describe the impact obtaining a college degree will have on those who came before you and those who may follow in your footsteps.

Do:

Write it yourself.

Include brief descriptions of your specific achievements.

Keep your statement focused.

Make your statement easy for the reader to follow.

Use spell check and proof read your statement for missing words, typos, and repeated words.

Show the reader you have taken time writing this statement and that it was well thought out.

Don't:

Spend too much of the statement describing other people and their lives. The statement should

be about you.

Spend the entire statement writing about the hardships or obstacles you have faced or

overcome. Readers want to know where your life has been, but it is equally important to

discuss your goals and what led you to them.

Use odd or creative fonts on your application or personal statement. Make the documents easy

to read and let the information speak for itself.

Copy or plagiarize. Share thoughts or ideas with others, but do not use someone else's

statement as your own.