Three Tips for Writing an Effective, Memorable Personal Statement

Three Tips for Writing an Effective, Memorable Personal Statement Share Share via TwitterShare via FacebookShare via Google PlusShare via LinkedInShare via E-mail Personal votums give a better understanding of who you are, beyond the rigid constraints of the fill-in-the-blank application. Itslike a short reflective essay you write about why youre the perfect candidate for the degree program you are seeking.Its important to note that you might only write one rolleal statement, which is seen by all the universities you apply to. So heres a few tips to make it effective and memorable.Tip 1 Provide examples and tell stories.One of the keys to writing an excellent personal statement is to share examples and tell stories that support any general statements you make. For a person who feels that compassion is one of his greatest personal strengths, he should share a story that demonstrates his compassion in action. For a person who especially loves to learn new things, she should wr ite about a project (academic or non-academic) she undertook that required her to learn a lot on her own.Tip 2 It is okay that you like science and want to help peopleWithin most personal statements for professional schools, the same two main themes will arise I like science, and I want to help people. Thats okay Everyone considering a career in the health professionsshouldlike science and want to help people. Do not avoid these themes just because they seem clichd instead, develop them according to your personal experiences. How have you expressed your interest in science and learning? How have you gone out of your way to help others, in a manner that was especially meaningful to you? The examples you provide will be different from everyone elses.Tip 3 Find a good proofreaderBefore submitting your application, have a well-qualified person proofread your personal statement for flow, word choice, grammar, and punctuation. (In fact, you should have that person proofread all of your en tries for the Activities section, as well) Even if you are excellent at grammar and punctuation, you should have another person check for errors that you may have missed. The Writing Center in Norlin Library is a good resource. Alternatively, if you have gotten to know one of your writing professors, he/she may be willing to help you.Personal Statement Writing Workshops Once you have a reasonable first draft of your essay, you may find it useful to participate in one of our Personal Statement Writing Workshops. Check the Health Professions Events Calendar to see if one is being offered soon. (We also send announcements about all of our upcoming workshops to the Health Professions emaille Listserve. If you havent already joined our listserve, you may want to do so.)CategoriesHealth Professions