Tips on How to Write A Personal Statement

The personal statement is an important component of your application for scholarships. Your test scores and grades show us what you have achieved academically; the personal statement allows us to get to know you as an individual through your experiences and accomplishments.

Note: This information is a supplement, not a substitute, for the application instructions.

What to Include

The statement is an opportunity for you to share any talents, achievements or experiences that you know are important, but that you couldn't put on the application. We look for essays in which an individual's character emerges, and that include qualities that we know will help you succeed in college and also enrich your learning community. The three questions offer you an opportunity to discuss your personal commitment to learning; any special talent, experience, contribution or personal quality you will bring to the university you attend; and other information that is important for us to consider.

Writing a Successful Statement

Composing a personal statement can be intimidating; this may be the first time you have written anything that summarizes yourself in this way. Begin well before the deadline in order to take pressure off yourself and improve the quality of the final draft. Read the application instructions carefully. Make a list of ideas. Then write a first attempt, leave it for a day or two, and return to make revisions. Write it yourself. A well-focused statement is more effective, and you should write in a mature, thoughtful voice that avoids cliches. Read each draft aloud to catch misspellings or awkward or inappropriate wording. When you prepare your final draft, correct grammar and spelling. This effort contributes to a good personal statement. Our application process involves comparing your application to those of other highly qualified and competitive students. Other applicants may have similar accomplishments to yours, such as serving in student governance, playing on sports teams, chairing committees or traveling abroad. Providing details and examples of your personal experience can help you stand out from the crowd. Your statement can also be very successful if it elaborates on the insights you gained, or on the ways someone or something has influenced your outlook, activities, commitment or goals. Do not attempt to get noticed by using literary theatrics or by adopting an overly humorous tone.

Following Instructions

Read the instructions in the application packet carefully. The most common mistake applicants make is to skim the written instructions or to rely on information received from others. Common Statement Pitfalls

Not reading the instructions in the application.
Not writing about recent events.
Listing accomplishments.
Using gimmicky writing techniques.
Writing more about an inspirational person than yourself.
Rambling thoughts.
Being overly self-deprecating or glorifying.
Reiterating information listed elsewhere in the application.

We recommend creating the personal statement in a word processing program, then pasting it into the application.

For more information, please contact Dana Johnson, at the Community Foundation at 707/579-4073 x 18.