College Personal Statement

[chiwawa626]

You guys know what it is, most of you have already done atleast 1 in your life, but heres my chance...and gah it sucks. I cant think of anything "entertaining" as all those books say to write, being controversial or standing out isnt really being me anyways, i really cant think of what to write. Im prolly going to apply in the computer engineering, electronic engeneering, or computer science fields, so i was thinking about writing an essay of technology in my life? Or i was thinking of writing about how i implemented broadband in 3 hotels for my dads boss. I duno, in the essay are we just supposed to tell about ourselves, brag, or just make the reader think/laugh? If you could, i would really like to see any personal statement essays you've written.

 

[gopunk]

don't you have any ambition in life? i think these things are infinitely easier to write if you've honestly got a goal you're working towards (rather than just making up some bs).

 

[chiwawa626]

am·bi·tion Pronunciation Key (m-bshn)
n.

An eager or strong desire to achieve something, such as fame or power.
The object or goal desired: Her ambition is the presidency.
Desire for exertion or activity; energy: had no ambition to go dancing.

Well i want to just grow up and enjoy life, having money wouldnt hurt, having a nice wife and kids would be great, but im not dying to be president or wanting to be famous. I just want to graduate college and get a good steady job, and live a relaxed life.

 

[pamchenko]

try this approach.
-think about something you're really proud of (and you know admissions committees look for)
-but how do you tell them that you are "...." w/o bragging?
-use an anecdotal approach. Through an anecdote, you can exemplify your best qualities/characteristics while keeping it entertaining (a story with an outcome)

i'd send u mine, but its at home

 

[FrontlineWarrior]

this is very general advice, but put yourself in their shoes. what would make them choose to accept you? is there anything about you that people would read and think "hmm this is interesting, i want to know more about this guy"? or maybe "hmmm wow this guy is successful, bright, and is mature in his approach to life" etc...

I know it's hard. I spent a LONG time writing my personal statement for medical school. I probably wrote 5 different versions, and in the one I chose, revised it continuously for a few weeks. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE SEVERAL PEOPLE READ YOUR ESSAY, not just for punctuation, but tone and what kind of picture it paints.

College is by nature very general, but in medicine they look for evidence of commitment, maturity, and humanitarianism. So I specifically thought of events AND/OR themes with those goals in mind. It should help you to arrange your essay with a few such objectives in mind.

Lastly, don't put too much pressure on yourself. YOu don't have to write like a pulitzer winner or whatever. Just be convincing and don't try to be cute like the guy who wrote about COUNTERSTRIKE ADDICTION. Write an essay you won't be embarrased to read to your friends. That is a good way to protect yourself from the BULLSH*T effect.

 

[MomAndSkoorbaby]

Yes to the above...in other words, what makes YOU special?

 

[xuanman]

Write about what interests you. It sounds like you had a pretty interesting experience setting up broadband for your dad's hotels. That's as worthy a subject as anything else.