To a teenager, six months away feels like an eternity. But parents know that time flies – especially the summer between Junior and Senior year. Sports, part-time jobs, internships, pre-college courses, babysitting, spending time with friends, AP summer prep – there are countless pressures on a teenager’s time. So why is it so important to consider college applications so early? The Common App doesn’t even open up until August. Why start writing now?

What is the Personal Statement, anyway?

The Personal Statement is a 650 word essay that anchors a student’s application. It provides context for a student’s profile, and in addition to the content of the essay, it gives the readers a sense of the student’s writing ability. Students must respond to one of seven pre-set prompts:

1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
2. The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
4. Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
6. Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
7. Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you’ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

Can’t I just write it in September?

High school students write essays all the time, and 650 words is not much longer than a double-spaced, 2 page paper. This should be a piece of cake, right?

Wrong.

While it can be pretty straightforward to write an essay on literary techniques, the Battle of the Bulge, or even an analysis of green energy sources, writing about yourself can be a lot harder. You don’t want to sound like you’re boasting, but you also don’t want to write five paragraphs of trauma-dumping. This type of essay requires real introspection, an evaluation of your goals, and an understanding of self that is hard to come by for adults, let alone teenagers who are still figuring it all out.

So when should I start?

This is why we recommend starting in early summer. Give yourself a break after final exams – maybe a week or two – and then get back to work. You want to give yourself a significant amount of time to brainstorm, and you don’t want to enter “vacation mode” too quickly. Some students find it useful to respond to more than one prompt, and then choose the stronger essay. Reflective writing – when done well – is time consuming, thought-intensive, and requires a few rounds of edits.

You’ll want to do your research and find some good examples of reflective writing to help inspire you. Read broadly – you don’t want to accidentally mimic someone else’s work.

It’s also a good idea to have a few people read over your essay and give you some pointers. This can be a parent, older sibling, teacher, or even a friend. The earlier you begin your essay, the more likely you are to receive help. It isn’t fair to expect someone to give you edits instantly, and rushed work is never a student’s – or adult’s – best work.

Need help?

Aristotle Circle has an extensive network of writing tutors and college admissions counselors who can help you every step of the way. From choosing a prompt to finalizing your resume, we’ve got you covered. Call today for a free consultation (212-360-2301) or email us at info@aristotlecircle.com.

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