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Getting To Know Yourself This article was originally written for college applicants, however the writing tips are valuable for other types of writing as well. Who are you? What makes you unique, special, and interesting? Why should your school of choice select you over your competitors? When admissions committees read your personal statement, they want to discover the type of person that you are. While your transcripts, test scores, and letters of recommendation offer evidence of your academic potential; they are statistically centered, and cannot illuminate the more intangible qualities of your character. Only a thoughtfully crafted personal statement can do this. The first step in creating a winning personal statement is careful self-examination. Whether you are writing a general essay for undergraduate school, or answering a specific question for business school, it is imperative that you frame your essay within the context of your unique attributes. You must be able to answer the question(s) at hand, while simultaneously bringing your unique personality to light. Below are a few exercises to help get you started on your journey to a more effective essay. At this early stage in the writing process it is important that you not allow yourself to be distracted by concerns about spelling, sentence structure, coherency, or making a good impression. Your goal here is to allow your thoughts to flow directly from your brain to your paper, and not allow any nagging doubts or rules to hinder your creativity. Complete at least three of the following activities before proceeding to the next step in the writing process. Telling Adjectives
Write a list of ten adjectives that your friends, family, and co-workers most commonly use when describing you. Now write a list of ten adjectives that you commonly use when describing yourself. Do you notice any commonalties or themes in these lists? If so, what are they? What do think these themes say about your strengths and values? Life’s Lessons
What are the three greatest lessons that you learned as a high school or undergraduate student? Why do you consider these lessons important, and how have they impacted your life? Childhood Lessons
What are the three greatest lessons that you learned as a child? Why do you consider these lessons important, and how have they impacted your life? Community Involvement
Write down all of the extracurricular and community activities that you have ever participated in. Do you notice a trend? If you notice a common theme in these activities, why do you think that you were attracted to them? How did participating in these activities affect your outlook on yourself and on life? Hard Times
Describe a particularly painful, embarrassing, humbling, or disappointing time in your life. Why does this period standout in your mind? How did you overcome this difficult time, and what did you learn from it? Successful Endeavors
Write a list of 20 things that you are proud of accomplishing. Be sure to include seemingly small things like, overcoming a fear of speaking in public, building a website for a loved one, or performing a solo for your church. Examine your list. Why are these things important to you? What does this say about your values and life goals? Skills List
Write a list of all of your skills. Skills include tangible things like writing and athletic ability, as well as intangible things like perceptiveness and compassion. Examine your list of skills. How have you utilized these skills in the past? How do you expect these skills to contribute to your success in college?. . .in a career?. . . in life? Dynamic Goals
Starting with childhood, write a list of all of the goals that you have set for yourself over the years. Include both realistic and unrealistic goals. How many of your goals have changed, and how many have remained the same? For those goals that have changed, what in your life has influenced these changes? Why have your goals changed? How do you expect them to change in the future? Notable Sayings
Write a list of quotes, sayings or proverbs that you find inspiring? Why are these particular words important to you? How do they affect the choices that you make and actions that you take in life? Epiphanies
Have you ever had a life changing experience? If so, what was this experience and how has it shaped your current attitudes, values, and goals? Small Focus, Big Picture
After completing at least three of these exercises, review your notes. Do you notice a theme or commonality in your answers to the various exercises? If so, what is it? What does this commonality say about you? How can you incorporate this information into your essay? Need professional writing? Inquire about DivaDesignWorld's affordable copywriting services.
About the Author: Monique Danielle owns Portland Marketing Agency, DivaDesignWorld.com, a full service firm that offers web development, graphic design, consulting, and a wide variety of creative services. She is also the founder of divadirectories.com,a free online resource designed to promote the growth and development of female business owners throughout Oregon, Washington, and the Northwest.
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