What you should write in your personal statement to be admitted to a college
Your personal statement is an opportunity for you to reach out to the readers and show them some insight into who you are and what events in your life have made you that person. Below you will find a few things you could include in your personal statement:
- Why you want to study your major.
- Why you are right for that major.
- What things you have done outside the classroom
- Why is this relevant to the major?
- Why is this relevant to the career?
- What transferable skills do you have?
- Expand…
If there is a reason you want to major in biology, then explain that reason here. Tell them what inspired you to pursue that degree in one specific line.
You want to provide evidence that you have researched the major and the requirements for it, and explain why you would be a good fit and how you have prepared. Show the reader that you did research and that you know exactly what you want to do. If you want to major in sports medicine, then mention how you have spent every summer for the last four years at a training camp, so you will be well prepared to take the training camp course required for the major.
Don’t just list academics. Include mention of books you’ve read, public lectures you might have attended, and reflect on them.
Explain why the aforementioned books or public lectures relate to your interest in the subject. Also highlight what experiences you’ve had that relate such as summer school, theater visits, work experience, volunteering, travel, or competitions. Remember, it doesn’t have to be anything fancy.
If you are talking about work experience you have gained, it is imperative that you mention how it relates to the career path you select. If you picked up skills during your work experience, what did you learn from those skills?
How have they increased your enthusiasm for the career?
Mention the skills you have such as problem solving, leadership, time management, or organizational skills.
Expand on the skills which are most relevant to the university, the major, etc… Give specifics. If you have musical skills, mention the roles you played and how it taught you to work as a team.
In the end, keep it positive, mentioned your long term plan, and use the list above to show that you can think critically.