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It explains the two main types—general and question-specific—and provides strategies for answering prompts, avoiding reuse across applications, and shaping a compelling narrative. Key writing principles include being specific with concrete experiences and field knowledge, finding a strong “hook,” structuring the opening paragraph, and conducting targeted research about the school. 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Writing a personal statement generally falls into one of two types of categories.  \nGeneral Personal Statement-Comprehensive personal statement that allows you maximum freedom in terms of what you write  \nSpecific Personal Statement-Responding to very specific questions as your statement should answer the question being asked.  \nAnswer the Questions that are asked  \n• You may find questions in each application that are somewhat similar. Don’t be tempted to use the same statement for all applications.  \n• Review the prompt or questions. It is important to answer each question.  \n• Answer questions differently if you are given similar questions.  \nTell a Story  \n• Think in terms of showing or demonstrating through concrete experience. One of the worst things you can do is to bore the admissions committee. If your statement is fresh, lively, and different, you’ll be putting yourself ahead of the pack. If you distinguish yourself through your story, you will make yourself memorable.  \nBe Specific  \n• Don’t, for example, state that you would make an excellent doctor unless you can back it up with specific reasons. Your desire to become a lawyer, engineer, etc. should be logical and contain the result of specific experience that is described in your statement. Your application should emerge as the logical conclusion to your story.  \nFind an Angle  \n• Be sure to make it interesting by finding an angle or a “hook” as it is vital.  \nConcentrate on Your Opening Paragraph  \n• The lead or opening paragraph is generally the most important. It is here that you grab the reader’s attention or lose it. This paragraph becomes the framework for the rest ofthe statement.  \nTell What You Know  \n• The middle section of your essay might detail your interest and experience in your particular field, as well as, some of your knowledge of the field.  \n• Be as specific as you can in relating what you know about the field and use the language professionals’ use in conveying this information. Refer to experiences (work, research, etc.), classes, conversations with people in the field, books you’ve read, seminars you’ve attended, or any other source of specific information about the career you want and why you’re suited to it. Since you will have to select what you include in your statement, the choices you make are often an indication of your judgment.  \nWhat not to Talk About  \n• There are certain things best left out of personal statements. For example, references to experiences or accomplishments in high school or earlier is generally not a good idea. Don’t mention potentially controversial subjects (for example, religious or political issues) .  \n1/2018  \nCSU San [Bernardino](Bernardino | careercenter@csusb.edu |)[ | careercenter@csusb.edu |](Bernardino | careercenter@csusb.edu |) (909) 537-5250 | University Hall [329 | www.career.csusb.edu](329 | www.career.csusb.edu)  \n[Palm Desert Campus |](Palm Desert Campus | pdccareercenter@csusb.edu |)[ pdccareercenter@csusb.edu |](Palm Desert Campus | pdccareercenter@csusb.edu |) (909) 537-8236 | Indian Wells 102  \nWriting a Personal Statement  \nRESOURCES  \nDo Your Research  \n• If a school wants to know why you’re applying to it rather than another school, do some research to find out what sets your choice apart from other universities and programs.  \nWrite Well and Correctly  \n• Be meticulous. Type and proofread your essay very carefully. Many admissions officers say that good written skills and command of correct use of language are important to them as they read these statements. Express yourself clearly and concisely. Adhere to stated word limits.  \nAvoid Clichés  \n• A medical school applicant who write","cbCaip4Lx8bwJ9sO","https://ap.wps.com/l/cbCaip4Lx8bwJ9sO","pdf",66056,"English","# Writing a Personal Statement - Resources\n## Types of personal statements\n## Answering prompts and tailoring each application\n## Storytelling and specificity\n## Finding an angle and strengthening the opening paragraph\n## Demonstrating knowledge of the field\n## What not to talk about\n## Writing quality and avoiding clichés\n## Personal statement examples","[{\"question\":\"What are the two main types of personal statements?\",\"answer\":\"The guide distinguishes between General Personal Statements, which offer maximum freedom, and Specific Personal Statements, which respond to very specific questions asked in the application.\"},{\"question\":\"How should applicants handle repeated prompts across different schools?\",\"answer\":\"The guide advises against using the same statement for all applications. Applicants should review the prompt each time, answer each question, and vary responses when questions are similar.\"},{\"question\":\"What writing techniques help make a personal statement memorable?\",\"answer\":\"The guide recommends telling a story through concrete experiences, being specific with evidence and reasons, and finding an interesting angle or “hook.” It also emphasizes the opening paragraph as the framework for the rest of the statement.\"}]","Writing a Personal Statement - Writing and Application Resources | PDF",1789483690]