College Admission Essays

Getting accepted to the college or university of your choice is a daunting task. While your GPA and SAT scores are important, keep in mind that most of the applicants to your school of choice possess similar or better numbers than you. 
Given the number of applications colleges and universities receive each year, it is highly unlikely that you will be given a personal interview to present yourself as a complete package. Even when the college you are applying to grants in-person interviews, the personal statement supplements and defines that interview. 

The personal statement is your BEST chance to highlight your accomplishments, experiences, and true potential. Your personal statement is your personal tool that allows you to distinguish yourself from the thousands of other applicants with similar scores and backgrounds who are competing for the very same spot you are.
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College Admission Essays & Personal Statements

Over the years, Customwriting.com has organized a diverse group of scholars, writers, lawyers, and other professionals as a collective source of advice, inspiration, and guidance for academic applicants throughout the global reach of the Internet. Company provide college admission essays, graduate school admission essays, essay writing examples, college admission essay topic resources. 
They also provide services for mba and law school personal statements, mba application essays, sample college application essays along with other customized services. Please contact Customwriting.com for all your personal statement and admission essay needs.

The most common mistake in picking personal statement examples

It has been said that imitation is the best form of flattery. Well, not always. In the case of writing a personal statement, choosing the best model that you will pattern your essay form is crucial if you want to write an excellent paper. 

The most common mistake in picking personal statement examples is referring from the wrong type of admissions essay. Just because you were able to find a perfectly written – both grammar and content-wise – personal statement does not mean that you can use it as a template for your own personal statement. There are various factors that you need to consider in choosing what will work best for you. 

Below are some of the mistakes you have to avoid if you want to write a great personal statement – one that showcases you – and not someone else.

Choosing a personal statement example written for a different level of education. You may have found what you believe is a well-written personal statement. 

It’s very direct, clearly written, simple yet elegant. But it was written for a college admissions essay. While you, on the other hand, are looking to get into medical school or law school or a doctorate program. Since these are more advanced levels of education, evidently a lot more is expected of you. 

The level of your writing should also be at an advanced level. Your writing style should reflect your level of education and maturity which is of course lacking in a high school graduate looking to get into a university or college.

Using a personal statement example from a different field of study

Different fields of study require a different set of skills and technical know-how. You have to make sure that the example you’re using or referring from is in the same or similar field as you are. For instance, if you are applying to get into a medical school, look for a personal statement example from the field of medicine or the natural sciences. 

This way, you will know exactly what set of skills you need to include or disregard in your paper. You will also know the writing style which best suits the type of school you’re trying to get into.

Referring from a personal statement that is long, wordy, and complicated. You might think that since the sample you found is full of complex and big words, that it will impress the reader. This is not true. You have to remember that the reader is probably swamped with hundreds if not thousands of personal statements like yours that he has to read, evaluate, and try to understand. 

The minute you use complicated words that do not add any value to your skill or ability, you can be assured that the reader will not go any further after the first paragraph or even the first sentence. Keep your words simple but always reflective of the level of your education and the field of your study. In everything you do and write, do not bore your reader.

So take the time to do your research and be patient in trying to get the perfect example of personal statement that best suits your taste and needs. It’s just a few clicks away.

The Most common mistakes in writing personal statement examples

A personal statement can either make you or break you. It can either get you admitted if your strengths are properly highlighted or it can send your application for admission to the reject bin. 

Knowing how to properly please and tickle the right spot of the Admissions Committee in a personal statement is not as complicated as you might think if you have an idea of what they want to see in your personal statement or admissions essay. 

To understand this better, your personal statement can be divided into two parts: the content or substantive part and the writing part per se.

Examples of personal statement’s grammatical or technical errors: No matter how interesting you may be as a prospective student in the school you’re applying for or how high your GPA is, if your grammar and technical writing skills do not convey that you are intelligent, more often than not, the reader will think that you’re not. 

A personal statement’s function is not only to give the reader an idea of who you are as a person and as a student but it also shows your analytical, organizational, and writing skills among others.

The first and most common mistake you can make are with your grammar like using the proper tense of the verb, punctuation, organizing your thoughts into a coherent sentence, and other technical errors. Carelessness often aggravates the situation such as misspellings or typographical errors. 

It shows your lack of commitment to your essay. The next worst thing you can do, if you haven’t already messed up your paper, is to use words or statements that even you can’t understand. Using big, highfaluting words may seem impressive but it can also come across as arrogance to the reader. In short, you may pass off as a big show-off. 

Always remember, the bigger they are, the harder they fall. 

Best to keep your statements simple, substantiated, and direct to the point but avoid making the mistake of using informal language in writing. An example of this would be, “I was like totally excited to go to your school.” This translates to a BIG NO NO.

Examples of content-based errors: Another common mistake is what you put in your personal statement. You have to remember that you’re selling yourself. One of the most (if not the most) important things you have to do is to grab your reader’s attention and never let it go. 

Once they’re hooked on the first few sentences, you can be sure they’ll be interested to read the rest of what you wrote. To do this, avoid being vague and/or using clichés that more often than not are being used by every other personal statement writer. Make sure that the reader sees something different, yet real and interesting in your paper. 

For example, instead of saying “I have great leadership skills and I understand the value of teamwork” you can say, “ I once was the editor-in-chief of our school newspaper and I had to manage every department and coordinate with the editors to make sure that we meet the deadline with quality work.” This shows the reader of a concrete situation and practical application of your skills and abilities which makes it easier to conceptualize what kind of person and student you are.

Why do you need to read examples of personal statements

Not all of us are born with perfect vocabulary skills, great writing or literary techniques, or with the brain that can sort ideas in a flash and write them on paper. If you are like most people, you need to get ideas or writing samples before you can begin to write. It’s just like trying to find your inspiration or getting yourself in the zone.

 Writing a personal statement is no different. You may think it’s simple or easy since you’re just writing about someone you’re most familiar with – yourself – but this can prove to be a daunting task because obviously there’s so much you can write. 

Organizing your thoughts on paper is one thing, knowing what to write and how to write it is another.

The importance of reading examples of personal statements, especially the well written ones, cannot be emphasized enough. It will save you time in writing and also give you the best ideas on how to write an excellent if not a perfect personal statement. 

Below are the reasons why you should read examples of personal statements before writing your own

1. You will know how to start writing. For most people, starting is the difficult part. Getting on paper the first ideas that come into your head is crucial because it will set the mood for the whole paper. You will be able to use the sample personal statement as your template.

2. You will know what skills, interests, or abilities you need to highlight for a particular degree or field of study.  This is very important since you can’t just write everything down about yourself without regard for what actually matters to the reader. You have to be able to sort through your qualifications that will best represent yourself and set you apart from the other applicants. Not everything good about yourself is necessary to get you into the program or the school you’re applying for. It is best to know your strengths that you need to present and weaknesses that you need to downplay. You will get an idea from similar personal statements you can get from the internet.

3. The sample will help you organize your thoughts. You are most likely riddled with so many ideas and thoughts that you won’t know which ones to write first. The example of personal statement can serve as your guide on how to chronologically arrange your ideas into one coherent paper.

4. You will avoid grammar mistakes and learn some writing techniques in the process. No matter how great the content of your personal statement may be, if you’re using the wrong words or punctuations or verb tenses, your application will be disregarded and your intellect may even be questioned. Having a good example of personal statement can help you avoid the most common grammatical errors that plague most essays.

5. Two heads are better than one. Someone has already taken the trouble of giving you an idea of what to write and how to write. It would be irrational for you if you choose not to take help being offered.

How to Write About Your Personal Heroes

Think about the reasons why you consider this person your hero. What exactly about him is great?  Write what’s amazing about her or him.  Be specific when you’re praising your hero. Give examples of what he does that’s heroic in your eyes.  Before talking about your hero, provide a general description of what a hero is to you.

A hero means different things to different people. 

A hero can be someone who has made a huge impact on your life, someone who goes above and beyond for the good of others and expects nothing in return.  A hero may be someone who has been there for you and who has never let you down.   Your hero could be someone who inspires you.    

To some, a hero might be closer to home, like a mom or father. To others, it might be their favorite fantasy figure. To others a true hero might be someone who saves lives. What is a hero?

Everybody needs a hero.  

You just need someone to look up to. It gives you a feeling of who do you want to become.  You can decide to write about your personal hero or the famous hero.    A famous hero is someone that many people know such as a president, a religious leader, or an author. 

A personal hero is someone that you know such as a friend, a family member, or a teacher.  When writing about your personal hero, you can discuss how you met him and how long you have known him.  Also, your favorite memories with your hero are very easy to write about.

If your hero is someone that you admire, write about what it is that you admire about him.  It is better if you can narrate a specific story or situation that explains why you look up to your hero for that specific trait or action.   In your essay about your personal hero, it is important to include the unique and special qualities of your hero and what sets him apart from others.   

You could also choose someone who fought for his rights as your hero.    

To make your essay more interesting, you can write about the setbacks encountered by your hero.  You can describe how your hero had to overcome the difficulties and struggles in his life.  Everyone needs a hero. It does not matter if that hero is real or fictional. 

 You can choose among cultural or social heroes, historical figures, contemporary personalities or fictional ones.

Drawing Inspiration From Personal Statement Examples

Personal statement must demonstrate that you have: relevant skills and experience.  In personal statement examples, you will see that the writers explained how they have the motivation and desire, and the right attitude and values.  After reading samples and drawing inspiration from them, think about your opening sentence.    

Important part

The personal statement is an important part of your application package. Depending on the topic you choose, the essay you write provides additional evidence of your intellectual achievement. 

The essay is also an opportunity for the readers of your application to get a feel for you as a person.  In a personal statement, you can put your academic record into the context of your opportunities and obstacles.  There is no one correct way to write a personal statement, but in general those who will read your essay are looking for the evidence of your achievements that isn’t reflected in other parts of your application.  Also they want to know how and why the events that you describe have shaped your attitude, focus, and, most of all, your intellectual vitality.

If you are applying for a job, focus on how you have developed the appropriate skills for the job. Convey your enthusiasm and desire.  

Drawing Inspiration

Include your relevant work experience, but make sure that they are not too long. And that the events are arranged in a chronological order.  Highlight your achievements and other positive things but do not overdo it and never lie about your qualifications.  Write your personal statement in such a way that it is parallel to the goals and mission of the institution that you are aiming to impress.

From personal statement examples, you will notice that the writers keep it simple. Personal statement should not be filled with with big words to avoid sounding stiff. 

 It is very important to stay clear of slangs and quotations that have become clichés. Clichés may be true but they will not distinguish you from hundreds of other applicants. Don’t use the same word over and over; try consulting a thesaurus to find an equivalent expression to add variety.  

Personal statement examples also use the active voice instead of the passive voice. Be inspired from personal statements that do not include whining, complaining, sarcasm, anger and too much aggressiveness.  In your concluding paragraph, reiterate your commitment.  

Before submitting your personal statement, analyze if it is persuasive and interesting.  Double check your grammar, spelling and punctuation.   Use positive and strong action words.

Bad Application Essays Versus Good Ones

An essay should have a strong and precise main idea to support its effective progression. A good essay will be written based on a theme introduced in the introductory paragraph of the essay. Rest of the body paragraphs should be linked to the main subject.  

A Good essays

A good essay stays on the focus–even apparent digressions bring the reader back. There is also a logical progression to the arguments. A good essay is written after a comprehensive research on the subject from various sources.  It is not enough that the writer states opinions in the essay. There should be reference to readings and information that support his points. Also, if the writer decides to incorporate his resources to the essay, then he should not have forgotten to cite sources and authors.

A Bad essays

A bad essay mentions other things about someone in an essay even though it wasn’t relevant to the topic.   Also, if the essay has awkward wording and far too many ideas in it, without any logical flow, it clearly is a bad essay.   A writer should not introduce a paragraph with one topic and then leap to another topic in the next sentence.  If the essay includes events and dates, these must be in chronological order.   There must be a coherent timeline within the paragraph.  An essay is entirely sloppy when it is full of spelling errors, grammatical errors, misused phrases and wrong subject-verb agreement. If essay lacks cohesion and ideas are scattered all around without much logic then this will definitely be considered a poor essay.

A bad essay is something which shows that the writer did not make an effort to select an interesting topic.  However, the topic may be interesting but it does not mean that the essay will be written.  

This happens when the writer is not passionate or interested in the least about his chosen or assigned topic.  A very clear indication that an essay is a bad one is when you read bad jokes.  A poorly written essay has lots of repetition of ideas and statements. 

A bad essay lacks good content from reliable and respected sources.  An essay is well-written if the reader could state the main argument in a sentence or two. On the other hand, a bad essay is when a reader cannot easily summarize what he read about.  

If an essay does not display logic, coherence, and creativity, then it is a poorly written one.