How to Write a Great Personal Statement: Tips and Examples

Key Takeaways

• You don't need to write about traumatic challenges to create an impactful personal statement.
• A personal statement can cover a wide range of topics, from trips to childhood dreams to unique personal interests.
• The objective is to showcase your values, insights, and personal growth.

Example Essay Analysis

• Example Essay Theme: Balancing different identities and overcoming stereotypes
• Primary Subject: A student balancing sports, literary interests, and personal growth
• Key Skills and Values Shown:
  • Leadership: Team captain and coach’s right-hand girl
  • Curiosity and Creativity: Expands literary interests, experiments with writing
  • Critical Thinking and Complexity: Embraces multifaceted identity
  • Commitment to Service: Started a nonprofit with her sister

Values Demonstrated

1. Leadership: Through team captain roles
2. Curiosity and Creativity: Diverse literary interests and writing ventures
3. Critical Thinking: Ability to balance and embrace different identities
4. Service: Social awareness initiatives through a nonprofit

Important Personal Statement Qualities

1. Values: Showcase qualities you bring to a college campus
2. Insight: Provide context and personal revelations
3. Challenges: Mention them briefly and focus on skills or qualities developed

Writing Tips

• Identify Values: Pinpoint specific qualities you're showcasing
• Provide Insights: Reveal additional context not obvious from other parts of your application
• Briefly Mention Challenges: Address them without dominating your story

How to Start Your Essay

1. Exercise: The “If You Really Really Knew Me” exercise
2. List Identities: Brainstorm different identities and associated values
3. Find Examples: Provide specific examples demonstrating these values
4. Create Outline: Structure your essay by weaving together different facets of your identity

Sample Outline Structure

• Intro: