<p>So I'm still a little iffy about this (2 days before the deadline! Yay!) but...what exactly is the difference between a personal statement and an essay? Are they looking for something in particular? I have another essay that I've altered that fits the word count etc., but I'm afraid it's too...I don't know, creative or attention-grabbing or something...basically too much like a usual college essay. Then again, I don't exactly want to write a boring 250-500 words about nothing.</p>
<p>Any thoughts/clarification? Thank you!</p>
<p>You want a personal statement to basically be a story about yourself, something that shows who you are. It does NOT have to be a list of what you do/characteristics about yourself. In short, go by the mantra “show not tell” even though the term “personal statement” seems like it should be very straightforward. What exactly is the essay that you’ve already written about?</p>
<p>Well, my essay is definitely that. It’s about my name, fairly memorable I hope - I have a reasonable amount of confidence in it as an essay, but somehow it feels too whimsical for my impression of a “personal statement.” I suppose my real question is, what’s the difference between your typical 500-word “significant experience” essay and a “personal statement”? Are there any circumstances under which an essay of the right length wouldn’t work for this?</p>
<p>I think you are obsessing too much. If it is well written and not offensive or disturbing in any way, that is the main thing. Trust me, there are so many people that turn in essays that make it hard to believe they are graduating high school, a well written one stands out. Beyond that, the more it shows that you have some creativity, self awareness, interesting experiences (not all of these things, any one will do) or the like, then it works just fine.</p>
<p>Haha, I think you’re right. Just wanted to make 100% sure before I submitted that no one would say, “You did X? Tulane wasn’t looking for that at all!” </p>
<p>Thanks for your help!</p>