Personal Statement Guidelines

1. Brainstorm

• Personal questions to consider:

  • What’s special or unique about you?

  • How have jobs contributed to your personal growth?

  • Did you overcome any familial, economic, etc. obstacles in your life?

  • Do you possess any leadership, communication, or analytic skills?

• Career or major considerations (transfer students):

  • When / how did you become interested in this field?

  • What might make you strong or successful in this field?

  • Do you have personal characteristics, integrity, persistence, or compassion that would make you successful in this field?

2. Writing Your Statement

• Figure out your angle

• If you’re answering a specific question asked by the college, that’s your angle.

• If you have to write a general statement, you can write about an event, a passion, a person, or a place.

• Develop an outline

• Have 3 or 4 main points in your choice of order.

• Introductory paragraph

• Grab the reader’s attention, using a quote, anecdote, question, or description.

• Try to avoid: “I was born in…,” or “My parents came from…”

• Tips

  • Be specific with real details. Avoid: “I enjoy working with people.” “I am highly motivated.”

  • Be honest, but it’s not necessary to include every detail of your life.

  • A little humor is OK, but don’t aim to be funny.

3. Before You Submit

• Revise until it’s right.

• Make sure you followed the scholarship or application guidelines about margin, word count, etc.

• Proofread, proofread, proofread.

• Ask others to critique your statement.

  • Visit the Career, Transfer or Tutorial Centers.