College Application Essay Question

[Christine]

Hi all! If anyone is still reading today, I hope you can help with this.

One of the colleges my daughter is applying to has asked this question under "Personal Statement."

For your personal statement, please provide a piece of writing on the subject of your choice so we can get to know you better. If you have any special circumstances that you would like the admissions committee to consider, please include this information as well.

What the heck? All of the other "personal statements" have been fairly clear to write to. What do they mean "a piece of writing on the subject of your choice?" I mean, could she write about unicorns? Disney? Skinny jeans?

As for the special circumstances, do you think it would be wise to mention that she has mild ADHD, not improved by medication, and a problem with Scantron-type testing? She has been working on this issues a great deal over the past 6 months and her grades have been improving. I'm just not sure if it's better to keep quiet about it or bring it out in the open. She does not have any special learning plans in place; however, her guidance counselor is aware of the issues.

Thanks!

 

[loco4dis]

Actually, the vague "personal statement" is kind of common. Just tell her to make sure her essay follows a specific theme, and doesn't just wander all around. She could frame it around "overcoming a challenge" and write about how she's had trouble with testing, maybe starting out with an anecdote about a time she took a test early in her schooling, and was certain she did well on the test only to find she had failed. Then she could write about the actions she has taken to overcome her testing challenges, how confident she is that she'll continue to be a successful student, and how grateful she is to have learned at a young age that challenges can be met with hard work and commitment, and can be overcome.

 

[shelly3girls]

Although ADHD children face many challenges in life, they also tend to have some amazing attributes. DD could write an essay that includes her challenges but shows areas where she has overcome it and succeeded.

 

[Angelhalo]

I wouldn't add anything about those two issues. I'd only add monetary type issues if there are any. I would pick a hobby, especially a creative one to write about if she has one. I am a singer, so I wrote about my singing, all the choirs I had been in, the awards we had won. Or if she's not creative, maybe she was on a debate team, or in an educational club. Colleges love to read stuff like that. Trust me I used to work for one. We want to know that the person applying has worthwhile interests. That they plan to be active on campus, rather than "Hi my name is Bob and I like video games."

The only way I'd add anything about the two issues listed above is if I were including it in my essay in a way that shows how she has overcome her issues, through these activities.

 

[Disney Doll]

I wouldn't add anything about those two issues. I'd only add monetary type issues if there are any. I would pick a hobby, especially a creative one to write about if she has one. I am a singer, so I wrote about my singing, all the choirs I had been in, the awards we had won. Or if she's not creative, maybe she was on a debate team, or in an educational club. Colleges love to read stuff like that. Trust me I used to work for one. We want to know that the person applying has worthwhile interests. That they plan to be active on campus, rather than "Hi my name is Bob and I like video games."

The only way I'd add anything about the two issues listed above is if I were including it in my essay in a way that shows how she has overcome her issues, through these activities.

I agree with this.

 

[Christine]

Thanks for all the suggestions. It gives a good start.

 

[Cindy B]

No to ADHD or medication issues. You are aware that there is an office of student affairs that will help with these issues once she enrolls. I've had quite a few classmates that have been helped or assisted by these means.


My DH is struggling right now because he at 46 years old has to write his own personal statement. If you would like to see a sample of a winning scholarship essay I had to write, I can post it. (I actually have about 4 or 5 of them).

 

[scottishduffy]

Gosh.... I hated writing personal statements.

For undergrad I think I just wrote about my life experiences up until that point. I did a lot of volunteer work and did alot of babysitting/camp counselor stuff. I wrote about working with kids, teaching them different skills at the camp, learning to be independent and how volunteer work was crucial. Since I intended to go into nursing I pretty much talked about how community made me realize a love of helping others and how college could help me on this path for life.

For graduate school I wrote about family background (whole family of medical folks) and why i thought their school was the best. Why i wanted to be a CRNA and what dreams i had for myself in the profession. Wrote about experiences which let me know that THIS was the career path i wanted. Wrote about a tough experience overcome at work and a love of continued learning and constantly wanting a challenge and further knowledge.

I don't think i could spit out things that cheesy ever again.

 

[Christine]

If you would like to see a sample of a winning scholarship essay I had to write, I can post it. (I actually have about 4 or 5 of them).

That would be great!

 

[Christine]

For undergrad I think I just wrote about my life experiences up until that point. I did a lot of volunteer work and did alot of babysitting/camp counselor stuff. I wrote about working with kids, teaching them different skills at the camp, learning to be independent and how volunteer work was crucial. Since I intended to go into nursing I pretty much talked about how community made me realize a love of helping others and how college could help me on this path for life.

This is sort of the way we are going with one of them. One of the schools asked for her most personal contribution to the community based on one of her activities. She did help start up a "Friends of Rachel" club at her school and they do outreach to people having socia lissues. So she was able to get some mileage on that one, but the essay was specific for THAT type of activity. The other one seems so much more vague.

 

[Cindy B]

That would be great!

I'll try to find the files and post it later.

 

[CowboyCO]

I would write something career and life goal related. Ie -- I have known since I was 12 that I wanted to help children with special needs. My goal is to become a doctor of School Psychology...

Admissions people like to see clear goals or clear vision of who the person is. Remember that this person is likely a flaming liberal, so write to your audience!

 

[Cindy B]

Here's one: (this essay got me a private scholarship for adult students who are going into the teaching field)

As I complete my senior year at Rowan University, I am constantly reminded that I am the first college graduate within my immediate family. I think of my family members that never had an opportunity to complete their education such as my grandmother, father and mother. The person I think of most is my grandmother, who passed away in January 2008. When I reflect on my grandmother’s life, I am extremely grateful for the privilege of a college education.

My grandmother stopped attending school in the 5th grade in order to care for ill family members. My grandmother always regretted that she never finished school. Throughout her lifetime, she was constantly reminded of her lack of education. Like many other immigrant families of her generation, she worked in factories completing assembly line work. She also married young and had four children, and was a devoted mother and grandmother. As I saw her struggle financially throughout her lifetime, I knew that I needed to be the example to her. By continuing my college education, I am not only honoring my grandmother’s memory but also breaking the vicious cycle of underemployment and government dependency which has been a part of my immediate family for many generations.

I have known for many years that it was my responsibility to become the first generation in my immediate family to earn a college diploma. I have taken this family obligation seriously by being an excellent student. My desire for academic excellence has always been strong. I am very grateful for the opportunity to attend college and excel because of my strong work ethic.
When I chose an academic major at Rowan University, I could have chosen a financially lucrative major. However, I knew I would be an excellent teacher. My reasoning was simple- if I am an example to my immediate family; I could also guide and mentor children. Ideally, I would enjoy teaching in an underserved school district as I also understand struggle and perseverance.

 

[Deb in IA]

I often advise students who are applying to medical school - not exactly the same, but close. They also have to write a Personal Statement in their AMCAS application.

What I say is that what you write should give your reader a better understaning of who you are. DON'T rehash your GPA, ACT/SAT scores, anything in the transcript or in your letters of reference. Write about who you are - what motivates you, what are you interested in, what are your goals and aspirations, and why you think you would be a good student here.

Good luck!