How to Write a Personal Statement for School

Harlan Ellison once said, "Writing is the hardest work in the world." This seems especially true when you are expected to take your ordinary life and make it extraordinary and meaningful in a personal statement. A well-crafted personal statement can help you get into the school of your choice. Writing one will be easier with a bit of planning.

Instructions

    • 1

      Brainstorm any particular memories or experiences from your life that may hook the reader. For example, if you are writing your personal statement about why you want to be a doctor, think back to when you actually made that decision. Perhaps you had helped someone in need, or maybe you had a surgery and admired your doctor.

    • 2

      Outline your statement. Organization keeps a personal statement flowing and interesting. If you are having trouble outlining all of the components on paper, write each individual idea on a note card, and arrange the note cards into a structured order.

    • 3

      Clearly state your purpose. If your reader cannot define the main idea of your personal statement after reading the first three sentences, then you are not focused. For example, in a personal statement about wanting to become a mom, you could open with, "My ultimate career goal and dream is to become a mother."

    • 4

      Avoid mentioning taboo topics in your statement. If you have been arrested or expelled from school, these topics do not belong in your personal statement, unless something positive has come from the experiences--- for instance, if you were expelled from high school as a freshman but transferred to a different school and graduated valedictorian.

    • 5

      Be positive. Teachers and admissions staff will read dozens, if not hundreds, of essays. By creating a positive personal statement, you'll stand out.

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