Personal Tips

COLLEGE

PERSONAL STATEMENT

Tips

In your composition book, take notes.

​

Take Notes

WHAT IS A COLLEGE APPLICATION
ESSAY?

• An essay submitted with college applications.

• Helps admissions personnel evaluate if a

student fits their school.

• Allows students to showcase their personality

and unique experiences.

• Importance varies; can be a deciding factor

for admissions committees.

IMPORTANCE OF LEARNING TO WRITE
A COLLEGE ESSAY

• Admissions staff are looking for diverse

students who can succeed academically.

• Essays provide a detailed picture of the

student.

• An effective essay can compliment a solid

application, provide context, or showcase

experiences.

• Striking the right tone and being

straightforward is crucial.

HOW TO WRITE A COLLEGE
APPLICATION ESSAY

• Review and Understand the Topic

• Brainstorm

• Write an Outline

• Create a First Draft

• Take Time to Edit

• Proofread

EXAMPLES OF COMMON APP ESSAY
PROMPTS

• Talk about an accomplishment and its impact

on personal growth.

• Explain a problem and how it was solved

strategically.

• Write about a captivating idea or topic.

• Discuss a meaningful identity, interest, or

talent.

PERSONAL STATEMENT EXAMPLES

Example Prompt: A volunteer opportunity that

changed your view of the world.

Example Answer: An introspective look at how a

student's initial selfish motivation to volunteer

transformed into a genuine commitment and

realization of personal growth.

TIPS FOR WRITING A PERSONAL
STATEMENT FOR COLLEGE

• Focus on the Goal at Hand: Choose a

memorable story.

• Prioritize Good Writing: Ensure the essay is

well-structured and engaging.

• Avoid Repetition: Do not duplicate information

from other parts of the application.

• Include Personality: Use a unique tone without

being inappropriate.

• Eliminate Typos: Use grammar tools and

proofread.

• Submit Properly: Follow submission guidelines

and format.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following best captures the primary purpose of a college application essay?

• To provide a word count for the application.

• To replicate the content of a student's resume.

• To give an account of a student's academic achievements.

• To allow students to showcase their personality and unique experiences.

Multiple Choice

After reviewing a college essay prompt, the immediate next step should be to:

• Start writing the final draft.

• Brainstorm ideas and themes.

• Proofread for errors.

• Check the word count.

Multiple Choice

An applicant chooses the essay prompt: "Talk about an accomplishment and its impact on personal growth." Which of the following approaches aligns best with the prompt's intent?

• Listing all academic achievements from high school.

• Describing how joining the debate club enhanced public speaking skills.

• Narrating a summer vacation.

• Explaining the school courses taken.

Multiple Choice

When reflecting on the statement "Striking the right tone and being straightforward is crucial," which tip for writing a personal statement aligns most closely with this advice?

• Focus on the Goal at Hand: Choose a memorable story.

• Avoid Repetition: Do not duplicate information.

• Include Personality: Use a unique tone without being inappropriate.

• Submit Properly: Follow submission guidelines and format.

Multiple Choice

A student writes a personal statement describing their experience at a tech camp, though the statement is filled with jargon and acronyms. Which tip did the student most likely overlook?

• Prioritize Good Writing: Ensure the essay is engaging.

• Include Personality: Use a unique tone.

• Eliminate Typos: Use grammar tools.

• Review and Understand the Topic.

Multiple Choice

Evaluating the example prompt for a personal statement, which theme is most relevant for an applicant's response?

• The difference between formal and informal writing.

• An introspective journey of change and growth.

• The details of daily tasks during the volunteer opportunity.

• An overview of all volunteer opportunities they've taken part in