Now that college admissions are in full swing, thousands of high school seniors across the world are diving into what can feel like the most important writing assignment of their lives: the dreaded college personal statement. This essay isn’t just your standard high school assignment. It’s your chance to introduce yourself to admissions officers and show them what makes you unique beyond grades, test scores, and extracurricular activities. It’s the perfect opportunity to share your story, your voice, and your perspective – something that only you can do!
As I reflect on my own college admissions process, I’m going to share a few tips I picked up two years ago. Hopefully, these four tips will help you as you prepare for college admissions.
- Be authentic!
Your personal statement is all about you. Whatever story you choose to share, it’s essential to be genuine and true to yourself. Avoid focusing entirely on someone else’s story, even if they’ve had a significant impact on your life. While it’s fine to mention influential people, the central narrative should always highlight your journey, experiences, and growth as an individual. For example, you can discuss a pivotal moment in your life and how someone inspired you—but make sure the spotlight stays on you.
2. Show – don’t tell.
Don’t get me started with this one! This is a phrase I heard repeatedly while writing my personal statement in my senior year of high school, and it took me some time to fully understand what this meant. “Show, don’t tell” means using vivid and descriptive language to immerse the reader in your story. Rather than stating, “I faced a challenge and overcame it,” paint an evocative picture of what actually happened. Describe the buildup, your emotions, and the steps you took to navigate the situation or your story. Engaging storytelling makes your essay memorable and helps the admissions committee connect with your experiences and understand who you are as a person.
3. Don’t procrastinate.
Easier said than done, am I right? Meeting deadlines can be daunting, and I’ll admit I struggled with procrastination in high school. However, the summer before my senior year, I made a conscious effort to plan ahead since I recognized that balancing college applications, extracurricular activities, and academics would be difficult. I blocked out specific times each week to work on my college essays, ensuring I could balance application writing with school assignments. By starting early, I avoided last-minute stress and had time to improve my work. A little organization goes a long way.
4. Ask for feedback.
While I was comfortable seeking feedback on academic essays from my high school teachers, I initially hesitated to ask for help with my personal statement. Sharing something so personal felt immensely vulnerable, and I worried about judgment. However, as I struggled with self-doubt with my writing, I realized I needed fresh perspectives from my trusted mentors. I reached out to close friends, college advisors, and guidance counselors, who provided helpful suggestions on framing my essay. Their feedback helped me refine my writing and discover new storytelling methods. Don’t hesitate to ask for help. You’ll never know what gems you’ll pick up from your mentors and peers!
This might be a stressful time, but don’t forget that the season is almost over and you’re going to come out victorious. Best of luck writing your personal statement!