Personal Statement Dos and Don’ts
Do:
- Prepare an outline and create a draft.
- Answer all the questions being asked.
- Make sure your essay has a theme or a thesis.
- Provide evidence to support your claims.
- Make your introduction unique.
- Write clearly and make sure it is easy to read.
- Be honest, confident, and be yourself.
- Be interesting and positive.
- Make sure your essay is organized, coherent, and concise.
- Write about yourself and use examples from your own life experiences.
- Use a mixture of long and short sentences.
- Discuss your future goals.
- Mention any hobbies, past jobs, community service, or research experience.
- Speak in the first person (I…).
- Mention weaknesses without making excuses.
- Discuss why you're interested in the school and/or program.
- Show, don’t tell (Use examples to demonstrate your abilities).
- Ask for help.
- Proofread and revise your statement at least 3 times.
- Have others proofread your essay.
Don’t:
- Have any grammar or spelling errors. (Proofread!)
- Be wordy or use jargon (don’t try to impress the readers by using big words).
- Swear or use slang.
- Digress or be repetitive.
- Be boring.
- Generalize.
- Include cliches.
- Use gimmicks.
- Be comical (a little humor is okay but remember it can be misconstrued).
- Be defensive or arrogant.
- Complain.
- Preach.
- Have your essay focus too much on other individuals.
- Discuss politics or religion.
- Give excuses for a low GPA.
- Make lists of accomplishments, awards, skills, or personal qualities (Show, don’t tell).
- Write a term paper or an autobiography.
- Summarize your resume.
- Include information already cited on the application.
- Forget to proofread.
