Understanding Personal Statements

What is a personal statement often required for?

• Online course registrations

• Job applications

• Driving license renewal

• College and graduate school applications

What should a personal statement complement?

• Application forms and resumes

• Personal diaries

• Previous job references

• Social media profiles

Which of the following is NOT a factor to consider when developing a personal statement?

• The author's unique experiences

• The purpose of the statement

• The audience reading the statement

• The color of the document

What can help you understand the audience of your personal statement?

• Asking friends for general advice

• Reviewing the organization's website and mission statement

• Checking the weather forecast

• Guessing based on popular trends

What should you show rather than just tell in your personal statement?

• Your hobbies

• Your name and address

• Your favorite books

• Your qualifications

Which example provides more concrete details about an applicant's experience?

• "I have read many medical books"

• "During my recent internship at Riley Hospital for Children"

• "I like helping people"

• "I always wanted to be a doctor"

What is an effective way to strengthen your personal statement?

• Adding as many experiences as possible

• Highlighting specific experiences and organizing for readability

• Using complex and technical jargon

• Repeating information from your resume

What should the organizational pattern of a personal statement do?

• Confuse the reader to keep them interested

• Make the information readable and clear

• Focus only on future goals

• Include irrelevant personal stories

Which of the following is NOT a suggested organizational pattern for a personal statement?

• Starting with present reasons for applying and moving to future goals

• Mixing up past, present, and future randomly

• Chronologically from past preparation to future goals

• Starting with future goals and moving to past experiences

What should you do after writing and revising your personal statement?

• Store it away and forget about it

• Immediately submit it without reviewing

• Post it on social media for feedback

• Polish it for clarity and impact