As your child embarks on the exciting journey of applying to college, you might be wondering how to best support them through the process. One crucial component of their application is the personal statement. This essay holds significant weight in admissions decisions, and I’d like to share why it matters and how your child can craft a compelling narrative.
Why Personal Statements Matter
Your Child’s Unique Voice:
The personal statement is a chance for your child to express who they are beyond grades and test scores. Admissions officers are eager to hear their authentic voice and understand what makes them unique. Encourage your child to share their passions, experiences, and aspirations in their own words.
Beyond the Numbers:
While academic achievements are important, they don’t tell the whole story. The personal statement allows your child to highlight qualities like resilience, creativity, and leadership that numbers can’t capture. This is their opportunity to showcase their character and potential.
A Glimpse into Their World:
Colleges are looking for students who will contribute to their campus community. Through the personal statement, your child can offer a glimpse into their world, sharing how their experiences have shaped them and what they can bring to the college environment.
What Colleges Look For
Authenticity:
Encourage your child to be genuine in their writing. Colleges want to see the real person behind the application, not a version they think admissions officers want to see. Authenticity resonates and makes their story memorable.
Clarity and Focus:
A well-written personal statement has a clear theme or message. Whether your child is discussing a challenge they’ve overcome or a passion they’ve pursued, their essay should have a central focus that ties everything together.
Specific Examples:
Advise your child to use specific anecdotes and examples to illustrate their points. Instead of simply stating they’re passionate about science, they could describe a project or experiment that sparked their interest.
Reflection:
Colleges want to see how your child has grown and what they’ve learned from their experiences. Encourage them to reflect on how their experiences have shaped their goals and values.
How to Craft a Compelling Narrative
Start with a Strong Opening:
Your child should aim to grab the reader’s attention with an engaging opening. This could be a surprising fact, a vivid description, or a thought-provoking question.
Tell a Story:
The personal statement should be structured like a story with a beginning, middle, and end. A narrative structure will guide the reader through their experiences and insights.
Be Concise:
Every word counts in a personal statement. Encourage your child to be concise and ensure each sentence contributes to their overall message.
Edit and Revise:
Writing is rewriting. Encourage your child to take the time to revise their essay, focusing on clarity, grammar, and flow. They should also seek feedback from teachers, mentors, or friends.
Stay True to Themselves:
Above all, remind your child to stay true to themselves. Their personal statement should reflect their personality, values, and dreams.
By supporting your child through this process, you can help them craft a personal statement that resonates with admissions officers and sets them apart. It’s an exciting time, and with your encouragement, they can confidently share their story with the colleges of their dreams.
