Personal Statement

<p>Does anyone have any general tips/advice for writing the personal statement?
Also what is the suggested length? How many pages?
Thanks.</p>

<p>It’s cheesy to say, but just be honest. Don’t make things up simply because you think they sound good; the college wants to know what makes you unique, not necessarily what makes you a good student. Choose a topic that you are passionate about and knowledgeable about and you should be fine. Have other people read over it before you submit it to ensure that it’s a high quality essay.</p>

<p>In terms of length, say what you want and need to say without rambling. My school’s college counselor told me that between 400 and 700 words was a decent amount to write. </p>

<p>Mine was close to 650 if that helps at all.</p>

<p>try to be you. don’t waste too much words to describe how a great student you are. Your transcripts can tell that. try to write about the motivation behind choosing your major and the university of Washington.
Think about a story that applies to you only. this story should tell how unique u are.</p>

<p>if you want, you can send your personal statement to me and i can give you some tips. also, i can send you mine and get some ideas as well. </p>

<p>another thing, be honest. </p>

<p>Good Luck</p>

<ol>
<li> It’s not a hs essay. No need for the usual thesis-statement opener, etc. 2. It’s meant to reveal something about you- some strength or transition or value, etc. You do this best by including show-not-tell. Ie, not just telling that you changed or acquired leadership experience, etc, but allow the reader see this through your story. 3. Be aware how any acknowledged flaws will come across to a stranger. It’s one thing to note the starting point, before some experience or evolution. It’s another to label yourself a slacker, a kid who doesn’t study much, one who doesn’t like to try new things, a loner, etc- and then expect your tale to overcome the adcom’s first impression. 4. Don’t ramble and don’t rant. This is about an impression you are creating of yourself. 5. Remember that, if your stats and activities make you a possible for a school, adcoms want to like you, as a person, behind the stats and achievements. Really. 6. Get an adult who is savvy to the admissions process to read it. Not just anyone and certainly not a hs kid who has never even applied to a college before. (Sorry, nana, but I say it all the time.) Good luck.</li>
</ol>

<p>Thank you for all the advice. I forgot to mention that I am a transfer student.
Sorry for the lack of information.
I think I have an idea of how to approach the personal statment. If anyone else has other suggestions please reply to this thread.
Again, thank you.</p>