The College Essay
Personal Insight Questions and Personal Statements
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Many colleges require a personal essay. Some will also have additional writing supplements. Essay prompts can be anything from the typical “Tell us something about yourself” to something off-the-wall that will enable the creative student to do his or her thing.
College essays are important in the application process.
Personal Statement Do’s
Personalize your essays using your own voice. The admissions reader wants to know about YOU.
Avoid generalities.
Write about something you really care about and its significance in your life.
Stay within the space provided (be aware of the word count).
Have someone else read your essay and give suggestions. (your English teacher, friends and counselor are good resources).
Write it (three or four rough drafts is the norm for writing a good essay), set it aside for a while, revise it, have someone else edit it, then finalize it when you know it really reflects who you are.
Personal Statement Don’ts
Do not try to write a funny essay if you are not a good comic writer.
Do not repeat information from other parts of your application.
Do not use words you have never used, the essay needs to sound like you.
Do not use your essay to list things you have done (it is already stated in your application).
Do not write about a topic unless it is truly significant for you.
Do not write your essay for the admissions reader.
Write it for yourself but make it interesting for the people evaluating your essays.