Hey Hawks! If you didn’t know, when you apply to college, you’re usually asked to write a personal statement, and honestly, it can be pretty scary. A lot of students don’t know what to write about or feel like their story isn’t “good enough.” I’m here to help break it down and hopefully take some of the anxiety off the process.

The most important thing to remember about a personal statement is that it’s about you. Admissions officers want to know who you are beyond your grades and test scores. This is your chance to show what makes you unique and how your experiences have shaped you. You don’t need some huge, dramatic story, you just need something meaningful to you.

When writing your essay, try to focus on a few key moments or lessons rather than your entire life story. Think about challenges you’ve faced, values you’ve learned, or experiences that changed your perspective. What did you grow from? What did you learn about yourself?

For me, I chose to write about growing up with divorced parents and how my mom raising three kids as a single mother impacted me more than she will probably ever know. Instead of just explaining the situation, I focused on what it taught me. One of the main points I made was how she showed me the importance of perseverance and never giving up, even when things are hard. Watching her balance everything taught me resilience, responsibility, and the value of hard work, qualities that I carry with me today.

Another helpful tip is to be honest and authentic. Don’t write what you think colleges want to hear. Write in your own voice and let your personality show. Admissions officers read thousands of essays, and the ones that stand out are the ones that feel real.

Lastly, don’t stress about getting it perfect on the first try. Writing a personal statement takes time, and it’s okay to revise it multiple times. Ask teachers, counselors, or friends to read it and give feedback. Most importantly, remember that your story matters, and you are more prepared to write it than you think.