Dons Feature: 7 tips on how to write a great personal statement
Writing your first personal statement can be challenging & intimidating. Never fear! I’m here to help with my top seven tips from a senior English major on how to write the perfect college admission essay and things to keep in mind:
1. Write about your experiences and what you have taken away from those experiences. What lessons have you learned? Where have you felt growth?
2. Everyone says it, but be yourself and tell us your own story! It’s so important that you are telling the Admission team about your authentic self and using your own voice to reflect your unique self.
3. Talk about your own values and where they intersect with USF’s mission and USF’s values.
4. Delve deeper into why you want to attend USF and what about USF makes you excited. Do your research here and tap into what draws you to USF.
5. Avoid application redundancy. Use this essay as your opportunity to tell the Admission team what your application can’t.
6. Pick a topic that you enjoy writing about. The Admission team is looking to learn about you and what you’re passionate about, so pick a topic that reflects that.
7. Sometimes simple stories are the best. No need to dig for a complex and life-changing story when often the best stories are ordinary and reflect you.
The most important advice I can give is to make sure you tell the Admission team about you. They want to learn about what makes you unique, what you’re passionate about, and what makes you, you!
