Personal+Statement

=What do the writers of quality personal statements do?=


 * * ===Describes a personal skill to illustrate her character qualities.===
 * ===Strong descriptive words that evoke emotions.===
 * ===Reflect on past life experiences===
 * ===Uses Imagery/ sensory details===
 * ===Analogy/Allegory===
 * ===Narrative/Descriptive===
 * ===Has one theme/life lesson/purpose===
 * ===Uses meta-discourse===
 * ===Introduces key Terms===
 * ===Acknowledges failure and vulnerability but does not dwell on it.===
 * ===Compares and contrasts different cultures, lifestyles, and experiences===
 * ===Uses a cliche===

*
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= = =**What Are "They" Looking For? **=

Admissions Officers are looking for writing that is...

 * Personal
 * Detailed
 * Unique
 * Interesting
 * Funny
 * Honest
 * Told through a story
 * Sincere

"Who Are The Admissions Officers?"

 * "Peoples Person"
 * Recent college grads
 * Couple of associate director or directors
 * Warm,friendly, helpful, eager to please, and anxious to keep a human face on this cumbersome process
 * They look forward to reading interesting, colorful essays written by real individuals

**The Evaluation Process**

 * The first people to read your application are the admissions assistants
 * If the assistants like your essay, they will pass it on to the associate directors

**"What Is The Admissions Committee Looking For?"**
Many students assume that they look for only extreme academics. Therefore, the applicants try to make an impression by cramming their essays full of S.A.T.-type vocabulary quiz words, or they try to sound mature by using a stiff, formal tone. Nothing could be more misguided! The activities portion is more important than the awards portion on an application, and it receives more scrutiny. To write the best possible essays, all you need to do is show the committee members who you really are.
 * Begin with a metaphoric statement that ties into your story
 * Write a story with out using "once upon a time"
 * They're looking for students that are interesting and know what they're talking about
 * Avoid being dull; use detail
 * Explain how your activities will best affect the campus

Try to engage them, and aim high. **Do Not** be afraid to take risks.

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