NeedWhen did you become interested in this field and what have you learned about it (and about yourself) that has further stimulated your interest and reinforced your conviction that you are well suited to this field? What insights have you gained?
• How have you learned about this field—through classes, readings, seminars, work or other experiences, or conversations with people already in the field?
• If you have worked a lot during your college years, what have you learned (leadership or managerial skills, for example), and how has that work contributed to your growth?
• What are your career goals?
• Are there any gaps or discrepancies in your academic record that you should explain (great grades but mediocre LSAT or GRE scores, for example, or a distinct upward pattern to your GPA if it was only average in the beginning)?

• What's special, unique, distinctive, and/or impressive about you or your life story?
• What details of your life (personal or family problems, history, people or events that have shaped you or influenced your goals) might help the committee better understand you or help set you apart from other applicants?

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Writing

Module 1

• What skills (for example, leadership, communicative, analytical) do you possess?
• Why might you be a stronger candidate for graduate school—and more successful and effective in the profession or field than other applicants?
• What are the most compelling reasons you can give for the admissions committee to be interested in you?

• Have you had to overcome any unusual obstacles or hardships (for example, economic, familial, or physical) in your life?
• What personal characteristics (for example, integrity, compassion, and/or persistence) do you possess that would improve your prospects for success in the field or profession? Is there a way to demonstrate or document that you have these characteristics?

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Writing

Questions to Ask Yourself

Module 1

"Prewriting is the sculptor's chisel—essential for carving out a clear, impactful personal statement."

Asking and answering questions before writing your personal statement helps identify key personal strengths and goals, leading to a clearer, more compelling narrative that truly reflects your individuality and aspirations.

Asking yourself questions before writing a personal statement is essential. It helps clarify your goals, strengths, and unique qualities, ensuring your narrative is focused and impactful. This preparation leads to a more compelling and personalized statement that stands out.

Summary

Module 2

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• If you are applying to several schools, you may find questions in each application that are somewhat similar.
• Don't be tempted to use the same statement for all applications. It is important to answer each question being asked, and if slightly different answers are needed, you should write separate statements. In every case, be sure your answer fits the question being asked.

Important for You to Know

General Advice

Think in terms of showing or demonstrating through concrete experience. One of the worst things you can do is to bore the admissions committee. If your statement is fresh, lively, and different, you'll be putting yourself ahead of the pack. If you distinguish yourself through your story, you will make yourself memorable.

Tell a Story

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Tell a Story

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Craft the opening paragraph to captivate readers immediately, setting the tone and framework for the entire piece, ensuring it guides the subsequent content effectively.

This is how you will maintain theattention of your audience

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Concentrate on your opening paragraph

Most life stories lack drama; thus, identifying a unique angle or "hook" is crucial to make your narrative engaging and stand out.

Find a unique "hook" to engage readers.

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Find an angle

Detail experiences that directly shaped your career aspirations to make your personal statement compelling and authentic.

Support career goals with specific experiences described.

Be Specific

General Guidelines

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Research the school to understand what distinguishes it from others, including unique programs or beneficial geographical and cultural aspects to mention.

Research and highlight unique aspects of the school.

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Do some research, if needed

Exclude elementary and middle school achievements and controversial topics like politics or religion from personal statements to maintain relevance and professionalism.

Avoid mentioning outdated or controversial topics in statements.

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Don't include some subjects

Detail your field experience and knowledge, referencing work, studies, and professional interactions to showcase your suitability and informed career choice.

Detail experiences and knowledge of your field specifically.

Tell what you know

General Guidelines

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Avoid clichés, overused phrases lacking originality, in essays; express unique, personal motivations and experiences to stand out.

Avoid clichés; be original in personal statements.

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Avoid clichés

Be meticulous and proofread your essay thoroughly. Admissions value good writing and correct language use. Express yourself clearly within limits.

Proofread carefully, adhere to limits, express clearly.

Write well and correctly

General Guidelines

'Including quotes always reinforces our presentation. It breaks the monotony'-Always quote the author

Focus on the opening paragraph to capture attention, and use the middle section to detail your knowledge and interest in your chosen field, using professional language and citing specific experiences. Avoid mentioning outdated achievements or controversial topics. Research each institution to understand and articulate what makes it a unique fit for you. Ensure your writing is clear, well-structured, and meticulously proofread, avoiding clichés to present original and thoughtful insights.

When applying to multiple schools, tailor each application to the specific questions asked, avoiding the temptation to reuse the same statement. Each response should be unique and directly address the question to ensure relevance. Engage the admissions committee by telling a compelling, personal story that highlights your experiences and aspirations in a vivid and interesting way.

Summary

General Guidelines

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Question

One step closer to your future.

Congratulations!

You are now ready to write your personal statement for your college, university, or trade school application.

You Are Finished

Certificate

Course completed!

Colleges primarily want to understand how applicants handled specific situations and the significance of their actions. This focus on personal growth and reflection allows admissions officers to gauge the applicant's character and resilience effectively.

Tell a Story Hint

Customize each application, answer questions directly, and tell a unique story. Focus on a strong opening, detail your field knowledge, research schools, and ensure clear, cliché-free, well-proofread writing.

Helpful Hints

Metacognition refers to the awareness and understanding of one's own thought processes. It is essential to employ metacognitive strategies when composing your personal statement. This process begins with a series of reflective questions, encouraging a deep exploration of your intended message and the manner in which you wish to convey it.

Metacognition

Prewriting your personal statement is crucial as it helps organize thoughts, refine ideas, and structure your narrative effectively. This preparation ensures a coherent and persuasive statement that captures your essence and goals. Let the communication flow!

Prewriting

The length of a personal statement for college admissions can vary, but it typically ranges from 500 to 650 words. Most colleges provide specific guidelines on length and format, so it's important to check the application instructions of each school to which you are applying. This ensures that your personal statement meets the required criteria and fits within the provided space.

Typical Length

In a personal statement, selling yourself is crucial. It's your opportunity to highlight your strengths and unique qualities, distinguishing you from other candidates. This narrative should be compelling and reflective of your achievements and aspirations, effectively convincing the reader of your potential.

Sell Yourself