To incoming high school seniors:
It’s that time of the year–– college application season! While some of you may already be powering through that second UC essay, and others have yet to begin writing, here are some tips on how to tackle that personal statement!
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Ask yourself, "What is my story?"
Did you overcome an adversity–– illness, death of a loved one, injury? What are you passionate about, and how did this passion come to be? Was there a specific life event or person that inspired you in any way? Once you've identified the theme of your story, think about how your story has shaped the person you are today–– your values, worldview, career goals. For example, I told the story of how the injury that ended my ten-year gymnastics career threw me on a completely different life trajectory. However, I made sure to not dwell too much on the adversity itself, focusing instead on how the injury challenged my resilience, changed my worldview, and influenced my career path.
Avoid telling other people's stories.
Your parents may have been foreign immigrants, working their way up the social ladder from nothing. An inspiring story–– but not your own. Now, you can definitely mention in passing the strife your parents faced, and focus your essay on how their determination and endurance inspired you, but I'd be wary of devoting the bulk of your essay on their story. Rather, focus on how your parents served as a beacon of inspiration and shaped your personal and career goals. Admissions officers want to get to know you, not your parents!
Write, write, write!
The first draft will be rough, but you just have to plunge right into it, like jumping into cold water. The more your write, the smoother the creative process will get.
Don't think about word limit when writing your first draft.
Your can always add to your essay or trim it down later.
Turn off the judgement side of your brain when writing.
During the beginning stages of any creative process, the nagging voice in the back of your head will tell you that you're piece is crap. Tune out this voice as best you can! Almost always, the first draft will be pretty bad. I remember my first draft just went on and on and on about the injury, focusing too much on the pain of it and too little on what I learned in the process of overcoming it. Albeit poetic (a little too much so), there was very little substance in my first draft. Five drafts later, I was able to create a piece that got me into most of my top choice schools.
Get feedback from others.
While getting constructive commentary from a trained eye can be helpful, I'd refrain from having more than one person at once read your essay at a time, for people may have differing, conflicting opinions about your piece. Also, choose carefully the people who read your essay. Many people will show their essays to someone who knows them well (family, friend, teacher), and another individual who doesn't know them as well.
Be wary of reading sample essays.
Reading sample essays online can be helpful, as it gives many an anchor to latch onto in this understandably daunting project, but I'd refrain from reading too many sample essays, as you risk having your own voice drowned out by others. Personally, I didn't read any sample essays until after I had finished writing my essay. I didn't want to have other people's ideas or styles dampen my creative process. Reading others' essays is a useful way of gauging what types of essays worked and what types didn't, but again- sample essays are not templates to base your own essay off of.
Don't procrastinate!
I promise you, if you do not wait until the last minute to start writing, you will not find the college application process all too stressful. Moreover, you want as much time as possible to create your best piece, so get to it! Pick up that pen and paper (or log onto Google Docs) and start writing!
A Concluding Note:
So, that's my two-cents on how to tackle that personal statement! You definitely have your work laid out for you, but the process of looking within to find your best qualities is incredibly fulfilling. You will emerge from this process more enlightened about yourself. Most importantly, enjoy this creative project of self-discovery and introspection!
