Hoi thao du hoc hoa ky

1. Personal
Statement

2. The Basics
 What is it?
 A snapshot/summary of you
 Why is it important?
 Your scores are not the only thing that reflects
who you are
 A chance to understand who you are, your
goals and potential
 How important is it?
 Can help (or hurt) you tremendously!

3. How is it organized?
 Length: 1.5 - 2 pages (~600 words)
 Format: essay
 On the Common Application, five prompts to
choose from:
 Some students have a background or story that is so central to
their identity that they believe their application would be
incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share
your story.
 Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How
did it affect you, and what lessons did you learn?
 Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What
prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again?
 Describe a place or environment where you are perfectly content.
What do you do or experience there, and why is it meaningful to
you?
 Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that
marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your
culture, community, or family.

4. Time to Shine!
 Figure out your strengths and highlight them!
 International students have a unique
perspective that U.S./local students abroad do
not—emphasize it!
 Emphasize but don’t lie; schools want to get to
know you!

5. How?
 Start with a hook, an anecdote, an attention
grabber
 Reflect upon it
 How did you process it?
 How did it influenced/changed you?
 Reveal something essential about yourself

6. Touch it up!
 Write, edit, edit, edit, edit…edit
 A word on using editing services.
 Make sure they keep the essence of your essay
 Don’t worry too much if you cannot afford fancy
services: IVCE is happy to help (first-come,
first-serve basis)

7. Some Thoughts
 Start the summer before you begin applying
 Write the essay completely before seeking advice
 Choose your themes and personal experiences carefully
 Personal essays should be “personal” but be careful to
reveal what should help you get into college
 Be clear (details, details, details); do not assume
 Remember the reader may not know anything about the
particulars of your life, family, culture

8. PS vs. SOP
 Undergraduate: Personal Statement
 Graduate: Statement of Purpose
 Research topic
 Writing Sample
 Why are you a good fit for this school
 Why is this school a good fit for you
 Professors, facilities, resources, etc.