A powerful personal statement can be the difference between the “yes” pile and the “no” pile in the admissions review-room. It’s a student’s chance to go from black-and-white to full color, to step off the page and speak directly to the admissions team — not as a GPA or resume, but as an individual. It’s where you tell your story; share your voice; be yourself.
Summer is the perfect time to brainstorm (and write) your college essays, especially the Personal Statement, which is the lengthier, more introspective, and broadly-required essay used by the Common Application (and beyond). Whether you’re seeing the prompts for the first time or already polishing a second draft, or are looking for general essay advice or to understand what makes a great personal statement, the following practical tips and insight can help you write something that leaves a lasting impression.
Why the Personal Statement Matters
Your personal statement isn’t just a writing sample, it’s your chance to:
- Showcase your personality, values, and voice
- Highlight growth, perspective, and emotional intelligence
- Share something admissions officers won’t find in the rest of your application
The goal? Make readers feel something; make them remember you.
Step 1: Start With Meaningful Brainstorming
There’s work to do before you write even a single sentence. The strongest essays often come from deep reflection, not from jumping into writing or using a flashy topic or the first thing that comes to mind.
You can also try breaking down an experience into smaller parts: the daily actions, the challenges, the lessons learned, and the impact it had on you or others. A rowing season or a family tradition might seem ordinary until you unpack it and look at the values, character traits, and meaning that’s a part of it.
Step 2: Choose a Story That Reflects You
Colleges aren’t looking for a Pulitzer-worthy drama. They’re looking to learn about you. Some of the most memorable essays are simple: a moment in the kitchen, a late-night conversation, a quiet realization, a pattern emerging over time.
What really matters:
- That it’s personal and unique to you
- That it reflects growth, change, or self-awareness
- That your voice shines through
Tip: Avoid turning your personal statement into a recap of your resume. Think memoir, not highlight-reel.
Step 3: Write Like a Human, Not a Robot
Admissions officers read hundreds of these essays and they can smell inauthenticity from a mile away. Keep it real:
✅ Start in the middle of the action (“in medias res” for any Latin fans!)
✅ Be straightforward, not gimmicky
✅ Show rather than tell (tell a story of when you exhibited bravery rather than saying, “I’m brave.”)
✅ Read it aloud — it should feel natural and consistent
And avoid:
❌ Overusing the word “love”
❌ Grand generalizations or clichés
❌ Using overly fancy or flowery language
❌ Rhetorical questions, dialogue, and quotes that aren’t essential to the story
Step 4: Give Your Essay Shape and Flow
There’s no “correct” structure, but most successful essays follow a clear arc:
- Hook: A vivid moment or surprising start that pulls the reader in
- Context: A brief setup of the story or stakes
- Development: What happened? What changed?
- Reflection: Why does it matter? How did it shape you?
- Closing: A final note that leaves the reader with insight or impact
Your story can be linear or non-linear, as long as it’s coherent and intentional.
(Tip: Read it aloud…twice! Does it flow? Is it logical and easy to follow?)
Step 5: Revise, Revisit, Refine
Great essays aren’t just written, they’re rewritten. After your first draft, take a break. Then ask:
- Am I showcasing personal growth?
- What does this essay reveal about me?
- Could someone else tell the same story, or is it uniquely mine?
Ask someone you trust to read it and answer those questions as well. Just be sure their feedback doesn’t impact your voice. (After all, it’s your story, not theirs.)
Final Thoughts
Writing a personal statement takes time and a degree of vulnerability. It may feel messy or uncertain at first and that’s okay: the best essays often come from moments of questioning, not of clarity. With brainstorming, reflection, and a willingness to dig deep, you can write something that’s not only admissions-worthy but that you’re truly proud of.
Not sure where to begin, or looking for feedback on a topic or draft?
Essay support is a core part of the college advising support that Avalon provides. Whether you’re brainstorming ideas or refining your final version, we’re here to help.
Schedule a free consultation to learn how Avalon can support your college journey.