WRITING A PERSONAL STATEMENT

Personal Statements and Other Available Resources At BYU-I

What Is The Purpose?

The personal statement provides an admissions committee the opportunity to see the human side of the applicant

What Do I Write About?

The personal statement should convey a sample of the applicant’s personality, motivation and passion for the health profession, character, leadership capabilities and other applicable attributes.

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What has motivated you to pursue the profession you have chosen?

What academic and extracurricular activities have shaped your life?

What are your long term goals?

Planning For The Personal Statement

Start early; it takes time

Internet Life list; question

prompt (most influential)

Tailor to each school

Tips And Suggestions Rules to follow:

I. Avoid humor II. Be honestIII. Be careful on grammar and spelling IV. Choose your topic carefully

Things to Remember

Write and rewrite your essay many times

Have your essay read and reread for grammar and content errors

The opening statement should be interesting and captivating to the reader

Talk about what makes you different from other applicants

This is NOT an opportunity to provide a life history

Read your essay out loud. Try to get a sense of the message you are sending in your statement

Be conservative in your writing style

Remember, your personal statement should be no more than a page

Resources Available At BYU-I

The Writing Center Career Preparation Services Faculty Mentors