Personal Statements

What is the purpose of a personal statement?

• The purpose of a personal statement is to list the applicant's work experience.

• The purpose of a personal statement is to provide insight into the applicant's character and suitability for a position or program.

• The purpose of a personal statement is to showcase the applicant's academic achievements.

• The purpose of a personal statement is to provide a summary of the applicant's hobbies and interests.

What should be the length of a personal statement?

• 1000-1200 words

• 500-800 words

• 300-400 words

• 100-200 words

What are some common mistakes to avoid when writing a personal statement?

• Exaggerating achievements

• Including irrelevant information

• Using too many technical terms

• Lack of focus, using cliches, not being specific, poor grammar and spelling, not showing self-reflection, and not following the prompt or guidelines.

What should be the tone of a personal statement?

• Sarcastic

• Humorous

• Formal

• Sincere

What are some effective strategies for starting a personal statement?

• Using technical jargon and complex language to impress the reader

• Some effective strategies for starting a personal statement include grabbing the reader's attention with a compelling opening, sharing a personal anecdote or story, stating your goals and aspirations, highlighting your unique qualities and experiences, and connecting your personal statement to the program or institution you are applying to.

• Starting with a generic introduction that does not grab the reader's attention

• Focusing solely on your achievements and not providing any personal insights or reflections

How important is it to tailor a personal statement for each college or university?

• Very important

• Not important

• Somewhat important

• Moderately important

What should be the structure of a personal statement?

• Introduction only

• Body paragraphs only

• Conclusion only

• Introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion

How can you showcase your achievements and experiences in a personal statement?

• By focusing only on one or two achievements and not providing any context or details about them.

• By listing all achievements and experiences without any specific details or connections to future goals.

• By using vague language and not providing any specific details about achievements and experiences.

• By brainstorming and selecting relevant achievements, using strong language, providing specific details, and connecting them to future goals.

What role does storytelling play in a personal statement?

• Storytelling engages the reader and showcases the applicant's experiences and qualities.

• Storytelling is not relevant in a personal statement.

• Storytelling distracts the reader from the applicant's experiences and qualities.

• Storytelling adds unnecessary length to the personal statement.

How can you make your personal statement stand out from others?

• By showcasing unique experiences, skills, and perspectives and by telling a compelling story.

• By copying someone else's personal statement

• By including irrelevant information and going off-topic

• By using a generic template and not personalizing it