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Do Now:

Read the personal statement example on your handout

You have 10 minutes to read it over

Keep these questions in mind:

1) How is the story organized?

2) How does the author SHOW who they are as a person?

3) What does this make you think about WHO the author is as a person?

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Key Takeaway

Sharing a personal statement with colleges and programs can illustrate my best qualities and help admissions officers understand why I am a great candidate.

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1) How is the story organized?

2) How does the author SHOW who they are as a person?

3) What does this make you think about WHO the author is as a person?

Discussion:

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Your goal is to tell a meaningful story about yourself that makes the reader want to have you in their program.

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Essay Topics

1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it.

If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

2. The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

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Essay Topics

4. Describe a problem you've solved or a problem you'd like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma - anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution.

5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

6. Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

7. Share an essay on any topic of your choice.

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Essay Tips

Write about yourself. Your audience wants to hear a story.
Avoid focusing too much of the story on someone else or simply restating your resumé or application.
Take time to brainstorm about what is important to you.
Get lots of feedback from at least three different people.
You only have 650 words!

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Post Affirmative Action Decision

Most colleges use a holistic process that considers various aspects of background and experiences—including grades, curriculum, extracurricular activities, work experience, geography, socioeconomic background and life hardships—so that each applicant’s unique voice and perspective are fully appreciated.

Present yourself in the way that feels most authentic to you; including personal experiences, challenges overcome, and your life goals/ambitions

Include any family or employment responsibilities in the extracurricular section of your applications.

If you have experienced any life hardships that you WANT to share (you never have to), you can do so! Share what feels authentic to you and your life experience!

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The Personal Statement Guide

Serves to support you as you work on your personal statement

Ask your mentor for additional support

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Mentor Connection

Self Reflection

Share: How are you feeling about writing a personal statement? Where are you in the process?

I am feeling ___ about writing a personal statement because…

So far, I have…

Share: How are you feeling about writing a personal statement? Where are you in the process?

I am feeling ___ about writing a personal statement because…

So far, I have…

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Extend

What is one new thing you learned about your mentor?

Which part of your mentor’s response did you really like? Why?