3 answers
Yanes
Student
Salinas, California
1
Question
Updated
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Why do Colleges often ask questions of something personal of your life? When often they will most likely expect similar answers.
Many people often go through the same struggle. It may not mean anything to these college boards but it is what they are struggling with and found the most hard thing of their life.
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3 answers
Katie Saenz
Director - Advisory Writing Network
3
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Katie’s Answer
Hi Yanes! This is a great question. I previously worked for an admissions office at a large university. The personal statement/essay/questions portions of an application are really special because they give admissions officers the opportunity to learn more about you and what has shaped you into the person and applicant that you are today. While yes, many people have similar life experiences - no two are ever fully the same! I've read thousands of personal statements and I assure you that your story is unique and exciting to the reader. Remember: this is your opportunity to tell your authentic story. Your authenticity will shine through in your response. Don't worry about what your peers may or may not say - or if their story and challenges are similar to yours. If you focus on telling your story, everything else will fall into place! I wish you the best of luck as you craft your admissions materials.
Maria Rehmet
Architect
26
Answers
Plano, Texas
Updated
Maria’s Answer
Hi Yanes!
You would be surprised at how different someone's life experience may be even if they grew up in the same town their whole life. The college is asking questions (for applications, I'm assuming here) so that YOU get the opportunity to differentiate yourself from others. You know yourself best. What makes you different? How have you achieved the things in your life despite your struggles? What motivates you (this one definitely varies person to person!). At the end of the day, be honest, because even if someone has a similar life experience, they cannot have the exact same life as you - you're perfectly unique!
Do you have a specific question in mind? Maybe if you give an example, I can give a more refined advice.
You would be surprised at how different someone's life experience may be even if they grew up in the same town their whole life. The college is asking questions (for applications, I'm assuming here) so that YOU get the opportunity to differentiate yourself from others. You know yourself best. What makes you different? How have you achieved the things in your life despite your struggles? What motivates you (this one definitely varies person to person!). At the end of the day, be honest, because even if someone has a similar life experience, they cannot have the exact same life as you - you're perfectly unique!
Do you have a specific question in mind? Maybe if you give an example, I can give a more refined advice.
Kara Webb (formerly Templeton), SHRM-CP
Human Resources
3
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Kara’s Answer
Hi Yanes,
When you're writing what feels like countless personal statements, it can seem like the least important part of your application compared to test scores, grades, and extracurriculars. But in reality, it’s one of the most meaningful pieces!
Your personal statement is the one part of your application where you get to share your authentic voice. Test scores and grades are just numbers, but your essay is what brings you to life for the admissions committee. It gives them a window into your experiences, personality, and perspective.
Colleges want to build a diverse and dynamic community made up of people with different backgrounds, stories, and ways of thinking. Your personal statement helps them understand who you are beyond the metrics. So be yourself, speak in your own voice, and tell the story that only you can tell.
When you're writing what feels like countless personal statements, it can seem like the least important part of your application compared to test scores, grades, and extracurriculars. But in reality, it’s one of the most meaningful pieces!
Your personal statement is the one part of your application where you get to share your authentic voice. Test scores and grades are just numbers, but your essay is what brings you to life for the admissions committee. It gives them a window into your experiences, personality, and perspective.
Colleges want to build a diverse and dynamic community made up of people with different backgrounds, stories, and ways of thinking. Your personal statement helps them understand who you are beyond the metrics. So be yourself, speak in your own voice, and tell the story that only you can tell.