Personal Statements
How can I write a killer personal statement? Do I have to come up with something I've done that no one else has done—what if I'm just a 'normal' kid? These are just a few of the questions that students are asking this time of year. Let's take them one at a time. You will write a killer personal statement by being yourself! Unlike all the other types of writing you have done throughout your high school career, this one really IS personal—not academic. For once, using "I" is fine, really. Think of the personal statement as a page or two from your memoirs; somehow, you need, purely through the written word, to let someone know who you are and why they should want you at their college. You want to use vivid language—verbs that pop, maybe a metaphor or two, or other figurative language, even a bit of humor. Some colleges are even posting sample essays from successful students, helping to demystify the essay jitters. Check out Connecticut College an