If you’re a student who wants to further your education, there is no way around the personal statement/essay. But why fret? For most students, this is your chance to “interview” on paper.
Here are five helpful hints before you begin or if you’re editing your personal statement/essay:
Keep It Simple, Stupid (KISS)!
Too many students try to be coy by inserting unneeded words and adding fluff. Admission committees are looking for themes that are supported with appropriate detail, not long-windedness.
Don’t start your essay the night before it’s due.
You will need time to go through several revisions and think through what is needed for a quality essay.
Answer the question(s).
It’s so easy to deviate, but don’t be that person. Stick to what’s asked within the length that is asked. If you need more substance to fill the page(s), take some time to reflect on what could be added.
Watch your use of adverbs
Like adding fluff, students like to accentuate their message. Unfortunately, it can be lost if too many adverbs are used, especially in the same sentence.
Do not Xerox key words in the essay.
Use the thesaurus to get your point across. This approach does two things: it empowers your vocabulary and enhances your essay’s themes through different word choices.
There are many more ways to improve an essay and each essay question/answer poses new challenges, accomplishments, and introspection. The bottom line is that you are unique and your essay should be too.
Liam Dunfey
University Advisors
No comments:
Post a Comment