<p>So this is going to sound really stupid....</p>
<p>But I really need help. I'm absolutely determined not to make the same mistake I made in high school, when I decided to start my application and essays the day they were due.</p>
<p>But what is the best way to start my personal statements? I have ideas that I've kind of written down (on post it notes, in lecture notes, in saved AIM conversations with myself [lol])</p>
<p>And I know some of you are just going to say to just start writing, but I just can't do that with these essays. </p>
<p>I'm a fairly accomplished writer, so it's not technical hurdles that I'm trying to overcome...hopefully someone can relate to my situation and provide some insight.</p>
<p>I really can't give you any other advice besides the good old "just start writing."</p>
<p>That's what all other applicants did... they just come up with topics to write about and just start writing. Just come up with a hook at the beginning and let your writing do the work.</p>
<p>How about you tell us some of the ideas you came up with and maybe we can help you come up with different approaches to start your essay.</p>
<p>Hey Poppin, I'm the sort of guy who feels like he can't write well except under pressure. You've still got plenty of time, so just do what I did. Write your 1,000 words, don't worry about how good it is. Then come back a week later with fresh eyes and rework it. My first draft was terrible, but I got out a few pearls and on the second go I was able to see clearly enough to polish 'em up.</p>
<p>Sometimes when I write I get stuck on the actual opening, even though I know what I want to say. You've put time into thinking about what it is you want to write about. My guess is you know what qualities of yours you want to show to your reader. If it is the actual beginning that is holding you up, start with the point just past that initial point, and come back to the beginning later. Doing that sometimes helps me hit my stride, and it all falls into place. "Falls into place" may mean I totally write everything from beginning to end over, but by writing the initial middle and end first, I move past that block. If it is simply that you are having a hard time putting anything on paper, be it beginning, middle or end, then give yourself permission to write a terrible first draft. Maybe even say that aloud to yourself. Joe is right about coming back later with fresh eyes and finding those pearls that will turn into the essay you want. You're not screwed at all, by the way. You know yourself, you know what past bad habit you are choosing to change, and your post shows you're correct about your skills as a writer. You can do this!</p>
<p>I agree with those above. I'm the kind of person who wants to write it perfectly the first time. But that's not a reality. You've got to get something down, no matter how crappy it is, and then revise later.</p>