Questions to Ask Yourself Before Writing a Personal Statement

Most students find writing the personal statement, also known as the admissions essay, daunting. Many schools ask for an autobiographical statement. I remember feeling at a loss. How do I sum up my life: my experience, my goals, and why I'm a good match for a particular graduate program. Yikes! I plodded along, fought with words, and finally managed to get down something that got me in to graduate school. What that something was, I no longer have a clue. What I can tell you, though, is that the personal statement is only as hard as you make it. Breathe deep and become introspective. These questions will help you work though the writing block. Give yourself time and be patient.