Personal Statement

Structure

Paragraph 1: Introduction (Hook)
Begin with a specific moment, experience, or idea that introduces your story and captures attention. Clearly establish what the essay will focus on.

Paragraph 2: Context
Explain the background of the experience. Describe the situation, challenge, interest, or environment that shaped the moment introduced earlier.

Paragraph 3: Action
Describe what you did. Show initiative, problem-solving, leadership, curiosity, or personal engagement with the experience.

Paragraph 4: Growth
Reflect on what you learned. Explain how the experience changed your perspective, skills, values, or goals.

Paragraph 5: Future Connection
Connect your experience to your academic interests, future direction, or the kind of student and community member you hope to be in college.

Essay Structure Checklist

A strong essay should:

• Focus on one central experience or theme

• Show reflection and personal growth

• Demonstrate initiative or curiosity

• Reveal something not obvious from the resume

• Connect past experiences to future goals

Word Count

• Ideal length: 600–650 words

• Common App maximum: 650 words

• Aim for at least 550 words to fully develop your story

Font & Style

(if submitting outside Common App)

Use:

• Font: Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri

• Size: 12 pt

• Spacing: Double-spaced

• Margins: 1 inch on all sides

For Common App submissions, formatting adjusts automatically.