{"id":2273,"date":"2023-01-18T09:21:18","date_gmt":"2023-01-18T17:21:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/live-peopleofpacific.pantheonsite.io\/?p=2273"},"modified":"2024-07-22T10:29:09","modified_gmt":"2024-07-22T17:29:09","slug":"how-to-write-a-personal-statement-that-stands-out","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pacific.edu\/blog\/2023\/01\/18\/how-to-write-a-personal-statement-that-stands-out\/","title":{"rendered":"How to write a personal statement that stands out"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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So, you\u2019ve made it to one of the most important steps of the application process: the personal statement. Writing your personal statement is often considered to be one of the most stressful steps in applying to college \u2014 but it doesn\u2019t have to be!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We spoke to Vivian Chan Rendon<\/a>, Pacific\u2019s director of first-year admission, to learn more about what admission counselors are looking for and how to write a personal statement that stands out. Follow these tips and you\u2019ll have a glowing college essay to round out your application in no time!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the purpose of a personal statement?  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In short, the purpose of writing a personal statement is to help our admissions team get to know you better. We want to know your interests, passions and life experiences to get a sense of who you are as a person, not just a collection of classes and test scores.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But don\u2019t stress about it too much \u2014 we\u2019re not looking for a manifesto, just a brief glimpse into your unique personality and perspective. Vivian\u2019s advice is to focus on one topic instead of trying to cram every detail of your life story into one page.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe are not looking for a very long essay,\u201d says Vivian. \u201cWe like to see essays that are organized and to the point.\u201d  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Myth: <\/strong>No one actually reads your personal statement anyway, so it doesn\u2019t matter if you don\u2019t spend much time on it. <\/em> 

Myth-buster: <\/strong>Pacific\u2019s admission counselors<\/em> <\/em><\/strong>do<\/em><\/mark><\/span> read every applicant\u2019s personal statement!<\/mark><\/span><\/em> <\/em><\/strong>A strong personal statement can help you stand out and give you an edge in the admission process.  <\/em> <\/em><\/strong> <\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What do admission counselors look for in a personal statement?  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There is no correct or specific answer to what you need to include in your personal statement, but Vivian says impactful writing and authenticity is what grabs her attention.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cA strong opening makes us curious to read further,\u201d she says. \u201cSharing true feelings or thoughts and heartfelt stories will make your essay stand out.\u201d  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, there is<\/em> a specific answer for what not to include in your essay. Your personal statement is not the place to list your extracurriculars or explain poor grades and how the pandemic affected you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe can get this information on your application and transcript, so there\u2019s no need to repeat it in your essay,\u201d Vivian explains.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To explain pandemic impacts and\/or other circumstances or qualifications not reflected in your application, you can use the “additional information” section on the Common App<\/a> and type your responses in the essay spaces provided. If you’re applying with Pacific’s Thriving Student Application<\/a>, you can type “additional information” at the end of your personal statement as a separate section and upload your essay and responses together. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get started on a personal statement that stands out <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You have the freedom to choose what to write about in your personal statement, but if you\u2019re looking for topic ideas or guidance, Pacific\u2019s Thriving Student Application<\/a> has a number of prompts that can help you get started. We\u2019ve listed them here: <\/p>\n\n\n\n