Hey guys, I don’t really know who’s going to read this, but I just wanted to tell my story in hopes that other people out there that don’t think they can get in to have hope. To make things short I was a horrible high school student and an average college student. I actually dropped out of community college for two years before coming back. I started at a 2.1 college level G.P.A. and a 1.98 cumulative. Anyways coming back I decided to get my act together and my grades started to slowly increase. To put in perspective, all my classes coming back were essentially retakes. Which is perceived to be looked down upon for college applicants. I rose my G.P.A. to a 3.05 College level and a 2.98 cumulative, honestly these stats are not that amazing.
Despite feeling less than qualified to apply to the University of Washington, especially seeing everyone else on this message board have much better credentials than I do, I went all in on my personal statement. Luckily I knew some people that really know how to write great personal statements, in regards to applying to specifically UW. They help me edit my personal statement and head me in the right direction. What they emphasized when it came to personal statement, is to really talk about how you overcame adversity. They don’t want to hear a sob story, they want to hear how you overcame them. It’s also very crucial to hit every point that application guideline wants you to hit. Make sure to hit every point effectively and efficiently. Make sure to emphasize your statement around your specific culture, and how you will add a different dynamic to the school. What admission look for, isn’t always the cookie cutter 4.0’s but the uniqueness a student can bring to the school.
All honesty I truly believe my personal statement is what separated myself from a lot of other applicants. Make sure your statement does the same. Tell your story with confidence and prove to them that you can contribute something to the school no other person can, and its not always a high G.P.A. or insane amount of hours of community service, maybe its your perspective on life or your life story. I just have to really emphasize for everyone that wants to apply to this school to focus on, your culture, your ability to overcome obstacles and your unique perspective on life.
To anyone that ever stresses out about applications and they personally feel like they are not good enough, look to my story as inspiration. good luck to anyone in the future! Much success!