To follow are some insights I gained regarding the DREADED   “Personal Statement”.

 

Parent:            “What IS the Personal Statement…IS it the college essay?”

Meredith:        “It’s their (UC) name for college essay.” (before today)

 

Today’s speaker finally gave REAL meaning to the term “Personal Statement”…it’s called that because it isn’t just a college essay often written in English class for a grade…

But INSTEAD…they want it to be PERSONAL above all else…even more important than perfect spelling and grammar! (but WE will have perfect grammar and spelling)

 

High school seniors have spent the past 4-6 years trying to “FIT IN ”.  Understandably, they find it very uncomfortable to write an essay that focuses on them as an individual, how they are unique…most have never given that a thought!

 

Recognizing the challenge ahead the presenter offered a “metaphor” for approaching the problem.  The college essay is a “sales opportunity”.  Student is the product and the salesman. College/University is the buyer.

 “Why should the college choose you?”

 

 

 Important in this metaphor:

 

1. Knowledge of product/student: (student has spent time collecting and reflecting on their high school years: step one—what he/she did, step two—why and how they did that.)

 

2. Knowledge of buyer/ university: (mission/values of college, data on students accepted, AND prompt…that’s what they want answered…answer it)

 

 

Moving to PROCESS I will list helpful suggestions in no particular order:

 

1. “Self promotion and Introspection”

 

2.  “You are the star. Anyone/thing in essay is there to make you look good. If anyone or thing is stealing the show write them out of the script.”

 

3.  Personal Statement Writing Step by Step:

            a. Gather Information: activities, hobbies (resume, brag sheet etc)

            b. Critically review and discuss whys and hows  of  “a”

            c. Develop topic / thesis

            d. Draft / feedback / redraft

 

4. Clear and direct prose / not overblown: style more like news article than English essay.

 

5.  Essay progression: Facts / Interpretation / Meaning & Significance…BINGO!

 

6.  Don’t be concerned with word limits in the beginning. Write freely and within that work you may find the beginnings of an essay.

 

Hope this summary gives you some added insight into the DREADED  “Personal Statement”. …so let’s go out there and strive to be unique!