What Makes a Compelling Personal Statement?

[sillywhit]

I know that the personal statement can play a really huge role in determining my chance of getting into college, so I am pretty worried. What would make a great personal statement? I know that personal statements should be unique, but any examples?

can i get any examples of what a really good personal statement is like?

[scheng75]

Sorry I don't have any examples off the top of my head but I remember reading samples many many years ago and here are some that stood out. One student applying to an English program used the writing style of many different famous authors throughout her whole personal statement. I don't remember exactly what she said but I thought it was brilliant! One wrote about the "sock stealing machine" which is the dryer and how it steals your sock so you only have one left after a wash...I still remember its humor.

You want admissions to get a glimpse of who you are without having to tell them. For example, if you are funny, then add humor to your personal statement but don't tell them, "I'm a funny person." If you are philosophical, then write a slightly abstract personal statement. Does that make sense?