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.
