Michael Berlau, a college solutions specialist with College Funding and Planning, has guided numerous students and their families through the admissions process. Michael Berlau offers advice on all aspects of college application and entry, including the personal essay.
For students applying to selective colleges and universities, a personal statement or essay is a mandatory part of the application. While it may not be the highest-valued part of the application, it may be a deciding factor between two students with similar credentials.
The essay allows students to communicate who they are on a personal level and share experiences that a transcript cannot cover. For this reason, a strong essay addresses an experience that is or was genuinely meaningful for the student. It includes not only the facts of the situation but also a reflection on how the experience has impacted the student's life, as this shows the school that the student is both self-aware and open to growth.
Experts say that the writing style of the essay should reflect the student's unique voice. This means de-prioritizing advanced vocabulary in favor of language that communicates passion and personality; it also means clearly communicating who the applicant really is, and what they can bring to the university community.
To be sure the essay conveys all of this succinctly, the student may wish to write more than one draft. This is not to say, however, that the student should re-read and revise the essay ad nauseam. Once it is clear and rich with personality, as well as strong in its grammar and usage, the student can rest and submit it with confidence.
For students applying to selective colleges and universities, a personal statement or essay is a mandatory part of the application. While it may not be the highest-valued part of the application, it may be a deciding factor between two students with similar credentials.
The essay allows students to communicate who they are on a personal level and share experiences that a transcript cannot cover. For this reason, a strong essay addresses an experience that is or was genuinely meaningful for the student. It includes not only the facts of the situation but also a reflection on how the experience has impacted the student's life, as this shows the school that the student is both self-aware and open to growth.
Experts say that the writing style of the essay should reflect the student's unique voice. This means de-prioritizing advanced vocabulary in favor of language that communicates passion and personality; it also means clearly communicating who the applicant really is, and what they can bring to the university community.
To be sure the essay conveys all of this succinctly, the student may wish to write more than one draft. This is not to say, however, that the student should re-read and revise the essay ad nauseam. Once it is clear and rich with personality, as well as strong in its grammar and usage, the student can rest and submit it with confidence.
