Half of the success of your college application process is in a well-written personal statement. It is this very letter that colleges use when deciding which students will enter their establishments and which ones will have to try again next year.
We know that every personal statement is unique. However, there are still techniques and best practices that make some personal statements winning, leaving many others behind.
What do those personal statements have that make them special? How can you create a top-notch statement yourself? Keep reading on as we are about to show you some tricks that can do wonders for your personal statement.
But before we dive into that, let’s see what a personal statement is. After all, without a clear understanding of the idea behind it, one cannot create a decent college application.
What is a personal statement?
In simple terms, a personal statement is a short reflective essay a student writes about himself to the admissions tutor of a chosen university. Based on this essay along with your grades and other achievements, the university decides whether they want to accept your application or they would rather give a chance to a different applicant.
The personal statement is the same for all the colleges you apply for. So, you need to write it wisely from the beginning. How can you do that? Our next point contains the answer to it.
8 things to make your personal statement outstanding
1. Write the first draft
Do not expect too much from the first draft you write. And be ready to edit it at least several times before you can say for sure that this is the final version of what you will send out to the universities as an application. Let your thoughts flow when you work on the first draft. It is in your best interest to do it this way first and edit only once you are done.
2. Develop a strong statement in the opening
Opening counts, at least you should make it count. The admissions tutor will define whether he likes your application or not within seconds. So, you should rather make a strong positive impression from the first moment. Start with why you chose this university and this specialization. This is of great interest to the admissions people after all.
3. Make it personal
Your tone and style should be visible in your personal statement. They make your writing outstanding, and add a face to your application. The admissions board is looking for someone that will be a real asset to the whole community.
4. Keep it short
There are limits on how many words and characters you are supposed to use in your essay. So, stick to those limits. Not only you increase the chance that your admissions letter will be read this way, but also strengthen a positive image of a person that respects the rules and obeys them.
5. State why you are right for the course
It is your time to “sell” your application. What makes you absolutely perfect for a spot? Is there a specific background that you have? Or do you have any special transferable skills that make you perfect?
Now is the time to bring them up. Do not shy away – people that read your letter only have this writing to understand who you really are and what makes you right for the course. So, no humble talk: put it all on the table!
6. Explain how your background knowledge is relevant to your present and future
How will this education help your future career? How the knowledge you obtain here will help you make a difference in the chosen industry?
How can you apply the knowledge you gain there right away?
You definitely had reasons to apply for this specialization. And now is the time to demonstrate it!
7. Ask for recommendations
Read your personal statement to your tutors, friends or family and ask them for recommendations. What do they think you should fix? Which parts do not sound relevant and to the point?
How exactly can you make this letter better? People looking at your personal statement often see the flaws you would have missed otherwise.
8. Talk about your long-term plans
Finally, talk about your plans for the future and the role of this education in it. Universities want to invest their time and efforts only in those students that really want and need it.
So, mentioning how this education will help you in the realization of your long-term plans is a must!
