4 answers
Hannah
Student
Severn, Maryland
6
Questions
Updated
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Personal Statement Tips?
Hi! I'm a junior in high school, who's been working on starting my personal statement essay for college? I'm trying to make it sound very authentic and reflect my story, which has been really challenging, but I've learned a lot from it. Could you please give some important dos and don'ts when it comes to writing the essay and crafting it to sound moving and authentic? Thank you!
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4 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
3276
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Hannah !
It is so awesome and admirable that, in Junior High School, grades 7th, 8th and 9th in Maryland, you are taking a keen interest in your writing skills ! Writing and reading comprehension are the most fundamental skills that will help you in school and in everyday life.
So basically writing a college essay or personal statement for college when you are in junior high school means that you are practicing your writing. Look up various essay and personal statement prompts online to continue. There's one thing that I can tell you: the personal statement that you're writing at age 12, 13 or 14 is not going to be the personal statement you hand in to colleges at age 18.
Colleges want a personal statement from applicants that have the life experience of someone who has almost or has finished high school. At that time, you will have made much more self-discovery and have more real life experience and wisdom, a more developed mission and perhaps even a definite career goal. It's really expected or best that you actually submit essays and statements to colleges in your senior year in high school or shortly thereafter.
Another reason why you'll have to write the essay at the time you apply to the colleges and not now is because as part of the application, each college provides, at that time, a prompt or topic that they expect applicants to address. You won't know the prompt or topic until years from now. So it's fabulous that you are practicing writing, but the writing you do today will not be what you hand in four or five years from now.
If, when applying to colleges, you have to tell how a negative experience made you learn and grow, try not to dwell on the bad experience itself. Just tell it in one sentence and then explain how you felt about it and mostly the positive outcome of how it was a learning experience. People that review your college essay want to see confidence, a positive outlook and applicants that are eager to keep learning in life and in school.
I hope that this is something to think about and that can help you have the perspective that will keep you in tune with taking things a step at a time. I wish you all the best !
It is so awesome and admirable that, in Junior High School, grades 7th, 8th and 9th in Maryland, you are taking a keen interest in your writing skills ! Writing and reading comprehension are the most fundamental skills that will help you in school and in everyday life.
So basically writing a college essay or personal statement for college when you are in junior high school means that you are practicing your writing. Look up various essay and personal statement prompts online to continue. There's one thing that I can tell you: the personal statement that you're writing at age 12, 13 or 14 is not going to be the personal statement you hand in to colleges at age 18.
Colleges want a personal statement from applicants that have the life experience of someone who has almost or has finished high school. At that time, you will have made much more self-discovery and have more real life experience and wisdom, a more developed mission and perhaps even a definite career goal. It's really expected or best that you actually submit essays and statements to colleges in your senior year in high school or shortly thereafter.
Another reason why you'll have to write the essay at the time you apply to the colleges and not now is because as part of the application, each college provides, at that time, a prompt or topic that they expect applicants to address. You won't know the prompt or topic until years from now. So it's fabulous that you are practicing writing, but the writing you do today will not be what you hand in four or five years from now.
If, when applying to colleges, you have to tell how a negative experience made you learn and grow, try not to dwell on the bad experience itself. Just tell it in one sentence and then explain how you felt about it and mostly the positive outcome of how it was a learning experience. People that review your college essay want to see confidence, a positive outlook and applicants that are eager to keep learning in life and in school.
I hope that this is something to think about and that can help you have the perspective that will keep you in tune with taking things a step at a time. I wish you all the best !
Emily Anne
Manager, Technical Support
25
Answers
Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
Updated
Emily’s Answer
That’s great that you’re starting early! Crafting an authentic personal statement can feel challenging, but it’s also an opportunity to showcase who you truly are and be authentic. Here are some key dos and don'ts:
Do’s:
-Be specific: Share real experiences that shaped who you are. Focus on a particular story, event, or moment that reflects your growth.
-Show, don’t tell: Instead of saying “I’m passionate,” show it through examples or actions you’ve taken.
-Be honest and vulnerable: Colleges want to see the real you. Share challenges and how you overcame them, but keep it positive.
Highlight growth: Reflect on what you’ve learned and how you've evolved, both academically and personally.
Don’ts:
-Avoid clichés: Stay away from overused themes (like "I want to change the world"). Haha! Make your essay unique to you.
-Don’t just summarize your resume: Focus on a deeper, more meaningful aspect of your journey.
-Don’t stress perfection: Authenticity is key. Be true to your voice.
Good luck with your essay, Hannah!
Do’s:
-Be specific: Share real experiences that shaped who you are. Focus on a particular story, event, or moment that reflects your growth.
-Show, don’t tell: Instead of saying “I’m passionate,” show it through examples or actions you’ve taken.
-Be honest and vulnerable: Colleges want to see the real you. Share challenges and how you overcame them, but keep it positive.
Highlight growth: Reflect on what you’ve learned and how you've evolved, both academically and personally.
Don’ts:
-Avoid clichés: Stay away from overused themes (like "I want to change the world"). Haha! Make your essay unique to you.
-Don’t just summarize your resume: Focus on a deeper, more meaningful aspect of your journey.
-Don’t stress perfection: Authenticity is key. Be true to your voice.
Good luck with your essay, Hannah!
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Hannah. Here are some easy tips to help you write an authentic and moving essay:
Be yourself - Write in your own voice, just like how you would speak to someone who really wants to understand you. Don't try to sound too formal or use big words you wouldn't normally say. Colleges want to meet the real you, not a "perfect" version.
Show, don't just tell - Instead of saying "I'm a hard worker," tell a story that shows it. For example, you could describe how you practiced every day to get better at a sport or how you worked through a tough school project.
Explain what you learned - After sharing an experience, take a moment to write about how it helped you grow. Maybe you learned to be more patient, to trust yourself, or to see things in a new way. Colleges like to see that you can reflect on your life and learn from it.
Don't try to impress too much - You don't need to write about saving the world or use fancy language. What matters most is honesty. Sometimes the simplest stories, like helping your family, learning a new skill, or finding confidence, can be the most powerful when told from the heart.
Hope this helps. Good luck.
Be yourself - Write in your own voice, just like how you would speak to someone who really wants to understand you. Don't try to sound too formal or use big words you wouldn't normally say. Colleges want to meet the real you, not a "perfect" version.
Show, don't just tell - Instead of saying "I'm a hard worker," tell a story that shows it. For example, you could describe how you practiced every day to get better at a sport or how you worked through a tough school project.
Explain what you learned - After sharing an experience, take a moment to write about how it helped you grow. Maybe you learned to be more patient, to trust yourself, or to see things in a new way. Colleges like to see that you can reflect on your life and learn from it.
Don't try to impress too much - You don't need to write about saving the world or use fancy language. What matters most is honesty. Sometimes the simplest stories, like helping your family, learning a new skill, or finding confidence, can be the most powerful when told from the heart.
Hope this helps. Good luck.
David Seides
Finance
29
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
David’s Answer
When writing your essay, remember that the reader will go through many others. Make yours stand out by showing who you are. Consider adding humor, telling a compelling story, or starting with an attention-grabbing line. Aim to make your essay memorable.
After writing a few drafts, read your essay as if you didn't write it. Does it feel engaging or dull like a boring textbook? Also, ask others to read it and give feedback. Their input can help improve your essay.
After writing a few drafts, read your essay as if you didn't write it. Does it feel engaging or dull like a boring textbook? Also, ask others to read it and give feedback. Their input can help improve your essay.