General Advice
- Answer the questions that are asked. Don’t use the same statement for all applications.
- Tell a story. Show or demonstrate your points using concrete examples from your experience.
- Be specific. Broad sweeping statements will not make you stand out as an individual. Illustrate your points with personal examples or experiences.
- Find an angle. An angle helps you to focus and make your statement interesting.
- Have a strong opening paragraph. Your first paragraph should state your thesis and grab the reader’s attention.
- Avoid clichés and quotes. This statement is about you and should not borrow from other’s words.
- Write well. Be meticulous about your writing style. Type and proofread your essay very carefully.
- Don’t write a descriptive resume. This is a common mistake. Don’t restate your resume in prose. This information can be found in other parts of your application.
- Avoid writing about high school experiences. Professional schools will expect that you have had significant experiences while in college.
- Be positive. Don’t badmouth the profession.
- Be honest.
- Find a balance between creative and cautious. This can be tricky. There is a fine line between creative and interesting and odd and gimmicky. Don’t write your personal statement as a legal brief or as a poem.
- Be concise. This is greatly appreciated by those who are reading thousands of applications.
- It’s hard to be a stand-up comedian. Humor is difficult and can be misinterpreted. It’s best to avoid it.