Personal Statement

Strategies for writing your college essay… Get ready, get set….GO!!!!

Yes College Application Season is here! If getting a scholarship or college degree

means something to you…it is time to write.

Purpose of the Personal Statement Comprehensive review process Opportunity to provide information that supports

and augments the review process Enables applicant to make the best case

possible for admission

Purpose of the Personal Statement

Adds clarity, depth and meaning to information collected in other parts of the application

Completes the application for admission An admission decision will never be based on the

content of a personal statement alone

Instructions

Two rational statements and questions

Word limits All two topics can be

converted into one essay for private colleges

Preparing to write the personal statement Think critically – need

to step back and look at your experiences from the outside

Write analytically: writing analytically means answering “why?”

Follow a writing process: brainstorming, drafting, feedback, revising, proofreading

Important Strategies

Think like an admission reader

Choose the extended prompt strategically

Before writing, prepare a writing timeline…

Complete your college applications

Find friends and adults for feedback

The Reader-Writer Relationship When readers read critically, they are asking

questions, making observations and constructing interpretations of the information they are reading

A writer fulfills the pact with the reader by addressing these questions, observations and interpretations in the personal statement. YOU can anticipate many of these questions, observations and interpretation by becoming critical readers of YOUR COMPLETED APPLICATIONS!

Levels of Questions Strategy

Level one: What does it say? Details in paragraphs

Taking care of my siblings, etc… Level two: What does it mean?

Topic sentences of paragraphs I have a lot of responsibilities

Level three: Why/how does it matter? Thesis statements of essays

I am able to juggle a strong case load despite my many responsibilities

Determine Response Topics What topic will each

response focus on? Is this topic the most

persuasive? Does it answer the most pressing questions related to this prompt?

The prompt with the most questions should add clarity not more questions so refocus the theme of your essay.

Answer Strategies

Readers want… Responses that get right to the point Specific, concrete examples and language Adherence to word restrictions Responses that complete the application BAD EXAMPLE: Nothing to fear as fear itself is a

motto I have lived my entire life GOOD EXAMPLE: One January morning my

father divorced me as he was divorcing my mother.

Tips for Responses

Avoid irrelevant background information DO NOT LIST Understand meaning of key words Ensure that your response addresses what the

prompt ask for Make sure each sentence advances the

argument Avoid a collection of facts or examples Use concrete details and make them clear, rich

and MEANINGFUL

Extended Response Strategies or all other college essays

Organization and clarity, provided by persuasive thesis, analytical topic sentences, well chosen examples is required

A response that support and completes- by clarifying and contextualizing – the information in the application

LEAVE AN IMPRESSION….

EXAMPLES…

Although my school does not offer AP Spanish, I wanted to master Spanish so that I could enrich my understanding of the literature of Latin America and prepare for my eventual career goal of becoming a diplomat. I prepared on my own for the AP Spanish exam, an as a result have become a more disciplined and engaged student in all of my classes.

Although I do not plan to major in veterinary science, my experiences raising and caring for animals have helped me understand how important animals are to human well-being. Because I have seen the result of human disregard for other forms of life, I am better able to appreciate the importance of ethical treatment for all. As a result, I will be able to contribute my knowledge of animal pervasion and my sill as a n organizer to the campus environment.

More examples…

Although my parents are now both employed, my family has had to struggle in order to survive. I am the oldest of six and, because of our family income does not support us adequately, I work part-time to provide food and shelter for us. Working has taught me to stay disciplined and to use my time appropriately. As a result, I have been able to maintain high academic achievement while support my family.

All examples demonstrate:

*Motivation

*Dedication

*Responsibility

Thesis Statements

Assertion (the argument is….)

Reasons (the synthesis of supporting points -- because….)

Significance (the “so what” of the argument; implications – As a result…)

Resources…

Teachers Find trusted classmates

at your school who can give you OBJECTIVE FEEDBACK!

Find adult readers at school who resemble their target audience

Guidance Center Start early and revise,

revise, revise.

Once your done – you will feel like FLYING!!!!!!!