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Personal Statement outline

Personal Statements

Guide to Writing a personal statement

Free Personal Statement Guide Handout

 
The reader needs to be able to form a picture of you from the story you wrote. How well did you describe yourself?
 
Writing a personal statement could include the following information.Use these questions for your notes.
1) Personal and family background
2) Educational and career goals
3) Personal Interests (your favorite one or two), extracurricular activities (sports, school clubs), employment, volunteer and community service
4) Challenges you have overcome in pursuing your education
5) Reason for applying:  Remember scholarships and colleges want to know why they should consider you. They want to see their name in your personal statement. Example: To be awarded the Ronald McDonald Future Scholar would be amazing. It would take tremendous financial pressure off my family and allow me to continue my education and follow my dreams. You can even talk about happy meals.

For Scholarships and College Applications

A scholarship committee could review hundreds of applications. After eliminating the ones that do not meet the general requirements, the committee concentrates on the remaining candidates. How will the decision be made as to which applicants will be selected? How well your personal statement is written and prepared will determine if you are in the running.

  • Personal statements are always typed. Hand-written statements are not acceptable.
  • Always answer the question asked.
  • Do not use fancy fonts. Times New Roman 12 point is acceptable. This is not a graphic design essay.
  • The opening should let the reader know what you are writing about.
  • Distinguish yourself (have you done or are you doing things that are unique or different-including volunteer/work/school-community involvement).
  • What did you accomplish (sports, committees or clubs)?
  • What did you learn from your participation in events and activities?
  • Do not list events; write about them.
  • Write to-the-point (do not write aimlessly).
  • Write honestly about yourself/write from the heart.
  • Write about things that are important to you.
  • Do not repeat something that is already in the application.
  • Sentence construction should be brief with exact and clear wording.
  • Use words that describe and show action.
  • Construct a well-written, error-free statement (write as many drafts as needed to get it right).
  • Tell your story. Be proud of who you are and what you have accomplished