Dos of a Personal Statement

• Assess what may set you apart from other applicants. 
• Grab the reader’s attention with an interesting first paragraph. 
• See to it that your statement and essay answer the question asked. 
• Organize in thematic or chronological order. 
• Provide specific examples for each point you make. 
• Tailor your statement or essay to each school. 
• Use everyday language. 
• Submit an accurate, edited, and proofread piece of work. 
• Follow directions with regard to word limits. 
• Project a positive attitude-confident and enthusiastic.

Don'ts of a Personal Statement

• Just list activities; this isn’t a resume. 
• Just write what you think the committee wants to hear. 
• Lecture the reader. 
• Make excuses for poor grades, and so on. 
• Focus only on childhood experiences. 
• Use gimmicks. 
• Discuss issues or topics that are controversial. 
• Criticize members of the profession. 
• Use too many “I’s”.