College Application Question

**DaGeek** · 09-09-2009, 04:04 PM

I'm applying for a four-year university (I've been attending a community college so far), and I have a question about the application process for those who have been there/done that.

I have the option to write up to three (or zero, if I prefer) personal statements on a few questions they provide ("What are your top five reasons for wanting to attend here," etc.). Are these important? If so, any specific ones I should avoid and any I should do for sure?

Any thoughts on this would be appreciated. I plan on writing at least one or two, but will it help/hinder me at all? I'm a decent writer, if that helps.

**thesteve** · 09-09-2009, 04:25 PM

If you are borderline, then the personal statements can put you over the top in terms of getting in.

rock_show_host · 09-09-2009, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thesteve

If you are borderline, then the personal statements can put you over the top in terms of getting in.

Agreed. Unless they specifically tell you to limit your statements to a certain number, submit as many as they'll allow. They can only help you.

**bravesfan007** · 09-09-2009, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rock_show_host

They can only help you.

As long as you are a decent writer, which Paul has stated that he is. I say write as many as you can and then get them read over by someone you trust just to make sure that the grammar is correct. You don't want to accidentally have a major boo boo.

**beanbag** · 09-09-2009, 07:26 PM

yeah. as someone who is now working in college access...write as many statements as you are allowed. the fact that you put in the extra effort will be noticed. if you want me to proof anything, Paul, I'd be happy to. =)

rock_show_host · 09-09-2009, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bravesfan007

As long as you are a decent writer, which Paul has stated that he is. I say write as many as you can and then get them read over by someone you trust just to make sure that the grammar is correct. You don't want to accidentally have a major boo boo.

Touche. Good call.

**Rainer.** · 09-09-2009, 07:40 PM

Definitely write them. Definitely get them proofread by multiple people. Definitely make sure they sound polished, professional, and eloquent.

Don't be afraid to brag about yourself! Admissions officers want to hear what you're capable of, and want to hear a candidate that sounds confident and trustworthy.

**slap_j** · 09-09-2009, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bravesfan007

...make sure that the grammar is correct. You don't want to accidentally have a major boo boo.

Precisely. The only time you want to dangle your participles is after a kegger.

**beanbag** · 09-09-2009, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slap_j

Precisely. The only time you want to dangle your participles is after a kegger.

or in an online forum. I wouldn't be caught dead turning in an essay with improper caps, but online...who cares! =)

**slap_j** · 09-09-2009, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beanbag

or in an online forum. I wouldn't be caught dead turning in an essay with improper caps, but online...who cares! =)

Do you prefer MLA or APA?

**beanbag** · 09-09-2009, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slap_j

Do you prefer MLA or APA?

ummm. well, I used MLA a lot more through college, but APA is easier to use (I used it for all my papers last year) and if I do go into archaeology I need to be really, really familiar with APA, so I guess APA. I don't like Chicago style.

SccHarpGirl · 09-10-2009, 03:44 PM

As the others have said, yes, the personal statements are very important and can help you out a great deal. They are really the only chance you get to argue for why you, and not someone else, should be admitted. So write confidently and explain how your background, etc makes you a good fit for them, and them a good fit for you. Write as many as you can, but make sure that the ones you submit are well crafted and edited.

In addition, I don't know how many schools you are applying to, but you really want to tailor your essays to each school - schools don't like to feel like they're getting a "form essay" that you sent out to every school you applied for. Make sure to talk about what specifically attracted you to that school, and why you think you're a good fit there.

I went through this last year - it's such a pain. I'd be happy to proofread any essays you would like - just send me a PM and i'll shoot you my e-mail address

Good luck!