A personal statement along with your GPA and recommendation letters are the three pieces of information required for scholarship or university applications; it is basically an application essay. It is a piece of document that lets you write something about yourself. This document is especially required and important when you are trying to apply in a very competitive program. As this is a personalized document, there is no single style of writing, but its purpose is the same—to introduce yourself to a selection committee. Another purpose of personal statements is for an employment application. Know the do’s and don’ts of personal statement writing to avoid possible failure or disqualification in the application. Below are the do’s and don’ts of personal statement writing.

The Do’s

Personal statement writing is not an assignment that you need to complete for the sake of passing, it is an application that you need to write to be considered and invited for an interview. You must brainstorm first your ideas before writing. Know more about the university you are aiming to apply for by visiting their website as they may provide information about the things they are looking for an applicant/student. If you have problems with this step you can contact a personal statement writing service for help.

Aim to write at least five paragraphs, and make sure that your statements are coherent, logical, and sound. Avoid confusing your readers. Ask your previous professors, friends, and family for any feedback about your paper, and do listen to their suggestions and advice. Proofread your personal statement and ensure no spelling or grammatical errors.

Show that you are passionate about your application. Even though you have good grades, highly active in extracurricular activities, and a good student, if the selection committee does not see that you are really passionate about getting in their university and do not have a great comprehension about the course you are applying, this will affect your application.

Create a picture of you as a person and a student. Let them know about your story, who you really are, what do you want to be, why does it make sense for you to study in their university, and why do you think that the university is the right place for you to learn and study. Make connections with your interests and accomplishments to your purpose/reasons for the application.

The Don’ts

While the selection committee might be highly intelligent, do not try to impress them with fancy words or language. Your writing may lose its meaning if you try hard to use long complicated phrases or terms that you are not so familiar with. The inclusion of humor or jokes in your personal statement should not be done. You do not know the background of the members of the selection committee and they might not share the same humor as you.

Lying is totally prohibited from your personal statement. Your reputation will be tainted if ever you get caught, and other reputable universities might be notified about this. Also, you will most likely get caught in your interview if ever one of the interviewers will ask you regarding that particular achievement you lied about. When you write, stick to the information about yourself and as a student, and do not write about other irrelevant things. The selection committee might lose interest in your application if you do this mistake.

Never copy or borrow some sentences on other people’s personal statements. Your personal statement must be original as you will most likely get caught by the university. Most of them have computer programs that will detect plagiarism.
Finally, do not rely on spell or grammar checks on the internet. You must do the proofreading yourself. You can also ask other people like your previous professors to check your personal statement.

Conclusion

Personal statement writing is not a joke. Whether you are applying to your local university or highly reputable universities, you must remember that your personal statement must stick to the truth and must be strong and powerful. Impress the selection committee but never lie. Stay true to yourself. There are plenty of universities to apply for so do not lose hope if you won’t get chosen for an interview.