As a college counselor, one of my top priorities is helping students complete their personal statements before senior year begins. Why? It's one of the most significant, and often dreaded, parts of the application process. Getting it done early allows students to focus on other aspects of their applications when the hectic fall semester rolls around.
The essay process is truly one of my favorite parts of college counseling. It's an opportunity for me to learn about each student's unique experiences and perspectives and help them learn how to put that story into writing. Through my proprietary Essay Kickstarter process, we uncover compelling stories, challenges, and achievements that shape a student's high school journey.
After we brainstorm, I send them out to write their first draft armed with strong examples, tips, tools and guides. And, these are my top 5 tips for writing an impactful personal statement:

1. Write Your Unique Story with a Clear Voice
Remember, your story is interesting, even if you haven't experienced anything particularly dramatic. Focus on writing an essay that only you could write. Write like you are telling your story to a favorite adult, and don't be afraid to show vulnerability. Your authentic voice is what admissions officers want to hear.
2. Show, Don't Tell
Detailed examples are crucial in bringing your story to life. Instead of simply stating that you learned about discipline, for example, illustrate it with a specific instance such as: "After committing to just 20 minutes of daily training, no exceptions, I saw results within weeks. I could now bench press 20 more pounds, and I shaved 30 seconds off my mile time."
3. 1/3 Background, 2/3 Who You Are Today
A common pitfall is spending too much time on backstory. Aim for this ratio: 1/3 background, 2/3 who you are today.Be brief with your setup. Use the majority of the words to tell a college who you are today – focusing on your current motivations, passions, and character – the aspects that colleges are most interested in.
4. Write a Dramatic Opening Scene
Draw your reader in immediately with a vivid opening paragraph. Set the scene as if you're writing the opening of a play or movie. Engage the reader's senses – what does the moment look like, sound like, feel like, etc.?
5. Read It Out Loud
This tip is a favorite among professional writers for good reason. Reading your essay out loud helps you catch inconsistencies, grammatical errors, and awkward phrasing that you might miss when reading silently. Do this multiple times throughout your editing process.

If you're a rising senior (Class of 2025) struggling with your college essay, consider joining my Application Bootcamp this August. We'll work together on perfecting your essay and navigating all other aspects of the fall application process. More information here:
Remember, your college essay is your chance to share your unique story and perspective. By following these tips, and focusing on your personal story, you'll be well on your way to crafting a standout personal statement.
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